Forget a supermarket bag of sugar and jam, gourmet doughnuts from specialist bakers are having a real moment. We munch our way through some of Wales’ best to point you in a hole new direction…
DOUGHNUTTERS
Pontygwindy Industrial Estate, Caerphilly / High Street Arcade, Cardiff
With 30+ 5-star reviews on Facebook, Doughnutters is a genuine crowdpleaser with a loyal customer base. Going into their bakeries in either Caerphilly (their first store) or Cardiff, it’s easy to see why: clean and tidy front of house, friendly staff and most importantly, generously-topped doughnuts almost too big to be hand-sized. Try their popular Kinder Bueno one, or recent innovation, a Smartie x Milkybar croissant dessert.
Info: Facebook
WHOCULT COFFEE + DONUTS
Check website for locations
Taking a distinctly American approach with their name choice, Whocult is one of the most widely spread indie doughnut makers originating in Wales, with locations in Bridgend, Porthcawl, Barry, Newport and Cardiff (the latter opening on Mon 4 Mar). Sleek, cartoony branding adapted into a range of merch might make them seem all-image, but they’ve got the dough to back it up: try a classic Happy Hippo or new addition, Maple & Pecan.
Info: whocult.com
CROSSTOWN
Crosstown burst onto London’s bakery scene on the historic Leather Lane a decade ago, earning acclaim for a vegan hybrid sourdough three years later. Now, they have ‘hubs’ up and down the UK, as well as events and corporate packages offering doughnut trucks, towers, walls and more. There’s no Cardiff hub but they’ll deliver right to your door. Try their rich, experimental flavours like Hazelnut Praline, Tarragon & Green Apple, or the delicate Pistachio & Rose – both vegan, too!
Info: here
HONEY DOTS
Hanbury Road, Bargoed
Predominantly a bubble tea vendor, Honey Dots also have an artery-clogging range of desserts: cookies dipped in chocolate, cookie sandwiches filled with buttercream, waffles in cones, cheesecakes and, of course, doughnuts. Satisfied customers in Bargoed swear their drinks are better than those in Cardiff – them’s fighting words! Pop in and see if you think their doughnuts are also up to par: Strawberry Chocolate Glaze With Chocolate Filling is a highlight.
Info: honeydots.co.uk
THAT DOUGHNUT PLACE
High Street, Glynneath
Not the most imaginatively named on the list, but That Doughnut Place prides itself on simplicity: really good, handmade doughnuts. With 18-hour raised dough and big, bold flavours inside and out, these aren’t the kind of treats that are gone in a couple of bites, or even one sitting. Rounding out the menu are Dough-nuggets and Oreo Fritters, but try the popular Triple Chocolate Brownie or custard-topped Apple & Blackberry Crumble doughnuts.
Info: thatdoughnutplace.co.uk
CARDIFF DOUGH & CO.
Wentloog Buildings, Rumney
You may not have visited Cardiff Dough & Co. at their Rumney industrial estate HQ, but you may well have seen them out and about at markets, parks, shopping centres and arenas with their doughnut truck – or more recently, customised horsebox. Their kid- and big kid-friendly range of treats are inspired and topped by entire chocolate bars and biscuits, like Twix, Freddo and Jammy Dodgers, but a firm favourite is ‘The Homer’, a classic pink-iced ring with sprinkles.
Info: Facebook
THE CRAZY BAKER
Duke Street, Swansea
This family-run bakery in Swansea are about as unrestrained as you’d expect in their bakes. The ‘Snickers Puddle’, for instance, is a puddle doughnut pumped full of caramel cream and topped with icing, nuts and real chunks of its namesake confectionary. Fruitier options include lemon puddle and coconut raspberry puddle (both vegan) with a refreshing, tart finish. Try the Black Forest Gateaux for a more decadent experience.
Info: thecrazybaker.co.uk
words HANNAH COLLINS
