Indulge in Parisian Perfection: Why Boneshaker Doughnuts Offers the Best Donuts in Paris

Paris, a city synonymous with exquisite pastries and charming cafes, continually surprises with its evolving culinary scene. While traditional patisseries dominate, a new wave of innovative eateries is captivating locals and tourists alike. Among these, Boneshaker Doughnuts stands out as a true gem, consistently hailed for serving some of the best donuts in Paris. This delightful establishment is the brainchild of talented pastry chef Amanda Bankert and her husband, Louis Scott, who brought a touch of American comfort food magic to the heart of France. From the moment you step inside, it’s clear that Boneshaker is more than just a donut shop; it’s a testament to passion, quality, and creative culinary artistry.

The Inspiration Behind the Name: Boneshaker

The name “Boneshaker” itself is a nod to history, specifically to the first type of bicycle with pedals, invented right here in France in the 19th century. This early velocipede, known for its rather bumpy ride, was famously dubbed the “boneshaker.” Amanda and Louis chose this evocative name to represent innovation, a playful spirit, and a connection to French heritage, much like their daring and delicious donuts. It symbolizes a journey – a delicious journey for your taste buds – that might just shake up your perception of what a donut can be. This historical touch adds a unique layer of charm to an already captivating establishment, setting it apart from typical Parisian patisseries.

A Commitment to Homemade Excellence and Quality Coffee

At Boneshaker Doughnuts, the philosophy is simple yet profound: everything is 100% homemade, crafted with care right on the premises at their Rue d’Aboukir shop. This dedication to artisanal production ensures that every donut is as fresh, flavorful, and perfectly textured as possible. From mixing the dough to frying, glazing, and filling, each step is executed with precision and passion. It’s a true craft, yielding pastries that are far superior to mass-produced alternatives.

But what’s a perfect donut without the perfect coffee? Boneshaker understands this essential pairing, offering really good filtered coffee made with beans from the famous Belleville Brulerie. Belleville is renowned in Paris for its commitment to high-quality, ethically sourced, and expertly roasted coffee beans. This partnership guarantees a rich, aromatic, and balanced cup that beautifully complements the sweetness of the donuts. Whether you prefer a robust espresso to kickstart your day or a smooth filtered coffee to savor, Boneshaker ensures your beverage experience is just as exceptional as your donut indulgence.

A Symphony of Flavors: Exploring Boneshaker’s Donut Menu

One of the most exciting aspects of Boneshaker Doughnuts is their ever-evolving menu of flavors. Each day, a thoughtful selection of classic and seasonal delights awaits, ensuring there’s always something new and tempting to try. The creativity and passion poured into each recipe are evident in every bite.

The Allure of Seasonal Creations

During our visit, we were absolutely delighted by the seasonal offering: a gorgeous and utterly delicious pink fig donut. This wasn’t just any fig donut; it was a delicate balance of sweet, earthy fig notes infused into a tender dough, crowned with a vibrant pink glaze that was as pleasing to the eye as it was to the palate. Seasonal flavors like this highlight Boneshaker’s commitment to using fresh, in-season ingredients, ensuring a unique experience with every visit. These limited-time creations are often inspired by the time of year, offering a delicious reflection of Parisian seasons.

Timeless Classics, Reimagined

Beyond the seasonal showstoppers, Boneshaker offers a stellar lineup of classic donuts, each perfected with an artisanal touch:

