11 Indiana Donut Shops That Sell Out Before You Even Get There
Getting your hands on the perfect donut in Indiana requires military-level planning and ninja-like speed. These beloved bakeries across the Hoosier State have mastered the art of making treats so irresistible that customers line up before sunrise.
Many operate on the simple philosophy of “when they’re gone, they’re gone,” leaving latecomers staring at empty display cases.
1. Long’s Bakery – Indianapolis
Cash talks loudly at this legendary Indianapolis institution, where customers form lines in the pre-dawn darkness. The westside and Southport locations have been perfecting their craft since 1955, creating donuts so fresh they practically melt in your mouth.
Smart shoppers know that arriving early means scoring the coveted yeast-glazed donuts and chocolate long johns. The bakery fries everything daily, ensuring maximum freshness but limited quantities.
Bring cash because plastic won’t work here, and prepare for a wait that’s absolutely worth every minute of standing around.
2. Rise’n Roll Bakery – Statewide
Born in Middlebury, this Amish-inspired bakery chain has spread across Indiana like wildfire, and for good reason. Their signature Cinnamon Caramel donuts have earned the nickname “Amish crack” among devoted fans who can’t stop at just one.
Multiple locations mean easier access, but don’t let that fool you into sleeping in. Popular items vanish faster than morning fog, especially those addictive cinnamon caramel creations that practically glow behind the glass.
Check your nearest location’s opening hours because early birds consistently snag the best selection while night owls face disappointment.
3. Square Donuts – Terre Haute
Geometry meets gastronomy at this Terre Haute treasure where donuts come in perfect squares instead of traditional circles. The iconic square yeast donuts have been drawing crowds for decades, proving that sometimes thinking outside the circle pays off.
This cash-only operation runs on old-school principles, including the nerve-wracking reality of selling out regularly. Weekend mornings bring especially fierce competition among donut devotees seeking their square fix.
I learned the hard way that showing up with just a credit card means walking away empty-handed and craving those unique geometric treats.
4. Hilligoss Bakery – Brownsburg
Time stands still at this old-fashioned Brownsburg bakery where traditional methods reign supreme. The simple “open until sold out” policy creates daily drama as customers race against the clock and each other.
Cake donuts steal the spotlight here, crafted with techniques passed down through generations. The tender crumb and perfect sweetness make these treats worth any early morning sacrifice required to secure them.
Smart strategy involves calling ahead to confirm they’re still stocked, though true enthusiasts just show up early and hope for the best in this donut lottery.
5. Tom’s Donuts – Lake James/Angola
Summer weekends transform this Angola area bakery into absolute chaos as lake-goers descend like hungry locusts. Tom’s even holds a Guinness World Record for selling the most donuts in eight hours at Lake James back in 2022.
Record-breaking sales mean record-breaking sellouts, especially when the weather cooperates and everyone heads to the water. The combination of vacation vibes and sugar cravings creates perfect storms of demand.
Early morning visits on lake days represent your best shot at donut success, though even then, you’re competing with equally determined vacationers.
6. Concannon’s Bakery Café – Muncie
Variety reigns supreme at this Muncie favorite, where the selection spans from classic glazed to adventurous flavor combinations. The maple-bacon and peanut-butter donuts have achieved cult status among Ball State students and locals alike.
Large selection sounds promising until you realize popular flavors disappear faster than college students’ budgets. The Baker Lane location consistently delivers quality, but timing remains everything in the donut game.
Early arrival guarantees the widest variety, while late sleepers often find themselves choosing between whatever survived the morning rush or planning better tomorrow.
7. Taylor’s Bakery – Indianapolis & Fishers
Family traditions run deep at this classic bakery serving Indianapolis and Fishers communities with time-honored recipes. High-demand mornings create feeding frenzies as customers compete for limited-run specialties and collaborative creations.
Social media followers gain insider advantages by tracking special announcements and limited-edition collaborations. These exclusive offerings often sell out within hours of posting, creating digital-age donut hunting.
Following their social accounts feels like getting secret intelligence reports about when special flavors drop, giving savvy customers crucial timing advantages over casual browsers.
8. Titus Bakery & Deli – Lebanon & Westfield
Decades of donut mastery have made Titus a household name across central Indiana, with locations in Lebanon and Westfield serving loyal customers. The maple-iced Pershing donut stands as their undisputed champion, disappearing faster than morning dew.
Pershing donuts achieve near-mythical status among regular customers who plan entire mornings around securing these maple-glazed treasures. The combination of a perfect cake base and signature maple icing creates irresistible appeal.
Strategic early stops become necessary survival tactics for Pershing devotees because once they’re gone, no amount of pleading brings them back until tomorrow’s fresh batch.
9. White House Donut Shop – Westfield
Five in the morning means business time at this cash-only Westfield institution, where “selling until gone” often means mid-morning disappointment for stragglers. The early opening creates opportunities for dedicated donut seekers willing to sacrifice sleep.
Cash requirements add extra complexity since the ATM situation remains unreliable. Smart customers arrive prepared with actual money, avoiding the frustration of finding perfect donuts but lacking proper payment.
Mid-morning visits frequently result in staring at empty cases and learning hard lessons about proper donut timing in this unforgiving marketplace.
10. Munster Donut – Munster
Regional institution status means serious business in Munster, where this beloved bakery opens exceptionally early to serve devoted customers. The daily “donut of the day” special creates additional excitement and competition among regular visitors.
Very early opening hours accommodate the most dedicated donut enthusiasts, but busy mornings still result in rapid sellouts. The rotating daily special keeps things interesting while adding urgency to each visit.
Posted hours require careful attention since they can shift, and arriving early consistently provides the best assortment before popular flavors vanish into happy customers’ stomachs.
11. Hetty Arts Pastry Donut Truck – Fort Wayne
Mobile donut magic rolls through Fort Wayne farmers’ markets, bringing artisanal treats directly to eager customers. This truck operation follows the brutal “until sold out” policy that often leaves latecomers staring at an empty vehicle.
Tracking the schedule becomes essential homework for serious donut hunters, since missing the timing means missing everything. Start times represent crucial intelligence for securing treats before fellow market shoppers clean out the inventory.
Farmers’ market competition intensifies the usual donut drama, as health-conscious shoppers paradoxically sprint toward sugar-filled temptations with surprising determination and strategic planning.