If you’re looking for the best donuts in Sacramento, you’re in luck. This city is home to a diverse range of donut shops, from classic joints to gourmet spots, serving up mouth-watering treats that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you prefer traditional glazed donuts or experimental flavors, you’re sure to find something that will tickle your taste buds in Sacramento.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the top donut spots in the city and help you discover the hidden gems that offer unique and unforgettable donut experiences. From local bakeries to vegan and gluten-free options, we’ve got you covered.
Key Takeaways
- Sacramento boasts a diverse range of donut shops that cater to all tastes and preferences.
- From classic donuts to gourmet creations, there’s something for everyone in this city.
- Local bakeries and vegan and gluten-free options are available for those with dietary restrictions or preferences.
- Donut festivals and events provide an opportunity to immerse yourself in Sacramento’s vibrant donut culture.
- Helpful tips for finding the best donuts in the city are provided to help you navigate the donut scene like a pro.
Classic Donuts in Sacramento
Sacramento is home to several classic donut shops that have been serving up delicious treats for generations. These spots don’t need to rely on gimmicks or fancy toppings to draw a crowd; their timeless recipes and comforting flavors speak for themselves. Here are a few of the best classic donut joints to check out in Sacramento:
The Original Yum Yum Donuts
The Original Yum Yum Donuts has been a Sacramento staple since 1971. Their classic glazed donuts are made fresh daily and are a simple yet satisfying treat that keeps customers coming back. They also offer a range of other classic flavors, such as maple bars and old-fashioned cake donuts.
Marie’s Donuts
Marie’s Donuts has been family-owned and operated since 1960, and their commitment to quality shows in every bite. Their classic glazed donuts are light and fluffy, with a delicate sweetness that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee. They also offer classic flavors such as jelly-filled and chocolate-covered.
Baker’s Donuts
Baker’s Donuts has been serving up classic donuts in the Sacramento area for over 30 years. Their glazed donuts are a particular standout, with a light, crispy texture that melts in your mouth. They also offer classic flavors such as cinnamon sugar and blueberry cake.
Whether you’re in the mood for a simple glazed donut or a classic flavor like maple bars or jelly-filled, these classic donut joints in Sacramento have got you covered. Don’t miss out on the timeless taste of these beloved local establishments.
Gourmet Donuts in Sacramento
For those looking to elevate their donut experience, Sacramento offers a variety of gourmet donut shops that push the boundaries of traditional flavors and toppings. These establishments pride themselves on using high-quality ingredients and unique recipes that will leave you wanting more.
Marie’s Donuts
Marie’s Donuts, located in the Curtis Park neighborhood, is a must-try for any donut lover seeking unique and innovative flavors. Their maple bacon donut is a fan favorite, and they also offer vegan and gluten-free options for those with dietary restrictions. The staff is friendly and welcoming, making for a pleasant dining experience.
Doughbot Donuts
Doughbot Donuts, located in the Old Sacramento Historic District, is a hip and trendy spot that specializes in artisanal donuts. Their menu includes flavors like hibiscus, matcha green tea, and peanut butter and jelly, all made from scratch using organic and locally sourced ingredients. They also offer vegan and gluten-free options.
Freeport Bakery
Freeport Bakery, located in the Land Park neighborhood, is known for their gourmet cakes and pastries, but their donuts are not to be overlooked. Their chocolate sea salt donut and lemon lavender donut are among the favorites, and they offer a rotating selection of seasonal flavors. The bakery also has a cozy seating area, perfect for enjoying your delicious treats.
Franklin Donuts
Franklin Donuts, located in the Franklin neighborhood, offers a mix of classic and gourmet donut flavors. Their raspberry pistachio and blueberry lemon donuts are particularly noteworthy, and they also offer unique twists on traditional flavors, such as their chocolate hazelnut croissant donut. The prices are affordable, making this spot a great value for the quality of the donuts.
Conclusion
Indulge in a gourmet donut experience at one of Sacramento’s many unique and creative donut shops. From Marie’s Donuts to Franklin Donuts, there are plenty of options to satisfy your cravings for something special. Don’t be afraid to try something new and exciting, and enjoy the delicious flavors that Sacramento has to offer.
Local Donut Bakeries in Sacramento
If you want to support the local donut scene in Sacramento, head over to the charming neighborhood bakeries that take pride in crafting each donut with love and care. These hidden gems use locally sourced ingredients, and you’re sure to get a taste of the community while satisfying your sweet tooth.
The Baker’s Dozen
The Baker’s Dozen is located in the heart of Sacramento and offers a variety of classic donuts, such as glazed, chocolate-covered, and sugar-coated. They also have seasonal flavors, and everything is made fresh daily. Don’t forget to try their freshly brewed coffee that pairs perfectly with their donuts.
Crest Doughnuts
Crest Doughnuts is a family-owned bakery that has been serving Sacramento for over 50 years. They serve classic donuts, bear claws, and apple fritters, but their claim to fame is their giant-sized glazed donut that’s perfect for sharing.
