Best Doughnuts in Toronto: 2013

[kwass]

I've decided to start a new thread, since the last one has been around since 2007, and it's way too big @ this point.

As a self-described doughnut connoisseur, these are, what I believe to be the best doughnuts in the city:
1. Emma's Country Kitchen: Maple Bacon Doughnut
2. Glory Hole: Banana Cream Pie
3. Paulette's: Plain Cake Doughnut/Pumpkin Pie Doughnut (Seasonal)
4. Emma's Country Kitchen: Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut
5. Epi's: Plain Sugar Doughnut

[kwass]

Jelly Modern Doughnuts is now accepting pick-up and delivery orders. However, the store is not yet open, so I'm not quite sure what that means.

[kwass]

I just wrote this on the Glory Hole post, but I thought I would repeat it here as well.

Went to Glory Hole today and had the stuffing doughnut, and the glazed cake doughnut, and was so disappointed! The stuffing doughnut was good enough, but there was no stuffing in it. It tasted like a glazed doughnut with bacon on top. Definitely not worth the 4.50, when I could have had a glazed doughnut anywhere and had the exact same experience, for a fraction of the price.

As for the cake doughnut, it was wet inside. For those of you who like cake doughnuts, don't waste your time @ Glory Hole. Head straight for Paulette's!

[kwass]

Despite what I said in my earlier post, I have to say that I also got a glazed yeast doughnut, which I just had, and it was by far, the best glazed doughnut I've ever had!!

[magic]

I finally tried Paulette's. Pretty tasty!

I got D'oreo and the Vanilla Bean & Nutmeg sugar donut. Both very good!

It's good there's a place focusing on CAKE donuts. My favourite.

[kwass]

I also love cake doughnuts! And I agree with you magic, Paulette's does them very well! I havent tried the oreo, but i love the Vanilla Bean and Nutmeg! Her plain donuts, interestingly enough, are really good as well. And in the Fall, you have to try her pumpkin donuts! They're unbelievable!!

[magic]

I absolutely will try her pumpkin donuts. Those sound unreal.

For my pumpkin donut fix I actually love the pumpkin scones from Starubucks. They are only available for a few weeks in the fall and they are to die for.

Will be nice to have another option. Can't wait.

[kwass]

We like too many of the same things magic :) I LOVE Starbucks pumpkin scones as well!!

[magic]

Yeah we're on the same page here :)

[pakmode]

Aren't they available year round at Whole Foods?
I bought them a few times at the Oakville location years ago, and they were really good.

[kwass]

They might be. I'm not sure.

[magic]

I also thought Paulette's was smart in not putting actual Oreos on the donut, but broken chocolate wafer cookies instead. Actual Oreos on top would probably not work well in execution and make the treat way too sweet. For myself at least.

On the other hand Paulette's had a baklava donut, which while sounding good on paper was executed kind of strangely. Phyllo sheets were spiced (as I understand it) and arranged whimsically on top of the donut. To me at least, it didn't look too appetizing and would be tough to eat. The girl working the cash said she liked them but said she ate the phyllo topping separately. Personally, I don't care for that. I don’t care for donuts topped with something crazy, with the default thinking being it will make the donut appetizing. I just find it gimmicky. That said, I didn't actually try it, so at the end of the day I don't know. I just know it didn't appeal to me.

But well done on the D'Oreo, Paulette's. That was a great treat!

[kwass]

I'm with you magic on the gimmicky stuff. And I can't wait to try the Oreo cookie now.

[magic]

Yeah I thought the Oreo was delish. Do try.

[kwass]

I absolutely will !!

[ylsf]

If you are like me your probably haven't had a Krispy Kreme donut in a while. Well, reason to have one on June 7, 2013 . It is National Donut Day and you can get one for free. I hope other doughnuts places jump on this too and at least do a decent promo :)
Read about it on RFD, here is the link to the thread discussing it :

http://forums.redflagdeals.com/free-d...

[kwass]

Has anyone heard of J'adore Cakes Co. They were featured on Donut Showdown Last night. Here is a link to the website. Doughnuts look interesting!

http://www.jadorecakesco.com/donuts

[ylsf]

Does look good! Thanks for posting. Someone go please and report back... Looks like based on their FB page that they were giving out free doughnuts earlier today (the 15th)...

