Long John Donut: The American doughnut that melts the hearts of sweet tooths

Among the delights of American pastries, the Long John donut holds a special place. Less round than a classic doughnut, elongated like an éclair and topped with a glossy glaze, it combines everything we love: softness, sweetness, and an irresistible touch of sugar. A true star of coffee shops across the Atlantic, it is gradually making its way into our kitchens and Belgian shop windows.

A doughnut with a unique shape

The Long John donut is distinguished first and foremost by its rectangular, sometimes oval, shape, which is reminiscent of an éclair without the pastry cream. Unlike the classic ring doughnut, it is enjoyed whole, allowing for a generous filling.

Traditionally fried in oil until a golden and light crust is obtained, it is then coated with a chocolate, vanilla, or maple syrup glaze.

Its texture is somewhere between a brioche-style doughnut and a classic doughnut: an airy, slightly elastic crumb that melts in your mouth. It’s a pleasure to savor warm, accompanied by a strong coffee or a glass of ice-cold milk.

The origins of the Long John donut

Appearing at the beginning of the 20th century in the American Midwest, the Long John is inspired by the “bar doughnut”, an elongated version of the doughnut designed to be easier to dip in a cup of coffee. Its popularity quickly spread thanks to family bakeries and local chains, before being adopted by large fast-food chains.

Its special feature? It lends itself to all kinds of variations: filled with cream, garnished with jam, or covered with a thick glaze that crunches slightly under the tooth.

How to make a homemade Long John donut

The recipe for the Long John donut is no more complicated than a classic doughnut, but it requires patience and precision. Here are the main steps to remember:

1. Prepare a yeast dough using flour, yeast, lukewarm milk, sugar, and eggs.
2. Let it rest until the dough doubles in volume.
3. Shape the dough into elongated rectangles and let them rise a second time.
4. Fry in neutral oil at 180°C (350°F) until golden brown.
5. Drain, let them cool slightly, then coat with a glossy glaze.

For a bakery-quality result, it’s essential to respect the rising times and avoid overcrowding the oil. The glaze, meanwhile, can be customised to your liking: dark chocolate for purists, maple for lovers of Canadian treats, or salted caramel for a modern touch.

Where to enjoy a delicious Long John Donut in Belgium

While Long John donuts are still relatively rare in Belgian bakeries, some establishments are starting to offer them. Artisan bakeries and coffee shops in Brussels and Antwerp are drawing inspiration from the American trend, reinventing this doughnut with a local twist. You can sometimes find them at sweet brunches or in street food stalls dedicated to doughnuts.

Want to explore other sweet treats? Head over to BeBurger to discover the best restaurants for brunch or check out our simple and incredibly delicious homemade dessert recipes.

A treat to (re)discover

The Long John donut is much more than just a simple pastry: it’s a symbol of generosity and comfort. Its soft texture, vanilla flavour, and sweet glaze make every bite a complete sensory experience. Whether for a gourmet breakfast or a sweet treat, this American donut captivates with its simplicity and authenticity.

Get your aprons ready! Prepare it at home or go in search of it at the best places in the country – the Long John donut is waiting for you to reveal its full potential for deliciousness.