Donuts, or ‘doughnuts’ depending where you hail from, have been enjoyed for centuries – but it’s really within the past decade that we’ve started seeing artisanal doughnut shops pop up throughout southern Ontario. These aren’t your ordinary doughnuts, either – these are elevated confectionaries that are re-defining their doughy, deep-fried predecessors.
Whether you’re craving a traditionally glazed ring of goodness, or a jelly filled lavender dipped treat, you can’t go wrong with a donut from one of these local shops.
Aveiro Bakery
2530 Sixth Line Unit 12, Oakville | Website
This Portuguese bakery has a wide variety of Artisan breads, pastries, cakes, and tarts made fresh daily. Most importantly, the bakery has an array of different Malassadas, otherwise known as Portuguese Doughnuts. The pastries range in flavours from classic glazed, to cannoli.
Sunshine Doughnuts Co.
439 Brock Ave, Burlington | Website
Sunshine Doughnut Co. lives up to its name of being a warm ray of light. This specialty doughnut bakery was born from the same culinary geniuses behind Son of a Peach Pizzeria. Each doughnut is made in house, fresh daily. The bakery is full of exciting, colourful flavours that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Kelly’s Bake Shoppe
401 Brant St, Burlington | Website
If you are from, or have been to the Burlington area, you have heard of Kelly’s Bake Shoppe. This Burlington staple is an award-winning bakery that is completely plant-based, gluten free, and peanut free. The mom and daughter run shop prides itself on their fresh made, sustainably sourced goods. Kelly’s menu includes a variety of decadent doughnuts, and regularly introduced seasonal flavours.
Donut Monster
246 Locke Street South, Hamilton | Website
Donut Monster started as a fresh made doughnut supplier for independent coffee shops and grocery stores in 2015. They now have their own shop located in downtown Hamilton, where they make doughnuts seven days a week, fresh. They serve yeast-risen doughnuts that are pillowey soft, and come with numerous glazes and toppings, and introduce seasonal flavours regularly. The shop offers both vegan and traditional options along with different coffees and milkshakes. Donut Monster has also partnered with a number of different small businesses, and provide them with delicious fresh made doughnuts every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Daddy O Doughnuts
589 North Service Road, Mississauga | Website
Daddy O Doughnuts is a colourful, old fashioned bakery that serves fresh artisanal doughnuts baked in a traditional British style. The bake shop thrives on their family recipes that have been passed down for generations, that are made with only high-quality ingredients. Daddy O Doughnuts does their best to provide their customers with eccentric old fashion doughnut flavours that you wouldn’t be able to find anywhere else, with both regular and vegan options. The bakery has a rotating menu that changes on the daily, but they keep their fan favourites in good supply.
Don’t see your favourite doughnut shop? Contact us and let us know!
Article written by Ashley Stefureak
