Donuts aren’t just a sweet snack; they’re a full-blown obsession. From fluffy classics to loaded creations packed with filling, there’s a donut for every mood. Some are coated in sugar, some are bursting with jam, and others are stacked with toppings you wouldn’t expect on a pastry.
There are way more types of donuts than just the usual glazed or chocolate-covered. Think twisted, filled, powdered, or even square-shaped. This list breaks down the ones you’ve probably had and a few that might surprise you. If you’ve ever stood at a donut shop wondering what to pick, this will help make that choice much easier.
A Brief History of Donuts
Donuts have been around way longer than most people think. What started as simple fried dough in Europe slowly became today’s sweet treat. When Dutch settlers brought their version of oily cakes to America, things started to take shape literally. Over time, folks began experimenting with different sizes, fillings, and flavors, giving donuts a new identity.
That iconic hole in the middle? It wasn’t just for looks. It helped the dough cook evenly and gave the donut that perfect balance of soft and crisp. Fast forward to World War I, and American soldiers were being handed warm donuts by volunteers, making these pastries a true comfort food. Since then, every region has added its own twist, from jelly-filled American classics to French-style beignets and Germany’s sugary Berliners. One thing’s clear: donuts are more than just dessert; they’re part of food history.
Types of Donuts: Exploring the Varieties
Donuts might seem simple at first glance, but there’s a surprising variety once you start paying attention. From dough styles to fillings, shapes, and toppings, each type brings something a little different to the table. While most donuts fall into two main categories, yeast-raised and cake, there’s a whole world of specialty and international styles that are just as crave-worthy.
Yeast-Raised Donuts
These are the light, fluffy donuts that feel like biting into a cloud. The dough is leavened with yeast, which gives it that airy texture and slightly chewy bite. They’re usually fried until golden brown, with a crispy exterior and a soft, pillowy interior. Perfect for glazing, filling, or stacking high with toppings.
Popular Yeast Donut Varieties:
- Glazed Donut: The classic. A golden, ring-shaped donut covered in a thin layer of sweet, sticky glaze. Simple but always satisfying.
- Filled Donut: Round and solid, these are packed with fillings like vanilla custard, Bavarian cream, or fruit preserves. Boston cream and raspberry are top picks.
- Jelly Donut: A specific kind of filled donut with jam or jelly inside, usually dusted with powdered sugar.
- Long John: Rectangular in shape and often topped with icing or sprinkles. Some are filled with cream for extra richness.
- Specialty Variants: Modern takes like mochi donuts blend the yeast texture with chewy rice flour, offering a fresh spin on tradition.
Cake Donuts
Cake donuts are denser, more crumbly, and often richer in flavor. They’re made with a batter that uses baking powder or baking soda as the leavening agent and are more like cakes than bread. Their sturdy structure makes them ideal for creative flavors, heavy toppings, and bold coatings.
Popular Cake Donut Varieties:
- Old-Fashioned Donut: Known for its craggy surface and crispy edges, this donut is often glazed or dusted and full of nostalgic flavor.
- Chocolate Donut: Rich and dense, these cake-style donuts are either chocolate-flavored throughout or topped with a thick chocolate glaze.
- Apple Cider Donut: A seasonal favorite that mixes apple cider and warm spices like cinnamon or nutmeg—especially popular in fall.
- Devil’s Food Donut: A deep, dark chocolate version of the cake donut, often topped with glossy icing or sprinkles.
Specialty and Fusion Donuts
Some donuts don’t quite fit into the yeast or cake category. These hybrids and creative spins push flavor and texture to new places. You’ll often find them experimenting with fun combinations in gourmet shops or bakeries.
Creative & Modern Donut Styles:
- Cronuts: A hybrid of croissant and donut. Flaky, layered, buttery, and deep-fried—then filled and topped like a donut. A total game-changer.
- Crullers: Light and eggy with a twisted shape, often made from choux pastry. Glazed or dusted, they’re delicate and airy.
- Mochi Donuts: Made with glutinous rice flour, these have a chewy, bouncy texture and a signature bubble-ring shape. Naturally gluten-free and super trendy.
International Donuts & Regional Donut Types
Donuts have made their way around the world, picking up new shapes, names, and flavors wherever they go. Every culture seems to have its own take on fried dough, and many of these global versions are just as addictive as the ones from your local bakery.