Marie’s Donuts
Marie’s Donuts has been a Sacramento staple since 1960 and is known for their classic donuts, croissants, and pastries. Their apple fritter is a must-try, and their maple bacon donut has a cult following. The lines can get long on weekends, so make sure to get there early.
Mighty Donuts
Mighty Donuts is a family-owned bakery that specializes in vegan and gluten-free donuts. They use organic and non-GMO ingredients, and their donuts are baked, not fried. Everything is made in small batches, and their unique flavors, such as blueberry lemonade and chai spice, will leave you wanting more.
Star Donuts
Star Donuts is a quaint donut shop that offers a variety of classic donuts, as well as their signature maple bacon bar. They also have a selection of breakfast sandwiches and coffee drinks to enjoy alongside your donut.
- Visit The Baker’s Dozen for classic donuts and freshly brewed coffee
- Stop by Crest Doughnuts for their giant-sized glazed donut
- Try the apple fritter and maple bacon donut at Marie’s Donuts
- Indulge in vegan and gluten-free donuts at Mighty Donuts
- Savor a maple bacon bar at Star Donuts
Support the local bakeries in Sacramento and discover the unique flavors and charm of the city.
Vegan and Gluten-Free Donuts in Sacramento
Sacramento’s donut scene caters to all dietary preferences and restrictions, including vegan and gluten-free options. Indulge in guilt-free treats without compromising on taste or quality at these top spots:
The Good Stuff
This quaint bakery offers a variety of vegan and gluten-free donuts, including classics like glazed and chocolate, as well as unique flavors like raspberry-lemon and apple cider. They also serve delicious vegan coffee to pair with your donuts.
Purely 4 You
If you’re looking for gluten-free donuts that are also vegan and made with organic ingredients, Purely 4 You is the perfect spot. Enjoy traditional flavors like cinnamon sugar and chocolate, or try the matcha green tea donut for a unique twist.
Davis Farmers Market
Head to the Davis Farmers Market on Saturdays to indulge in Heavenly Donuts’ vegan and gluten-free offerings. Their flavors change weekly, so there’s always something new to try.
- Pro tip: Call ahead to ensure availability, as these donuts tend to sell out quickly.
Whether you have dietary restrictions or simply prefer vegan and gluten-free options, Sacramento has plenty of delicious donuts to satisfy your cravings.
Donut Delivery and Takeout Options in Sacramento
Getting your donut fix in Sacramento has never been easier thanks to the various delivery and takeout options available at many of the city’s top donut shops.
Delivery
If you’re unable to make it out to your favorite donut spot, delivery options are available at many locations. Doughbot Donuts, for example, offers donut delivery through GrubHub and DoorDash, bringing their delicious treats directly to your door. You can also order online from the popular shop, Marie’s Donuts, and have your order delivered through DoorDash.
Other shops, such as Sweet Dozen and Donut Madness, offer delivery through their own websites. Be sure to check with your preferred donut shop to see if they offer delivery and which platforms they use.
Takeout
If you prefer to grab your donuts to go, most shops offer convenient takeout options as well. Popular chains like Dunkin’ and Krispy Kreme have drive-thru options, while many local bakeries like Frank’s Donuts and Danny’s Mini Donuts offer curbside pickup.
For a unique takeout experience, check out the donut vending machine outside of Chuck’s Donuts on Stockton Boulevard. Simply insert the required amount of coins and select your desired donut from the machine.
No matter which option you choose, you can enjoy the best donuts in Sacramento from the comfort of your own home or on-the-go with these delivery and takeout options.
Unique Donut Flavors in Sacramento
If you’re tired of the same old donut flavors, Sacramento has a variety of unique options to tantalize your taste buds. These spots aren’t afraid to push the boundaries, offering unexpected and creative flavor combinations that are sure to surprise and delight.
1. The Parlor Ice Cream Puffs
A popular dessert destination, The Parlor Ice Cream Puffs has recently expanded their menu to include donuts. Their unique and delicious donut flavors include Fruity Pebbles, Maple Bacon, and even a Foie Gras donut for the more adventurous eaters. Pair your donut with one of their homemade ice cream puffs for the ultimate indulgence.
2. Baker’s Donuts
Baker’s Donuts prides themselves on making their donuts fresh daily and using only the best ingredients. They offer a variety of unique flavors, such as the Strawberry Cheesecake donut and the Ube Mochi donut, made with purple yam and sweet rice flour.
3. Sweet Dozen
If you’re in the mood for something truly unique, Sweet Dozen has you covered. Their menu features a rotating selection of donut flavors that change daily. Some of their past flavors have included Lavender Earl Grey, Matcha Green Tea, and Thai Tea.
Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and try something new. These unique donut flavors in Sacramento are worth the adventure.
