Jace Lamonica
Craving a treat that pushes boundaries and tickles your adventurous side? These donuts don’t just break the rules—they smash them. Bold flavors, shocking twists, and wild combinations await those daring enough to take a bite. Here are 20 donuts that go beyond sweet and into the region of the bizarre.
Pickle Juice Glazed Donut
A pickle juice glazed donut? Yeah, it’s as wild as it sounds—but weirdly delicious. The tangy, salty bite of the pickle juice perfectly balances the sweet, sticky glaze, which creates a flavor combo you never knew you craved. It’s a little sour, a little sweet, and totally unforgettable.
Mac and Cheese Donut
Imagine a crispy, golden-brown donut shell filled with creamy, gooey mac and cheese. It’s a delicious combination of crispy and creamy textures, providing a rich and indulgent bite. Some versions even feature a dusting of breadcrumbs for extra crunch or a drizzle of cheese sauce on top for added decadence.
Hot Cheetos and Cheese Donuts
This donut starts with a soft, savory dough that gets coated in crushed Hot Cheetos. Inside, it’s often filled or topped with melted cheese, like cheddar or nacho cheese, which adds a creamy, salty balance to the heat. It’s a prime example of how modern culinary trends are pushing traditional boundaries.
Foie Gras and Jam Donut
Foie gras and jam donuts offer a unique blend of savory and sweet flavors. This dish, rooted in modern fusion cuisine, pairs the rich, buttery texture of foie gras with a fluffy donut filled with fruity jam. The contrast of flavors and textures makes it popular in upscale dining as a creative culinary experience.
Bacon and Maple Bar Donut
First made famous by Voodoo Doughnut in Portland, the Bacon and Maple Bar Donut has since become a symbol of creative, boundary-pushing pastries. The donut itself is a yeast-based bar, soft and pillowy with a golden-brown exterior. It’s generously coated with a thick, maple-flavored glaze.
Garlic Glazed Donut
Craving a donut that’s bold, savory, and totally unexpected? The Garlic Glazed donut takes garlic to a whole new level with a sweet, garlicky glaze that adds depth to every bite. It’s got that savory flavor you didn’t know your taste buds were missing, all wrapped up in a soft, fluffy dough.
Fried Chicken Donut
Forget the bun—donuts do it better! The fried chicken donut is a mashup of two classic comfort foods: crispy fried chicken and sweet, fluffy donuts. Often served as a sandwich, the chicken is sandwiched between two glazed donuts, combining savory, salty, and sweet flavors in every bite.
Sushi Donut
Want to taste the freshest sashimi, seasoned sushi rice, and vibrant veggies in a colorful, donut-shaped creation? Then try this Sushi Donut that reimagines traditional sushi into a fun, flavorful masterpiece, with a ring of rice topped with tuna, salmon, shrimp, avocado, and more, drizzled with savory sauce.
Wasabi Cream Donut
If you’re tired of the same old donuts, this one brings something completely different to the table. Creamy wasabi filling adds a spicy twist to the donut’s sweet flavor. The smooth, tangy filling cuts through the sweetness, creating a bold contrast that’ll keep you on your toes.
Sriracha and Peanut Butter Donut
Sweet, spicy, and totally unexpected, this one is a donut that’s not afraid to bring the heat while keeping things smooth. Perfect for anyone who loves a good punch, this donut is all about balancing bold, contrasting flavors in one bite. It’s a snack for those who like their food with a little extra edge.
Charcoal Black Donut
Activated charcoal gives these donuts a detox appeal. With its striking jet-black exterior, this donut doesn’t just look cool—it’s got a flavor to match. Infused with activated charcoal, it offers a slightly smoky, earthy taste that stands out in a sea of typical donut options.
Bourbon-Infused Donut
For those who like to mix a little adult flair with their sweets, the Bourbon-Infused donut is the perfect match. This donut is soaked in rich bourbon. Topped off with a glaze that adds just the right amount of sweetness, it’s an elevated donut experience for those who enjoy a boozy twist on their favorite snack.
Corned Beef Donut
This unexpected creation pairs a fluffy, slightly sweet dough with tender, juicy corned beef, turning the donut from a dessert to a full-fledged meal. It’s a donut that’s bold, hearty, and not afraid to challenge foodies who love experimenting and don’t mind a bit of adventure.
Spaghetti and Meatballs Donut
Popularized by The Vulgar Chef, Kyle Marcoux, and served at the Donut Pub in New York City, this savory donut combines Italian pasta flavors with doughnut fun. A rich, doughy base is topped with spaghetti, marinara sauce, and a perfectly seasoned meatball for a uniquely indulgent treat.
Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Donut
Tom & Chee takes comfort food up a notch. So, think of your favorite childhood comfort foods reimagined in donut form. The soft, slightly sweet dough holds a savory tomato soup glaze that gives a creamy, tangy twist. On top sits a mini grilled cheese, crispy and gooey with melted cheese.
Olive Oil and Black Pepper Donut
A savory twist on the classic, this donut brings the rich, smooth taste of olive oil with a surprising kick of black pepper. The infusion of oil turns the dough into a soft, almost creamy texture, while the pepper gives it an unexpected heat that lingers long after the last bite.
Coffee and Crushed Potato Chip Donut
Imagine the rich, bold kick of coffee meeting the salty crunch of potato chips in one donut—sounds wild, right? But trust us, it’s the ultimate mashup for anyone who prefers to push the boundaries of flavor. If you’re ready to try something that’ll get your taste buds talking, this donut’s for you!
Kimchi Donut
Kimchi in donut form? Yep, and it’s as bold as it sounds. Each bite is packed with the spicy, tangy flavors of fermented cabbage, balanced by the dough’s soft, pillowy texture. For those craving something outside the ordinary, it’s the best fusion of Korean cuisine and classic indulgence.
Pineapple and Jalapeño Donut
Sweet, spicy, and totally unexpected—this Pineapple and Jalapeño donut is a flavor explosion. The juicy pineapple adds a tropical sweetness that’s balanced by the heat from fresh jalapeños. Each bite balances sweet and spicy, with the pineapple cooling the jalapeño heat for a satisfying kick.
Blue Cheese and Honey Donut
This daring combo brings together the sharp, tangy flavor of blue cheese with the smooth, natural sweetness of honey. The donut itself is light and soft, making it a vessel for this unexpected duo. Bold, unforgettable, and unique, this is only for those who aren’t afraid to mix things up.
