19 Different Types of Donuts: A Definitive List

Section 1: Classic Donuts – A Nostalgic Bite

The classics are called so for a reason. They are timeless, having carved a special place in our hearts. Here are three classic donuts you can never go wrong with:



Glazed Donut

This is the 'be all and the end all' of the donut universe. Soft, melt-in-your-mouth dough with a glossy, vanilla-scented glaze, the glazed donut is the most beloved of the bunch.

It's simplicity at its best – a perfect contrast of crunchy sweetness and pillowy dough. This donut is so revered that the mere sight or smell of it can conjure childhood memories.

Boston Cream Donut

Here stands a trooper of rich indulgence. A filled donut is sliced in half and filled with a silky vanilla custard, topped off with a smooth layer of chocolate.

The flavors and textures here handle royal proportions. It's like having a Boston cream pie, only it's portable and comes with a hole in the middle.

Jelly-Filled Donut

Also known as 'Sufganiyah' in Hebrew, the jelly donut is a Hanukkah delight that has made its way into the mainstream. Imagine biting into a soft, airy donut and discovering a burst of sweet fruit jam. It’s an experience that brings surprise and satisfaction with every bite.

Section 2: Cake Donuts – A Hearty and Rich Treat

Cake donuts veer from tradition with a denser, richer texture – which are perfect morning or any-time treats. Here we highlight some of the flavors and recipes that capture the essence of this variety:



Old Fashioned Donut

Also known as a buttermilk donut, this vintage darling has a tender crumb and a subtle tang from buttermilk. Its unique shape – a sort of pinched hexagonal – comes from hand-cut handling. Dredged in sugar and cinnamon, when it's done right, it is quintessentially comforting.

Red Velvet Donut

A cake donut that takes its cue from the famous red velvet cake. With cocoa and a hint of vanilla, it gets its mesmerizing color and light buttermilk tang from the same ingredients that make the cake famous. Drizzle some cream cheese glaze for an extra dose of decadence.

Blueberry Donut

Slyly pretending to be a health food, the blueberry cake donut is a bona fide treat that boasts juicy blueberry bits in every bite. It’s delectably sweet, with a nod to a healthier option, and makes a delightful companion to your morning coffee.

Section 3: Yeast Donuts – Light, Fluffy, and Irresistible

Yeast donuts are the lighter side of the donut spectrum, offering an almost ethereal experience with their puffed texture. Here are three that exemplify this:

Long John Donut

Long and rectangular, the Long John is a canvas for sprinkles or a coat of glaze. Its length allows for ample filling, often making it a vehicle for generous amounts of custard or cream. The juxtaposition of soft dough and creamy filling is textural heaven.

Beignets

Bringing a touch of New Orleans to the donut scene, beignets are square-shaped deep-fried pastries showered with powdered sugar. Served hot and fresh, they make a delightful mess of your fingers and a delicious treat for your taste buds.



Cruller

The cruller is a twisted, delicate creation that lightens and crisps when fried. It's an intricate, often elegant looking donut that some say is rooted deep in Dutch or French pastry history. They can be glazed or left unadorned for the pure satisfaction of pastry perfection.

Section 4: Filled Donuts – A Burst of Flavor in Every Bite

Filled donuts, or 'bismarcks' to some, are the kind of treats that offer a surprise with every bite. Here, we highlight three fillings that take the classic donut to new heights:



Lemon Curd Donut

For those who love a zesty punch, the lemon curd-filled donut is bright and refreshing. The tart lemon filling offsets the sweet dough and creates a taste combination that sings in your mouth.

Nutella Donut

A modern crowd-pleaser, the Nutella-filled donut pairs the beloved hazelnut chocolate spread with soft donut dough, bringing an indulgent and gooey satisfaction with every bite.

Raspberry Jam-Filled Donut

Raspberry jam's bold fruity flavor is the perfect companion for a plain yeast donut. Its sweet-tart flavor profile provides a playful contrast to the donut’s lighter, more neutral taste, making it unforgettable.

Section 5: Specialty Donuts – Unique Twists and Innovations

In the creative world of baking, there are those who aren't content with the classics and come up with their own signature creations. Here are some exceptional donuts that challenge the norm:



Matcha Donut

Green tea's unique earthy notes and vibrant color get a dessert spotlight in the matcha donut. It's a bold and inspired introduction to a familiar format, and it's a hit with all levels of sweet tooths and adventurous eaters.

Caramel Sea Salt Donut

A play on the classic caramel flavor, these donuts feature a sweet, buttery caramel glaze. Add a sprinkle of sea salt, and the donuts are transformed into an irresistible combination of sweet and savory that creates a delightful sensory experience.

Maple Bacon Donut

A controversial figure in the department of sweet versus savory, the maple bacon donut brings together the enticing flavors of smoky bacon and sweet maple syrup. The result is an unconventional, yet undeniably delicious breakfast treat.

Conclusion

We've barely scratched the surface of an endlessly creative landscape. Whether old or new, classic or innovative, donuts continue to capture our imagination and satisfy our sweet cravings.



The world of donuts is vast, and new flavors and types are being created all the time. The next time you find yourself in the company of a donut, think about the craftsmanship and creativity that went into creating that simple yet delightful dessert.

About Ada Donuts

Ada Donuts isn't just your regular donut destination; it's a comprehensive  patisserie and  bread shop that caters to a variety of taste preferences. Beyond their famous donuts, the shop offers a selection of freshly baked breads, croissants, and pastries, each made with the same dedication to quality and flavor.

For those looking for a more substantial meal, Ada Donuts also features a  dine-in menu that serves a range of hearty options. But the offerings of Ada Donuts extend far beyond the confines of its shop. With full-service catering available, they bring their delightful array of donuts, pastries, and more to your events.

Whether it's a custom donut wall adorned with their signature treats or a comprehensive breakfast buffet, Ada Donuts caters to each event with the same attention to detail and quality that has made their shop a beloved part of the Ada community.