Indianapolis is probably best known for its races, vibrant neighborhoods, eclectic music culture and thriving artistic community – but the city’s no slouch when it comes to culinary delights, either!
With the weather turning cold and the days getting shorter, there’s no better time to grab a travel mug of coffee and take a tour of the best doughnuts that Indy has to offer. Whether you’re eager to try some creative, over-the-top delight or you’re a fan of the classic glazed doughnut, there are tons of local bakeries both inside Indy and nearby that are sure to tempt your taste buds.
Long’s Bakery – 1453 N. Tremont Street
When you’re wandering through the heart of the city, the scent of freshly made pastries from Long’s Bakery is hard to resist. Long’s Bakery is the place where people line up every morning for their legendary glazed doughnuts. These confections are soft, pillowy, and almost melt in your mouth. Long’s isn’t trying to be fancy or do anything out of the ordinary. As they’ve been sticking to the classics since 1955, it is safe to say they’ve perfected the art of making doughnuts.
Their cinnamon twist is another fan favorite, with a crispy, sugary outside and a fluffy inside that tastes just right. If you want the quintessential doughnut experience, Long’s is your spot — but heads up, this is one place where showing up early is key.
Jack’s Donuts – 135 W. Market Street
Founded in New Castle, Indiana, Jack’s Donuts has been a beloved part of Hoosier culture since the early 1960s. Now with locations across Indiana, including downtown Indy, Jack’s specializes in old-fashioned doughnuts and has a menu that covers everything from classic glazed to imaginative creations like the “Tiger Tail Twist,” a chocolate-and-vanilla twisted doughnut topped with caramel and drizzled with chocolate.
Rise’n Roll Bakery & Deli – 1115 E. 86th Street
Rise’n Roll Bakery, though originally from Northern Indiana, has made its mark in the greater Indianapolis area, particularly with its signature “Amish Crack” doughnut. This is a pillowy, caramelized treat that is generously coated in cinnamon sugar. This doughnut has a devoted following, and it’s easy to see why – but you may also want to check out their Cinnamon Caramel or the Peanut Bismark. The bakery specializes in Amish-inspired goods, so the doughnuts are rich and have a distinct homemade quality that brings comfort and nostalgia.
Titus Bakery and Deli – 17471 Wheeler Road, Suite 110 (Westfield)
Family recipes, eclectic flavors and doughnut sandwiches ─ what more needs to be said? Titus Bakery and Deli is another family-owned spot that’s well worth the trip outside of town. Their Black Forest doughnut is an amazing concoction with a cherry-filled center, white icing, chocolate drizzle and devil’s food topping ─ and that’s just the start of their offerings. Titus has been around since the 1980s and sticks to family recipes, so there’s warmth and familiarity in every bite. And if you’re feeling adventurous, they even have doughnut sandwiches – like the “Maple Iced Long John” which features strips of Boar’s Head Bacon on a maple iced doughnut.
Ohanalulu – 11640 Brooks School Road Suite 100 (Fishers)
At Ohanalulu, the doughnuts, coffee and ice cream are made on-site daily – and they’re constantly listed by reviewers in the top 10 customer-recommended spots for breakfast and brunch. This place takes doughnuts to a whole new level with its build-your-own setup. You start with a plain doughnut and get to customize it with glazes and toppings — think maple with bacon, Oreos, Fruity Pebbles – you name it. For the ultimate indulgence, try a doughnut ice cream sandwich! The best part of Ohanalulu is that everything is made to order, so your doughnut is still warm and fresh when you get it.
Pana Donuts – 5370 E. Thompson Road Suite A (and others)
With multiple locations around the city, Pana Donuts is the kind of spot you can count on for a fresh doughnut fix no matter when you want one! Pana is known for its variety because it carries everything from traditional, light-but-airy yeast doughnuts to those rich, cakey options. They also have glazes in every color and flavor you might crave. Pana is a colorful, casual spot with friendly service and something for everyone, from classic glazed lovers to those looking for a flavor adventure like the Cho-Cho Sprinkle.
Quack Daddy Donuts – 16156 Spring Mill Road Suite 500 (Westfield)
Are you looking for a gourmet experience and something really different? Make the trip to Quack Daddy Donuts out in Westfield. You won’t be disappointed! It’s a fun, family-friendly spot where everyone can create their dream doughnut, as they take doughnut customization to a whole new level with a real “do-it-yourself” approach.
Start with a fresh, warm doughnut that’s positively mouth-watering. Then, choose from a lineup of glazes and toppings to make it your own. Glaze options include everything from simple vanilla and chocolate to unique flavors like maple and blueberry. Topping choices are just as varied, with options like Fruity Pebbles, bacon, crushed Oreos, and powdered sugar. Whether you go for a wild flavor combo or keep it classic, Quack Daddy delivers that made-to-order freshness that just can’t be beaten.
White House Donut Shop – 212 E. Main St. (Westfield)
The White House Donut Shop is another family-owned shop, and it’s well-known for its classic array of old-fashioned doughnuts. You may not find a lot of frills here, but you will find delicious doughnuts that are made fresh every day. Think perfectly glazed rings, soft doughnut holes and sugary goodness that will make you forget all about calories for a while! Keep in mind that they open early, so plan to be there before the selection gets thin!
There you have it – the doughnut “roundup” (pun intended) for Indy! Whether you’re a local or just visiting our neck of the woods, Indianapolis and the surrounding areas are absolutely stacked with spots that take this classic treat to new heights. Whether you’re dedicated to a classic glazed or craving something sweetly adventurous, there’s a doughnut out there with your name on it – so go ahead and treat yourself.
