Six sweet ways to celebrate National Doughnut Day
Once is clearly not enough: The second National Doughnut Day of the year falls on Nov. 5 (the first took place in June). From classic apple fritters at Marie's Donuts to "Silence of the Hams" doughnuts at the new Donut Madness, we’ve got the go-to list to celebrate.
Baker’s Donuts
As any fan of its Instagram page knows, this South Sacramento bakery rolls out a wide and inventive variety of indulgent creations, including doughnuts topped with blue mint icing and sprinkled with Oreos or covered in Fruity Pebbles. If you're looking for some cool comfort, pick up one of its signature glazed mounds filled with ice cream in flavors like Thai tea and taro, a sweet-tasting, purply tropical Asian plant. Mon.-Sat. 4 a.m.–8 p.m. and Sun. 4 a.m.–5 p.m. 5880 Florin Rd. 392-8466
Danny’s Mini Donuts
Since opening its doors six years ago, this Old Sacramento spot draws in crowds of doughnut lovers with mini versions of the decadent treat. You can watch as a machine (which churns out 1,200 doughnuts an hour) transforms the dough—made from owner Danny Johnson’s signature recipe—into tiny delectable rings right in front of you. The melt-in-your-mouth bite-size treats are then dropped hot and fresh into baskets and topped with your choice of cinnamon, colorful sprinkles, chocolate or vanilla sauce, or powdered sugar. Mon.-Fri. 7 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sun. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. 900 2nd St. 498-9255. dannysminidonuts.net
Donut Madness
If your sweet tooth is screaming for something off the beaten path, this horror-film-inspired doughnut haven will hit the spot. Opened in Arden-Arcade on Oct. 1, Donut Madness oozes with creativity—literally (think jelly that trickles out of a doughnut to resemble blood, a coffin-shaped doughnut case). The menu also features confections like “Silence of the Hams” (a maple bar strewn with strips of crispy bacon) and “Shard” (a jelly-filled wonder with a fragment of candy glass protruding from a glazed finish). If that's not enough to make your head turn, you can take a doughnut selfie against a 9-foot-tall guillotine prop, which will be installed in time for Thursday’s holiday. Tues.-Sun. 6 a.m.-1 p.m. 2648 Watt Ave. 481-2350. donutmadness.com
Marie’s Donuts
A Freeport Boulevard staple for more than 20 years, this family-owned establishment keeps its walk-up windows open late—or early, depending on how you look at it (Marie's opens at 11 p.m. daily)—to satisfy sweet cravings. While the classic glazed doughnut is a popular choice, if you're feeling more adventurous, go for the pumpkin cake doughnut (available through Thanksgiving), or the shop’s signature apple fritter topped with chunks of warm apple. 11 p.m.–4 p.m. daily. 2950 Freeport Blvd. 444-5245
Sweet Dozen
This North Highlands shop, run by siblings Jeremy Khamphay and Nuny Cabanting, stays current with seasonal flavors like pumpkin and apple spice, inspired by local ingredients from the Midtown Farmers Market, and typically features a new creation every week, like the popular maple bacon “douissant” (croissant doughnut), croissant popovers (mini muffins with cream filling) and melts (ice-cream stuffed doughnuts). On the horizon: a sweet potato doughnut for the holidays. 5 a.m.-1 p.m. daily. 5207 Madison Avenue. 344-2000. sweetdozen.com
Sweet Score Café
This Placerville bakery changed its name from Sweet Score BBQ to Sweet Score Café in October after owner Josh Musil took it over. And while it still offer the yin-yang combo of savory barbecue and sweet frozen yogurt, you can celebrate National Doughnut Day with "scores" of desserts like deep-fried apple fritters and doughnuts topped with Sour Patch Kids or pumpkin butter. Mon.-Fri. 6:30 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sat.-Sun. 7 a.m.-8 p.m. 4370 Golden Center Dr. Placerville. 530-642-9644
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