- June 15, 2025
-
-
Loading
Loading
Donut act all glazed and confused about the topic of this week’s Eating with Emma — I’m not here for your summer-body prep talk. I’m on a knead-to-know basis about the hole lotta love donuts give me.
I’ve always been a little sprinkled with happiness when it comes to these frosted, fabulous fried (or however they’re made these days) breakfast beauties.
The smell of fresh donuts is one of the most nostalgic scents in my repertoire. When I was little, my grandma would take me to Dunkin’ Donuts to celebrate any kind of win.
Passed a spelling test? Got an A on a homework assignment (not in math or science, but English)? Made my free throws or hit a home run? Same sweet reward from Mimi, which is what I called my grandma.
If I managed to sit through an entire church service and stayed for coffee-hour instead of sneaking out back to wander around? You guessed it: a strawberry frosted (with sprinkles, of course) donut was around the corner. It was Mimi's sweet way of saying she was proud of me.
It's been almost 10 years since she passed, but even now, when I land a new client at work, help my neighbor with yard work or deep-clean the bathroom, I still find myself wishing she’d pop over and say, “Sweetie pie, wanna go to Dunkin’?”
Dunkin’ didn’t make the cut this time, but in honor of Mimi and National Donut Day (Friday, June 6), here are the local donut shops I wish I could take her to.
4800 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; PeacheysBakingCo.com
Glazed Glory: If you haven’t heard of Peachey’s, I can only assume you’ve been living in a sugar-free zone (my condolences). The Amish-style food truck that’s been slinging pillowy-soft, vanilla-glazed donuts is now has an permanent location in The Landings. From Tuesday through Saturday, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (or until sellout), you can now walk into their shop, breathe in that unmistakable sweet buttery aroma and grab a donut ($5) or a dozen ($40). Skip the snooze button, beat the rush and join me every chance I get, ordering "just one" but leaving with at least a box ($22).
Donut Mind If I Do: You didn't think I'd leave Peachey's without mentioning the best soft pretzel in town, did you? The pretzel ($8) somehow hits the perfect balance between chewy and soft, proving that Peachey’s continues to do what they’ve always done best — make simple things unforgettable.
4800 S. Tamiami Trail,Sarasota; 941-755-1225; Order pickup or delivery on UberEats, Postmates, Seamless or GrubHub
Rise and Shine, It's Donut Time: Searching for a box of classics, a strong cup of coffee and a loyal following that’s been showing up since 1989? This family-owned gem serves the real deal, memory-making donuts that take you straight back to childhood roadtrips, Sunday morning treats and paper bags dusted with powdered sugar. My personal favorite? The old fashions ($1.35), or what I like to refer to as crullers. These high holy rings are light, sweet, eggy and delicately crisp.
Donut Mind If I Do: The powdered sugar cake donuts ($1.32) melt the second they hit your tongue (and leave a trail on your shirt) while the blueberry cake donuts ($1.35) are nostalgic perfection — slightly crisp outside, delicate inside — with that unmistakable burst of berry sweetness.
Mutliple locations; Publix.com
Fantastically Frosted: It may not be the iconic strawberry glaze of my childhood, but these frosted, fried and forever delicious pillows of dough, topped with silky icing and a joyful avalanche of sprinkles, feel just like what Father Time had in mind. If Mimi were still here, I’m pretty sure she’d reward me for finishing this story and sending it to my editor on time by taking me straight to Publix for a sweet treat. She'd tell me one donut ($1.31) wasn't enough, so go for the half dozen ($5.19).
Donut Mind If I Do: Krispy Kreme donuts ($10+) will be waiting for you at Publix and those melt-in-your-mouth rings have a cult following for a reason. When my dad was first diagnosed with ALS, he downed as many as he could handle. Wherever he is now, he’s definitely indulging and saying how delicious they are with a full mouth that would drive my mother mad.
300 N. Washington Blvd, Sarasota; 941-487-8275.; 4205 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; 941-554-8469; 3700 N. Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota; 941-351-5684; 6571 State Road 70 E., Bradenton; 941-226-1553; JacksDonuts.com
Filled with Joy: My husband doesn’t have much of a sweet tooth, which is a strain on our marriage, but we’re working through it. That said, all bets are off when a Bavarian cream is within sniffing distance. Suddenly, he’s a kid in a candy shop, laser-focused on that custard-filled pastry like it holds the key to all the world's problems. Jack’s take on the Bavarian classic ($3.25) is a handcrafted masterpiece with rich chocolate ganache cloaking the donut, generously stuffed with silky vanilla cream.
Donut Mind If I Do: Jack’s is basically a donut love letter to all things stuffed. From cinnamon sugar apple-filled to peanut butter and jelly, to my current addiction of lemon, these filling-forward beauties are bursting at the seams in the best way. A dozen (ranging from $18–$21.50) is more than enough to keep you filled — at least until your next refill.
3800 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; 941-388-7046; 81 N. Cattlemen Road, Sarasota; 941-358-7661; 2241 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota; 941-960-1370; 5942 34th St. W., Bradenton; 941-751-5077; 2211 60th Ave. E., Ellenton; 941-722- 9800; FiveODonutCo.com
Hole-y Moly: Whether you’re a die-hard donut devotee or just here for the Instagram drip, Five-O Donut Co. has become a fan favorite on the Sarasota sweets scene. Known for their over-the-top creations ($1-$6) that range from cereal-topped classics to bacon-laced beauties, not to mention decadent le five-o croissants, there’s always something flashy in the case. So for those who like their donuts layered with flavor, there's no shortage of sugar-fueled fun for foodies all over the area, thanks to Five-O's five locations.
Donut Mind If I Do: To sprinkle and to serve — even for our vegan and gluten-free foodie friends. Right now, vegan fans can dig into treats like the yabba dabba do Fruity Pebbles and peanut butta Oreo (yes, really). Gluten-free? You’re covered, with vanilla glazed cake as well as maple, chocolate, strawberry and vanilla with icing on request. Everyone deserves a sweet moment, no matter the diet.
