Business & Tech

NJ's Best Doughnut Found Here: New Ranking

Doughnuts have come a long way since olykoeks, which were essentially solid balls of fried dough.

The doughnut has been part of American culture since Dutch settlers introduced “olykoeks” — oily cakes — in the 17th century, but not all are created equally in New Jersey.

For the best doughnut in the state, you’ll want to head to Uncle Dood's Donuts in Toms River. That’s according to the digital food and drink news site TastingTable, which put together a list that highlights The Best Donut Shop In Each State.

Uncle Dood's gives customers a fun array of assortments that twist regular household food items into a doughy treat.

Find out what's happening in Across New Jerseyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Their maple-bacon, cinnamon sugar, and "Nut Yellin' Ya" Nutella iced varieties are some of the crowd favorites.

If you wanted to try all three in one, you can do that too at Uncle Dood's where they give you the ability to create your own donut.

Find out what's happening in Across New Jerseyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

To arrive at its choices, TastingTable said it reviewed Reddit posts, local and national publications discussing doughnuts, and first-hand reviews regarding the taste of different pastries.

Doughnuts have come a long way since olykoeks, which were essentially solid balls of fried dough, often filled with nuts or fruit. Captain Hanson Gregory is credited with introducing the iconic ring shape after punching a hole in the center of the dough, which made for even cooking.

The mass production of doughnuts began in the 1920s after Adolph Levi, an enterprising Russian immigrant, invented the “Wonderful Almost Human Automatic Donut Machine,” which churned out the treats at an impressive rate.

The “Doughnut Girls” — Salvation Army volunteers who served frontline troops in World War I and World War II — solidified the popularity of doughnuts as a comfort food.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.