MomSkoop
Upstate New York has become famous for something truly special – maple donuts that make people drive for hours just to taste them. Local bakeries across the region have perfected recipes using real maple syrup from nearby farms. Each bakery brings its own twist to this beloved treat, creating unique flavors that locals guard like family secrets.
1. Cider Belly Doughnuts
Famous for their farm-to-fryer approach, Cider Belly creates maple donuts using syrup from trees on their own property. Every batch starts before sunrise, ensuring customers get warm, fresh donuts by opening time.
Their signature maple bar features a cake base infused with pure maple syrup, then topped with a glossy maple glaze that hardens just enough to crack when you bite it. The texture balances perfectly between tender crumb and satisfying chew.
Located in New Paltz, this family-owned shop also offers seasonal varieties like maple bacon and maple walnut during fall months.
2. Washboard Donut Shoppe
Operating since 1978, Washboard has earned legendary status among donut lovers throughout the Finger Lakes region. Their maple donuts use a secret recipe passed down through three generations of bakers.
What sets them apart is their old-fashioned technique of hand-dipping each donut twice in maple glaze, creating layers of sweetness that build with every bite. The process takes longer but produces consistently perfect results that keep customers coming back weekly.
Based in Auburn, they source maple syrup exclusively from local producers within a fifty-mile radius, supporting regional farmers while maintaining exceptional quality standards.
3. Glazed Over
This Albany hotspot transforms simple ingredients into extraordinary maple donuts that sell out before noon most days. Their bakers arrive at 3 AM to start the daily batch, mixing dough by hand using traditional methods.
Glazed Over’s maple donuts feature a brioche-style base that creates an incredibly light, airy texture. The maple glaze contains hints of vanilla and sea salt, adding complexity that surprises first-time visitors.
Smart customers call ahead to reserve their favorites, especially on weekends when lines stretch around the block. The shop also offers maple donut holes that make perfect road trip snacks.
4. Paula’s Donuts
Buffalo’s beloved Paula’s has been perfecting their maple donut recipe for over forty years, becoming a local institution that tourists specifically seek out. Each location hand-cuts donuts from scratch daily, never using frozen or pre-made bases.
Their maple donuts showcase Western New York’s agricultural heritage, featuring Grade A Dark Robust syrup that provides deep, complex flavors. The cake-style donuts have a slightly dense crumb that soaks up the maple glaze beautifully.
With multiple locations across the Buffalo area, Paula’s makes it easy to satisfy maple donut cravings. Their maple cream-filled variety offers an extra indulgent option for serious maple enthusiasts.
5. Glazed & Confused
Rochester’s quirkiest donut shop brings creativity and humor to traditional maple donuts, often featuring playful names and unexpected flavor combinations. Their maple donuts rotate through different seasonal variations that keep regular customers guessing.
The base recipe uses buttermilk for extra tang that balances the sweetness of pure maple syrup beautifully. During autumn, they add touches of cinnamon or nutmeg to complement the maple flavors.
Located in the Park Avenue district, Glazed & Confused attracts college students and families alike with their welcoming atmosphere and consistently excellent donuts. Their maple donut sundae has become an Instagram favorite among visitors.
6. Burrville Cider Mill
More than just a bakery, Burrville combines their working cider mill with fresh donut production, creating an authentic farm experience. Their maple donuts pair perfectly with fresh apple cider, making them a fall destination.
Using apples from their own orchards and maple syrup from neighboring farms, every donut connects visitors to local agriculture. The maple cake donuts have a rustic, homestyle texture that feels like something grandma might have made.
Located in Jefferson County, Burrville offers hayrides, apple picking, and fresh donuts all in one stop. Their maple cider donuts combine both signature flavors for an unforgettable taste experience.
7. Fred’s Coffee & Donuts
This unassuming Utica shop proves that sometimes the best maple donuts come from the most unexpected places. Fred’s has quietly built a devoted following among locals who appreciate simple perfection over fancy presentations.
Their maple donuts follow a no-nonsense approach – quality ingredients, careful preparation, and fair prices. The old-fashioned cake donuts get topped with maple glaze that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and rich.
Open early to serve coffee and donuts to workers heading to their shifts, Fred’s represents the heart of small-town bakery culture. Regular customers often grab extra maple donuts to share with coworkers or neighbors.