Donut Pairings with Coffee and Tea in Sacramento
Who doesn’t love indulging in a delicious donut alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea? Whether you prefer a classic glazed donut or a gourmet creation, there’s a perfect pairing for every taste. Sacramento offers a range of coffeehouses and tea rooms that complement the flavors of your favorite donuts, creating a harmonious and satisfying combination.
Coffee Pairings
If you’re a coffee lover, you know that finding the right pairing is essential for the perfect flavor experience. Luckily, Sacramento has plenty of coffeehouses that offer artisanal coffee paired with mouth-watering donuts.
- Do you have a sweet tooth? Try pairing a classic glazed donut with a caramel latte from Temple Coffee Roasters.
- Looking for something richer? Indulge in a chocolate-covered donut paired with a bold and robust espresso from Old Soul Co.
- For those who love a bit of spice, a cinnamon sugar donut perfectly complements a chai latte from Insight Coffee Roasters.
Tea Pairings
If tea is more your style, there are plenty of tea rooms in Sacramento that offer unique and flavorful pairings with your favorite donuts.
- For a classic combination, try a vanilla-glazed donut with a creamy and comforting cup of Earl Grey from Camellia Coffee Roasters.
- Feeling adventurous? A lavender-infused donut paired with a floral and fragrant cup of Jasmine tea from Tea Cozy is a match made in heaven.
- Looking for something with a bit of a kick? A powdered sugar donut pairs perfectly with a spicy and bold Chai from Tupelo Coffeehouse.
Whether you prefer coffee or tea, there’s no denying that these donut pairings in Sacramento are a match made in heaven. So the next time you indulge in a delicious donut, be sure to pair it with the perfect cup of coffee or tea and elevate your taste experience to the next level.
Donut Festivals and Events in Sacramento
If you’re a donut enthusiast, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to attend the various donut festivals and events taking place in Sacramento throughout the year. These events celebrate the city’s love for the sweet treats, bringing together donut lovers from all over.
The Annual Sacramento Donut Festival
The Annual Sacramento Donut Festival is a popular event that takes place every March in Southside Park. This festival features dozens of local donut vendors, live music, and fun activities for the whole family. You can indulge in a variety of donut flavors, from classic glazed to unique creations such as matcha green tea and strawberry shortcake.
The California State Fair
The California State Fair, held every summer at Cal Expo, always has a few surprises up its sleeve when it comes to donuts. In addition to the usual carnival-style treats, the fair showcases gourmet donuts from local bakeries and vendors. Keep an eye out for the latest trends in the donut world, such as donut ice cream sandwiches and mini donut kebabs.
The Sacramento Bacon Fest
Although not exclusively a donut event, the Sacramento Bacon Fest features a number of local donut shops that offer bacon-infused delights. From maple bacon bars to bacon-wrapped donuts, these unique offerings are a must-try for adventurous eaters. The festival takes place in January and February every year.
The Sacramento Food Film Festival
While not a donut-specific event, the Sacramento Food Film Festival is a great opportunity to learn more about the city’s food scene. The festival screens films about food culture and sustainability, and also showcases local chefs and food vendors. Donut shops often make appearances, offering bite-sized samples of their latest creations.
Attending donut festivals and events is a great way to connect with Sacramento’s vibrant food scene and discover new donut flavors and styles. Mark your calendars for these annual events and get ready to indulge in the city’s sweetest offerings.
Tips for Finding the Best Donuts in Sacramento
As a donut lover, it’s essential to discover the best donut spots in Sacramento. While there are many options to choose from, finding the perfect donut can be a challenge. Here are some tips to help you locate the best donuts in Sacramento:
Consult Online Reviews
Check out the online reviews to get an idea of the popular donut places in Sacramento. Reviewers often leave detailed feedback about the taste, texture, and quality of the donuts. Look for places with high ratings and consistent positive reviews.
Ask the Locals
The best way to find a hidden gem is to ask the locals. Strike up a conversation with a Sacramento native and ask for their favorite donut spots in town. Not only will you get insider knowledge, but you’ll also get to experience the city’s friendly culture.
Attend Donut Festivals and Events
Donut festivals and events are the perfect opportunity to find the best donuts in Sacramento. You can sample a variety of donuts from different vendors, and you’ll quickly learn which ones are the most popular. These events are also a great way to meet other donut enthusiasts and expand your knowledge of the donut scene.
Try Different Donut Shops
Don’t be afraid to try different donut shops in Sacramento. Each place has its unique twist on the classic donut, so it’s worth exploring various options. Be adventurous and sample different flavors, toppings, and fillings. You never know what might become your new favorite.
Get Word-of-Mouth Recommendations
Ask your friends and family for their recommendations on the best donut places in Sacramento. They may have already discovered a hidden gem that you haven’t heard of yet. Word-of-mouth recommendations are often the most reliable, so take their advice and give those places a try.
With these tips, you’ll be able to find the best donuts in Sacramento and indulge in the city’s vibrant donut scene. Happy hunting!