[kwass]

That doesn't surprise me. Because they just won Donut Showdown last night, so it was probably their way of capitalizing on it, and letting people try their product.

I wish I had known!

[ylsf]

Here is the schedule for Mini-Donuts Express at Longo's - http://longosblog.com/2013-mini-donut-express-schedule/

They do other locations including some Costcos (not sure if in Ontario, didn't look too closely?). Mini-Donuts Express facebook at :

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mini-D...

[cheesymama]

Thanks! Leaside is coming up soon again - I missed out last time they were there but won't make that mistake again.

[kwass]

Looks like Jelly Modern Doughnuts is getting ready to open. They didn't give a date, but they posted something about a contest on Twitter in preparation for their Toronto opening.

[mstestzzz002]

after seeing the jelly doughnut tweet, I walked by the store @ College & Borden today and I saw the door open with a carpenter guy working away. The counter didn't look finished and the store looked further behind than the Bruger's Priest location @ Queen & Spadina. Though the doughnut store doesn't require a grill and fryer in the front so they could be further along.

[ylsf]

Stopped by Glory Hole on the weekend in the morning this time. A bit of a line but everything was available. I was tempted by many but decided to get the double chocolate smores one. I had "assumed" it was a filled donut because the thing was so huge and I didn't notice a "hole" in it. Also, it was called "double chocolate smores" so I figured maybe a chocolate filling...Well, it wasn't filled and there was a "tiny" whole. I felt like the donut was out of proportion, maybe people love a HUGE mass to bite down on but I would have preferred it to be less thick.

There were a bunch of donuts that caught my eye though, anyone tried any of the recent flavours there?

And, to answer the question of why they don't open earlier... She basically said "I am here at 2am already to start the process". I asked her if she considered hiring more staff and she said the kitchen was too small maybe down the road... So, maybe the kitchen space is limiting factor but I would think they could somehow get the logistics down that they aren't running out of all of their product at points during the day. As I mentioned before I would like to know confidently that I could go there and have a choice of 3 or 4 donuts without having to check their twitter.

Oh, and I walked by Frank's the hot dog place on College by Augusta and they were giving out samples of their donuts. Tasty. It was like a mini donut with a sauce/coating on top. Not sure if that is how they serve them normally in the restaurant.

I also tried a Pusateri's donut last weekend. Got the chocolate filled one for $2.00. It was decent for a store bought donut, not sure where they get them in from (Cake donut).

[justsayn]

I don't like the hugeness of the donuts at all. I think she is trying to increase value (quantity) to offset per donut labour but it doesn't work for my preferences.

[kwass]

I agree with you justsayn. Her doughnuts are too big and too expensive. And the truth is, if they were smaller and a little more reasonably priced, people would probably buy more, and buy more often, and she'd end up making more money.

[julesrules]

Then she would have to actually make enough donuts...

[kwass]

Yes she would, which it seems she isn't able to do. And I find it odd that she opens @ 10 and gets there @ 2 in the morning to start baking. That seems a little early for a 10am opening.

[kwass]

The new mini doughnut place opened today in Kensington. It's called Lightweight Mini-Doughnuts and it's @ 214 Augusta.

I'm going to go on Monday, so I will report back :)

[ramenramen]

Stopped in today on the way home from College St. Had no idea it was their first day. I guess that explains why they were kind of slow to get things moving. Had to lineup a good 10 mins for my doughnuts.

That being said, they were pretty good. Not sure I understand the "lightweight" aspect of it, since they're fried. Maybe it's just a size reference? I haven't had the Tiny Tom ones in ages but I think these were better.

[kwass]

Have you tried Little Nicky's? If so, how do they compare? Also, was there a line up? Is that why you had to wait 10 minutes, or were they just disorganized?

[ramenramen]

There was a lineup about 7 or 8 ppl deep, and we were all just waiting around while they sorted themselves out -- no one was being served. It really wasn't a big deal, especially since now I know it was their first day.

I haven't tried Little Nicky's so I can't compare, but it's definitely on my to-try list now.

[kwass]

Little Nicky's is awesome! You have to try it. I was going to go on Monday, but I'm wondering now if I should wait a few weeks until they iron things out?

