Is there anything better than a fresh doughnut? Seriously, hats off to whoever thought it was a good idea to throw a ring of dough in the fryer, then slather on some sweet and sticky glaze. With doughnut creators constantly pushing the boundaries, today you don’t have to look far to find a doughnut shop that specializes in churning out fresh handmade goodies with unique flavours and toppings far more sophisticated than a plain old honey dip. Read on to find out where you can get the finest doughnut creations in Ontario’s Highlands.
Healthy Food Technologies
Doughnuts often get a bad rap considering their traditional deep-fried cooking method. What if we told you that you could have a doughnut for 50-70% less fat and considerably fewer calories, without compromising taste? Healthy Food Technologies, known simply as HFT, has mastered guilt-free doughnuts in so many different flavours you’ll find it hard to narrow down your choice. One visit to their shop in Almonte will have you wondering how they could possibly make such mouth-watering reduced-fat versions of favourites like jelly-filled, classic dips, and fritters.
McGuire’s Doughnuts
In late 2018 a new business sent Pembroke into a frenzy. McGuire’s Doughnuts opened their doors in downtown Pembroke, and the response from the community was overwhelming. Hungry people travelled from afar to get their hands on a dozen, and as a result, McGuire’s were often finding themselves sold out by lunch! Today, McGuire’s is absolutely thriving at filling the city’s doughnut needs. Plan a visit to this popular spot to find out why the locals rave about their fresh made pastries. Keep an eye out for classics like cinnamon sugar, or mix it up and find a new favourite in their signature bright blue “Sweet-ish Berry” flavour.
Cardinal Café and Shop
Cardinal Café in Sharbot Lake, just minutes off of Highway 7, is the perfect spot for a road trip stop when your crew is craving a bite to eat and some homemade goodies. They have found their niche in doughnuts, and they sure do them well. Save room after lunch for a cream-filled favourite like their campfire S’mores or strawberry shortcake, or embrace local flavours with their maple bacon doughnut, made with Conboy maple syrup, which is produced less than ten minutes down the road.
Honorary Mention: BlackFly GrubHub
The new kid on the doughnut block is making its way to Perth after establishing a following at the local farmer’s markets. Let us give you a little insider tip: when the doors open at BlackFly GrubHub in Perth this spring, make it a priority to stop in. Your mind will be blown with their vast selection of both sweet and savoury doughnuts. Yes, you read that right. Adventurous palates will be naturally drawn to options like bacon-cheddar-jalapeno, buffalo bleu, and nacho cheese topped with your choice of Doritos or Cheetos. Or you can play it safe with the more reserved coconut lime, lemonade stand, and banana Nutella.