Philadelphia's Most Unique Donuts
There is no problem that the right doughnut can't solve. Whether your bliss is the crumbly dry variety that screams "Dunk me!" or the absolute rapture of an over-stuffed, cream-filled, icing-topped, festively decorated sugary smorgasbord of delights, doughnuts can work miracles. But with so many options proliferating the city, where do you go to experience the truly unique? Here are five highly recommended dough-stinations!
Federal Donuts
701 N. 7th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(267) 928-3893
www.federaldonuts.com
With four locations sprinkled throughout the city (five if you count the one at Citizens Bank Park), Federal Donuts is one of the most unique eateries you'll ever stumble upon. The establishment offers only twice-fried chicken, coffee, and cake donuts. One of the two styles of of dough-cuisine offered is the made-to-order Hot Fresh, which come in flavors like Vanilla Spice, Strawberry Lavender, and Cinnamon Brown Sugar. But FedDo also offers glazed and topped Fancy donuts that are available in flavors such as Chocolate Peanut Butter, Spicy PB&J, Blueberry Mascarpone, Grapefruit Brûlée, and Old Fashioned Glazed.
Frangelli's Bakery
847 W. Ritner St.
Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 271-7878
www.frangellis.com
Joseph Frangelli opened his bakery in 1947. Now, 68 years later, his dream is still thriving with current owner John Colosi's nostalgic treats. Every single doughnut is hand-cut and hand-filled to order here. One of the many items this bakery is known for is their Franolli', a soft doughnut that's cut in half and stuffed with a delectable ricotta filling. Another of Frangelli's treasures is their famed Ice Cream Doughnut. For a true taste of wonder, visit Frangelli's Bakery and nosh your way to happiness!
Haegele's Bakery
4164 Barnett St.
Philadelphia, PA 19135
(215) 624-0117
www.haegelesbakery.com
August Haegele came to America in 1927 with the dream of opening a bakery. Over the next three years, not only had he fallen in love and married Helen Gildein, but on July 7th, 1930, the couple opened Haegele's Bakery. Today, third generation owner Glen and his wife, Cheryl, faithfully stick to the family tradition when it comes to running the full-line bakery. Haegele's might be known for everything from bread to wedding cake, but when it comes to cream donuts, they truly excel. Made with fresh, never-frozen dough, these sinfully sweet treats are split and filled by hand from a pastry bag, so you get far more than a mouthful of fresh buttercream frosting in every doughnut.
Holmesburg Bakery
7933 Frankford Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19136
(215) 624-1091
www.holmesburgbakery.com
Holmesburg Bakery is a scratch bakery that has been satisfying customers for over 100 years. The family tradition involves making everything themselves, from their irresistible cream filling to their fresh and flavorful jelly. Holmesburg's biggest selling item is their famed cream doughnut, which even Oprah Winfrey herself has experienced. As relayed by the shop's current owner, "One of her producers bought some cream donuts here to take to Chicago with her!" Since shipping is available, the bakery has avid fans as far away as San Francisco. For a taste sweet enough to charm the nation, be sure to visit Holmesburg Bakery.
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Yum Yum Bake Shop
500 West Street Road
Warminster , PA 18974
(215) 441-4477
www.yumyumbakeshops.com
Yum Yum Bake Shop was founded in 1963 by Gilbert and Cecelia Conly. Now, on the third generation of family owners with over 100 million donuts sold, the bakery has become more than a local corner shop; it's a destination. When the craving hits, individuals have been known to travel for miles, bypassing numerous chain and independent possibilities in the process, because Yum Yum donuts are just THAT good. The shop features an astounding selection of over 50 varieties such as Maple Iced, White Lightning, Chocolate Thunder, French Apple, Coconut Custard, Raspberry Crumb, Peanut Butter Cup, and so much more. But if you really want to go all out, the Big Kahuna is not just a treat, it's a meal capable of feeding up to ten people! Make the trip to one of three area locations to discover what's so tantalizingly yummy about Yum Yum Bake Shop!
Allen Foster, a lifelong Greater Philadelphia resident, has been writing about all those wonderful things that make us feel so alive for over 20 years. He approaches each day as an adventure, eager to discover what new and vibrant surprises await just around life's corner. You can see his work on Examiner.com.
