Doughnuts

The internet offers a plethora of information. Recently, I was scrolling my Reddit feed and hit an interesting question on “r/bend”.

What are some good doughnut places?

Well, this is a topic I can confidently handle. So, I dove into the conversation.

The posts were a mix of the usual spots, most of them known, tried and never re-visited. However, in the midst of all these regular stops, was one not recognized. This required a bit more digging.

A Cronut is a hybrid between a flakey croissant and a pillowy donut.

Delish Doughnuts is tucked into a strip mall on the north side of Bend.

Its signature offering is something called “Cronuts,” a cross between a croissant and a doughnut. What is not to like about that combo?

I’ll get my donut later , , , first some exploring.

We had planned a jaunt to the Crooked River, so it was a simple task to take a side trip to the doughnut shop and see what the fuss was all about.

The Cronut was good, flaky as you might imagine, and lightly glazed.

However, the real star of the morning was a chocolate frosted chocolate cake. This tender morsel was not just cake-like, but actually tasted like chocolate.

Frosting and cake were on point. We will return.

Now that we were properly fueled up, it was time to hit the stream.

And then this happened ….

I guess winter still has a few surprises in store for us . . .

Wickiup Junction’s fresh donuts begin to run low by late morning. If we are lucky we can snag our favorite … Cinnamon Sugar Raised.

Many … perhaps too many road trips begin at a local landmark, Wickiup Junction to fuel our car and sweet tooth.

Fifty years ago a sporting goods store opened at the junction of Burgess road and Highway 97. For years it was the only general store in the La Pine area, but as the population grew it added a gas station and deli. It is after all on a major access route to the water ways and trails along the Cascade Highway and Upper Deschutes River.

A warm chocolate covered raised donut with a heavy sprinkle of chopped peanuts.

But the main reason to add Wickiup Junction to a trip itinerary is for the donuts.

We’re not sure when they started offering fresh baked goodies in addition to a well stocked cooler and deli, but it was a good move.

We’re kind of donut snobs, The word connoisseur doesn’t quite fit for this basic pastry, that said, we rarely miss an opportunity to try a new donut shop. Wickiup Junction is at the top of our list for now.

Wickiup does offer classic cake donuts … but for us Raised reign supreme.

Let’s talk raised just so we have a level field. In Portland there’s Blue Star (don’t even try to add VooDoo to a list) and Bend has Richard’s. Any of which are good morning pastry offerings.

However, hit Wickiup Junction, between 7 and 9 am and you’ll be able to get warm goodness that literally melts in the mouth.