Ranked by TableJourney editorial score.
Yeast-raised doughnut split and filled with vanilla pastry cream, then dipped in dark chocolate glaze. The official doughnut of Massachusetts since 2003. Eaten in three bites, ideally with black coffee at a counter.
The Boston cream doughnut descends from the Boston cream pie (Parker House Hotel, 1856) but in doughnut form. The pastry-cream-filled, chocolate-glazed doughnut emerged in early-20th-century New England bakeries; Dunkin' Donuts (founded 1950 in Quincy, MA) made it a national category through its franchise network. In 2003, the Massachusetts legislature designated the Boston cream doughnut as the official state doughnut. The Boston version is always YEAST-raised, never cake; the filling is pastry cream not whipped cream; the glaze is dark chocolate not milk.
6 editor picks for Boston cream doughnut in Boston, ranked by editorial score. All Boston signature dishes · Boston cream doughnut across every city.
Modern Pastry on Hanover Street has filled cannoli to order in Boston's North End since 1930. Chocolate-dipped shells, lighter ricotta cream.
TipLocals line up at Modern; tourists at Mike's. The chocolate-dipped shell is the headline item; Italian rum cake is the under-ordered cake.
Joanne Chang opened Flour on Washington Street in Boston's South End in 2000; the city's pastry empire grew to 10 locations across Boston and Cambridge.
TipSticky buns sell out by 14:00 weekends. Order ahead online; the South End original is the calmest of the 10 locations on weekdays.
Ana Sortun and Maura Kilpatrick's Sofra on Belmont Street in Huron Village Cambridge has run an Eastern Mediterranean bakery and cafe in Boston since 2008.
TipPark on a side street; the bakery's car park fills by 09:00. Ginger morning bun and za'atar manaeesh are the two breakfast orders.
Mike's Pastry on Hanover Street has filled cannoli to order in Boston's North End since 1946. 19 cannoli flavours, cash and card, white string-tied box.
TipThe line on weekends runs 20 minutes; the inside-counter line moves faster than the to-go window. Cash and card both.
Igor and Ludmilla Ivanovic's Iggy's on Fawcett Street near Fresh Pond has baked hearth breads in Cambridge since 1994. Supplies most Boston-area restaurants.
TipThe 5kg Francese miche is the showpiece bake; ask for a half-loaf cut. Pastry counter at the front, breads at the back.
Tzurit Or's Tatte runs an Israeli-style bakery-cafe across Boston and Cambridge since 2007. Located in Beacon Hill. Open daily 07:00-19:00. At 70 Charles St.
TipShakshuka books out by 11:00 weekends. The Charles Street and Harvard Square branches keep the strongest pastry selection late.
Boston cream doughnut makes more sense with someone from Boston explaining it. These are the classes and tours we have checked, with booking links.
Guided tour · 3 hours
Sample and learn about iconic Boston dishes as you’re treated to the city’s best spots for Lobster Rolls, New England Clam Chowder, Boston Baked Beans and Brown Bread ...
Guided tour · 2 hours
Choose a 2-hour express or 3-hour full Boston food tour. Taste clam chowder, arancini, brick oven pizza, cannoli, and more while exploring the North End’s history and ...
Guided tour · 2.5 hours
Sample Boston's most iconic seafood dishes on a guided walking tour. Enjoy fresh, local favorites and learn about local history during your adventure.
