Cardigan Donuts
- vraamoneyeats
- Jan 12, 2019
- 3 min read
Cardigan are the “New Kids on the Block” when it comes to donuts in MN. Owners Justin and Jeff saw a need for donuts in downtown Minneapolis and began their business ventures. The space is a retro with a modern living room type space created with their peers and friends in mind. They believe everyone can enjoy comfort food and experience a place that bring people together. That’s why couches, lounge chairs, large tables and an open layout allows working individuals to step away from the cubical and hectic work day to enjoy a sweet treat.
To take their business model to the next level, they sell more than just donuts; oatmeal bowls, yogurts and coffee are also on the menu to please even those sad, sad, folks who don’t like donuts (just kidding... but seriously). Their rotational inspired donuts is what they’re known for and it’s how they stand out against the rest. They’re a mix of traditional desserts and elevated classic donut flavors such as Tiramisu, Key Lime Pie, S’mores, Pecan Pie and completely out of the box creations like a Wild Rice Cake Donut and an Egg Yolk Buttercream Bismarck. Each inspired flavor is around for three days and returns about once every month or two.
You may think these extraordinary flavors are the #1 thing people want to try when people come here, but its not. They come for the classics: The Old Fashioned. This donut is honestly the BEST Old Fashioned I’ve ever had and that’s saying a lot coming from a Jabronie that eats donuts in his free time.
Granted, I have not tried every Old Fashioned out there and have yet to experience other top donut shops around the country, but from what I have had, this is the GOAT. I’m usually a huge fan of crispy edges on my OF’s but this doesn’t have that crunchy texture structure. It’s super tender and breaks away so delicately to the point where it’s almost like a yeast donut. The addition of greek yogurt and housemade glaze create flavors and overall moistness that makes this OF unbeatable. Another donut I have on my All Time List is the Cruller. Yes, a Cruller is on my All Time Favorite Donut List. Don't knock it til you try it! For those unaware of what a cruller is, its basically a hybrid of an eclair and a donut. The choux pastry melts in your mouth and feels like a pillow when you hold it and take your first bite. A shit ton of eggs go into this batter, 270 to be exact, and for good reason. All 270 make the dough light and airy with nice air pockets inside. And believe it or not, a little bit of witchcraft leaves no "eggyness." It's seriously a donut like none other that needs to be on the top of your to-eat list.
Also, if you guys didn’t know, I’m an (almost) married man. The lucky woman is Alex Balke (Vraa). We are high school sweethearts and have been together for 9 years. We chose Cardigan to cater the wedding so we could have the best classic donuts possible with a brand new special that I won't announce yet. Old Fashioneds, Raised Glazed, Crullers, Donut Holes and one inspired donut made the cut. The Inspired Donut takes Alex's favorite flavors (happy wife, happy life) and my must have donut elements to create one damn tasty Bismarck. Throughout the process, co-owners Justin and Justin as well as Dan, head baker, have been super easy to work with willing to experiment and do anything to make our day the best possible. I'm sure I'll write a whole new article about the wedding and donuts alone, so I'll save you some reading time and wrap it up. Just know, the donuts are amazing, the staff is friendly, professional and strive for perfection every day.
Price – $1.95 (Classic), $2.25 - $2.75 (Premium), $3.25 - $4.00 (Inspired)
Price of a Dozen – $19.95 (Assorted – 6 Classic, 4 Premium, 2 Inspired)
Crowd Favorite – Old Fashioned
My Favorite – Almond Mounded Joy (Classic Old Fashioned, Coconut Glaze, Chocolate Icing, Almond Shavings)
Address
40 South 7th St. #207 Minneapolis, MN 55402
Hours
Monday - Friday: 6:30am - 5:30pm Saturday: 8am - 3pm
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