The Best Donuts in Wilmington NC

If you’re looking for the best donuts in Wilmington, North Carolina, then you’ve come to the right place! Donuts have been a classic American favorite since the early 20th century, and Wilmington has some of the best donut shops in the entire state. From classic glazed to more creative flavors like maple bacon and s’mores, these local donut shops have something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or savory, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your cravings. From the classic hole-in-the-wall shops to the modern and trendy places, Wilmington has some of the most delicious donuts in the Southeast. So, get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth, because here are the best donuts in Wilmington, NC.

What is the Difference Between Donut and Doughnut Anyway?

Which is the correct spelling? Donut or doughnut.

There is no significant difference between “donut” and “doughnut”. Both terms refer to the same type of sweet fried dough pastry that is typically round, with a hole in the center, and often topped with glaze, icing, or other sweet toppings.

The spelling of “doughnut” is more traditional and reflects the word’s etymology, which derives from the combination of the words “dough” (referring to the pastry’s doughy texture) and “nut” (which originally referred to small, rounded objects in general).

The spelling “donut,” on the other hand, is a more modern and abbreviated version of the word, which became popularized in the mid-20th century by the Dunkin’ Donuts chain of coffee and doughnut shops.

In essence, both spellings refer to the same thing, and the choice between them is largely a matter of personal preference or convention. Some people and businesses use “doughnut” to evoke a more traditional or old-fashioned image, while others use “donut” as a more modern, streamlined spelling.

For the purpose of this article we will use the spellings interchangeably since the meaning is the same.

What Makes a Great Doughnut?

When it comes to donuts, there are certain characteristics that make them truly stand out. A great donut is light, fluffy, and perfectly sweet. It should also be perfectly cooked and have a nice crunchy outside. The flavor of the donut should be balanced, not too sweet or too bitter. And finally, the texture should be velvety and moist, not dry or dense. All of these factors come together to create the perfect donut.

At first glance, it may seem like all donuts are created equal. But the truth is, there’s a lot of attention to detail that goes into making a great donut. The type of flour used, the quality of the ingredients, and the skill of the baker all come into play.

There are two main types of donuts; cake donut and yeast donuts. What’s the big difference?

Cake donuts and yeast donuts are two different types of donuts with different textures and flavor profiles. The main differences between them are:

1. Ingredients: Cake donuts are made with a batter that typically includes flour, sugar, eggs, milk, and baking powder or baking soda. Yeast donuts, on the other hand, are made with a yeast-based dough that typically includes flour, sugar, eggs, milk, butter, and yeast.
2. Texture: Cake donuts have a denser, cake-like texture and a more crumbly, tender crumb. Yeast donuts have a lighter, airy texture and a chewy, stretchy crumb.
3. Flavor: Cake donuts tend to have a sweeter, richer flavor, while yeast donuts have a more neutral flavor that allows the toppings and glazes to shine.
4. Cooking Method: Cake donuts are typically fried in oil at a higher temperature for a shorter amount of time, while yeast donuts are fried at a lower temperature for a longer period of time, which allows them to rise and develop their characteristic texture.

Overall, both cake and yeast donuts are delicious and popular treats, and the choice between them usually comes down to personal preference.

Classic Donut Shops in Wilmington, NC

If you’re looking for classic, traditional donuts, then look no further than the classic donut chains. Franchise and chain donut stores like Krispy Kreme Doughnuts or Dunkin’ Donuts offer all the usual amazing donuts you know and love such as glazed, chocolate, and jelly. They also offer specialized flavors like raspberry filled and cake batter.

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts is known for having fresh doughnuts and have a “HOT DONUTS” sign in the window to let customers know the doughnuts are hot and ready for pick up. A donut shop is also commonly referred to as a coffee shop since they usually offer different varieties of coffee, tea, and special drinks to coordinate with their donuts and breakfast sandwiches.

Another great thing about franchise and chain donut shops is that are very consistent with their donut recipes and therefore customers can rely on the taste they love. Plus, these shops are usually open late, so you can satisfy your cravings any time of day. So, if you’re looking for classic, traditional donuts, these shops are the way to go. Since these are large franchise or chain stores, they typically offer a display case full of your most popular flavors and are reliably open for your everyday stop for breakfast or dessert.

