Mmm... donuts!!! *drool* This cute little shop makes the most delicious old-fashioned cake-style donuts I've ever had... in a long long time. I've craved those old-fashioned kind of donuts for so long, and attempted to get my fix with store bought ones, but it never did the trick. I wish I would've known about Desert Donuts sooner -- oh boy, they take me back to my younger years when I would go on field trips to the apple orchard and got to eat a fresh-made cake-style donut and drink fresh apple cider... those were the days! I walked in (looking like a lost puppy since I had never been here before), and was greeted by the amazing staff. They walked me through the method behind the madness and how to end up with a mouth-watering donut sure to satisfy your tastebuds and tummy. First things first, the donut dough/base is all the same yummy dense cake-style donut. Then once the donut is made fresh-to-order, (yes, they literally make them in front of you), they will dip it, dunk it, swirl it, top it, and drizzle whatever kind of yummy toppings you've chosen. (Don't worry if you don't know exactly what you want, they have pre-made selections you can choose from.) My favorite donuts so far are the S'mores, Chunky Monkey, Apple Pie, and Chocolate Strawberry. I love that the toppings are true to their name and not fake-tasting -- as in, the chocolate strawberry, tastes like you're biting into a juicy chocolate-covered strawberry! The Chunky Monkey has banana icing that tastes like real bananas (and then of course, it's topped off with peanuts and a chocolate drizzle). I may or may not have eaten like 4 donuts out of the dozen that I bought (you snooze, you lose... lose out on donuts, that is, hehe). They're so pretty to look at (see photo), and taste just as scrumptious as you'd imagine. It may be a bit out of your way, but trust me... definitely worth the trip and the calories! read more

Desert Donuts - Box of yumminess 07.20.17 - Donuts Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

This place is a true gem - the first time I've been able to try enjoy fresh, hot donuts right off the press, and made to order. I tried six kinds and loved them all especially the apple and Bavarian cream! The owner Jeremy and staff were really sweet, chatting us up and letting us try some deep fried Oreos as we sat in their spacious booths. Coffee selection is extensive from hot/cold to drip and espresso with almond milk available. My iced latte w almond milk really hit the spot. Will have to go back sometime for some of their award winning ice cream too! read more

Desert Donuts - Apple, Bavarian cream, lemon, chocolate sprinkles, raspberry, strawberry bavarian - Donuts Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

I went in here the other week or so ago to grab a doughnut for my niece. I had a coffee cup from a neighboring establishment in my hands as I had just came from there. The owner made me feel really uncomfortable about it when he insisted he remake the drink I had bought elsewhere... he asked if I liked it better than the original and I very much did not. The attempt made me feel uneasy and weird, it was kind of desperate and gross. My niece took one bite of the doughnut and spit it out. She leaves two stars as well. read more

First and foremost - these donuts are awesome. They are made them fresh right after I ordered. The staff were welcoming and made me feel right at home. You can tell they are proud of their store. Which by the way, is equally as welcoming. Now that I have got some Desert Donuts, I will be back. read more

Desert Donuts is under new management and has gone WAY downhill! The donuts are smaller, they look nothing like the pictures when served (use to be an almost exact match) and the staff is not as welcoming and friendly. They messed up 2 of our donuts and put barely any of the toppings that we requested. It seems the new management is more interested in making boba tea and gelato so I wouldn't consider this a donut shop any longer. We definitely WILL NOT be back. read more

Always friendly service. Love all the combinations they have come up with. My kids like to make up their own. Ice cream is great too.

