The definitive list of the best donuts available at Kane’s Donuts
Donuts, those delightful circular treats, have woven themselves into our culinary pleasures, boasting golden-brown exteriors adorned with glazes, sprinkles, or powdered sugar that elicit unmatched anticipation. But their charm extends…

Kane’s Donuts (Credit: Nick Gemelli)
Donuts, those delightful circular treats, have woven themselves into our culinary pleasures, boasting golden-brown exteriors adorned with glazes, sprinkles, or powdered sugar that elicit unmatched anticipation. But their charm extends beyond looks – it's the mingling of textures and flavors that truly defines their splendor.
Taking a bite of a donut is a journey through layers – the initial delicate crunch surrenders to a soft, often cream-filled core, dancing between sweet and slightly savory notes. Whether in classic glazed form or daring variations like maple bacon or matcha-infused, donuts cater to a diverse range of palates.
Donuts hold cultural significance, embodying moments of joy during breakfast, gatherings, and celebrations. Their adaptability shines through vegan, gluten-free, and gourmet renditions, broadening their appeal through culinary innovation.
In a complex world, the simple delight of a donut offers uncomplicated happiness, underscoring indulgence as a form of self-care. Beyond their sugary exterior, donuts symbolize comfort, celebration, and the simple pleasures in life.
Kane's Donuts, a standout in Massachusetts, particularly for North Shore residents, has been serving perfect coffee and donuts since its 1955 inception. Rescued by Peter and Kay Delios, who leveraged their success with Mrs. Foster's Doughnuts, Kane's now operates three locations owned by their children. Sporting a chef-inspired menu with local, organic ingredients, and innovative gluten-free options, Kane's redefines donuts as an all-day treat.
Since 2007, Kane's has earned praise from distinguished publications like The Boston Globe, Travel+Leisure, and The Travel Channel, securing a spot as a top-10 donut destination. Their Gluten Free line further cements their reputation, offering exceptional gluten-free donuts within the traditional American donut realm. Across decades, Kane's preserves its essence while achieving national recognition, standing as a beloved hub for donut enthusiasts.
Personally, I'm a devout donut aficionado, with Kane's Donuts holding a special place in my heart. At our wedding, we swapped the customary cake for a multitude of Kane’s donuts – a decision that turned out to be a massive hit.

Kane's Donuts at my awesome wedding (Credit: Nick Gemelli/Kate Donovan)
Now, I'm tackling the Herculean task of ranking Kane's donuts, a mission I was born for, destined to be the apex of my career. As I delve into this honorable ranking, I embrace the fleeting moment of glory while fully aware that my career will fade into obscurity afterwards.
P.S. Kane’s Donuts, if you're reading this and feel inclined to shower me with your delectable creations, my contact info is below.
10.) Coconut
It shouldn't even be ranked on this list. The only reason I'm including this donut is to express my hatred for anything involving coconut flakes. If you're aiming to ruin a usually tasty and delicious dessert or meal, just toss in some coconut flakes. With that said, Kane's coconut donut is probably decent, but I won't give it a shot – unless, by some strange twist of fate, it ends up in my mouth. In that unlikely scenario, I'd definitely spit it out without delay.
9.) Butter Crunch
Behold, Kane's got two delightful versions: cake and yeast styles. They get a honey glaze bath and a toasted coconut roll, resulting in the ultimate crunchy, buttery awesomeness. That being said, coconut = OUT!
8.) Frosted Donut (chocolate, strawberry, etc.)
Kane’s plain donut, embraced in a cozy coat of their homemade chocolate or strawberry frosting and dressed with a sprinkle of seasonal, vibrant jimmies in an array of colors.
I mean, it’s fine. Better than your average donut, of course.
7.) Chocolate Glazed
Indulge in the sheer delight of our decadent chocolate cake-style donut, taking a luxurious dip in Kane’s special honey glaze. It's like a sweet symphony for your taste buds, leaving you satisfied.
6.) Maple Bacon
Kane’s Maple Bacon donut is crowned with real Vermont maple syrup frosting and piled generously with savory smoked bacon. Each is a masterpiece on its own, a delicious indulgence with a personality of its own.
5.) Jelly
Loaded to the brim with authentic black raspberry jelly and generously coated in Kane's iconic honey glaze.
4.) Turtle
Kane’s deep chocolate cake-style donut double-dipped their honey glaze and dulce de leche frosting. Then, they pull a Kylo Ren and scream “MORE” to take it up a notch with chunks of irresistible Heath Bar and a drizzle of dark chocolate glaze. This could easily be their most decadent donut yet.
3.) Boston Cream
The top 3 are toss-ups. Kane's Boston Cream Donut is encased is jam-packed with delightful crème filling. Crowned with their homemade chocolate frosting, it's a perfectly balanced treat that doesn't go overboard on sweetness.
2.) Crème Brûlée
In 2006, Kane's introduce a masterpiece of epic proportions. Behold the magic of our brioche donut, generously stuffed with velvety vanilla-bean custard, and then generously cloaked (and we mean generously) in our unmistakable honey glaze. But that's not all – they take a blow torch to each donut to achieve that perfect caramelized crunch. Welcome to the epitome of deliciousness – Kane's style!
Honorable mention: Cookies & Cream
A crowd-pleaser for folks of all ages! Their chocolicious cake-style donut takes center stage, crowned with a velvety cap of vanilla frosting and Oreo chunks.
Honorable mention: Honey Lemon Filled Donut
Listen... I've never tried this. I'm currently getting yelled at by people on Twitter that this is a tier 1 donut. Maybe it is, but I haven't tried it. I will make a point of getting this donut, which is filled with lemon jelly and dipped in Kane's honey glaze, next time I visit Kane's. It does sound delicious.
Now leave me alone!
1.) Honey-Dip
A flawless donut. drenched in their one-of-a-kind honey glaze that's not just for show – it's the real deal, packed with authentic honey goodness. This is my personal favorite and i’m ranking this son-of–bitch #1. Why? Because I can. Don’t like it? Well, that sounds like a ‘you’ problem. Get over it.