Locations of Krispy Kreme and Dunkin Donuts in Wilmington

• Krispy Kreme Doughnuts: 2822 College Rd. Wilmington, NC
• Dunkin’ Donuts: 5111 Market Street, Wilmington, NC
• Dunkin’ Donuts: 4511 Oleander Dr. Wilmington, NC
• Dunkin’ Donuts: 1127 Military Cutoff Rd, Wilmington, NC
• Dunkin’ Donuts: 5611A Carolina Beach Rd, Wilmington, NC
• Dunkin’ Donuts: 2304 North College Road, Wilmington, NC
• Dunkin’ Donuts: 130 Hays Lane, Wilmington, NC

Gourmet Donuts in Wilmington, NC

If you’re looking for something a unique experience, then you should check out Wilmington’s specialty donut shops. These shops specialize in creating unique flavors and textures that you won’t find anywhere else. From fruity flavors like blueberry and strawberry to savory options like bacon and cheddar, these shops have something for everyone. These small, family-run shops have been around for decades, and they make some of the best donuts around. They specialize in the classic flavors like glazed, chocolate, and jelly, but they also offer some unique creations like maple bacon and s’mores. The best part about some of these shops is that they use all-natural ingredients and make the donuts fresh every day.

Some of the speciality donut shops are actually franchise stores that are still small compared to the doughnut giants like Krispy Kreme Doughnuts and Dunkin Donuts. These smaller shops gained national attention when they started popping up all over the United States and offering creative and unique flavors of donuts. Speciality donut shops make both cake doughnuts and yeast doughnuts and it depends on the shop as to which one you’ll get. You can always check the shops website or call them directly to inquire which type of donut they specialize in making.

Plus, many of these shops offer vegan and gluten-free options. This means that everyone can enjoy their delicious creations, no matter their dietary restrictions. So, if you’re looking for something a little different for a delicious breakfast or just want to try some new flavor combinations, these shops are the perfect place to start.

Some of the most popular speciality donut shops are Donut Inn, Wake n Bake Donuts, and Duck Donuts. Duck Donuts used to be in Wilmington, but unfortunately closed so we will not include them in our list.

One of the most popular donut shops near Wilmington is a locally owned and operated store in Carolina Beach called Britt’s Donuts. Located on the Carolina Beach Boardwalk, Britt’s Donuts offers original glazed donuts that are only available seasonally from April until September.

Due to their huge popularity with locals and tourists alike, Britt’s Donuts is a hot spot during tourist season and is known for having a long line wrapping around the building on opening day.

Britt’s Donut Shop landed the Carolina Beach boardwalk on USA Today’s ‘best boardwalks for food’ list in 2013. The Carolina Beach boardwalk landed at the No. 8 spot on the list. Britt’s Donuts, which has been operating for almost 79 years in Carolina Beach, received recognition in MSN City Guides as the second-best doughnut in the nation.

With all of those accolades, who wouldn’t want to try Britt’s Donuts award-winning donuts?!

Locations of Donut Shops

• Donut Inn: 1427 Military Cutoff Rd. Wilmington, NC
• Donut Inn: 208 Porters Neck Rd. Wilmington, NC
• Wake n Bake Donuts: 114 Princess Place Dr. Wilmington, NC
• Wake n Bake Donuts: 1401 North Lake Park Blvd. Carolina Beach, NC
• Britt’s Donuts: 11 Carolina Beach Ave N, Carolina Beach, NC

The Most Popular Varieties

No matter where you go, certain flavors tend to be more popular than others. When it comes to donuts, the most popular varieties are usually the classics. Glazed, chocolate, and jelly are usually the go-to flavors for most people. But if you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of other options to choose from.

Popular specialty flavors include maple bacon, s’mores, and cookie dough. There are also fruity flavors like blueberry and raspberry, as well as savory options like bacon and cheddar. So, if you’re looking for something a little different, don’t be afraid to try something new.

