Brooklyn Donuts specializes in New York-inspired, yeast-raised doughnuts. Established in Toowoomba, Queensland, in 2019, the first Sydney store opened at Castle Towers Shopping Centre in 2023.
2023
Original Glazed ($5.00). This was a yeast-raised doughnut about 10 cm in diameter and 4 cm in height, coated with a pure vanilla bean milk glaze
The doughnut had a a distinctive yeast-raised character upon the initial bite. However, its texture leaned towards the cakier side, lacking the tender consistency found in yeast-raised doughnuts from establishments like Rebel Donuts or Krispy Kreme. Nevertheless, the glaze, with visible specks of vanilla, was a highlight, offering a nuanced sweetness that differed from the sweeter profile found in Krispy Kreme’s glazes.
Boston Cream ($6.60). This was a yeast-risen doughnut about 8 cm in diameter and 5 cm in height, with a 55% Belgian dark chocolate glaze and filled with vanilla creme patissiere.
The creme patissiere, visibly speckled with vanilla bean, delivered a pronounced vanilla flavor. However, its texture left room for improvement. Instead of the desired thick, creamy, pudding-like consistency, it felt somewhat grainy on the palate, as if it had been subjected to high heat and curdled. Despite this aspect, the dark chocolate glaze added a delightful and indulgent richness, harmonizing well with the cakier nature of the doughnut itself.
Yule Log ($6.60). This was a festive special inspired by the seasonal Yule Log, about 10 cm in diamter and 6 cm in height. It featured a yeast-risen doughnut covered in milk chocolate, topped with chocolate cream, sprinkled with chocolate flakes, dusted with gold sugar, and crowed with three maraschino cherries.
We particularly appreciated the cakier texture of the doughnut and the use of a regular, non-chocolate-based dough. This choice allowed the richness of the chocolate elements to be enjoyed without overwhelming the palate. The milk chocolate coating provided a delightful textural contrast and richness against the smooth and creamy chocolate cream. The addition of gold sugar contributed a satisfying crunch, while the maraschino cherries provided a touch of fruity acidity to balance the overall richness.
2026
Custard Creme ($6.20)
Initial contact delivered a doughnut with a dry, cakey texture that bordered on stale despite being yeast-raised. The exterior yielded cleanly enough, though without the tenderness or lightness typically expected of the style.Through the mid-palate, the custard filling became the dominant component. Unfortunately, the filling suffered from the same issue observed previously in the Boston Cream, presenting with an excessively thick consistency more akin to a paste than a crème pâtissière. Rather than contributing richness and moisture, it added density without the smooth, creamy texture needed to balance the dough. The finish resolved into lingering sweetness and vanilla notes, though the heavy filling and dry dough prevented the product from achieving cohesion.
Warm Cinnamon Donut ($4.00)
Served warm, the doughnut initially presented more favourably. The exterior developed a slight crispness, while the cinnamon sugar coating provided sweetness and aromatic spice. Through the mid-palate, the limitations of the dough became increasingly apparent. The upper portion offered a reasonable balance of cinnamon sugar and dough, with just enough structure to remain pleasant. However, when consumed as intended, the full height of the doughnut amplified its dry, cakey texture, resulting in an eating experience that felt heavier and less enjoyable than expected. The finish resolved into lingering cinnamon sweetness, though the dry crumb remained prominent.
Three years after the initial visit, the fundamental issues remained unchanged. While ingredient quality appeared sound and flavour combinations were generally well conceived, the dough itself continued to be the limiting factor. Despite being marketed as yeast-raised doughnuts, the products consistently exhibited a dense, cakey and notably dry texture that lacked the tenderness and aeration expected of the style.
Overall, a doughnut venue defined by quality ingredients and generous fillings, but consistently hindered by dry, cakey dough and fillings that often fail to provide the balance and texture required to compensate.
Brooklyn Donuts is located at Kiosk 1208, Castle Towers Shopping Centre, 6-14 Castle St, Castle Hill NSW 2154.