[ramenramen]

I wouldn't suggest making a special trip but since you're going to be in the area anyway I say check it out! Hopefully they will have gotten into the swing of things by then (there really isn't anything more to the place than a doughnut fryer).

[ylsf]

BlogTO write up... Kwass , did you end up making it?

http://www.blogto.com/bakery/lightwei...

[kwass]

I didn't end up going. I had my dog in the car with me, and he wasn't very happy, since I'd already left him for 5 minutes to go to Pancho y Emiliano (which was closed). But I will get there soon :)

[Ediblethoughts]

So I tried Paulette's and while some of them were not bad, some where waaaay too sweet--the blueberry balsamic . And because they are not all on the website, I'm not sure which couple of donuts I did like... hard to match descriptions with tastes. I believe I was to have gotten a white chocolate cherry but nothing really tasted like that either. I was also miffed that the one recommended to me as the best (lemon meringue, I think it was called) somehow didn't end up in my order after all. Or maybe they just weren't as described because I didn't notice any lemon curd inside. The good thing about them is with the thick layer of glaze, these babies do stay fresh longer than the average donut.

A pity they didn't have the pumpkin Kwass liked...

[kwass]

I think the pumpkin is seasonal. So you'll probably be able to get it again in the Fall. As for the other flavours, I find that Paulette's does the simple ones really well. I really liked the plain and the sugar doughnut.

[magic]

kwass, did you know that Harbord Bakery makes plain and sugar donuts (on Saturdays I believe)?

They're good old fashioned basic donuts and they are really good.

It's amazing Harbord Bakery doesn't get glowing mentions more often on CH. A jewel in this city.

[kwass]

It really is a jewel in this city!! I had no idea that they make doughnuts. Do they only make them on Saturday or are they available Sunday as well? I work Saturdays, so it would be difficult for me to get there.

[kwass]

BTW, how much do you love their cinnamon buns, magic?

[magic]

Their cinnamon buns are just stupid. So good. Seriously, almost everything they make is best in class (or so I think).

I think the donuts are just a Saturday thing, but I might be wrong. Call and find out maybe :) Haven't had them in a while. But I thought I’d at least bring it to your attention. Even if it is just Saturdays maybe they’d do special orders??

I don't believe Harbord Bakery is open on Sundays. Someone can correct me if that is not the case but I recall going on several Sundays and them being closed.

Sundays would be much more convenient to get there for myself as well. I hardly ever have time on Saturdays, which is sad. But I don't think they're open Sundays. Oh well, they deserve a break for the happiness they bring to people.

[kwass]

You're so funny magic! I'm definitely going to call. It does seem weird though that a bakery like Harbord Bakery would be closed on Sundays, but I'll check and get back to you. And I agree, their cinnamon buns are sick! Speaking of which, you have to try the ones from Hey! and let me know what you think. They're more bread-like than Harbord Bakery, but they're some of the best cinnamon buns I've ever had. Try to get there early though, like around 9:30, so you can get them while they're hot. They also make decent doughnuts, both of which I think I've mentioned before.

[magic]

Ok, I will bump Hey! to near the top of my list. Got to. Their cinnamon buns sound so good. Donuts too. Thanks, kwass!

I loved Hey Meatball the one time I was there. Their chocolate chip cookies were so good. Got lucky and got them fresh.

[kwass]

I'm so glad you're going to try it! I don't think you'll be disappointed! They had cookies the last time I was @ Hey! but not chocolate chip, so I didn't get any. But I'll keep checking. Who knows, maybe I'll see you there one Sunday morning :)

[magic]

I'd be honoured.

Will definitely let you know about Hey! too.

[kwass]

:)

[kwass]

Hi magic. I just called Harbord Bakery, and they are open Sundays, but they only make their doughnuts Fridays and Saturdays :(

[magic]

Thanks for calling and for letting me know! Apologies for giving misinformation. I thought it was closed Sundays.... I'm sure I remember going on a Sunday or two, finding it closed.

Anyways, at least I was kinda right about the Saturday donuts. I guess it’s Friday as well. Hopefully that might work a bit easier for you?