Wake n Bake Donuts offers a wake n bacon donut that people rave about. Many of the speciality shops make unique varieties for different seasons and/or holidays. There’s always something new and exciting to try. But there are a few flavors of doughnuts that are always popular. In case you’re having trouble deciding, here’s a list of the most popular donuts by shop.

Dunkin’ Donuts

Dunkin’ Donuts is a popular chain of coffee and baked goods shops that offers a variety of doughnuts in its menu. Some Dunkin’ faves include:

1. Glazed: This classic doughnut is coated with a sugary glaze and is one of the most popular doughnuts at Dunkin’ Donuts.
2. Boston Kreme: This doughnut is filled with a creamy custard and topped with chocolate icing.
3. Jelly: This doughnut is filled with jelly (usually strawberry or raspberry) and is coated with powdered sugar.
4. Chocolate Glazed: This doughnut is similar to the glazed doughnut, but it is coated with a chocolate glaze.
5. Old Fashioned: This cake-style doughnut has a slightly crunchy exterior and a dense, tender crumb.
6. French Cruller: This doughnut is made from a light, airy dough that is shaped into a twisted, ring-like shape and has a delicate, flaky texture.

These are just a few of the most popular doughnuts at Dunkin’ Donuts, and the exact selection may vary by location or season. Dunkin’ Donuts also offers a range of other flavors and varieties, including seasonal and limited-time options, as well as, a pretty amazing cup of coffee. Dunkin’ Donuts offers a rewards program for their customers so be sure to download their app to earn points towards future purchases and free products.

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts is a popular chain of doughnut shops known for their hot and fresh glazed doughnuts. Some of the most popular doughnuts at Krispy Kreme Doughnuts include:

1. Original Glazed: This classic doughnut is the signature item of Krispy Kreme and is a hot and fresh glazed doughnut that is light, fluffy, and delicious.
2. Chocolate Iced Glazed: This doughnut is the same as the Original Glazed, but it is dipped in a rich, chocolate glaze.
3. Glazed Raspberry Filled: This doughnut is filled with a sweet and tangy raspberry filling and is then coated with Krispy Kreme’s signature glaze.
4. Glazed Kreme Filled: This doughnut is filled with Krispy Kreme’s signature creamy, sweet filling and is then coated with the brand’s famous glaze.
5. Glazed Blueberry Cake: This doughnut is a cake-style doughnut that is filled with blueberry flavor and then coated with Krispy Kreme’s signature glaze.
6. Cinnamon Sugar: This doughnut is a cake-style doughnut that is coated in a cinnamon sugar blend for a sweet and spicy taste.

These are just a few of the most popular doughnuts at Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. The company also offers a range of other flavors and varieties, including seasonal and limited-time options.

Wake N Bake

Wake N Bake is a popular bakery and coffee shop that offers a range of delicious donuts in its menu. Since the specific offerings may vary depending on the location and season, it’s challenging to identify the most popular donuts at Wake N Bake. However, here are some of the flavors that are often mentioned as favorites by customers:

1. Maple Bacon: This donut features a sweet and smoky combination of maple syrup and crispy bacon pieces.
2. Chocolate Glazed: This classic donut is coated with a rich and chocolatey glaze that satisfies chocolate lovers.
3. Blueberry Cake: This cake-style donut is loaded with juicy blueberries and has a slightly tangy flavor that pairs well with coffee.
4. Cinnamon Sugar: This donut is coated in a sweet and spicy blend of cinnamon and sugar, making it a perfect treat for breakfast or dessert.
5. Raspberry Filled: This donut is filled with a sweet and tangy raspberry jam that complements the fluffy dough.

These are just a few examples of the delicious donuts that you might find at Wake N Bake. The bakery often features creative and unique flavors that change frequently, so it’s worth checking the menu or asking the staff for recommendations.

Donut Inn

Donut Inn is a popular donut shop that offers a variety of delicious donuts in its menu. The specific offerings may vary depending on the location and season, but here are some of the most popular donuts at Donut Inn:

1. Glazed: This classic donut is coated in a simple sugar glaze, making it a favorite among customers.
2. Chocolate Frosted: This donut is dipped in a rich chocolate glaze, which makes it a popular choice for chocolate lovers.
3. Boston Cream: This donut is filled with a creamy vanilla custard and topped with chocolate frosting.
4. Jelly-Filled: This donut is filled with a sweet and tangy jelly (usually raspberry or strawberry) and coated with powdered sugar.
5. Old Fashioned: This cake-style donut has a slightly crunchy exterior and a dense, tender crumb.
6. Cinnamon Sugar: This donut is coated with a blend of cinnamon and sugar, making it a perfect treat for breakfast or dessert.