These hit every single time. Even using delivery they have been HOT when they get to me and I'm 20 minutes away

I feel like I say this every time I try a donut shop in the phoenix/Scottsdale area, but Desert Donuts has the best donuts I've had in the phoenix area. One thing that makes them stand out from the rest is that they make the donuts after you order them, not just picking them out from a case. The downside of this is only having the regular donut base, but that is not at all an issue for me haha. They have a bunch of different flavor combinations! Like there was a bunch to choose from. We got half a dozen and there were still a few we need to come back and try. The donuts are warm and delicious, a little smaller and more dense than other donuts, but still light and totally amazing. My favorite I tried was probably the fluffernutter or caramel with pretzels. I was worried the pretzels would be soggy but since it was fresh it gave the perfect crunch. I didn't try it, but the only one my boyfriend didn't like very much was the maple bacon, he said there was just too much bacon and it wasn't crispy enough. His favorite was the cinnamon sugar one! The one with coconut, caramel, and chocolate was amazing too. I am so glad we found this gem and we can't wait to try the s'mores and Oreos donuts next trip! read more

Desert Donuts - These donuts are beautiful - Donuts Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Friendly Service and so yummy . Family business. I will totally be back. I'm sure Covid was not good to them

Moved here two months from New York. Best donuts I had in a long time. Friendly staff.

The best cake donut in Arizona. Perfectly cooked to order while you wait, endless flavor combinations, fantastic staff. Brings back a memory of a shop I used to visit with my dad. If you don't like these donuts... there's something wrong with you. read more

Desert Donuts - Lemon blueberry, almond joy, raspberry cheesecake and blueberry. - Donuts Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Best fresh cake donuts in town! They make them to order, and it absolutely makes all the difference! This is my daughter and my's little morning bonding spot. They have great donuts that I enjoy, but also fun and colorful donuts that my daughter gets excited about. She always tells me "this is the best donut in the world! read more

So I had to update this review after talking to Jeremy and Cynthia. First guys I need to let you know that if you were turned off by Desert Donuts during the Steve era it's safe please go back the Carlton asks you. If you've been around since the OG desert Donuts. They have changed hands since that time. As an OG desert Donuts customer I can tell you the new owners have my blessing. I was also not a fan of Steve. Please know that they're not Steve. Jeremy and Cynthia are smart enough to realize they have a good thing and there's no reason to change a good thing. There's no reason to change these Donuts. Ice cream was introduced originally by the OGs. But they've stepped it up a notch. I have had the Carlton as a milkshake. I thought my donut was fancy my milkshakes even fancier. Should have had it as a Sunday. I think they realized something Steve didn't. They have a good thing on their hands and there's no reason to mess with it. There may be people screaming for gluten-free but they know there's more of us who want all the gluten. I'll take your gluten they're gluten and anybody else's gluten who doesn't want it. But just someone's screaming what about gluten free they have the sense to know they might lose an OG if they cater to the vocal minority, it isn't enough to to ignore their customers like gluten. The same people screaming for gluten-free have been around since the beginning. Since they're gluten intolerant we really never see them. When I had a shellfish allergy I didn't go to Red lobster. If I had a gluten allergy I wouldn't go somewhere with gluten. But hey milkshakes are gluten free. It depends on you and what you put in your milkshake so they still have something for everybody. I want to try the extreme Elvis as a milkshake. But know that if you've ever had a Carlton that the Carlton gives them their full blessing. Keep up the great work guys thank you for keeping the OG staffers too that you kept. She knows my donut better than anyone. They have always been accommodating with allergy concerns as far as I remember and they always had staff change out uniforms and gloves if someone came in with an allergy preference so they can accommodate you but I'm sorry you're in the wrong place if you want gluten-free Donuts. Lol. read more

Desert Donuts - Raspberry cheesecake, Extreme Elvis, Cereal Killer - Donuts Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Amazing donuts amazing (what I assume was the owner). Donuts served warm. On a Sunday mid morning there was a good amount of people in there...says alot. Anytime I'm in that area I will definitely stop in; and will mention this wonderful place to anyone and everyone! One last thing...COME DOWN TO CENTRAL PHX!! read more

Best doughnuts you will ever have, they always have a line out the door. I live right around the corner and some days it's hard to stay away. I like the classic pink or glaze read more

