People Drive From All Over Oregon For Donuts That Are Bigger Than Your Hand
Oregon has a serious donut problem, and I mean that in the best way possible. Across the state, bakers are cranking out pastries so absurdly large they make your morning coffee look like a toy. These aren’t dainty treats you nibble politely at brunch.
These are two-handed, plate-spanning monsters that demand respect and possibly a napkin bib. People plan road trips around them, snap photos before the first bite, and argue passionately about which shop reigns supreme.
I’ve chased down more than my share of these giants, and trust me, the hype is real.
1. Voodoo Doughnut – Old Town, Portland
The pink box alone has become iconic, but the real star is the Tex-Ass, a glazed ring about the size of six regular donuts. This beast weighs enough to make your arm tired.
Fans line up at the SW 3rd Ave location just to snap a photo holding this sugary trophy before tearing into it. The glaze is classic, sweet, and unapologetic.
Voodoo keeps the Tex-Ass in regular rotation, and it shows up in countless social media feeds. The shop thrives on spectacle, and this donut delivers every single time.
2. Delicious Donuts – SE Grand Ave, Portland
Walking into this humble counter early in the morning feels like stepping into a secret club where bigger is always better. Their apple fritter is a two-hand operation, crispy on the edges and stuffed with real apple chunks that don’t quit.
I once ordered one for a friend’s birthday, and the staff cheerfully made a custom oversized version that barely fit in the box. The texture hits that perfect balance between cake-like and crispy.
They open early, so you can grab one before the rest of the city wakes up and claims them all.
3. Joe’s Donuts – Sandy, Mt. Hood Gateway
Red-and-white stripes greet you outside, and inside, the glass cases hold fritters described by locals as small-plate-sized. The maple bars stretch long and thick, balanced precariously between two fingers like a sweet, frosted plank.
This place has been slinging oversized classics since the 1970s, and the recipes haven’t budged. The maple glaze is rich without being cloying, and the dough stays tender even at that size.
Stop here on your way to the mountain, and you’ll understand why generations of skiers and hikers fuel up at Joe’s.
4. Dizzy Dean’s Donuts – Eugene
When a menu boldly lists Texas Bar and Texas Twist, you know the shop isn’t messing around. These brawny, bar-style donuts dwarf your palm and sit alongside bear claws that could feed a small family.
Eugene locals swear by the chocolate Texas Bar, which delivers a thick coat of frosting over a dense, satisfying base. The twist version adds cinnamon sugar into the mix, making it impossible to choose a favorite.
Dizzy Dean’s keeps the vibe casual and the portions anything but, making it a must-stop for anyone cruising through the southern Willamette Valley.
5. The Happy Donut – Myrtle Creek, I-5 Exit 103
Travelers slam on the brakes at Exit 103 just to witness the spectacle. Happy Donut runs a one-pound and two-pound fritter challenge, and even the regular fritters are hand-spanning slabs that defy logic.
I attempted the one-pounder once and tapped out halfway through, humbled but delicious. The apple and blueberry versions both pack real fruit, and the dough stays moist even at that ridiculous size.
Challenge posts flood their social media, and the shop keeps active hours for road-trippers needing a sugar-fueled pit stop.
6. Bizzy Jean’s Donuts – Springfield
Neighborhood charm meets Texas-sized ambition at Bizzy Jean’s, where the menu lists Texas Bar and Texas Twist right alongside hefty fritters and bacon-topped bars. The portions are generous, and the flavors stay straightforward and satisfying.
Modern delivery menus make it easy to order ahead, but visiting in person lets you see the full lineup behind the glass. The bacon bars strike a savory-sweet balance that keeps regulars coming back weekly.
Springfield residents treat this spot like a local treasure, and one bite of their oversized offerings makes it clear why loyalty runs deep.
7. Annie’s Donut Shop – NE Portland
Retro charm oozes from every corner of Annie’s, where the fritters emerge larger than you think and the vibe stays refreshingly unpretentious. Steady foot traffic keeps the cases rotating, and late-day restocks happen when the crew can manage it.
This Portland stalwart doesn’t chase trends or gimmicks. The fritters are crispy, generous, and exactly what you want when you need a donut that means business.
Locals know to arrive early for the best selection, but even the afternoon offerings hold up beautifully. Annie’s proves that sometimes simple, oversized, and delicious is all you need.
8. Sesame Donuts – Multiple PDX-Metro Locations
This tenacious, family-run mini-chain dedicates an entire menu section to Fritters, Claws, Rolls, the big boys of any donut case. Multiple locations around the metro area mean you’re never far from a hand-spanning treat.
Powell, PSU, Tigard, and more all carry the same commitment to size and quality. The buttermilk bars are dense and tangy, while the bear claws flake beautifully and pack plenty of almond paste.
Sesame keeps hours accessible and the lineup consistent, making it a reliable stop for anyone craving something substantial and sweet across the Portland area.