The Ultimate New York City Doughnut Tour: A Sweet Odyssey Through NYC’s Best Bakeries

One glorious day. Three iconic bakeries. Five exhilarating miles. Nine unforgettable doughnuts. Welcome to the inaugural Just a Taste Doughnuthon, a culinary quest born from an insatiable craving and a deep love for New York City’s sweet side.

I can already hear your thoughts, a collective chuckle and perhaps a whisper of, “This girl really needs to find a hobby.” But for nearly two years, I had called the vibrant metropolis of New York City home, yet a singular, jaw-dropping, fancily frosted, utterly perfect doughnut remained elusive. I searched for that elusive ‘nut-o-perfection that would leave an impression far beyond the fleeting glaze on my fingertips. And did I mention that doughnuts, in my humble opinion, constitute their very own, utterly essential food group?

My quest wasn’t merely about consumption; it was an ambitious adventure, a marathon of sugary discovery designed to crown the ultimate doughnut champion. This was not just a tasting; it was a carefully orchestrated Doughnuthon, a testament to dedication, culinary curiosity, and a slight dash of madness.

Planning the Doughnuthon: Crafting the Rules for an Epic Culinary Quest

To ensure a fair and comprehensive assessment of New York City’s diverse doughnut landscape, I established a strict set of rules for this gastronomic journey:

• Curated Selection: My list of target bakeries was meticulously compiled. It wasn’t a random selection but the result of extensive research, factoring in previous critical rankings, recommendations from fellow food enthusiasts, and my own evolving understanding of New York City’s dynamic and ever-evolving doughnut scene. I sought out establishments known for their heritage, innovation, and unwavering popularity.
• Popularity Test: At each chosen bakery, I committed to purchasing the three most popular doughnuts. This decision was deliberately made to taste what each establishment truly excels at, as endorsed by the very people who interact with customers daily. I relied on the immediate recommendation of the person taking my order, trusting their firsthand knowledge of what consistently flies off the shelves and delights the most palates.
• The “Marathon” Element: True to the “Doughnuthon” name, this was not a leisurely stroll. I had to speed-walk – and yes, I mean a vigorous, purposeful stride – from one doughnut destination to the next. This added a unique physical challenge to the culinary expedition, transforming it into a genuine urban adventure. Imagine the scene: a determined food blogger, camera and notebook in hand, navigating the bustling streets of NYC, powered by anticipation and a burgeoning sugar rush. Feel free to laugh, either at me or with me, as the visual likely provides some amusement! This fast-paced transit also allowed for a palate reset, ensuring each new tasting began with fresh anticipation.

With the rules firmly in place, the stage was set for an unforgettable morning. The anticipation was palpable as I prepared to embark on what I hoped would be a definitive exploration of New York City’s best fried dough.

First Stop: A Taste of History at The Donut Pub

Journey to the Iconic Donut Pub

Fast forward to this crisp morning. With my trusty camera slung over my shoulder and a reporter’s notebook clutched in hand, I embarked from my apartment, fueled by caffeine and an almost giddy excitement. My destination for the inaugural stop on this ambitious “Tour de Glaze” was The Donut Pub. Arriving at a surprisingly quiet storefront, nestled among the vibrant energy of the city, I immediately felt a sense of stepping back in time. This historic spot, a true New York institution founded in 1964, exuded an old-school charm that promised classic comfort.

Upon entering, I quickly learned from the friendly staff that their most beloved creations were the Boston Kreme, the classic jelly, and the unassuming yet popular Honey Dip doughnuts. I found a cozy spot at the counter, a perfect perch for observation and, more importantly, for tasting.

Tasting the Classics: Boston Kreme, Jelly, and Honey Dip

My tasting began with the Boston Kreme. This doughnut presented a classic profile: a soft, pillowy dough generously filled with a smooth, vanilla-flavored cream, all elegantly finished with a rich, dark chocolate glaze. It was relatively nondescript in its presentation, lacking any flamboyant flourishes, but its balanced sweetness and comforting familiarity made it undeniably enjoyable. It was a well-executed rendition of a beloved staple, a perfect start to the Doughnuthon.

Next up was the jelly doughnut. Unfortunately, this proved to be my least favorite of the stop. While bursting with filling, the jam gushed with an overly sweetened, almost artificial quality that tasted more of preservatives than fresh fruit. The texture was slightly overwhelming, and it lacked the nuanced flavor I hoped for, leaving a saccharine aftertaste that lingered a bit too long.