Hands down the best donuts! Absolutely love their maple donut, made fresh to order, crispy outside, warm doughy inside. It's perfect, highly recommend! read more

Woohoo! This place is the bomb. Think of Subway but for donuts. We opted for the 4th of July mix and the classic glazed...had to test the base;) The fireworks donut (pop rocks) popped so cool! No disappointment, hit and yummy- the box was empty by the time we made it home. DELISH!! read more

Desert Donuts - Donuts Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Went to order some donuts this place was Amazing. The quality of donuts were the Best we have ever had the staff was great. Overall the place is definitely worth the price! read more

The owner is extremely kind, informative, and personable!! The donuts are insanely delicious and fresh! I would absolutely recommend desert donuts to anyone who lives near the area or visiting!! ( the shop itself is also very cute inside!!) read more

If I'm going to Eat donuts this is the place! Lots of different delicious options. Staff is awesome. read more

Hot and custom donuts? Who wouldn't be a fan? My only gripe is service/combos for sundaes vary depending on staff working.

So let me start by saying there is so much good at this place and I've been dying to come check them out and I was in the area this morning so today was the day. unfortunately I left with a bit of a negative feel than anything and I'll explain everything here. I'll start with the good. We were greeted pretty quickly and since we had never been in before the employee explained how they do everything. All their donuts are a cake base type donut and they make them fresh in front of you when you order so they come out warm and tasty. They have quite a few pictures of what they say are their most popular donuts on the glass windows in front of their stations. If those don't float your boat they have a wall of a ton of other flavors to chose from. They also have tons of coffee for very cheap. That's how I usually tell a good donut shop if they don't overprice their coffee. I ordered an ice caramel coffee with cona blend coffee. So delicious. I ordered a raspberry filled donut that made me think back of the hostess style donuts as a kid and a apple pie one topped with real apple pie filling. My friend was with me and she also ordered a raspberry filled as well as a the Carlton which is like the apple pie, but with bacon added. We ordered them to eat their and sat down and waited. This is where it went down hill. My friend has a service dog and is much needed. They saw when we came in and there was no sign out front or anywhere else stating that service animals weren't allowed. The entire time we talked with the front employee, ordered, asked questions they said nothing about the service dog. My coffee was given to me and I sat back down. Then another employee came out of the back put our donuts in a box and called out to us they were ready. In front of about 7-8 other customers yelled out from across the counter that no dogs were allowed. Didn't ask about service status and my friend said we've been in here this long, nothing was said, and we asked for our do it's a s coffee for here. My friend explained that she was a service animal and didn't appreciate being called out in front of the entire shop when we'd been inside over 10 minutes already. All the employee said at this point was well ty ordered donuts to do so you were leaving. I'm no we weren't, but definitely were now. Don't get me wrong if this was a place who had signage denying even service animals we wouldn't have came inside. There is no info on the doors or outside besides a small no outside food or drink sign. I felt it definitely could have been handled in a more professional manner. The dog wasn't running around lose, and was quietly sitting next to her person as she was trained to do. We took our donuts to go, but bummed Because now they'd be cold. We got to my friends and tried them out. They were all really good and surprisingly still warm. They weren't the best donuts I've ever had and the cake type was a bit dry, but still good enough to where I'd have again. I really teetered on a 3 to 4 star rating, but settled on three for how rude the employee was and how the entire situation was handled. Again I'm not denying a owners right to deny service dogs but that should be posted. If service animals are allowed you should start with that question instead of yelling over a counter in a room full of people that the dog has to leave. So rude and embarrassing to the customer wanting to spend money in your establishment. Especially at $2 a donut. read more

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Stumbled upon this place while traveling in Arizona. We were greeted immediately upon entering which is always a good sign. The gentleman working was very pleasant and made suggestions & explained the donuts to us. The donuts are made fresh to order. Nothing beats a warm donut topped with delicious-ness. I was skeptical about the Deluxe Bowl... but Oh my gosh it was amazing. Fresh made donut, scrambled egg in the center topped with sausage gravy and bacon. Such a delightful breakfast. read more

