Go Nuts for Donuts!

Plain, glazed, frosted, flavored, covered in a million toppings…there are endless types of donuts and with good reason: the U.S. alone bakes more than 10 billion donuts a year! Take your taste buds on a trip to try all the different donut varieties that the world has to offer.

Oliebol – Netherlands

We have the Netherlands to thank for the original donut: the oliebol. These dumpling-shaped dough balls are usually filled with raisins and topped with powdered sugar. Oliebollen are a staple of New Year’s celebrations in the Netherlands – champagne and donuts, anyone? – but can also be found throughout the year at fairs and festivals and from street vendors. Need to get a taste of these classic donuts?

Cronut – New York City

What do you get when you cross a donut with a croissant? A CRONUT! In 2013, New York City pastry chef, Dominique Ansel created this one-of-a-kind treat which are deep-fried and filled with a different flavor cream each month and no flavor is ever duplicated. Today, people travel from all over the world to visit the Dominique Ansel Bakery in New York City. Want to get your hands on one of the ever-popular cronuts? Place your order online to avoid waiting in line or the bakery selling out. 

Struffoli – Italy

Struffoli are marble sized donut puffs that are fried, covered in honey, then topped with colorful sprinkles and cinnamon. These small bites are a part of Italian holiday tradition served during Christmas season. The treats can be found in pastry shops in the Naples region and similar varieties with different names can be found across the country.

Beignet – New Orleans, Louisiana

After being introduced by the French, beignets have become the official state donut of Louisiana. Served at New Orleans’ famous Café du Monde and throughout the French Quarter, these deep-fried choux pastries are doused in powdered sugar so make sure you have a stack of napkins handy before chowing down! Enjoy beignets for breakfast or as dessert, commonly topped with bananas or plantains.

Cruisitude Tip:

Craving a donut now? Many donut shops such as Krispy Kreme and Dunkin Donuts offer visitors a free donut on National Donut Day, June 2!

Find a Cruise Planners Travel Agent near you to start planning your next trip. Don’t forget to pack your appetite along with your sense of adventure!