In September, Lindsey Reed, 27, opened Topped Doughnuts inside CJ’s Bagels, her parents’ shop in Ankeny. Reed said her father had talked about selling doughnuts, but the timing was never right. So Reed picked up the doughnut ball and ran with it, asking friends to share their favorite desserts before opening her shop, which focuses on more gourmet doughnut offerings.
The selection: If “The Simpsons” ever travel to Ankeny (likely to happen in season 84), Topped Doughnuts will need a mop to clean up all the Homer drool. There is a selection of original doughnuts (glazed and cake-like traditional types), as well as some premium offerings with fillings and toppings.
But it’s the gourmet section that will draw the most stares and drools. Every day, five varieties of gourmet doughnuts are featured, including staples Red Velvet and the maple bacon bar (with real bacon as a topping). Other gourmet doughnuts change daily, with options including the Dutch doughnut (similar to Dutch letters), peanut butter cup, banana split, s’mores, cookies n’ cream and more.
Reed said she is always experimenting with new varieties, like the tiramisu doughnut that she expects to unveil soon.
Topped Doughnuts also has doughnut Pops (doughnut holes) and Sticks (thinner versions of premium and gourmet flavors).
The cost: Original doughnuts are 99 cents, premiums are $1.29, and gourmet will run you $1.59. (A dozen originals are $9.99, premium $12.99 and gourmet $15.99.) If you want to mix and match varieties, you get a 15 percent discount. You can order doughnuts (one dozen minimum) 24 hours in advance on the store’s website (toppeddoughnuts.com) to have them waiting for you the next morning without waiting in line.
The last bite: I’m not picky with my doughnuts — the worst doughnut is still better than the best bowl of bran flakes. That being said, if someone wants to get a little crazy with their choices, they should be recognized and rewarded. In a world where sprinkles and jelly filling can deem some pastry exotic, Topped Doughnuts is going above and beyond.
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Topped Doughnuts
Find it: 129 N. Ankeny Blvd., Ankeny
Hours: 6-11 a.m. Monday through Friday; 6:30-11 a.m. Saturday (doughnuts sold after-hours at CJ's Bagels)
More info: Go to toppeddoughnuts.com.