These Donuts are amazing! Made to order so they're hot and fresh! Staff is friendly and made great recommendations on donuts. Highly recommended! read more

Desert Donuts - Donuts Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Delicious freshly made donuts with so many topping options it is insane. Forget about that Crispy Cream crap...Desert Donuts is the real deal. Owner is always super nice and I prefer supporting small businesses that have passion for what they do. Love this place! read more

You want the freshest donuts you've ever tried??! No other place can compare - they drop the dough in to the oil when you order. The toppings are so divine and many unusual & delicious combos! read more

I still have dreams about these donuts, after two years! This was the first place I went that you got to choose what you wanted on a donut! I chose maple frosting (of course) with chocolate chips. It was amazing! Everyone in my family chose different toppings but we all loved them. The staff was exceptionally helpful. Big fan, making plans to come back! read more

Desert Donuts - Donuts Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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If you're looking for a quick tasty, customizable donut this is a good spot. The donuts are old fashioned style and pretty dense, so one or two will fill you up real quick. Their coffee was pretty good as well. Expect to get your hands sticky! read more

Desert Donuts - S'mores, banana creme, maple glaze, lemon pie - Donuts Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Amazing and super delicious donuts ... a must stop if you are in the neighborhood ... made to order with super awesome toppings! Steve is super friendly, generous and also very sweet read more

Desert Donuts - Steve and pretty donuts - Donuts Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Friendly fresh donuts made the way you like them right in front of you. So many options but your not going to find a long John.

Awesome place! Lots of choices. Donuts, coffee, ice cream, bobba tea. Try it and enjoy! read more

Stopped in just for a coffee and ended up in a wonderland of donut creations! Matt's a cool dude and can't be stopped, every donut made to change your morning! Tried out his new Root Beer creation and was not disappointed, had the perfect carbonation effect as a Root Beer Float..ON A DONUT!!! read more

Desert Donuts - Root Beer Donut and some Guatemalan Coffee - Donuts Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Delicious donuts! We enjoyed freshly baked donuts. Small place with loads of goodness

Holy cow bat man. This is donut heaven! Been a long time since I had a hot donut. Everything else will dull in comparison now. read more

Desert Donuts - Bacon rush for a hot donut is heaven. - Donuts Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

I've come to this business since they opened and this was the first time I've left disappointed in the quality of the product. The donuts were lopsided and the toppings were messy. I felt the level of presentation for the donut was not up to all the other times I have been here. I don't know if the ownership has changed or they hired new staff but something was different. I will probably give it another chance another day because me and my family enjoy the donuts and want to support small businesses. read more

Too expensive and the donuts don't taste that great. I've had better at LaMars. The one plus; they make em fresh in front of you read more

This donut shop is amazing! The store is clean and you are greeted immediately upon entering the store which is great. The menu items are diverse with sweets from specialty donuts to shakes to ice cream. Recommend this place if you would like made to order and delicious treats. They sell Big Red's hot sauce, and even let us try a maple bacon hot sauce donut with the hot sauce! Which, if you're wondering, is absolutely phenomenal! 10 out of 10, definitely give this place a try!! read more

Great food and fun environment! The donuts are made as you order them and piping hot on arrival! They'll even make it a shake! All they need to do is include a gym membership and I'll never go home! read more

First time in (I don't live on this side of town), but WOW! Donuts are freshly made (I watched them come out of the machine) and super delicious. Service was spectacular, too. Will definitely stop by again when I'm on this side of town. read more

Desert Donuts - Started eating before I remembered to take a photo...Raspberry Donut, Apple Pie Donut, chocolate frosted, Churro Donut - Donuts Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

I went to pick up my son's birthday donut cake. While I was waiting for the girl to get the cake, I was admiring their selection of donuts. Oh my goodness! They all look so good. I was devouring their donuts with my eyes. If my eyes could only taste. Dang it!!! read more