Orlando Donuts With a 'Hole' Lot of Taste

Frosted, sprinkled, or filled, Orlando donuts are a tasty treat that know no season! Delicious because of their sweet, "hole-y" goodness, there is no shortage of Orlando donuts to try. Orlando has a robust variety of donuts to choose from, so Mommy Poppins is breaking it down for you.

To offer the youth perspective (don’t judge me), I invited my 10-year-old son to join me on this donut adventure. He is a bit of a foody, so I was thrilled when he accepted! When I asked him why donuts are such a big deal, he replied, “Donuts are special because we don’t get them all the time.” 

Looking to expand your appetite beyond donuts? Check out our Orlando Restaurant Guide and get more delicious ideas of where to take the family out to eat. We've got everything from places for Character Meals in Orlando for Kids to Orlando Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free. 

Orlando Donuts Make Everything Better

Donut King - Winter Park

Donut King is reminiscent of mom-and-pop donut shops and offfers donut classics, like Powdered Jelly, Boston Cream, and Glazed, as well as modern flavors like Maple Bacon, Fruity Pebbles, and Vanilla Frosted Oreo. Donut King also has seasonal offerings. While there is indoor seating, tables are few. This was my son’s favorite.

The Salty's drool-worthy display is the stuff of dreams.

The Salty - Orlando

The attention to welcoming, modern design at The Salty Donut invites visitors to spend time, inside and out. The Salty's outdoor seating is shaded and designed in a way to keep street traffic out of your donut experience. Staple items include Toasted Coquito and Guava + Cheese, but seasonal choices, like Pineapple Upside Down Cake and Affogato, are worth a try. This Orlando restaurant serves gluten-free donuts as well. There's a to-go window (walk-up only) if you are in a rush.

DG Donuts' Blueberry Pomegranate creation is a can't-miss experience!

DG Donuts - Ocoee

DG Donuts shares its building with a gas station/convenience store, but don’t let the façade fool you...When you enter DG, you feel like you are in a boutique-style bakery. DG Donuts is a family-owned business that grew out of a home kitchen. Creative flavors like Blueberry Pomegranate complement classics like Vanilla Glaze, Sprinkle Time, and Old-Fashioned Cake. Go big with the Biggie Smalls— a large version of a chocolate-frosted, sprinkled donut with an additional donut hole stuffed inside (what?!), or the Cinnamon Roll Fritter, which is like a donut-cinnamon roll hybrid, the size of a cake! DG has a drive-through window.

Get ready for sinfully delicious treats at Voodoo Doughnut. Photo courtesy of the restaurant

Voodoo Doughnut - Orlando

Located in the heart of Universal CityWalk, Voodoo Doughnut offers a variety of creative choices like Voodoo Doll (raspberry-filled, chocolate-frosted with a pretzel stake - yikes!), Oh Captain, My Captain (vanilla frosting and Captain Crunch), and Ring of Fire (chocolate cake with cinnamon sugar, cayenne topped with a dried red chili). Take advantage of the member discount if you are a Universal annual passholder as well as use Universal gift cards here.

Lard Lad Donuts - Orlando

Part of Universal Orlando Resort, Lard Lad Donuts is located in Universal Studios in Springfield, USA: Home of the Simpsons. Lard Lad's trademark donut is Homer Simpson's go-to: pink frosted with sprinkles. In addition to offering ice cream and ice cream sundaes, Lard Lad has the Brain Freezin' D'oh-Nut Sundae, which is a pink frosted, sprinkle donut sliced in half, filled with soft serve ice cream and a topping of candy.

Valkyrie Doughnuts - Orlando

The donuts at Valkyrie are packed full of charm, with their distinct SQUARE shape and generous size! Flavors include Peanut Butter Chocolate Pretzel, Red Velvet Cream Cheese, and Cotton Candy. There is even a cake-sized donut for birthdays! Most of the donuts here are vegan (dairy and egg free)! Thursdays are "Student Thursdays", so bring school IDs for discounts. 

Shaka Donuts - Orlando

Enjoy the Hawaiian influence at Shake Donuts. Shaka staples include classics like Oh You Fancy, Huh? (pink frosted with sprinkles), Puff Daddy (buttercream-filled powedered sugar), and OG (glazed), and signature creations like Samoa, S'More Than a Feeling, and Leap Year. Customers can also order breakfast sandwiches, like one with Spam, egg and cheese. Aloha!

Donut Central - Winter Park

With an emphasis on fresh, quality ingredients, Donut Central makes for a satisfying donut experience. The daily assortment always includes glazed, but there is also a gourmet grouping. If you like your donuts topped with S'mores or Fruity Pebbles, you can find these here! The craft coffee marries well with these delicious donuts. Make sure to get your hands on a lavendar latte.

Pattie Lou's Donuts - Orlando

Named after the owners' moms, Patti Lou's offers custom donuts. Start with an unadorned donut and choose icing or sauce that is warmed for dipping, followed by the topping of your choice (cookies, sprinkles, or candy). For those that have trouble making decisions, fear not — Pattie Lou's sells ready-made donuts, too. Lessen the sugar intake a bit by selecting one of Pattie Lou's mini versions.

The Donut Hub - Orlando

Keep your eyes peeled for The Donut Hub's purple food truck driving through Orlando! The Donut Hub fry, dip, and top donuts only after customers have placed their orders, resulting in a warm, crispy exterior and a fluffy, light interior. Flavors include Raspberry Glaze, PB&J, and Vanilla Dipped M&M. The Donut Hub also creates special orders. Track its location by following this food truck on Facebook and Instagram.

The Glass Knife - Winter Park

The brioche-based donuts at The Glass Knife are as classy as the exquisite pastries and cakes. The Signature Sprinkle donut looks like something out of a unicorn dream - the icing is in ombre shades of pink, and the sprinkles are celestial shapes. Other options include Creme Brulee, Peanut Butter Cup, and Lemon Blueberry Thyme (vegan). The Glass Knife is a cash-free establishment, so plan ahead. Friendly, well-behaved pups are welcome.

RELATED: 20 Great Ice Cream Shops and Treat Shops in Orlando

Dochi - Orlando

A cross between a donut and mochi (Japanese rice cake), these "dochis" taste like heaven. Made for sharing, easily break dochis to sample more flavors! Flavors change with the season, but some of my faves are Unicorn Candy, Matcha Mint To Be, and Lucky Charms. With locations in Washington and Colorado, the flagship Orlando store is in the Mills 50 district. You can also catch Dochi at the East End Market Thursday through Sunday.

Everglazed Donuts and Cold Brew - Lake Buena Vista

A great addition to Disney Springs, Everglazed is just plain fun. Try three categories of donuts: Classic, Funky, and Super Funky. Funky flavors include Butterscotch Caramel Corn and Maple Double Bacon, while Super Funky includes Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Everything (everything bagel seasoning, Boursin buttercream, and chives). "Put a Ring on it" and order a drink topped with a donut (very Insta-worthy), or order any burger, chicken, or breakfast sandwich on a grilled, glazed donut!

Erin McKenna's Bakery NYC - Lake Buena Vista

Also located in Disney Springs, Erin McKenna's Bakery NYC is your go-to for kosher, vegan, gluten-free, and wheat- and soy-free confections. Previously known as BabyCakes in Downtown Disney's Marketplace, the committment to yummy offerings remains the same. Options include Cinnamon Sugar, Powdered Sugar Blueberry, and Jelly Donut Holes. You may also choose from cakes, cookies, and muffins. There is a loyalty card for fans who plan to return. 

Unless noted, photos by the author