Charmed by the magic in the hole: Voodoo Doughnut challenge accepted

The magic in the hole has charmed me. Voodoo Doughnut and its tasty, sweet treats have tempted me into a decadent doughnut challenge.

I admit that I have a sweet tooth. When Universal Orlando announced that Voodoo Doughnut was opening a location on Citywalk, I eagerly anticipated each tasty tidbit on its opening. The infamous Oregon doughnut restaurant was going to be in my backyard. It was time to start logging some miles on the treadmill because I was going to be indulging in doughnuts, a lot of doughnuts, on an epic doughnut challenge.

If you’ve never been to one of these doughnut locations, walking into the restaurant starts the experience. From the pink walls to the eclectic artwork, each location has a particular vibe. This doughnut shop isn’t a place where you will find the plain, ordinary doughnut. This world is walking into a doughnut experience, which is why I’ve been so charmed.

Voodoo Doughnuts challenge accepted, photo by Cristine Struble

Even though the atmosphere is alluring, the doughnuts are the real reason everyone has to visit at least once. On the Voodoo Doughnut menu, there are 53 doughnuts. The store makes all 53 doughnuts each day. That number is astonishing. With just a tantalizing whiff of doughnut deliciousness, I knew that I must try all 53 doughnuts.

Actually, the 53 doughnuts include the vegan variety of doughnuts. Still, any number over a dozen is a tremendous amount of variety. So, I am on a quest to try them all.

Voodoo Doughnuts challenge accepted, photo by Cristine Struble

Recently, I have had the pleasure of visiting the Orlando location in Universal Orlando’s Citywalk twice during the location’s soft opening. It has become our stop both before and after a theme park visit. When it comes to an indulging treat, the delicious doughnuts are perfect any time of the day.

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Without judging me (I did have a little help from my kids), we have tried 15 different doughnuts on the menu. Sure, some of the doughnuts we did split, so that everyone could have a taste. If you haven’t seen these decadent doughnuts, they aren’t kid sized. For example, the Memphis Mafia is bigger than my hand.

So far in my doughnut quest to try all the flavors, I have had a few favorites and one that I probably would skip over next time. Sorry Tangtastic, the astronauts might like Tang, but the flavor isn’t sending my taste buds into outer orbit. Still, the other 14 were amazing.

Since most people can’t eat 14 doughnuts, here are my recommendations as must eat on your next visit.

Memphis Mafia, photo by Cristine Struble

Memphis Mafia: This ode to Elvis’ squad, this gigantic fritter requires a huge appetite. The fritter has banana inside it and is covered with peanut butter, chocolate chips and chocolate drizzle. Elvis and his crew would definitely approve.

Voodoo Doll: This doughnut is one of the iconic Voodoo Doughnut offerings. Shaped like a voodoo doll, the raspberry jelly filled doughnut is covered with chocolate. Every time you get a voodoo doll, it can be a little different. Each doughnut decorator adds her own flare to the doughnut. Yes, there is a pretzel stake through the heart, but no one was harmed in the doughnut making or eating .

Bacon Maple Bar: It’s the doughnut that put the brand on the map. While this type of doughnut has been copied by others, the original shouldn’t be missed. The key to its deliciousness is the bacon. It’s crunchy, salty and a perfect contrast to the sweet maple.

OBD, photo by Cristine Struble

OBD: While this abbreviation is short for the whole name, this doughnut is a sweet and salty dream. A yeast doughnut is piled high with Oreo pieces, chocolate frosting and peanut butter. Yes, washing this one down with a good craft beer is a good choice (no judgments).

While these four have been my favorites, I am only a portion into my Voodoo Doughnut quest. I think that my next doughnut selections will be Butterfingering, Chuckles Doughnut or Mango Tango. Since the family enjoys visiting Universal Orlando, I’m fortunate to be able to indulge this doughnut quest. I have a feeling that I should run the distance between the two theme parks instead of taking the Hogwarts Express to work off those extra calories.

Next: Is cold brew coffee worth the effort?

Do you have a recommendation for my next doughnut when I stop at Voodoo Doughnut? Share you recommendation in the comments section.

There’s definitely magic in the hole and I’ve been cast under its spell. Doughnut challenge accepted.