I rounded off my initial sugar high with a bite of the Honey Dip. This was a standard glazed doughnut, yet it possessed an impressive lightness and moisture that elevated it beyond the ordinary. Deceptively simple, it was perfectly executed – airy enough to nearly melt in your mouth, yet substantial enough to provide a satisfying chew. Its subtle, delicate sweetness was a welcome change after the intensity of the jelly, proving that sometimes, the simplest offerings can be the most delightful.

Satisfied and energized by these initial samplings, I carefully packed up my notes and, with renewed determination, moved onward to checkpoint number two, ready for the next chapter of my sweet adventure.

Second Leg: Parisian Elegance Meets Doughnut Delight at Balthazar Bakery

The Bustling Heart of the West Village

My second destination, Balthazar Bakery, beckoned from the heart of the picturesque West Village. Nestled adjacent to its famed sister establishment, Balthazar Restaurant, this bakery is renowned for bringing a touch of Parisian sophistication to New York City. The trek to this spot allowed me to appreciate the charming streets, building anticipation for what I knew would be a different kind of doughnut experience.

I made my way inside the tiny, bustling store, immediately enveloped by the aroma of freshly baked bread and rich coffee. The space was alive with a mass of New Yorkers, eagerly making their early morning bread and pastry selections. Despite the crowd, the atmosphere was vibrant and inviting, a testament to Balthazar’s enduring popularity.

Once at the counter, I again requested the three most popular doughnuts, as recommended by the attentive staff. Their top picks for the day were the visually striking pistachio-topped, the classic chocolate, and the comforting cinnamon-sugar doughnuts.

An Exquisite Trio: Pistachio, Chocolate, and Cinnamon-Sugar

I eagerly bit into the pistachio doughnut, and my taste buds were immediately met with a revelation. This was no ordinary doughnut. The exterior, generously coated with bright green, finely chopped pistachios, offered both a delightful crunch and a sophisticated, earthy nuttiness. The interior was soft and perfectly balanced, creating a harmonious blend of savory and sweet flavors that was truly unparalleled. The vibrant visual appeal was just the prelude to a complex and utterly satisfying taste experience. It was a clear standout, demonstrating Balthazar’s culinary artistry.

Next up was the chocolate doughnut, which I can only describe as a heavenly marriage between a rich, fudgy brownie batter and a glossy, decadent ganache glaze. Each bite was an intense journey into deep chocolate flavor, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that spoke of pure indulgence. It was rich, satisfying, and utterly luxurious, leaving a lasting impression of sophisticated sweetness.

My stop at Balthazar concluded with a taste of the cinnamon-sugar doughnut. While perfectly pleasant, it felt basic and relatively bland in flavor, especially when pitted against the two magnificent stand-outs that preceded it. It was a well-made, simple doughnut, but it lacked the distinctive character and innovative flair that made the pistachio and chocolate varieties so memorable. It faded quickly in comparison, serving more as a palate cleanser than a showstopper.

More than halfway through my quest for glazed glory, with new favorites already vying for the top spot, I packed up my notebook, still savoring the lingering taste of pistachio and chocolate. It was time to begin the final, most anticipated trek – the journey to what many consider the holy grail of deep-fried dough in New York City.

The Grand Finale: Unveiling the Legends at The Doughnut Plant

Approaching the Apex of NYC Doughnuts

Two words: Doughnut Plant. The mere mention of this name is often enough to make any serious doughnut-lover weak in the knees (and stomach). The Doughnut Plant is not just a doughnut shop; it’s a culinary institution, arguably the most famous and critically acclaimed doughnut purveyor in all of New York City, if not the nation. Its reputation precedes it, bolstered by accolades ranging from an epic battle on Throwdown with Bobby Flay to being recently named one of the Top 10 Best Places for Doughnuts in America by none other than Bon Appetit. With such an impressive resume, my curiosity reached its peak: could this place truly live up to the immense hype?

Upon arriving, I placed my order for one of each of their Crème Brûlée, Coconut, and Tres Leches doughnuts. The anticipation was almost unbearable. Finding a nearby park bench, I settled in, preparing for what I hoped would be the crowning glory of my Doughnuthon.