[kwass]

Friday's still tough for me, but it won't keep me away. If I can't make it Friday or Saturday for doughnuts, there's still lots of stuff to love from there :)

And please, there's no need to apologize. It took all of 2 minutes to make the phone call.

[magic]

Right on :)

[ylsf]

kwass, just a heads up, I think they gave you the wrong info about Saturday. I went today and they didn't have any. I asked them if they still did doughnuts (remembering your post) and the lady behind the counter said only on Fridays. So, you might want to double check before making a trip out there for the doughnuts.

I ended up getting this cheese filled pastry thing that was quiet decent/filling. I had never been in the bakery before despite having passed by many times so it was interesting to see what they had regardless. Doubt I will ever get to try the doughnuts though since not really anywhere close on a Friday :(

[Ediblethoughts]

Thanks for posting. Good to know not to go--and I will likely never get their donuts either since I'm not getting their Fridays... pity.

[kwass]

Thanks for the info ylsf. Unfortunately I'm in the same boat as you and Ediblethoughts. It's hard for me to get there on Fridays as well :(

[magic]

That is odd. Pretty sure it used to be Saturdays. It must have changed.

[kwass]

And recently...because they did tell me Saturdays and that was only 2 weeks ago.

[kwass]

Went to Hey! on Roncy again today, and this time I tried their glazed doughnut (last time it was the cinnamon-sugar). It was so light and airy, and not overly sweet...so good!! I can't recommend this place enough. The doughnuts rock! Simple perfection!!

[ylsf]

New mini doughnut place opening in Kensington market May 1st - http://www.postcity.com/Eat-Shop-Do/E...

Guess similar to Little Nicky's setup?

[kwass]

Definitely similar to Little Nicky's and fairly close as well, but that's awesome!

[justsayn]

Kensington....keep 'em coming!

[kwass]

Could not agree more!

[petek]

Yay,more donuts!!!! D'oh.... :D

[disgusti]

boy, this sounds exciting, icing sugar doughnuts off a conveyor belt... how new and fresh

[kwass]

Just had a sugar doughnut from Hey! on Roncesvalles, and it was pretty damn good. Simple but delish! Also for those of you who like cinnamon buns, I had the best cinnamon bun from there that I've ever had. It wasn't too sweet, incredibly soft on the inside (like the best bread you've ever had), with a crispy sugar coating on the top! OMG...BEST EVER!!!!

[magic]

I had a chocochip cookie still warm at Hey Meatball that was fantastic, so i can see this :)

[kwass]

It wasn't Hey Metball. It's just called Hey! (the exclamation mark is actually in the name)

[magic]

No, I know, but both share the same chef/owner, so.....

[kwass]

I didn't know that! Well magic, you have to go to Hey! Their baked goods are off the hook!! They also had cookies there. They were probably the same ones as those @ Hey Meatball. I didn't try them, but I will, the next time I go back.

[magic]

I should really go. Ok, good. Thanks for the scoop!

[dgnr8]

Beast Restaurant has different donuts as daily specials, best I ever had. Go for brunch on the weekend and finish with one of their donuts

[kwass]

Those are rachelle's doughnuts. Hate to say it, but I'm not a big fan. Her doughnuts actually gets mixed reviews on CH. some people love them, and others, like myself, not so much. But FYI, unless things have changed, you can also get her doughnuts @ San James on Harbord on weekends.

[petek]

Finally got down to GHD-nuts the other day and I have to say I was impressed.Expensive?..yes($4.50 a piece or 6 for $20.) but real good d-nuts.These are more of a special occasion treat for me.I'll go back,just not as often as I'd like..

[kwass]

I agree. They're definitely a special occasion treat...not a doughnut you'd want to eat everyday. What flavours did you get? And which were your favourite?

[petek]

I got the PB&J,Toast & Butter,Chocolate Hazelnut,.PBB&C,Vanilla Glazed and Chocolate Pudding.

I'd have to say my fav was the Vanilla Glazed followed by the Toast and Butter...Least fav was Chocolate Pudding.
I'll add that I was there on a Wednesday afternoon so it wasn't busy,I don't think I could handle the weekend crowds..but that's just me.