These are just a few examples of the delicious donuts that you might find at Donut Inn. The bakery offers a range of other flavors and varieties, including seasonal and limited-time options, so it’s worth checking the menu or asking the staff for recommendations.

Tips for Choosing the Best Donut Shop

When choosing a donut shop, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure to read reviews of the shop online. This will give you an idea of the quality of the donuts, as well as the customer service. Also, make sure to check out the selection of flavors. If you’re looking for something specific, make sure the shop has it. Many donut shops offer various unique specialty donuts but don’t always have them in stock. Finally, pay attention to the price. Donuts can range from cheap to expensive, so make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck.

Vegan and Gluten-free Donut Options in Wilmington, NC

For those with dietary restrictions, there are plenty of vegan and gluten-free donut options in Wilmington. Many of the specialty donut shops offer vegan and gluten-free options, so you can still enjoy delicious donuts without the worry. There are also a few shops that specialize in vegan and gluten-free donuts. So, no matter your dietary restrictions, you’ll be able to find your favorite sugary delight to satisfy your sweet tooth.

There are several places in Wilmington, NC where someone can buy vegan or gluten-free donuts. Here are a few options:

1. Wake N Bake Donuts: This bakery offers a selection of vegan donuts, including flavors like Vanilla Glazed, Cinnamon Sugar, and Blueberry Cake. They also have gluten-free options available, such as the Lemon Poppy Seed and Chocolate Cake donuts.
2. Tidal Creek Co-op: This natural food store has a bakery section that offers a variety of vegan and gluten-free baked goods, including donuts. They have flavors like Blueberry, Vanilla Glazed, and Chocolate Glazed.
3. Whole Foods: This health-focused grocery store offers a range of gluten-free and vegan options, including sweet treats. Check out their bakery section to see the current offerings.

These are just a few examples of places where someone can buy vegan or gluten-free donuts in Wilmington, NC. It’s always a good idea to check with the specific bakery or store beforehand to confirm their offerings and availability.

The Best Doughnut Shops in Wilmington NC

Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to start exploring Wilmington’s donut shops. Here are a few of the best places to find the best donuts in the Port City.

First up is Britt’s Donuts. This donut shop has been around for decades and specializes in classic donuts. They offer a the tried and true classic glazed donut that everyone loves. Plus, all of their donuts are made fresh daily.

Another great option is Wake n Bake Donuts. This modern shop offers unique flavors like maple bacon and Oreo cookie. They also offer vegan and gluten-free options. They have just about every variety of awesomeness that a donut could handle so if you’re looking for something different, it’s your place.

Finally, there’s Donut Inn. This trendy shop has a wide selection of classic and specialty donuts. Plus, they are on the way to Wrightsville Beach for those on the go or wanting to grab some yummy breakfast on the way to see a beautiful sunrise.

Donut Pairings and Recipes

Once you’ve found the perfect donut, it’s time to start thinking about how to enjoy it. Here are a few ideas for making the most out of your donut experience.

First, donuts can be paired with a variety of drinks. Hot coffee and tea are the most popular choices, but donuts also pair well with smoothies, milkshakes, and even beer. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and find the perfect pairing.

Donuts can also be used in a variety of recipes. From donut ice cream sandwiches to donut French toast, the possibilities are endless. So, get creative and have fun with your donuts.

What is America’s Best Doughnuts?

Donuts have been a classic American favorite since the early 20th century, and Wilmington has some of the best donut shops in the entire state. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or savory, cake donut or yeast doughnut, there’s a donut shop to satisfy your cravings. From classic hole-in-the-wall shops to modern and trendy places, Downtown Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and the surrounding towns have some of the most delicious donuts in the Southeast. So, get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth, and visit the best donuts in Wilmington, NC.