7 Upstate New York Maple Donuts Worth The Drive
There’s something undeniably magical about the sweet, rich combination of maple and donuts, it’s a pairing that instantly makes my taste buds dance with joy.
As a lifelong New Yorker with a serious sweet tooth, I’ve spent countless weekend mornings crisscrossing Upstate in search of the ultimate maple-glazed delight.
From tiny bakeries tucked inside quirky laundromats to rustic cider mills that only open during the fall, each spot has its own charm and flavor profile. These seven unforgettable maple donut destinations have more than earned their place on my sugar-fueled road trip itinerary, and trust me, they’re well worth the detour.
1. Cider Belly’s Sweet Maple Magic
My first bite of a Cider Belly maple donut nearly made me weep with joy. This Albany gem crafts year-round cider donuts with that perfect warm, spiced sugar coating that dissolves on your tongue.
What keeps me coming back? Their rotating specialty flavors like buttercream and German chocolate alongside those maple-kissed classics. I once drove two hours just for their Thursday maple bacon special!
Their vegan and gluten-free options mean everyone in my friend group gets to experience the magic. Pro tip: arrive early on weekends, these heavenly circles disappear faster than morning dew.
2. Glazed Over’s Custom Maple Masterpieces
Last summer, I stumbled upon Glazed Over while hiking in Beacon and discovered donut nirvana. Voted “Best Donuts in the Hudson Valley” for good reason, their build-your-own approach lets your inner donut artist shine.
The maple glaze forms the perfect foundation, thick enough to satisfy but not overwhelmingly sweet. I watched in awe as they drizzled it over a fresh-from-the-fryer ring.
My personal creation? Maple glaze with crushed walnuts and a hint of cinnamon. The cider-infused varieties take things to another level entirely. The shop’s bright, cheerful vibe matches the friendly staff who remember regulars’ custom creations.
3. Washboard Donut Shop’s Laundry Day Delights
Picture this: I’m sorting quarters for laundry when the scent of fresh maple bacon donuts wafts through the air. Welcome to Washboard, possibly the quirkiest donut spot in America where you can literally wash your clothes while waiting for fresh-baked treats.
The maple bacon donut here is legendary. Sweet maple glaze perfectly balances the savory bacon crumbles on top. People drive 2.5 hours from all directions for these Tupper Lake treasures!
I’ve met visitors from Canada who cross the border just for a dozen. Something about folding warm laundry with a maple-glazed masterpiece in hand feels like peak Adirondack living.
4. Paula’s Donuts’ Maple Monuments
Buffalo winters feel a little warmer with Paula’s maple frosted donuts in hand. This Western New York institution has perfected the maple donut, substantial without being heavy, sweet without being cloying.
My Buffalo-born college roommate introduced me to Paula’s, insisting we make a pre-dawn pilgrimage during my first visit. The line stretched out the door at 6 AM on a Tuesday! Watching the bakers hand-dip each donut in that glossy maple coating was mesmerizing.
With locations in Clarence and Tonawanda, Paula’s consistently tops local best-of lists. Friendly rivalry exists with Eileen’s in West Seneca, whose fans swear by their “killer maple” variety.
5. Glazed & Confused’s Artisanal Maple Creations
Syracuse’s hippest donut spot had me at their punny name, but their maple concoctions kept me coming back monthly. Glazed & Confused takes donut artistry seriously, each batch feels like edible science experiments gone deliciously right.
The maple donut (don’t worry, it’s just flavoring!) with its crown of candied pecans became my Saturday morning reward after farmers market trips. Their rotating seasonal offerings keep things fresh, the autumn maple-cider combo haunts my dreams.
Bonus points for their commitment to inclusive baking with vegan and gluten-free options that don’t sacrifice flavor. The funky, art-filled space makes waiting in the inevitable weekend line much more enjoyable.
6. Burrville Cider Mill’s Seasonal Maple Treasures
My annual autumn pilgrimage to Burrville Cider Mill has become sacred tradition. Operating only from late August through mid-November, their maple-dusted cider donuts create a feeding frenzy that draws devoted fans from across the Northeast.
The 200-year-old mill building itself feels magical, with its creaking wooden floors and views of the waterfall outside. I’ve learned to arrive on weekday mornings to avoid the weekend crowds that form donut lines 30 people deep.
Beyond the donuts, their fresh-pressed cider complements the maple sweetness perfectly. The mill tours provide fascinating historical context, but let’s be honest, we’re all there for those warm, fragrant rings of maple-cinnamon perfection.
7. Fred’s Coffee & Donuts’ Mountain Morning Maple
Nestled in the Catskills, Fred’s drive-thru saved my sanity during a rainy camping weekend last summer. Their maple-glazed donuts, handed through the window with a smile, transformed my mood instantly.
The donut itself achieves that perfect balance, crisp exterior giving way to pillowy inside, all wrapped in maple glaze that captures the essence of Catskills sweetness. Paired with their hot apple cider on a chilly morning, it’s pure mountain magic.
Fred’s unassuming exterior hides donut greatness. I’ve since made it my mandatory first stop when heading to Tannersville for hiking adventures. Their caramel pretzel variety tempts me occasionally, but the classic maple always wins my heart.