When I think of doughnuts, I think of when my mom used to make the homemade kind. You probably know what I'm talking about. The fried canned biscuits with the middle cut out of them? She would then roll them in cinnamon and sugar or sift powdered sugar over them. As a child, I thought these were the best ever not because they were a sweet treat, but because my mom made them herself. Krispy Kreme only entered into my life as a teenager and only then it was an occasional thing. It wasn't until I was an adult and I could venture out myself that I found there were shops that made these heavenly treats. If you are looking for something that doesn't come from Krispy Kreme or Dunkin' (I'm not saying these are bad by any means) then I have compiled a list for you!
1. Glazed Gourmet Doughnuts- Charleston, SC
I'm sure they won't be surprised that they are on a list of "Best Doughnut Shops In SC" because they have been making some huge headlines! They are making some flavors here that are out of this world. If you get a chance to go try The Purple Goat if they have it. It is a little savory and a little sweet with berry goat cheese filling and lavender icing. Soooo good!
2. Murray's Donuts - Sumter, SC
Hot, fresh, and oh, so yummy! You can't get a better description than the one above on the sign.
3. Cala Lilly Cafe - Manning, SC
A little off the beaten path, but nonetheless memorable. Parents bring their children here for doughnuts that are melt in your mouth goodness!
4. Charleston Donuts- Mt. Pleasant, SC
When I was little I don't think I would have believed you if you had told me that they make donuts like these! Pistachio and chocolate? Yes, please!
5. Diggity Doughnuts - Charleston, SC
You wouldn't believe that this is a vegan doughnut shop as they are pushing out seasonal artisan treats that will blow your mind such as Key Lime Pie and Pumpkin Pecan. Definitely a get-out-of-bed morning treat.
6. Circa Doughnut- Greenville, SC
These are cake-type doughnuts with beautiful texture and great flavors. It's a Pop-up shop meaning that it will move around all over the town. So "like" their facebook page or follow them on twitter for their next location near you.
7. Nelson's Wee Bake, Denmark, SC
In the little town of Denmark, SC, you will find a treasure of a place that is making so many pastries, cakes, and doughnuts. When I lived in the area, it was an absolute delight to go there and get an iced doughnut or a cherry turnover.
8. The Trestle Bakery & Cafe - Conway, SC
There's no place better to go and get lunch and dessert! They are making doughnuts in-house and they are delicious! Not to mention all the other things they are whipping up.
9. Lulu's Donuts - Myrtle Beach, SC
I like this place for its uniqueness. They have such artsy doughnuts that you can't help but want to buy more than one or two. And, they have flavors such as PB&j as well as S'mores! Not to mention, it seems they have the best coffee in town!
10. Sunny's Donuts - Gaffney, SC
Sunny Jr. is now taking on the tradition of what his father did before him. Using recipes that have been handed down through the family, the doughnuts are always homemade and absolutely scrumptious! And, folks, the price is always right here. So go down and visit Sunny, buy a doughnut or two, and don't forget the coffee!
11. Fractured Prune - Myrtle Beach, SC
With names like "Morning Buzz", "Black Forest", and "Dulce de Leche", you just can't go wrong. My mind is on the Morning Buzz which is a mocha glaze with cookie crumbs...
12. Donut Connection - Goose Creek, SC
There's not much to say here guys except: They are made fresh here every single day! Their slogan is, "If the sun's up...we're open!" There's nothing better than that.
13. Freeman's Bakery - Florence, SC
They have been open since 1964 and they are just getting better and better at what they do there. The doughnuts, although they are not the crazy flavors that some are cooking up, are absolutely mouth-watering. Sometimes, you just need to step back to the basics. Stop by in the morning and get some doughnut holes (which you can buy by the tray if you call ahead) and a nice fresh brewed cup of coffee on your way to work. You won't be disappointed. I've never been disappointed about anything I've gotten there.
14. Java Donuts & Bagels - Boiling Springs, SC
People hail this as one of the best doughnut shops you will find. They say they are "authentic", "old-fashioned goodness", and they just plain rock!
15. The Donut Guy - Columbia, SC
This little place is popping out some fresh and innovative mini doughnuts for your pleasure. With concoctions like Banana Pudding, Strawberry Shortcake, and SC Peach Cobbler, who could resist? Me? I'm just a little boring I guess because I love them with just powdered sugar or cinnamon.
Here, folks, is when you have to sit back and let the pictures do the talking. It is a statement of pure truth that picture is worth a 1000 words. All I can say, is make a list so you can visit all of these amazing doughnut shops one by one. Doing more than one in a day could put you in a sugar coma, but even then it might be worth it! Do you have your favorite doughnut shop in South Carolina? If so, please tell us about them in the comments below!
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