MJP –
Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee has earned the title of the best donut shop in California, according to a list by LoveFood.
Known for its seasonal offerings, the standout donut is the huckleberry—a delightful treat featuring a deep pink glaze, cake-like texture, and fresh Oregon berries.
The bakery, which has multiple locations in the Los Angeles area, including Costa Mesa, Santa Monica, Torrance, and Del Mar, has won several awards and was also named best donut shop by Food & Wine magazine.
Whether you’re craving sweet or savory, Sidecar serves up a delicious donut experience that locals rave about, according to the ranking.
When it comes to donuts, California is home to some of the most inventive and mouthwatering creations you can find anywhere. From classic glazed rings to innovative gourmet flavors, the Golden State has long been a hub for donut lovers. But in a recent ranking of California’s best donuts, one flavor emerged as the undisputed champion: the Huckleberry donut from a beloved Southland donut chain.
This trendy, yet timeless treat has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of Californians, earning rave reviews for its unique combination of tart sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth texture. The donut, which combines fresh huckleberry glaze and a fluffy, perfectly fried dough, has quickly become the go-to choice for donut aficionados across the state. But what makes this donut so special, and why has it earned the title of California’s best?
A Southland Favorite
The chain responsible for this delectable creation is a family-owned business with deep roots in Southern California. Over the years, the shop has earned a loyal following thanks to its commitment to quality and innovation. Known for pushing the boundaries of traditional donuts, the chain’s signature huckleberry flavor takes the best elements of classic fruit-based donuts and elevates them to new heights.
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The chain’s success isn’t just about creating delicious donuts; it’s also about embracing the local food culture and sourcing fresh, high-quality ingredients. The huckleberry glaze, made from a blend of fresh huckleberries and sugar, is tangy, sweet, and perfectly complements the light, airy donut dough. It’s a treat that feels both nostalgic and modern—appealing to traditionalists while offering something new and exciting for adventurous eaters.
The Allure of Huckleberries
So, why huckleberries? This little-known berry is a rare gem in the world of fruit, prized for its rich, tart flavor and deep purple hue. Native to the Pacific Northwest, huckleberries have slowly gained popularity in California, where they thrive in the cooler regions of the state. Unlike blueberries, which are often too sweet, huckleberries have a more complex flavor profile—both tart and sweet—making them a perfect pairing for the soft, buttery donut dough.
Huckleberry donuts have a unique appeal because they offer a refreshing burst of fruity sweetness without overwhelming the palate. The glaze made from these berries coats the donut without being overly sugary, allowing the natural tartness of the fruit to shine through. This balance of flavors is what sets the huckleberry donut apart from other fruit-flavored varieties, earning it a dedicated following among donut lovers.
Why the Huckleberry Donut Stands Out
1. A Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tart:
The huckleberry glaze provides just the right amount of sweetness with a hint of tartness, making each bite of the donut a refreshing and satisfying experience. The balance between the fruity glaze and the light, fluffy dough is what has won over so many loyal fans.
2. Fresh, Locally-Sourced Ingredients:
The Southland chain prides itself on using fresh, high-quality ingredients. The huckleberries used in their signature glaze are sourced from local farms, ensuring that each donut is made with the best fruit available. This dedication to freshness is a key reason why the huckleberry donut stands out among the competition.
3. Innovative and Unique Flavor:
While California is home to some amazing donut flavors—think maple bacon, matcha green tea, and lavender honey—the huckleberry donut is a unique offering that hasn’t been widely adopted by other donut chains. Its distinct combination of flavors sets it apart from the usual sugary fare, giving it an edge in an increasingly competitive market.
4. Instagram-Worthy Appeal:
In today’s social media-driven world, presentation matters—and the huckleberry donut is a showstopper. Its vibrant purple glaze and delicate finish make it almost too pretty to eat (though, of course, no one can resist). The donut’s photogenic appeal has made it a favorite on Instagram, helping to spread the word about this delicious treat far beyond California’s borders.
The Growing Popularity of the Huckleberry Donut
The huckleberry donut’s rise to the top spot in California’s donut scene has been nothing short of meteoric. Over the past few years, it has gained a devoted fanbase that spans the state, from Los Angeles to San Francisco. The Southland chain’s ability to deliver consistent quality, along with its dedication to flavor innovation, has made this donut a must-try for anyone who considers themselves a true donut connoisseur.
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But the popularity of the huckleberry donut isn’t just a trend. It reflects a larger shift in how we approach food: consumers are seeking out more adventurous and unique flavors, especially when it comes to indulgent treats like donuts. The huckleberry donut represents a perfect fusion of nostalgia (the classic fruit donut) and modern flavor (the tart, sophisticated huckleberry), making it a standout in California’s ever-evolving culinary landscape.
The Future of the Huckleberry Donut
As the demand for huckleberry donuts continues to grow, there’s speculation about whether the Southland chain will expand its reach to other states, or even turn the flavor into a more permanent fixture on the national donut scene. For now, however, Californians are happy to keep this gem to themselves, knowing that the best huckleberry donut can only be found in the Golden State.
With the success of the huckleberry donut, the Southland chain has also opened up the door for more creative flavor experiments. Who knows what the next big flavor trend will be? One thing’s for sure: as long as California keeps pushing the envelope with its food scene, the huckleberry donut will remain a symbol of innovation and culinary excellence.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a lifelong donut lover or a newcomer to the world of gourmet pastries, the huckleberry donut from this Southland chain is a must-try.
With its perfect balance of tart and sweet, fresh ingredients, and striking presentation, it’s no wonder that it has claimed the title of California’s best donut. So, the next time you’re in the area, be sure to indulge in this unique, Instagram-worthy treat—you might just find that it’s the best donut you’ve ever had.
