Review Daylight Donuts - Raleigh

Listen. I don't know you and you don't know me, but I DO know that there's a donut for you (yeah, YOU personally) at Daylight Donuts. We don't need to have an intimate emotional connection in order for me to know that (not unless you want one), because the donut selection here is so huge that practically every taste is covered. We went on a busy Saturday morning, and the employees deftly handled the line even as I, blacked out in a state of decision paralysis, became an obstacle to efficient crowdflow. There are classic glazed, frosted, and old-fashioned donuts in a variety flavor profiles: Sweet! Chocolatey! Fruity! Spiced! There are donuts filled with custards and creams and jellies - for most of the filled donuts, you can choose whether the outside shell is glazed, frosted, or dusted in powdered sugar. There are donuts with fun toppings like Oreos, sprinkles, and coconut. There are donut-adjacent pastries, like fritters and turnovers. There are donuts shaped like non-donut objects. There's even a menu of muffins with rotating daily flavors! All of these things are totally nut free and safe for friends with allergies. These are yeast donuts, so the texture and sweetness are somewhere between bread and cake. They're a little denser than the airy/hollow donuts you'll find at a chain shop, which in my opinion makes for a more satisfying bite. I come from Chicago, City of Donuts, and feel qualified to say with certainty that Daylight Donuts nailed the yeast donut - flavorful but not cloyingly sweet. A donut with body, yet not too heavy. Artful. I got a chocolate-frosted donut with coconut. My companions got a powdered Bavarian cream and an apple fritter. All of them were fantastic, and there was enough cream in the Bavarian that I was able to sample it without depriving my donut buddy of his rightful share. The apple taste in the fritter was subtle, so as not to overpower the sweetness of the bread. We brought our donuts home and warmed the fritter up a bit before eating it, which I would definitely recommend doing as it brought out the warm notes of cinnamon flavor beautifully. All in all, Daylight Donuts is everything you would hope for in a donut shop. The Holey Grail, if you will. These folks know what they're doing, and I would definitely recommend dropping by to support this small business!

Great service, hot and fresh. It had been quite some time since I last bought two dozen doughnuts, and I was surprised by the price. After tasting them, I knew that I had gotten my value as they were delicious. I will return and buy more in the future.

Great location, prices, and solid service. The donuts are mostly brioche style and tasty with good glazes.

I love that yeasty goodness. Everything is so good...from the filled donuts to the low fat muffins. My family won't even eat other donuts and it is an official day of mourning when they close for vacation through a weekend!!!

THE BEST donut shop in the area. Not only do our customers love when we fill our truck window with these cake beauties, but Brian and his crew are fantastic to work with for large catering orders. We have used them for multiple weddings, corporate breakfasts, and charity events!

We've always enjoyed the donuts and had a generally good experience here. There's a certain "local" and small business feel to the shop which is nice. Occasionally it's a little hectic when it's crowded but all in all I enjoy visiting and getting donuts on Sunday mornings here.

Such a great place to grab sweets! Friendly workers and they always have something no matter what your taste may be. They even rotate the muffin menu so you could actually get something different every day of the week. My favorite is the apple fritter (larger circle shaped pastry in photo). Like all their doughnuts, it's not sickeningly sweet. The apples are super soft and the fritter itself is crispy around the edges. Absolutely perfect! The pinecone (bug puffy one) is my Mummy's favorite!

My go to choice for donuts! They are the best of the best for a local bakery! Every Friday we get a dozen and they never disappoint with the quality. Personally, I recommend the chocolate frosted or marble! They have a wide variety of donuts for customers to choose from, so there is something for everyone. Their muffins are incredible too! The staff are incredible and I have zero complaints about their ability to build a welcoming environment for customers.

A classic neighborhood donut shop with the best donuts I've ever had! Their donuts are so good and unique; it's well worth the drive from anywhere in the Triangle. They have something for everyone, whether you like chocolate, jelly, powdered...their list is endless. Everytime I order, they’re always fresh and I can honestly say everything I've ordered here is beyond excellent! Go early because they sell fast!

Apologies I didn’t include photos… Really Good Donuts!! 1st time I tried & everything was phenomenal!(blueberry, strawberry, cinnamon roll & a few glazed) Lastly, really nice people! Well worth the trip from North Hills, definitely my new go-to!

I came at 11 and they close in at hour. Inventory was low so you know that people come early and clean them out. I got a pumpkin spice donut that was perfect and the most amazing blueberry muffin. Soft and fluffy inside and a firm top. Both were so so good. Come try them even if it’s a late breakfast, even if they didn’t have the specific donut you wanted they won’t disappoint. Definitely my new spot.

I have been following daylight doughnuts for years throughout the different locations. These are not your regular dunkin doughnuts they have a wide variety of doughnuts as well as fancies which are their bigger version of the classic variety. Made fresh every morning and you can taste the freshness. I get up early every Sat morning and drive about 30 mins just to get my family a dozen they are worth the drive.

Daylight donuts is in a word - iconic. I’ve never had a bad donut or pastry there. In fact, my favorite old fashioned donut is the daylight version. The coffee is a fine addition as well. I’d recommend getting there early if you want the most selection and the freshest donuts. Highly recommend!

What a yummy place to visit! I have yet to have a donut here that I didn't like. Their yeast-based donuts are exceptional, and their cinnamon roll donuts are delicious (the big ones are also *big*). Don't miss the maple glazed ones either! You won't be disappointed.

Very friendly atmosphere. Donuts were amazing and surprisingly very inexpensive compared to other places. Remember to bring cash, the only downside is they don't take cards. 7 dollars for 6 donuts and a coffee. You can't beat it. Definitely worth the expensive and drive.

Daylight Donuts old fashion Donuts are the best! Best in texture,delicate sweetness! Of all the baked products these are the ones I’d like to be left on an Island with! Along with the great coffee!

My family loves, loves, loves Daylight Donuts. It's a bit of a drive for us, but we go anyway because the donuts, pastries, and muffins are THAT GOOD. The coffee is great, too! Their selection is amazing, and the people who work there are on point in regards to efficient and friendly customer service. :)