3 of a Kind: Waffle Doughnut

Photo by: Betsy Hansen ©Betsy Hansen

Betsy Hansen, Betsy Hansen

3 of a Kind checks out three places across the country to try something cool, new and delicious.

What would happen if you crossed a waffle and a doughnut? While the jury is out on a name, you can just call it plain delicious. This hybrid treat features a crunchy exterior that gives way to a soft and cakelike texture on the inside. Waffle doughnuts are making welcome appearances from coast to coast, with a range of toppings to boot. Read on to find out where to grab these golden wonders.

Wonuts at TR Fire Grill, Winter Park, Fla.

TR Fire Grill serves food and beverages that are familiar — but plays around with them by adding new tweaks in the kitchen. Inspired by the chicken-and-waffle craze, the minds behind the restaurant have created a unique dessert, the Wonut, which can be shared at any time of day.

The dish starts with a Belgian waffle, which is transformed with a hole in the center to make it look like a doughnut. The treat is then fried to give it a crispy texture and is served while still warm. A quick dunk in chocolate ganache and a dusting of powdered sugar up the decadence factor.

WaffOnuts at The Sinclair, Cambridge, Mass.


Developed by Chef Keenan Langlois, the WaffOnut is a golden bite of waffle that has been deep-fried and then dipped in glazes, chocolate and toppings such as sprinkles, cinnamon sugar and coconut shavings. It was once available only as an exclusive treat for the bands that perform at The Sinclair, but Langlois now offers the masses a stepped-up version of his original creation. Known as the WaffOnut Sundae, this decadent dessert comes blanketed in fudge and adorned with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, plus whipped cream, sprinkles and a cherry on top.

Wow-Nuts at DK’s Donuts, Los Angeles

For 35 years, family-owned DK’s Donuts has been churning out doughnuts 24 hours a day. In addition to a popular mash-up that crosses a croissant with a waffle, this spot draws the crowds with its riff on a waffle doughnut. Known as a Wow-Nut, the treat comes in a variety of options, starting with a choice between mini and regular.

The original version is a butter waffle with cinnamon sugar that comes crowned with tufts of homemade whipped cream and luscious strawberries. Other flavors include Red Velvet Lust (which was featured on Top 5 Restaurants), Birthday Sprinkles and Assorted Breakfast Cereal, which is coated in cereal and a glaze or chocolate icing.

For more cool doughnut creations, check out Food Network’s gallery of top shops in New York City.

Photography courtesy of TR Fire Grill, The Sinclair and Tamara Palmer

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