Michigan is known for its delicious and diverse culinary scene, offering everything from farm-to-table dining to mouth-watering meal choices. But one treat that has carved out a special place in the hearts of Michiganders is the delectable doughnut. This article explores the best doughnuts in Michigan, sharing the top bakeries and shops that offer these sweet, irresistible pastries.
From classic flavors to innovative concoctions, Michigan doughnut shops have something for everyone. We’ll introduce you to must-try bakeries operating in the state and highlight some unforgettable doughnut creations. Join us as we hop from city to city, sinking our teeth into these irresistible delights and revealing the results of the Michigan’s Best Doughnut Poll.
Key Takeaways
- Discover the best doughnuts in Michigan from a variety of bakeries and shops
- Explore popular doughnut flavors and unique creations
- Learn about Michigan’s top doughnut picks from polls and recommendations
Best Doughnuts in Major Cities
Detroit
In Detroit, Dilla’s Delights offers a wide variety of doughnuts made using organic flour; their flavors vary from traditional favorites to unique, locally-inspired creations. Another popular spot is Dutch Girl Donuts, a long-standing establishment known for their delicious, freshly-made doughnuts and friendly service.
Lansing
Lansing has its own share of fabulous doughnut shops. Groovy Donuts, with locations in East Lansing and Williamston, consistently delivers mouthwatering doughnuts. Meyer’s Hometown Bakery & Beanery in Lake Odessa is another top choice, while Quality Dairy is a go-to spot for classic doughnut selections.
Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo residents enjoy Sweetwater’s Donut Mill, serving up classic and inventive doughnut flavors. Mac’s Meats & Country Roads Bakery is another must-visit for their homemade doughnuts, known for their exceptional quality and taste.
Grand Rapids
In Grand Rapids, Sprinkles Donut Shop stands out for their handcrafted doughnuts, supplying four locations throughout Michigan. Also worth trying are the doughnuts from Van’s Pastry Shoppe and Marge’s Donut Den, both of which have been beloved institutions for decades.
Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor is home to Dom’s Bakery, a well-loved spot for both doughnuts and other baked goods. Washtenaw Dairy is another popular choice, offering not only doughnuts but also a variety of ice cream flavors in a welcoming atmosphere.
Popular Doughnut Flavors
In Michigan, people have a love for doughnuts and a wide variety of flavors to choose from. In this section, we will focus on some of the most popular flavors and what makes them stand out among the rest.
Chocolate
Chocolate doughnuts are a classic favorite among doughnut lovers. These doughnuts feature a rich chocolate flavor that satisfies the craving for something sweet and indulgent. Many bakeries, like Sweetwater’s Donut Mill in Kalamazoo, offer chocolate doughnuts in different styles, such as chocolate-glazed or chocolate-filled.
Glazed
The glazed doughnut is another popular choice in Michigan. A simple yet delicious option, these doughnuts have a light and sweet glaze coating their exterior. Their delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture keeps doughnut enthusiasts coming back for more.
Apple Fritter
Michigan’s apple industry might be the reason why apple fritters are considered the most popular doughnut in the state. These doughnuts are packed with diced apples and cinnamon, then deep-fried to perfection, resulting in a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The apple fritter has a special place in the hearts of Michiganders due to its association with the local apple production.
Cinnamon Roll
Another popular option in Michigan is the cinnamon roll doughnut. Known for their gigantic size, these doughnuts have a soft, doughy interior and a generous swirl of cinnamon sugar. The cinnamon roll doughnuts at Sweetwater’s Donut Mill in Kalamazoo are particularly famous for their taste and impressive size.
Red Velvet
Red velvet doughnuts are a unique and appealing choice for those who enjoy this classic cake flavor. With their deep red color and distinct taste, red velvet doughnuts are a standout option among Michigan’s doughnut offerings. They come in various styles, such as traditional round doughnuts with a cream cheese glaze or in the form of doughnut holes.
Specialty Doughnuts
Yeast-Raised Doughnuts
Yeast-raised doughnuts are a popular option in Michigan, offering a light and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth. These doughnuts are commonly found in various flavors and toppings, such as glazed, chocolate-frosted, and sprinkles. They are perfect for those who prefer a softer, airy doughnut.
Cake Doughnuts
Cake doughnuts in Michigan are enjoyed for their denser, more cake-like texture. One popular variety is the “nutty” doughnut, a crunchy, sweet confection that is a top seller in Flint. Other favorites include old-fashioned, buttermilk, and devil’s food cake doughnuts, offering a satisfying treat for all cake doughnut lovers.
Gluten-Free Doughnuts
For those with dietary restrictions, gluten-free doughnuts are also available in Michigan. Bakeries cater to various dietary needs by offering delicious options without compromising on taste or texture. You shouldn’t have trouble finding a scrumptious gluten-free doughnut to indulge in.
Blueberry Doughnuts
Blueberry doughnuts are a delicious and unique choice found in several Michigan bakeries. These doughnuts often feature real blueberries mixed into the dough, resulting in a delightful burst of flavor in every bite. You can find them as yeast-raised or cake doughnuts, featuring glazes and other toppings to enhance the blueberry experience.
Vanilla Doughnuts
Vanilla doughnuts are a classic and versatile option that almost everyone enjoys. In Michigan, you can find them in various styles, such as cake or yeast-raised, often featuring either a vanilla-flavored dough, glaze, or both. These doughnuts can be dressed up with toppings like sprinkles or enjoyed plain for a simple, delightful treat.