• Classic Cinnamon and Sugar: A timeless favorite, elevated. This donut offers a comforting embrace of warm cinnamon and granulated sugar, perfectly coating a light, fluffy dough. It’s simplicity done right, a nostalgic treat that reminds you why classic flavors endure.
• O.G. (Original Glazed): The benchmark of any great donut shop, Boneshaker’s O.G. glazed is pure perfection. A light, airy dough with a delicate, sweet vanilla glaze that shatters slightly with each bite. It’s the kind of donut that sets the standard for all others, proving that sometimes, original is best.
• Salted Caramel: For those who love the interplay of sweet and savory, the salted caramel donut is an absolute must-try. A rich, buttery caramel glaze, perfectly balanced with a sprinkle of sea salt, creates an incredibly decadent and addictive flavor profile. It’s a sophisticated twist on a classic, offering a depth of flavor that lingers deliciously.
• Beer/Lager Glazed: A testament to Boneshaker’s innovative spirit, this unique flavor subtly infuses the malty, crisp notes of beer or lager into a sweet glaze. It’s not overpowering; rather, it adds a surprising complexity and a hint of something different, appealing to adventurous palates looking for an adult twist on a childhood favorite.
• Rich Chocolate Cardamom Glaze filled with Vanilla Pastry Cream: This donut truly epitomizes gourmet indulgence. A deep, dark chocolate glaze is exquisitely flavored with aromatic cardamom, offering an exotic warmth that beautifully complements the chocolate. But the delight doesn’t stop there – the donut is generously filled with a smooth, velvety vanilla pastry cream, providing a creamy contrast to the rich glaze. It’s a multi-layered sensory experience, both comforting and adventurous.
• Chocolate Stout Donut with Chocolate and Stout Glaze and Torched Marshmallow Topping: An absolute masterpiece for chocolate and craft beer lovers. The dough itself is infused with stout, giving it a subtle malty depth. It’s then crowned with a luscious chocolate and stout glaze, reinforcing those complex flavors. The grand finale is a torched marshmallow topping, adding a smoky sweetness and a delightful sticky texture. This donut is a bold, sophisticated creation that demonstrates the heights of donut artistry.

Given the rotating seasonal menu and sometimes varying classic selection, it’s always a good idea to check Boneshaker Doughnut’s Instagram page for the most up-to-date offerings. This way, you won’t miss out on any of their tantalizing new creations!

Just look at that tasty drip! Heavenly.

The Boneshaker Experience: More Than Just a Treat

Stepping into Boneshaker Doughnuts on Rue d’Aboukir is an experience in itself. The aroma of freshly baked goods and brewing coffee fills the air, creating an inviting atmosphere that immediately puts you at ease. The decor is often described as modern yet cozy, with a clean aesthetic that highlights the colorful creations on display. It’s a place where you can grab a quick treat on the go or linger with a coffee, soaking in the Parisian vibe while indulging in a truly special dessert. The friendly staff are always ready to guide you through the day’s selections, adding to the warm and welcoming ambiance.

Our initial visit left us utterly charmed, and we’re already planning our return to delve deeper into their classic offerings. The rich chocolate cardamom glaze filled with vanilla pastry cream, in particular, has captivated our imaginations – its promise of exotic spice and creamy sweetness calls out to us!

Why Boneshaker Stands Out as Paris’s Top Donut Destination

In a city famed for its croissants and éclairs, successfully introducing American-style donuts requires exceptional quality and innovation. Boneshaker Doughnuts achieves this by seamlessly blending the precision of French pastry techniques with the comforting familiarity of a freshly made donut. Amanda Bankert’s background as a pastry chef is evident in the sophisticated flavor combinations and impeccable textures of her creations. The use of high-quality ingredients, from the rich chocolate to the fresh fruit in seasonal offerings and the meticulously sourced coffee, sets Boneshaker apart.

It’s this dedication to craft, the continuous pursuit of unique and delicious flavors, and the warm, welcoming environment that solidifies Boneshaker’s reputation. For anyone seeking an unforgettable sweet treat in the French capital, it’s clear that Boneshaker Doughnuts isn’t just an option—it’s the destination for the best donuts in Paris. We definitely know where to go to get our donut fix in Paris now! We will be going back to Boneshaker Doughnuts again and again, eager to explore every delightful creation they offer.

Planning Your Sweet Escape to Boneshaker Doughnuts

Are you salivating yet? Ready to hop on a plane and go directly to Boneshaker Doughnuts to try the best donut in Paris? You absolutely should! This Parisian gem is a culinary experience not to be missed.

Boneshaker Doughnuts
77 rue d’Aboukir
75002 Paris

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