
Who came up with the idea of improving on perfection by adding filling to an already delicious donut? According to Smithsonian Magazine, this classic pastry was created in the mid-19th century by Elizabeth Gregory, mother of a New England ship captain. While preparing donuts for her son's crew, Mrs. Gregory cleverly added hazelnuts and walnuts in the center where the dough might not cook through.
As you celebrate Cream-Filled Donut Day on Monday, September 14, give a silent thanks to Elizabeth Gregory for her creativity. Get them individually or by the dozen at these favorite donut shops around Cleveland.
4960 Pearl Rd., Cleveland, OH 44109
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Don't let the seasonal name fool you. Family-owned Jack Frost Donuts sells their eye-popping 200+ flavors year-round. Since 1937, generations of Cleveland families have been heading to Jack Frost for donuts made from scratch daily. Donut offerings run the spectrum, including filled, glazed, powdered, sprinkled, and some you didn't know existed. Call ahead to place your order for quick pickup. Store hours are 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily, but get there early before your favorite flavor sells out!
14811 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107
While vegetarian and vegan diets have become increasingly popular, sisters Kharisma and Kyra Mayo realized there were few local options for vegan donuts. That changed when they opened The Vegan Doughnut Company, which began in their home and moved to a storefront in 2018. Even if you're not vegan, with mouthwatering flavors such as Cookie Butter, Lemon Lavender, and Maple Cream, you'll never miss the dairy and eggs. The Vegan Doughnut Company is open weekends until supplies are gone. Watch their Facebook page for updates.
6501 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH 44102
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Beer and donuts is the pairing you didn't know you needed in your life. Shelley and John Pippin, founders of Brewnuts, created a unique mash-up of a corner donut shop and neighborhood bar. Home experimentation with a countertop fryer led to craft beer-based donuts in flavors such as Maple Bacon, Strawberry Pop-Tart, and Blueberry Almond Crunch. Planning a gender reveal or other special announcement? Say it with Brewnuts' letter-shaped donuts. The Pippins collaborate with top local brewers for the beer featured in their donuts and on the menu. Coffee, tea, and other traditional breakfast drinks are also available. Brewnuts is closed Monday and Tuesday and open every other day until they run out.
5211 Mayfield Rd., Lyndhurst, OH 44124
If you're a donut purist, family-owned Goldie's Donuts & Bakery is the place for you. Customers flock to Goldie's for classic yeast, cake, and filled donuts done just right. But the sweet goodness doesn't stop there. Goldie's offers a wide assortment of pastries and desserts, including muffins, apple fritters, and cookies. Don't miss Goldie's signature edible cookie dough, which is served in a cup or "doughsicle" form for easy portability. Pick up a Kiddie Kit and let your little ones have fun decorating their own donuts. Order online up to seven days ahead. Goldie's doors open at 6 a.m. seven days a week.
650 Prospect St., Berea, OH 44017
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Sweet meets savory to create the light, fluffy tenderness of Spudnut Donuts. Choice Idaho potatoes are the not-so-secret ingredient that gives the donuts their specific characteristics. While potato-based donuts may sound like a contemporary idea, the shop dates back to 1949. Donuts are available as airy "spudnuts" or "spuddie" frycakes, along with apple fritters and French crullers. Visit the convenient take-out window from 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily.
1321 Pearl Rd., Brunswick, OH 44212
No, you're not dreaming. There really is a Donut Land in Cleveland, and it's just as magical as you'd expect. 2020 marks the 46th anniversary for owner Bill Rienerth and his homestyle donuts that are still made using original recipes. One happy change has occurred in that time, as Bill's son and great-granddaughter have joined him in the business. The staff works overnight to ensure the regular, filled, and "fancy" donuts filling the display case are as fresh as possible. Celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and other special events with a custom-made donut cake featuring your choice of filling, frosting, and written message. The best part of all? Donut Land is open 24/7.
1418 W. 29th St., Cleveland, OH 44113
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Once you try one of baker Courtney Bonning's plump creations, you'll understand why the shop is named Bigmouth Donuts. Courtney worked for months to perfect her proprietary dough recipe that results in a brioche-like texture. In addition to the regular lineup of raised donuts and frycakes, Bigmouth features a filled donut of the week. One recent flavor was a hugely popular guava-filled malasada, which is a traditional Portuguese fried donut. The menu includes gluten-free and vegan options, along with a donut egg sandwich for heartier appetites. When you're in Rocky River, check out Bigmouth's newest location. Both shops are open every day but Monday.
22088 Lorain Rd., Fairview Park, OH 44126
While Becker's Donuts & Bakery produces a stellar assortment of cakes, cookies, and pastries, there's a reason why donuts get star billing. For years, families in Cleveland have gone to Becker's for their delicacies with a pleasantly crisp exterior and soft, pillowy interior. Satisfied customers rave about the strawberry jelly-filled, cinnamon roll, and glazed donuts in particular. Pair your selection with a cup of Becker's blend coffee, which also comes in different flavors. Becker's is open Tuesday through Sunday.
17800 Chillicothe Rd., Chagrin Falls, OH 44023
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Raised and Glazed Donuts rhymes nicely, but it doesn't cover the full range of pastries and baked goods you'll find inside. In fact, the variety is so enticing that customers often find themselves buying a dozen because they can't decide on just one. Watch for the hot dog-shaped donuts and other whimsical shapes that sometimes turn up in the display case. Raised and Glazed Donuts is open mornings every day but Monday.
1023 N. Aurora Rd. Unit B, Aurora, OH 44202
When it comes to filled donuts, nothing approaches the genius of the Orange Creamsicle from George's Donuts. Orange-infused cake batter is fried and stuffed with homemade vanilla buttercream for a taste that takes you back to childhood. George's is also known for its signature cannoli donuts with traditional Italian cream filling in the center, finished with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Donuts are baked fresh daily at the original location in Twinsburg. Both shops are open Tuesday through Saturday until noon.
Boston cream and jelly are neck-and-neck for the title of America's favorite donut filling. Which one gets your vote?