Edible Extravagance: Savor Every Bite of This 24K Gold Doughnut

Photo Credit: Birdies

When it comes to opulence, Los Angeles really has it all. Caviar and cupcake vending machines? Check. The second most expensive restaurant in the United States (Beverly Hills’ high-end sushi eatery, Urasawa)? Check. A doughnut covered in 24-karat gold? Bingo!

This gilded confection can be found at artisanal downtown LA doughnut shop Birdies LA. What you can expect for its $100 price tag: a sinfully good solid gold treat that’s dipped in cream cheese champagne glaze and coated in 24-karat gold leaf.

When you think about it, that’s $1000+ per dozen—and one interesting way to kick off (or end) your next dinner party.

While the golden doughnut, courtesy of Birdies owner Jason Harley (a man who, in addition to his edible golden treat, is also known for his selection of artisanal donuts with unique flavors like lemon thyme pistachio, strawberry white chocolate, candied bacon maple and horchata twist with dulche de leche) is the first holy golden confection to be found in La La Land, it isn’t the first gold-flaked doughnut to ever be made. Earlier this year, Brooklyn eatery Manila Social Club made headlines for its “Golden Cristal Ube Donut,” which, also at $100, was flavored with champagne, filled with purple yam and topped with 24-karat gold flakes.

Neither dessert compares in price, however, to the $1500+ Krispy Kreme doughnut that debuted at Selfridges in London back in 2014: this one-of-a-kind tasty treat took three days to create and was made of 500-year-old Courvoisier de L’Esprit Cognac and topped with 2002 Dom Pérignon champagne. It also featured a raspberry and Chateau d’Yquem crème with passion fruit glazing and edible 24-carat gold leaves as well as a gold dusted Belgian chocolate flower and and edible white chocolate “diamonds.”