[kwass]

The Vanilla Glazed is one of her new doughnuts. I think it's a cake doughnut...haven't tried it yet, but I'd like to. Thanks for sharing your experience.

And btw, I can't handle the crowds either. That's why when I go, I get there right @ opening. The only downside to that, is she never has any specials @ that time of the day, just the doughnuts that are on the menu :(

[petek]

The vanilla glazed should be a keeper if you ask me.Simple yet delicious,not over the top like some of the other flavours.

[kwass]

Exactly. She needs more doughnuts like that! Too many of her doughnuts are over the top. Two bites and I've had enough.

[kwass]

That being said, I'm still grieving for the banana cream pie doughnut. It's such a shame that it's no longer on the menu, because it was, without a doubt, IMO, the best doughnut that she made.

[kwass]

Good news doughnut lovers!! Jelly Modern Doughnuts is planning on opening in early April. Less than a month to go :)

[ylsf]

So For the doughnut lovers in this thread, Krispey Kreme has a freebie on Sunday. Free original glazed. They make them fresh at the Mississauga location still and bring those to the other two Toronto stores . Freebie info here http://f.redflagdeals.com/showthread....

[magic]

Oh nice! I love those.

Also, their cinnamon buns are great!

[kwass]

I've never tried their cinnamon buns. I didn't even know that they made cinnamon buns.

[magic]

They do. More like a donut-style cinnamon bun. I think quite yummy.

[kwass]

Sounds yummy!!

[justsayn]

http://www.torontolife.com/daily/dail...

[kwass]

I know. I've already written the date down in my blackberry, so that I don't forget to tape it :)

[kwass]

I wonder why Ashley from Glory Hole isn't participating.

[ylsf]

I am curious if there is a way to get to a taping of this, or, has it all been taped/done already? They talk about "big batches" of doughnuts :)

[justsayn]

Was already filmed Nov/Dec...

[canmark]

Jelly modern doughnuts coming to Toronto this spring: http://www.torontolife.com/daily/daily-dish/rumours-rumblings/2013/03/01/jelly-modern-doughnuts-toronto/

http://jellymoderndoughnuts.com/

[barneyvernon]

Has anyone walked by this place recently? Is anything happening? They are supposed to open this month but all we seem to get are these teasers on their Twitter page "opening soon" (we've heard that before.....see Ben & Izzy)

[kwass]

I've contacted her several times on Twitter, and all she will say is "very soon". I find it incredibly frustrating that she won't give any more information than that :(

[ramenramen]

I walk past on my way home from work almost every day. There was still paper up on the window as of last week.

[kwass]

So much for an April opening, which is what she said originally.

[ylsf]

I knew there was no chance of them opening in early April. I don't know why she even said that. No way you can get a place setup and open in a few weeks (Which was what they had based on when the lease was signed/etc). On Facebook they are saying May... I imagine by mid May it will be open but that is just a guess at this point..

Sure they will want to cash in on their Doughnut Showdown appearance.

[ylsf]

I was at the Longo's Burloak on the weekend and noticed they have a mini donut machine now. Looked like they were selling powdered sugar ones. Anyone tried them? They were packing them into plastic clamshells. - $4.39 for a package but not sure the quantity or weight.

I just googled it and it looks like they actually travel from Longo's to Longo's. Not sure if it was just this past weekend at Longo's Burloak but some more details here:

http://longosblog.com/warning-mini-do...

I don't think I could buy a whole package... I would eat them like popcorn :)

[kwass]

I mentioned this on the old thread, but I wanted to repeat it here as well, Emma's also makes made to order beignets. They are served hot, with icing sugar, and a caramel filling. They were so yummy! They just melt in your mouth. Though I wasn't crazy about the caramel filling. Next time I go, I'm going to see if I can get them without the caramel.

[LemonLauren]

Tried a few wheat-free at Paulette's today. Not at all GF tasting and still really loving the intense frosting flavours and relatively smaller donut size.
Maple 5 Spice Walnut - least favourite, though still yummy frosting, could have had more walnuts.
Bananda Coconut Cream Pie - very moist, yummy, lots of levels of flavour.
Vanilla Cherry Cola - WOW. WOW. WOW. The icing had a great kick, so flavourful. A hit!

