This list covers the world of hole-less donuts, from classic cake styles to filled and glazed varieties. Whether you’re a home baker looking for new recipes or a curious foodie wanting to know what to order at a shop, this guide breaks down the most popular types, what makes each unique, and how to pick the right one for your craving.
1. Boston Cream Donut
A round, yeast-raised donut with no hole, split and filled with vanilla custard, then topped with chocolate glaze. The filling is thick and creamy, often made with egg yolks and milk, and the glaze sets to a slight sheen. It’s a staple at many donut shops and a great introduction to filled styles because the custard is familiar and comforting.
2. Jelly Donut (Sufganiyot)
Typically filled with raspberry or strawberry jam, these are yeast donuts that are fried and then rolled in sugar. The filling is injected after frying, which keeps the dough light and airy. In Israel, sufganiyot are traditionally eaten during Hanukkah, but they’re enjoyed year-round elsewhere. The key is a generous jam center that bursts when you bite into it.
3. Bavarian Cream Donut
Similar to a Boston cream but filled with a lighter, whipped pastry cream that’s often flavored with vanilla or almond. The cream is airier than a standard custard, making it less heavy. These are usually dusted with powdered sugar rather than glazed, which lets the filling shine. Look for ones that are filled to order for the best texture.
4. Apple Cider Donut
A cake donut made with reduced apple cider, giving it a dense, moist crumb and a tangy apple flavor. They’re often rolled in cinnamon sugar and are a fall favorite at orchards and farm stands. The lack of a hole means more surface area for that spiced coating, and the cake texture holds up well to a hot drink.
5. Old-Fashioned Donut
These are cake donuts with a craggy, cracked exterior and a dense, tender interior. They’re usually made with buttermilk or sour cream and are either glazed or left plain. The cracks are a result of the batter being dropped into hot oil, and they add a pleasant crunch. They’re a classic choice if you want a donut that’s not too sweet.
6. French Cruller
Made from choux pastry, these donuts are light, airy, and have a distinctive ridged shape. They’re often twisted or formed into a ring, but some versions are flat discs with no hole. The texture is delicate and almost custard-like inside, with a crisp exterior. A simple glaze is all they need, as the pastry itself is the star.
7. Beignet
A square or rectangular piece of fried dough, typically served hot and covered in powdered sugar. They’re a New Orleans specialty, often enjoyed with café au lait. Beignets are made from a yeast dough that’s rolled out and cut into squares, then fried until puffy. They have no hole and are best eaten immediately while still warm.
8. Mochi Donut
These donuts are made with glutinous rice flour, giving them a chewy, unique texture that’s different from wheat-based donuts. They’re often formed into a ring of eight small balls, but some versions are solid discs. The mochi texture is springy and slightly sticky, and they come in flavors like matcha, taro, and black sesame. They’re a fun twist if you’re looking for something less traditional.
9. Creme-Filled Donut (Bismarck)
Similar to a Bavarian cream but often filled with a thicker, pudding-like cream and topped with chocolate or maple icing. The name varies by region, but the concept is the same: a yeast donut with a generous filling. Some versions are also filled with lemon curd or chocolate cream. They’re a hearty option for those who like a lot of filling.
10. Cake Donut (Plain or Glazed)
A simple, dense donut made from a cake batter, often flavored with nutmeg or vanilla. These can be found in many shapes, including rounds with no hole, and are often glazed with a sugar or chocolate icing. The crumb is tight and slightly crumbly, making them a good base for toppings. They’re a versatile choice that pairs well with coffee.
How to Choose
When picking between these, consider the texture you’re after. Yeast donuts (like Boston cream or jelly) are light and airy, while cake donuts (like old-fashioned or apple cider) are denser and more substantial. If you want a filling, look for ones that are filled to order or have a generous amount of cream or jam. For a less sweet option, go for a plain cake donut or a French cruller. Also, think about what you’re pairing it with—a glazed donut is great with black coffee, while a filled one might be better with a latte.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do some donuts have no holes? Donuts without holes are often filled or have a denser batter that doesn’t need a hole for even cooking. The hole in ring donuts helps the center cook through, but filled donuts are fried at a lower temperature or for a shorter time to avoid burning the outside.
Are cake donuts healthier than yeast donuts? Not necessarily. Cake donuts are often higher in calories and fat because they’re made with butter or shortening, while yeast donuts are lighter but can still be fried. The healthiest option is usually a plain cake donut without glaze or filling.
Can I make these at home? Yes, most of these can be made at home with the right equipment. You’ll need a deep fryer or a heavy pot for frying, and a piping bag for filled donuts. Cake donuts are easier for beginners, while yeast donuts require more time for rising.
What’s the difference between a Boston cream and a Bavarian cream donut? Boston cream has a thick, custard-like filling and chocolate glaze, while Bavarian cream is lighter and airier, often with a vanilla flavor and powdered sugar. The texture of the filling is the main difference.
How should I store filled donuts? Filled donuts are best eaten the same day, but you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for a day. The filling can make the dough soggy, so it’s best to refresh them in a microwave for a few seconds if you do refrigerate.
Final Thoughts
Donuts without holes offer a whole range of textures and flavors that ring donuts don’t. Whether you’re into creamy fillings, dense cake, or chewy mochi, there’s a style for you. Try a few different kinds to find your favorite, and don’t be afraid to ask your local shop what they recommend. The best donut is the one that makes you happy.