Must-Try Bakeries in Michigan
Huron Mountain Bakery
Huron Mountain Bakery is located in Marquette, Michigan, and is well-known for its delicious doughnuts. They also have another location in nearby Ishpeming. This bakery offers a vast range of doughnuts to satisfy your sweet cravings.
Sweetwater’s Donut Mill
Sweetwater’s Donut Mill, with locations across Michigan, is another must-try bakery for doughnuts. They have a wide selection of flavors and styles, making it a popular choice for doughnut lovers.
Groovy Donuts
Groovy Donuts, located in East Lansing, is a local favorite for doughnut enthusiasts. They are known for their creative and colorful designs, as well as their unique flavors. Their doughnuts are made fresh daily, making them a top choice for quality and taste.
Hinkley Bakery
Hinkley Bakery in Norton Shores has a long history of serving up some of the best doughnuts in the area. Their classic doughnut selections are made from scratch, using high-quality ingredients and traditional techniques. Their range of doughnuts are sure to impress.
Butter Crust Bakery
Located in Bridgeport, Butter Crust Bakery is a staple in Michigan’s doughnut scene. They might have the best Apple Fritters in Michigan. The bakery offers a huge variety of doughnuts, with something sure to appeal to everyone’s taste preferences.
Michigan’s Best Doughnut Poll
History of the Poll
The Michigan’s Best Doughnut Poll is a contest that aims to find the best doughnuts in the state by using an online voting process. It has been a popular annual event attracting numerous nominations and participants, showcasing the collective sweet tooth of Michigan.
Over the years, this poll has helped identify hidden gems and given local bakeries the recognition they deserve. With the dedication of food journalists John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman, the contest has grown in popularity and has become a beloved tradition for doughnut lovers in Michigan.
Top Poll Winners
Through the poll, several bakeries and doughnut shops have risen to the top with their mouth-watering creations. These are some of the most notable winners:
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Meyers’ Hometown Bakery & Beanery, Lake Odessa: Known for their wide variety of doughnuts, and particularly famous for their Apple Fritters, which are considered by many as the best in Michigan.
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Butter Crust Bakery, Bridgeport: A highly-ranked bakery offering a diverse selection of delicious doughnuts.
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Groovy Donuts, East Lansing, Williamston: A well-loved establishment that has made its way into the top spots in the poll.
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Quality Dairy, Lansing: A local favorite consistently ranked as one of the best places to grab a scrumptious doughnut.
Keep these winners in mind when you’re craving a doughnut in Michigan, and continue to show support for local bakeries and shops by participating in the Michigan’s Best Doughnut Poll.
Doughnut Shops with Unique Features
In Michigan, there are several doughnut shops that stand out due to their unique features. Let’s take a look at some doughnut establishments that provide a twist to the traditional doughnut experience under the sub-sections of 24/7 Doughnut Shops, Pizza and Doughnuts, and Coffee and Doughnuts.
24/7 Doughnut Shops
For those who crave doughnuts around the clock, finding a 24/7 doughnut shop can be a game-changer. One such shop in Michigan is Ignite Donuts, located in Mount Pleasant. Open 24/7, they provide doughnut lovers with a variety of creative flavors and topping combinations. Customers can enjoy these treats whenever the craving strikes, making this bakery a go-to spot for late-night munchies or early morning treats.
Pizza and Doughnuts
Michigan is home to a few unique doughnut shops that serve both pizza and doughnuts. These establishments give customers a chance to indulge in two mouth-watering culinary treats in one spot. While there isn’t a specific doughnut shop to mention that serves both pizza and doughnuts, there are local establishments that include doughnut-inspired desserts on their pizza menus. This combination caters to both savory and sweet cravings and allows patrons to enjoy a seamless dining experience.
Coffee and Doughnuts
The classic pairing of coffee and doughnuts never goes out of style. In Michigan, there are numerous doughnut shops that serve freshly brewed coffee along with their doughnut offerings. Patrons can enjoy the perfect morning or afternoon pick-me-up while savoring delicious doughnuts. Some top spots include Sprinkles Donut Shop in Hudsonville and Mac’s Meats & Country Roads Bakery. These establishments provide a warm atmosphere and a cup of joe with their freshly baked treats, making them ideal locations for those who seek the unbeatable combination of coffee and doughnuts.
Regional Doughnut Shops
Upper Peninsula Doughnut Shops
In the Upper Peninsula, a must-visit doughnut shop is Hurontown Doughnuts. Known for their delicious and unique variety of doughnuts, they serve an irresistible treat to all pastry lovers.
Northern Lower Peninsula Doughnut Shops
The Northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan is home to several noteworthy doughnut shops. One such shop is Sprinkles Donut Shop in Hudsonville. Despite making quantities of doughnuts for four locations in Michigan, they maintain a high quality by making everything by hand.
Another popular choice in the Northern Lower Peninsula is Lance’s Bakery in Owosso. They offer a great selection of doughnuts, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Southern Lower Peninsula Doughnut Shops
The Southern Lower Peninsula boasts numerous options for doughnut aficionados. In Flint, you’ll find doughnuts known as “nutties” that are crunchy and sweet cake doughnuts. They are a top seller and showcase the unique tastes of the region.
Goober’s Bakery in Norton Shores used to be a local favorite until its closure in September 2022. They were known for serving great doughnuts, proving that there is no wrong time or place for a good doughnut.
In Lansing, Horrocks Farm Market is already well-known for their top-notch farmer’s market, but they also excel in baking goods and doughnuts. It’s definitely worth a visit when in the area.
Hamilton Home Bakery in Saginaw is an excellent choice for locals, serving mouthwatering doughnuts across a variety of choices.