The Final Triumvirate: Crème Brûlée, Coconut, and Tres Leches

One bite of the Crème Brûlée doughnut, and I was utterly, irrevocably sold. This was not just a doughnut; it was a culinary masterpiece, a symphony of textures and flavors. What began as the satisfying crackle of perfectly torched sugar on the exterior gracefully transitioned into a luscious whirl of delicate, vanilla-bean custard, expertly piped inside a remarkably light and airy dough. The balance was impeccable, the execution flawless. It was the perfect size, the perfect shape, the perfect everything. I knew instantly that this was a contender, perhaps even the undisputed champion. It set an incredibly high bar that I instinctively felt would not be topped.

As I savored the lingering memory of the Crème Brûlée, the subsequent doughnuts, though impressive in their own right, inevitably felt like afterthoughts. The coconut doughnut, massive in size and distinctively square-shaped, was generously filled with a coconut cream. However, it just didn’t do much for me. While visually appealing and substantial, the coconut flavor lacked the depth and natural sweetness I had hoped for, and the texture, though soft, didn’t quite capture the exotic richness I expected, leaving me somewhat indifferent.

Finally, the Tres Leches doughnut. This innovative creation, attempting to transform the beloved Latin American cake into a doughnut, also left much to the imagination in its execution. While commendable for its originality, it crumbled with minimum moisture, failing to deliver the characteristic milky, spongy texture that defines the classic dessert. I had envisioned a rich, moist, milk-soaked delight, but instead found a drier, less impactful experience that didn’t quite live up to its ambitious concept.

Despite the mixed results of the final two, the Crème Brûlée had undoubtedly secured a special place in my doughnut-loving heart.

The Verdict: Announcing the 2010 Just a Taste Doughnuthon Champions!

In all, I had the privilege of tasting nine distinctly different doughnuts, embarking on this sweet expedition in just under two hours, and covering more than 5.2 miles of vibrant New York City turf. It was a test of endurance, a celebration of flavor, and an unforgettable journey through the city’s finest bakeries. I know you’re now waiting on pins and sprinkles, eager for the ultimate results of this epic culinary challenge. So, without further ado, the definitive 2010 Just a Taste Doughnuthon results are proudly announced:

Best Topping – Balthazar Bakery’s Pistachio Doughnut

Its vibrant green hue and sophisticated balance of savory and sweet flavors, combined with a delightful crunch, made this topping truly unparalleled and deserving of this title.

Best Filling – The Doughnut Plant’s Crème Brûlée Doughnut

The exquisite, creamy vanilla custard filling, perfectly complementing the torched sugar crust and airy dough, set this doughnut apart as a masterclass in flavor and texture.

Most Decadent – Balthazar Bakery’s Chocolate Doughnut

A truly rich, intense, and luxurious chocolate experience that felt like pure indulgence, a perfect blend of fudgy brownie and glossy ganache, delivering an unparalleled depth of flavor.

Best Basic – The Donut Pub’s Honey Dip Doughnut

Simple yet flawlessly executed, this classic glazed doughnut proved that sometimes, less is indeed more. Its perfect balance of airiness and moisture made it a triumph of simplicity and tradition.

Most Original – The Doughnut Plant’s Tres Leches Doughnut

While its execution had room for improvement in moisture, the sheer creativity and ambitious concept of adapting the beloved Tres Leches cake into a doughnut form was a bold and truly original feat, pushing the boundaries of doughnut innovation.

Best Overall – The Doughnut Plant’s Crème Brûlée Doughnut

Undoubtedly the undisputed champion of the 2010 Doughnuthon, this doughnut presented a harmonious symphony of texture and taste that truly transcended the ordinary. Its flawless execution, innovative concept, and sheer deliciousness solidified its place as the ultimate treat.

This Doughnuthon was more than just a culinary expedition; it was a joyous exploration of New York City’s vibrant food scene, a testament to the enduring appeal of a simple pastry, and a personal journey to find that one perfect bite. While the Crème Brûlée doughnut from The Doughnut Plant stands as the crowned jewel, every bakery visited offered its own unique charm and delicious contributions to the city’s rich tapestry of sweet treats. So, whether you’re a local or a visitor, I urge you to embark on your own doughnut adventure and discover the delectable delights that await in the Big Apple!