I Hit The Roads Of Small-Town Wisconsin To Try 7 Donut Shops (And Found 4 I’ll Never Forget)

People say Wisconsin runs on dairy. I disagree.

After spending a weekend crisscrossing counties known more for cheese curds and stoic politeness, I can confirm it runs entirely on deep-fried sugar. My mission was simple: survive seven independent donut shops without slipping into a full-blown glaze coma. It involved questionable hotel coffee, scraping frost off the windshield, and sacrificing my blood sugar levels for the sake of journalism.

Was it worth the existential dread and the pounds of butterfat consumed? Absolutely. Here are the masterpieces that justified the entire dizzying journey.

1. Greenbush Bakery: Madison’s Kosher Donut Paradise

Morning sunlight streamed through the windows as I joined the line of locals at Greenbush Bakery. This Madison institution isn’t just the city’s only kosher-certified dairy bakery – it’s a donut lover’s dream come true.

Their old-fashioned donuts possess that perfect crackly exterior while maintaining a tender, cake-like interior. The sour cream variety particularly shines with its subtle tang balancing the sweetness.

My favorite moment came when the elderly gentleman behind the counter insisted I try a fresh-from-the-fryer chocolate glazed “on the house.” That warm, melt-in-your-mouth experience alone was worth the drive across state lines.

2. Cranky Al’s: Wauwatosa’s Line-Worthy Creations

Cranky Al’s might have a grumpy name, but there’s nothing but joy inside this Wauwatosa neighborhood fixture. The early-morning line stretching down the block told me everything I needed to know before I even tasted their legendary creations.

What sets Cranky Al’s apart is their fearless approach to flavors. Their crème brûlée donut features an actual torched sugar top that cracks satisfyingly with each bite. The donut holes, served warm, disappear embarrassingly fast.

No wonder this place landed on Yelp’s “Top 50 Donut Shops in America” list – these donuts aren’t just breakfast, they’re an experience worth setting your alarm for.

3. Fosdal Home Bakery: Stoughton’s Time-Honored Treasure

Walking into Fosdal’s feels like stepping back to 1939 when this family operation first opened its doors. The vintage charm isn’t manufactured – it’s earned through decades of serving Stoughton’s sweetest cravings.

Chocolate raised donut haunts my dreams with its perfect yeast-risen texture and rich cocoa glaze. I actually drove back the next day for another one, telling myself it was “research.” The staff remembered my name from the previous visit, calling me “honey” and throwing in an extra donut hole.

Family-owned since FDR was president, this bakery embodies small-town Wisconsin hospitality. The regional awards lining their walls only confirm what locals already know.

4. Bloomer Bakery: Northwestern Wisconsin’s Hidden Gem

The GPS led me down several wrong turns before I finally discovered Bloomer Bakery tucked away on a quiet street. This unassuming storefront doesn’t advertise its greatness – it doesn’t need to.

Apple fritters here deserve their own category – massive, crispy-edged masterpieces studded with cinnamon-spiced fruit chunks. Each one weighs about as much as a small puppy. The classic raised donuts achieve that perfect balance between airy and substantial.

I’ve since rerouted three separate road trips just to stop here again. Sometimes the most memorable places are the ones you have to work hardest to find. Bloomer Bakery is exactly the kind of hole-in-the-wall that makes food exploration so rewarding.

5. Manderfield’s Home Bakery: Fox Cities’ Reliable Classic

Manderfield’s stands as a testament to consistency in the Fox Cities area. Since the 1930s, this family operation has been turning out reliable, old-school donuts that rarely disappoint.

Their cake donuts have that distinctive crisp exterior giving way to a dense, moist interior. The chocolate frosted version offers nostalgic flavors that transport you straight to childhood Sunday mornings. Nothing revolutionary happens at Manderfield’s – and that’s precisely the point.

While not as memorable as my top four finds, their steady presence on regional “best of” lists is well-earned. Sometimes you don’t need innovation when you’ve already perfected the classics across multiple generations and locations.

6. Sunday Dough: Sheboygan’s Weekend Sellout Sensation

The name “Sunday Dough” initially confused me – until I learned this Sheboygan hotspot frequently sells out by mid-morning, especially on weekends. Arriving at 7am sharp proved a wise decision.

Rotating menu of seasonal flavors keeps locals coming back to discover what’s new. During my visit, a maple bacon variety featuring locally-sourced ingredients demonstrated why this small shop has developed such a devoted following. The texture achieved that ideal balance between fluffy and substantial.

The tiny space buzzes with energy as customers debate which flavors to try. I watched one regular order a dozen assorted donuts “for the office” while winking at the staff – a transaction I suspect happens frequently with those donuts never actually reaching any colleagues.

7. Jonnie’s Bakery: Eau Claire’s Gluten-Free Miracle

Finding Jonnie’s required some detective work as this Eau Claire operation began as a mobile/market vendor before establishing their permanent pickup location. What makes them truly special? Everything is 100% gluten-free.

As someone who can eat regular gluten, I approached with skepticism. How could a donut without wheat flour possibly compete? The answer came with my first bite of their cinnamon sugar variety – I genuinely couldn’t tell the difference.

The owner explained they spent years perfecting their flour blend to achieve authentic textures and flavors. For travelers with dietary restrictions or those accompanying gluten-sensitive friends, Jonnie’s represents a rare opportunity to share in one of Wisconsin’s sweetest traditions without compromise.