Royal Bake Shop

Bakery | Donuts
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Worth driving from anywhere!
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Zebra Donuts at Royal Bake Shop in Centerville, South Dakota, are a local phenomenon.  When we asked the nice ladies working the day of our visit how a bakery in such a small town not only survives, but thrives, they joyfully rattled off examples of their popularity.  On the previous day, the Turner County Fair bought 48 dozen of the Zebras, sold them all and ordered 48 dozen more.  They typically make 300 Zebras on weekdays, 1000 on Saturdays, and are still sold out by mid-morning.  We were there early on a Saturday and the one woman said with a knowing smile, “It’s about to get crazy in here!”

What makes Zebra Donuts special?  They are a puffy, glazed yeast donut with a thick band of chocolate in the middle.  It is topped off with fudgy chocolate icing.  There is a freshness that only comes from using the best ingredients, with no oily aftertaste you often get after eating inferior donuts.  One bite and we were hooked.  Royal Bake Shop is so proud and protective of the Zebra that they have it trademarked.

Everything else we tried was equally dazzling.  Custard Bismarks are pillowy soft, have a sprinkling of powdered sugar and are filled with sweet Boston cream.  The cinnamon twist has a thin layer of glaze and easily pulls apart for eating on the go.  And don’t miss the cinnamon roll:  feather-light, gooey, and still warm from the oven.

Royal Bake Shop offers free coffee to its customers.

What to Eat
Royal Bake Shop, Zebra Donut
Zebra Donut
Must-Try
The Zebra Donut is Royal Bake Shop's claim to fame.
Royal Bake Shop, Cinnamon Roll
Cinnamon Roll
Must-Try
A cinnamon roll worthy of any Iowa breakfast table.
Royal Bake Shop, Cinnamon Twist
Cinnamon Twist
Must-Try
We would have preferred more cinnamon flavor to the cinnamon twist donut, but otherwise it was a pleasure to eat.
Royal Bake Shop, Blueberry Turnover
Blueberry Turnover
Must-Try
Not what we typically think of as being a blueberry turnover, this was a glazed donut filled with sweet blueberry jam.
Royal Bake Shop, Custard Bismark
Custard Bismark
Must-Try
Custard filled bismarks are popular in donut shops throught the Midwest.
Directions and Hours
CLOSED Today
CLOSED
SundayCLOSED
MondayCLOSED
Tuesday5:00am - 2:00pm
Wednesday5:00am - 2:00pm
Thursday5:00am - 2:00pm
Friday5:00am - 2:00pm
Saturday6:00am - 12:00pm
516 Broadway St. Centerville, SD 57014
605-563-2531
Information
Price
$
Seasons
Open Year Round
Meals Served
Breakfast
Credit Cards Accepted
No
Alcohol Served
No
Outdoor Seating
No

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