There are donuts, and then there are brioche donuts. Donuts made with more traditional cake-like dough have long been a fixture at shops, both chains and independents, just about everywhere. A more recent trend has been the creation of donuts with rich brioche dough, a base with a higher butter content that produces donuts with a lighter, more layered texture. In the Warehouse District just south of downtown Phoenix, Creampuff is producing brioche donuts, along with a few other types of viennoiserie and coffee and tea to accompany all the pastry.
The shop is found along Buchanan Street between First and Second streets, just two or three blocks from the Lincoln Street stations on the B Line and a few more blocks from the Downtown Phoenix Hub where the A and B trains intersect. A bike rack is found nearby at First Street and Buchanan. The building is a refurbished warehouse where a branch of CCV Church is the main occupant. The building is subtly marked, but the Creampuff sign is more prominent than those of the church. There’s also a sandwich board sign at the corner to point the way to donuts.
Signs aside, the donut shop dominates the front of the building with pastry on display behind glass and menus overhead the counter. Some seats at gold-colored banquettes are available nearby, but there’s far more seating in the church’s lobby, a larger space that blends seamlessly with Creampuff. A side yard offers a comfortable, relaxing place outdoors, and strong wifi is provided by the church. Although Creampuff can certainly box up donuts in quantity to go back home or to the office, the inviting space invites guests to stay a while and enjoy a treat on site.
The brioche donuts include some simple choices like vanilla and chocolate glazed, but most celebrate the layered structure of brioche with decadent topping and fillings. A churro cheesecake donut has a top coating of cream cheese with cinnamon as a dominant flavor. A black forest donut leads with chocolate on top but a tart cherry filling inside tempers the sweetness. A literal cherry on top is applied at the time the donut is ordered, enhancing the image of freshness. Other choices include s’mores, birthday cake, and strawberry shortcake.
Beyond donuts, huge pecan cinnamon rolls are among the changing offerings. For customers seeking a bit more restraint, the croissants also make effective use of the brioche dough. They’re available in a basic butter format, swirled with chocolate, and also in rotating savory choices such as ham and cheese or a bold combination of salami, gouda, and fig. These work well as simple meals or hearty snacks, showing that brioche isn’t just for sweets. A final food offering is slices of quiche found to the side in a refrigerated case with some cold drinks.
Speaking of drinks, Creampuff also functions as a coffee house with a full array of coffee, tea, and espresso drinks. Iced and cold signature beverages include lattes with cinnamon and honey or maple syrup and almond extract. Like the pastry, they’re rich but not cloyingly sweet. At first glance, Creampuff seems kind of lonely by itself on Buchanan Street, but the tenancy in the lobby of a church actually makes perfect sense. Much of the week, there is plenty of space for customers to relax, and during services and events, there is a built-in clientele for brioche.
101 E. Buchanan St., Phoenix AZ 85004
https://www.creampuffdonuts.com
PHX Rail Food 