[kwass]

Are you gluten intolerant or were you just curious about them?

[LemonLauren]

Curious and not a gluten fan in general. ie. if I've run 15k or biked 40k I'll eat a donut but in general I don't eat wheat/bread/pasta. They call them wheat-free, not GF, so I'm not sure they would pass the celiac test, but they didn't taste overly dry like many GF baked goods do.

[kwass]

That's good to know. Thanks LemonLauren.

[justsayn]

Thanks!

[petek]

San Remo's apple fritters!!

Where is this "Emma's Country Kitchen" you speak of?

Never mind,just googled it.Sounds real good..

[kwass]

I forgot about San Remo's Apple Fritters...and you're right. They must be added to the list.

Emma's Country Kitchen is @ 1108 St Clair Ave W. Between Ossington and Dufferin on the North Side. Here is a link to pics of the doughnuts:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=444868568917770&set=pb.285934071477888.-2207520000.1359923082&type=3&theater

And here is a link to the webste:

http://emmascountrykitchen.com/

I wrote about my experience on the old "best doughnut" thread, but I'm going to repeat it for the benefit of the new thread. The maple bacon doughnut was one of the best doughnuts I've ever had. It wasn't a light doughnut. It was a bit dense, and it wasn't particularly sweet. It had the perfect combination of flavours and puts Rachelle's Maple Bacon doughnuts to shame. I think Emma's makes their own bacon, so it was thick cut and extraordinarily delicious!

[petek]

Thanks kwass! Ya I'm gonna get me sum...

[kwass]

You must!! And please report back so we can hear your thoughts. Also, just so you know, I could be wrong, but I think they only serve the doughnuts on the weekend.

[Ediblethoughts]

What is the other donut there--the one that isn't the (very yummy-looking cinnamon sugar)?

Their website doesn't mention donuts...

[kwass]

They have maple bacon, which are fantastic, and they just started serving raspberry custard and coffee glazed toffee, neither of which I've tried yet.

[Ediblethoughts]

ooohhh... raspberry custard sounds delish and so does coffee-glazed toffee... will have to try to get there soon!

[kwass]

I know! I really want to try the raspberry custard!

[Ediblethoughts]

So I bought a few on the weekend and I'm sorry to say, I'm not enthused, The donut base is doughy and heavy and not very tasty overall (maybe not enough frying?). I tried a part of the raspberry custard (and I don't like that they split the donut and sandwiched in the filling---also think fresh raspberries isn't the way to go------it should be jam). I haven't tried the cinnamon sugar but did try the the peanut butter and chocolate and while the topping was decadent, it doesn't change the base.

But wow that restaurant is VERY popular!

[kwass]

The doughnuts are heavy and dense. I mentioned that in my 1st post about this place. I haven't had the 2 you're speaking of, but I generally like the doughnuts there. Sorry to hear that you didn't like them.

[Ediblethoughts]

You did mention it too! Maybe if they are fresh off the whatever-they-make-them-on they might be better.

[kwass]

That may be true. I always get them 1st thing in the morning. I hope I didn't come off as rude in my last post. That wasn't my intention.

[Ediblethoughts]

You didn't sound rude at all. It's always really awkward to rec something honestly and then have someone else not like it! (I've been there!).

I tried cinnamon sugar this evening and that one is better. Still not going to go out of my way but better. If you try the raspberry custard, you'll have to say what you think.

[kwass]

I will try it, and when I do, I'll let you know what I think :)

[ylsf]

You are referring to Emma's right?

[kwass]

Yes

[gimel]

Do you have any opinion on Amazing Donuts at Bathurst/Wilson? I don't typically seek out the kosher offerings in the 'chood, but we got fresh boston creams there once on a whim and they were quite good.

[kwass]

I know of Amazing Doughnuts, but I don't think I've ever tried them.

[magic]

It's been there for years and years and I don't think I've ever seen it open.

[kwass]

I know. I've driven by it countless times. I've just never gone in.

[barneyvernon]

I've walked by Amazing Donuts everyday for years on my way to work . I'll just say the place looks like it has maintenance issues and as such I would never eat anything from there.

[prima]

Amazing is Kosher. Haven't had one in a few years, but I've enjoyed the donuts I've had.