After living in Tampa, Florida my entire life, I have seen the comes and goes of all the latest Tampa foodie trends. In recent years, one of the most up and coming crazes I've seen is the uprising of crazy doughnuts. I decided to go on my own adventure and test out all these new doughnut shops and record the wackiest ones I could find.
1. Strawberry Cheesecake Mini - Little Donut House
Little Donut House, located on Kennedy Blvd., is a newer doughnut shop that offers coffee, breakfast sandwiches, and of course, mini doughnuts. I decided to try out their Strawberry Cheesecake Mini. It is topped with vanilla icing, strawberry sauce, and tiny chunks of cheesecake! This small, yet delicious treat was unique and had all the right combinations of flavors. Cheesecake and doughnuts all in one? You can't get any better than that.
2. Cocoa Pebbles Mini - Fray's Donuts
Who ever said cereal was only for breakfast? With this Cocoa Pebbles Mini doughnut from Fray's Donuts in Madeira Beach, you can enjoy cereal for dessert as well! This small cake doughnut is topped with vanilla icing and crushed up Cocoa Pebbles Cereal, making it a yummy, crunchy, wacky treat for all to enjoy.
3. Apple Maple Crumble - Jupiter Donut Co.
One of the most elaborate doughnuts of the day had to be this Apple Maple Crumble doughnut from Jupiter Donut Co.. This scrumptious pastry was filled with creamy apple filling, topped with maple icing, cake crumbles, and a vanilla icing drizzle.
All of the different flavors and textures came together to create a flavorful frenzy in my mouth. My favorite part was the cake crumbles on top. It added a different texture to all the gooey goodness and really made the doughnut complete.
4. Cotton Candy Mini - Mini Doughnut Factory
This doughnut holds a special place in my heart. I have been to Mini Doughnut Factory on Dale Mabry over 40 times. Almost every time, I am sure to order one of their Cotton Candy Mini doughnuts. This doughnut is so unique due to its strawberry icing and cotton candy pop rocks. Before trying this doughnut, I didn't even know cotton candy pop rocks existed!
Best served warm, this mini is sure to satisfy and sweet tooth. It also adds a little pizzaz as the pop rocks pop in your mouth. It is a must try when visiting any of the Mini Doughnut Factory locations.
5. Cinnamon Sugar Minis with Icecream - Funky Sweets
These freshly served, warm Cinnamon Sugar Mini doughnuts from Funky Sweets in St. Pete was one of my favorite of the day. They were soft, covered with cinnamon sugar and powdered sugar, and topped with my choice of ice cream. I went with one scoop of vanilla and one scoop of salted caramel.
This unique twist on simple doughnuts made for a delightful, savory treat. I would definitely order them again! I also loved this shop because while I waited for my doughnuts to be done, I got to play some board games with my friends. They had around 20 different games available for their customers to play, including a foosball table. Such a great atmosphere and great desserts!
6. Maple Bacon - Datz Dough
I know what you're thinking...bacon on a doughnut? Yes, It's true! And it's one of Datz Dough's best sellers! This Maple Bacon doughnut has maple icing and is topped with a slice of cooked bacon.
I know it may sound gross...But you may be surprised! The flavors go very well together and gives a nice blend between savory and sweet. Never judge a doughnut by it's topping! This maple bacon doughnut may have been the dessert you've been waiting for your whole life. Check out Datz Dough on Macdill Avenue for this crazy pastry along with their other wacky sweets.
7. Chocolate Apple Edible - Edible Arrangements
This may look like your ordinary sprinkle doughnut...but don't be fooled. This treat is actually an apple covered with chocolate! This Chocolate Apple Edible from Edible Arrangements can be found next to Publix on Dale Mabry. They come in a cute little box and are best served cold so the chocolate doesn't melt quick.
The "doughnuts" come in different colors and designs. The crunch the chocolate makes once you bite into the apple is truly satisfying and the taste of the chocolate itself is to die for. I will definitely be trying these again...Or even attempting to make my own!
8. Glazed and Confused - Better Byrd
I bet you didn't think the doughnuts could get any wilder...YOU WERE WRONG! This Chicken Doughnut Sandwich from Better Byrd is properly named Glazed and Confused because of all the mixed feelings your taste buds get when you bite into this culinary invention.
This sandwich has a piece of crispy chicken, topped with cheddar cheese and a slice of bacon between two glazed doughnut buns. Surprisingly, it tasted pretty good! Served on the side is a spicy tasting syrup, which adds a nice kick to the meal. This doughnut wins the prize for the most crazy doughnut of the day.
Overall, my doughnut adventure was a success! I certainly think I can call myself a Tampa doughnut expert now. Now, if you excuse me, I need to go run a marathon to burn off all those calories!