I’m kind of a Gilmore Girl… give me all of the delicious baked treats along with coffee, coffee, coffee! And, nothing beats a sugary reward after a day of hiking in those gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains. These are my favorite orchards, cafes, and bakeries for donuts in Asheville, including Vortex, Dough House, Ava’s, and seasonally open Sky Top Orchard.
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Having lived in Asheville since 2019, I’ve scoured the city’s happening restaurant scene for the best donuts. Chocolate glazed!? Mango frosting!? Sneak in an apple fritter!? A bonus matcha latte!? Yes, please! All photos are my own, and this guide will take you across the NC mountains into Black Mountain and Flat Rock.
P.S. If you have a favorite donut shop, let me know in the comments. I’m always eating my way through Western North Carolina. 💙 Christine
🍩 This craving-worthy donut guide pairs well with my favorite Asheville coffee shops, delicious places for weekend brunch, and casual breakfast spots locals love. All of my guides are written from the heart – and my stomach! ☕️
Vortex Doughnuts
Head to Downtown Asheville’s South Slope neighborhood – next to the gorgeous Chai Pani (Indian street snacks!) – for Vortex Doughnuts. They are under new ownership post-Helene. Along with delicious donuts and local PennyCup coffee, chow down on breakfast sandwiches and treats, all of which you can order as takeout or delivery.
I love (and appreciate!) Vortex’s vegan options, and I recommend them as part of any Downtown Asheville itinerary: boutique shopping, dining, and brewery hopping. Of course, Vortex Doughnuts is perfect for the entire family.
Dough House
For 100% vegan donuts near Asheville, with gluten-free options, Black Mountain’s Dough House is a must. This donut shop originated from the owners of the former Trashy Vegan (if you are a long-time local).
While they have slightly more limited hours, I love coming here for their incredibly unique and creative seasonal and rotating flavors, including French Toast, Mango or Maple Glazed, Savory Garlic Butter, and Orange Creamsicle. Dough House makes my absolute favorite apple fritters EVER. Be on the lookout for those cinnamon buns, too.
Insider Tip & More Vegan & GF Guides:
🍩 Dough House may sell out and close early. Get there as soon as you can! I love ordering at least half a dozen donuts to go. They freeze well. Watch their social media accounts for those bonus baked treats.
🥖 We are a part Celiac and lactose-intolerant household. For more places like Dough House, read my guides to Vegan Dining, Gluten-Free Asheville, and Restaurants with the Best Dairy-Free Options. 🧀
Hole Doughnuts
Voted Best Dessert of 2016 by Bon Appétit, Hole Doughnuts is a staple West Asheville coffee shop serving handmade donuts. Also a visitor destination, you’ll see iconic Instagram photos of donuts being held up in front of their food truck. Along with classic donut flavors, Hole Doughnuts offers seasonal and rotating donuts. Grab some local PennyCup coffee, too.
Ava’s Donuts
Many of our Uncorked Readers will tell you that Ava’s Donuts makes the absolute best donuts in Asheville – and trust me, my followers are massive foodies. Family-owned and situated in South Asheville near Biltmore Park Town Square, their donuts are made fresh every morning.
Ava’s classic donuts include anything from strawberry, vanilla, and cookies & cream to caramel and sprinkles. Or, select from cake and specialty donuts like maple bacon, red velvet cake, and sour cream old-fashioned. This is also the place to grab bear claws, cinnamon rolls, and apple fritters. I love it when they make heart-shaped donuts for special holidays.
Sky Top Orchard (Flat Rock/Seasonal)
For the fall, I had to include at least one of the top apple orchards near Asheville for donuts, and while they are all wonderful, Sky Top Orchard is my personal favorite for their famous cider donuts.
Just under 50 minutes from Asheville, watch as bakers make these sugary treats right in front of you, served piping hot. Pull over to a picnic table, and watch them magically disappear. I love these donuts paired with a hard cider, hot apple cider, or a cider slushie. We all need fuel to apple pick, right?
These spots look and sound amazing!! I’ve been really liking donuts lately after not having a sweet tooth for a bit, and it’s actually been a change I’ve welcomed :’)
Haha! They are delicious. Donuts don’t always make me feel amazing afterward, but still, I love them.