An incomplete list of things we’ll never get tired of looking at photos of: puppies and kittens snuggling, city skylines at sunset, sandwich cross-sections, intricate latte art and doughnuts — especially doughnuts. If you want our likes on Instagram, it’s scientifically proven: Just post a pretty picture of a doughnut and we’ll double-tap it!
While we think all doughnuts are things of beauty, we love how many bakers are going the extra mile these days to craft extra-aesthetically pleasing creations: Vivid colors, perfect frosting drizzles, rainbow-hued sugars and surprising toppings help transform this most humble of pastry into individual works of art. While there is a trend now to take baked goods way over the top, we find ourselves drawn to simple, striking doughnut designs, as modern in their form as they are in flavor.
Here are a few of the prettiest doughnuts in Philadelphia that we’ve recently come across:
Beiler’s Doughnuts
A Reading Terminal Market institution (now with locations also in University City and in downtown Lancaster), Beiler’s Doughnuts is perhaps best known and loved for its irreverent and overly decadent flavors, like the Elvis Delight, filled with peanut butter crème and topped with banana and bacon crumbles. But we’re crushing harder on its classic combos, like the Chocolate Coconut, a flawless raised doughnut topped with chocolate icing and showered with pure white shreds of coconut. 51 N. 12th St., Philadelphia; (267) 318-7480; 3900 Chestnut St.; (215) 921-5874; 398 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster; (717) 869-6415.
Curiosity Doughnuts
Curiosity Doughnuts is having a moment right now with a James Beard Award nomination for Outstanding Baker and its inclusion in the new Whole Foods Market in Spring House. While all of the doughnuts on its daily menu are lovely, we’ve got a crush on these cheerful, spring-y Cranberry-Yuzu Super Cakes. We love how they’ve got a wild pop of color, while still showing a bit of restraint. And what is a “super cake,” you might ask? According to owner and head baker, H. Alexander Talbot: “In short, the super cakes are the lightest, moistest, most tender cake doughnut you will eat.” 111 N. Bethlehem Pike, Spring House; (215) 646-6300.
Hello Donuts
While other shops are adding giant marshmallows and kids’ cereal on top of donuts, Hello Donuts maintains an elegant edge by adorning its doughnuts with fruit-dyed glazes, herbs and delicate swirls of icing. Nowhere is this more apparent than on its Black & White doughnuts, a riff on our favorite bodega treat: A cake doughnut with rich chocolate ganache icing and vanilla icing drizzle. You can find Hello Donuts in cafes across town, like Herman’s and River Wards Cafe, and soon you’ll be able to grab a bag of these beauties at Hello Donuts’ own shop in Kensington at Frankford Ave. and Amber St. Follow along on Instagram to find out when the storefront will open! Multiple locations.
Rival Bros. Coffee
The coffee at Rival Bros.’ shops is stellar, but what we find most impressive is its light-years-beyond-average snack program, including phenomenal toasts and sweets powered by the talented pastry chefs and bakers at High Street on Market. For example: this new citrus-flecked French doughnut with raspberry glaze. The shape, the pale pink of the glaze and the flavor combo sound just right for breakfast on a grey morning. 2400 Lombard St., Philadelphia; 1528 Spruce St., Philadelphia; 1100 Tasker St., Philadelphia.
Whose doughnuts gives you heart eyes? Let us know in the comments!
- Feature photo: Hannah Eshleman
- Other photos, in order: Curiosity Donuts, Afternoon Club, Rival Bros. Coffee