Some regions lean into bold spices, and others use local fruits or fillings. In the U.S., maple bacon and cereal-covered donuts are huge. In Asia, you’ll find flavors like matcha, taro, and black sesame. In the Middle East, donuts might be soaked in rosewater syrup or filled with date paste.
From the streets of Tokyo to small-town bakeries in the Midwest, donuts continue to reflect the creativity and culture of the places that make them. So, no matter where you are or what your dietary needs are, there’s probably a donut that fits.
- Beignets (France/New Orleans): Square, fluffy, and absolutely covered in powdered sugar. Light and airy inside—best eaten warm.
- Berliners (Germany): Similar to jelly donuts, these round pastries are filled with jam or custard and sprinkled with powdered sugar.
- Bomboloni (Italy): Soft, pillowy donuts filled with pastry cream or Nutella. Often served warm and rolled in sugar.
- Churros (Spain/Latin America): Long, ridged sticks of fried dough, rolled in cinnamon sugar and served with chocolate for dipping.
- Youtiao (China): A savory take on long, golden dough sticks, which are often eaten with rice porridge or soy milk at breakfast.
- Other Regional Twists: From maple bacon donuts in Canada to taro-filled versions in Southeast Asia, local flavors continue to shape how donuts look and taste worldwide.
Donuts: Mini & Baked
Donuts also come in all shapes and sizes. Mini donuts are bite-sized and perfect for sharing. Baked donuts skip the fryer altogether and are often seen as a lighter option. Even savory versions pop up with herbs, cheese, or bacon. The possibilities are nearly endless and still growing.
No matter which kind you go for classic, filled, twisted, or globally inspired donuts- they prove repeatedly that they’re more than just dessert. They’re an experience, a tradition, and sometimes, a work of edible art.
Picture this: you’re enjoying a donut, minding your business, when suddenly a pun so cheesy pops up, even Homer puts down his snack and says, “D’oh… that was a good one!” Yeah, those kinds of food puns.
Exploring Dietary and Regional Types of Doughnuts
Donuts may be rooted in tradition, but that doesn’t mean they’ve stayed stuck in the past. As eating habits and regional preferences shift, the donut scene has grown to include options for just about every lifestyle. From health-focused recipes to local twists, there’s always something new to discover.
Health-Conscious Donut Options
If you’re watching your diet but still want something sweet, you’re in luck. More and more bakeries are offering donuts that skip the usual sugar-and-dough combo in favor of lighter, allergy-friendly ingredients. Here are a few popular choices:
- Vegan Donuts: No eggs, no dairy, just plant-based goodness. These are often made with ingredients like almond milk, flaxseed, or coconut oil and still taste amazing.
- Gluten-Free Donuts: Made with rice flour, almond flour, or other gluten-free alternatives, these donuts are perfect for those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease without sacrificing flavor or texture.
- Keto Donuts: Low in carbs and sugar, these are typically made with almond flour and sweetened with options like erythritol or monk fruit. Great for anyone on a ketogenic diet who still craves a treat.
Impress your guests with perfect flavor combos from our guide to the best wine and cheese pairings.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly something for every taste with so many donuts, from classic doughnuts and jam-filled to modern creations like cronuts and mochi rings. Exploring different donut styles is part of the fun if you prefer light and fluffy or dense and cakey. And with new flavors, dietary options, and regional twists popping up, the world of donuts is only getting sweeter. So next time you pick a treat, don’t just stick to the usual; try something new and discover your next favorite donut.
FAQs
How should donuts be stored to keep them fresh?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze them.
Can donuts be made without frying?
Yes, baked donuts are a popular alternative. They’re made using a donut pan and skip the oil completely.
Can donuts be made at home without special equipment?
Absolutely. You can shape and fry donuts using basic kitchen tools or use a muffin tin for baked versions.
What oil is best for frying donuts?
Neutral oils with high smoke points like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil are ideal for clean flavor and even frying.
How can I tell if a donut is fresh?
It should be soft, slightly warm (if fresh out), and never dry or tough. The glaze should look glossy, not hardened or cracked.
What drink pairs best with donuts besides coffee?
Milk, chai, hot chocolate, or even sparkling water work great, depending on the flavor of the donut.
