The delicious. 100 best donuts in South Australia revealed

Go on, you know you want to indulge in some sweet donut goodness. And we’re here to tell you exactly where you can find some of the best.

David and Rachel Brown were living in Melbourne when a fruitless hunt for a traditional style donut in local bakeries coincided with them moving into a new rental house that happened to have an industrial-scale deep-fryer.

After a long period of trial-and-error (they are now up to well over 200 dough recipe variations) and a move to the Barossa, they set up a weekly stall at the Saturday farmers’ market. There was born Browns Barossa Gourmet Donuts.

Rachel Brown, of Browns Barossa Gourmet Donuts, with some of her creations. Picture: Matt Turner.

When that proved successful, they grew to a pop-up in an old cellar door and, finally, to their present home in the main street of Tanunda, where a long line can often be seen at the door.

David attributes this demand to the brioche-style dough they make that is rich with eggs and high-quality grass-fed butter, and fermented for at least 30 hours.

“We wanted something that tasted authentic,” he says.

“Many bakeries and pastry shops have replaced the old recipes using real ingredients with mass-produced products. That’s our point of difference, for sure.”

A Browns Barossa Gourmet Donuts treat. Picture: Matt Turner.

This approach extends to the fillings, such as the signature custard made with Madagascar vanilla beans that is still the biggest seller, or specials including the sticky date pudding available at the moment.

He believes the shop is a good fit in a region famed for its traditional foods and with visitors wanting to look beyond alcohol-based attractions.

“People come to the Barossa to treat themselves and we definitely had that in mind when we started the business,” he says.

Donuts at Butter & Toast in North Adelaide. Picture: Supplied

A Doughnut World creation. Picture: Supplied

Browns are one of five donut makers to feature in the 2023 delicious. 100 which includes 100 of the best eats and treats from across the state.

Other donut makers to feature include Butter & Toast at North Adelaide, Doughnut World at Woodville South and Glynde, The Lost Loaf at Bowden and The Master of Bread at Daw Park.

Readers can explore the full list and vote for their favourites.

A creme brulee donut at Lost Loaf. Picture: Supplied

Cinnamon donuts at the Master of Bread. Picture: Supplied

Have your say in our reader vote

To vote, simply click the Vote button on your chosen venue in each category – your selection will then show as Picked. There is no need to submit your vote, your preferences have been recorded. Only one vote per person is recorded, so if you vote again it will simply update your preferences.

Voting opens October 20 and will close on November 3.

Overall winners from the voting phase will be announced on November 4.

Originally published as The delicious. 100 best donuts in South Australia revealed