Unearth The Voyage
Indiana hides some of the best donut shops in the country, and most of them don’t look like much from the outside. These humble bakeries might have faded signs, simple counters, and zero fancy decorations, but locals know the truth: the donuts inside are absolutely incredible. From family recipes passed down for generations to cult-favorite flavors that people drive hours to taste, these unassuming spots prove that legendary food doesn’t need a flashy storefront.
1. Long’s Bakery (Indianapolis)
Since 1955, this cash-only counter in the Haughville neighborhood has been drawing early-morning crowds who know the secret. Long’s makes yeast-glazed donuts so light and tender they practically dissolve on your tongue, and their apple fritters are the size of a small plate.
People line up before dawn, especially on weekends, because once they sell out, that’s it for the day. The shop itself is nothing fancy—just a simple counter, a few chairs, and cases full of golden perfection.
Grab a glazed yeast donut while it’s still warm, and you’ll understand why generations of Indianapolis families have made this their Saturday tradition. There’s also a Southside location at 5632 E Thompson Road if you’re closer to that part of town.
2. Mary Lou Donuts (Lafayette)
Operating since 1961, this Lafayette institution proves that family traditions taste better than anything trendy. Mary Lou’s keeps things simple: great recipes, friendly service, and a donut truck that brings the magic to events around town.
Their tiger tail—a twisted chocolate and vanilla beauty—has a devoted following that spans generations. The glazed donuts are perfectly sweet without being cloying, and the apple fritters are packed with real fruit and cinnamon.
Everything is made fresh daily, and locals know to arrive early because the best varieties disappear fast. The shop at 1830 South 4th Street looks like it hasn’t changed much in decades, and that’s exactly how customers like it.
3. Titus Bakery & Deli (Lebanon • Westfield • Atlanta/Reynolds)
Award-winning doesn’t have to mean expensive or fancy, and Titus proves it with every batch. Their signature white-cream-filled donut is the stuff of local legend—people who move away beg friends to ship them a box.
The Pershing, named after a local street, combines old-world technique with flavors that feel both nostalgic and fresh. Maple iced donuts here taste like real maple, not artificial syrup, and the texture is always spot-on.
With locations in Lebanon, Westfield, and Reynolds, Titus has expanded without losing the recipes that made them special. Each shop keeps the same commitment to quality that started decades ago, and the morning rush at any location proves it’s working.
4. Rise’n Roll Bakery (statewide, Amish-style)
What started on an Amish couple’s front porch in 2001 has become a statewide phenomenon, and the Cinnamon Caramel donut is the reason why. Fans call it “Amish crack” because one bite is never enough—the caramel glaze soaks into every layer of cinnamon-spiced dough.
The shops themselves are refreshingly plain, with none of the Instagram-ready decor you see at trendy bakeries. But the flavor? Absolutely unforgettable.
Rise’n Roll now has multiple locations across Indiana, making it easier to get your fix, but the recipe hasn’t changed. Order a half-dozen of the Cinnamon Caramel donuts, and prepare to become part of the cult following that talks about these donuts year-round.
5. Concannon’s Bakery Café (Muncie)
Open since 1959, Concannon’s has become a Muncie tradition, and their pretzel-shaped glazed donuts are the reason people set alarms on Saturday mornings. The twisted shape isn’t just for looks—it creates more surface area for that perfect glaze-to-dough ratio.
Every morning, the cases fill up with classics done right: fluffy cake donuts, cream-filled long johns, and fritters that actually taste like fruit. The café has expanded over the years to include chocolates and gourmet popcorn, but donuts remain the star.
Located at 4801 West Baker Lane, the shop buzzes with regulars who know exactly what they want and newcomers who can’t believe they’ve been missing out. Arrive before 9 a.m. for the best selection.
6. Donut Bank (Evansville & Tri-State)
Family-run since the 1960s, Donut Bank looks like the kind of neighborhood coffee stop you’d drive past without thinking twice. But locals in Evansville and the Tri-State area know better—this is where you go for donuts that become part of your weekly routine.
The honey-glazed donuts have a subtle sweetness that lets the yeast dough shine through, and the cream-filled varieties are generously stuffed without being messy. With over ten locations in and around Evansville, there’s probably one near you.
The consistency across all locations is impressive; whether you visit the original shop or a newer one, you’ll get the same quality that’s kept families coming back for generations. Try the honey-glazed first—it’s simple but perfect.
7. Hilligoss Bakery (Brownsburg)
The modest storefront at 804 East Main Street doesn’t hint at the morning rush that happens here daily. Hilligoss fries everything fresh, and when favorites like lemon-filled or crème-filled donuts sell out, that’s it until tomorrow.
The lemon filling is bright and tart, balancing perfectly with the sweet dough, while the crème-filled varieties are rich without being heavy. Apple fritters here are done right—crispy edges, tender centers, and actual chunks of apple throughout.
Brownsburg locals guard this place like a secret, even though the line out the door on weekend mornings gives it away. Get there early, especially on Saturdays, because once the “sold out” sign goes up, you’ll be kicking yourself for sleeping in.
8. Crescent Donut (Bloomington)
Yes, they spell it “Crescent” instead of “Crescent,” and yes, the donuts are seriously good despite the quirky signage. Located at 231 South Adams Street, this old-school counter has been feeding IU students, night-shift workers, and early risers for decades.
The cinnamon-sugar cake donuts are dense and satisfying, with just the right amount of spice and sweetness. Jelly-filled varieties are generously stuffed, and the dough stays fresh even during late-night hours.
The place operates on its own schedule, serving both the after-bar crowd and the before-work crowd, which means you can get a warm donut at some pretty unusual hours. It’s a Bloomington institution that doesn’t care about trends—just great donuts.
