Deck the Halls with Doughnuts: Festive Recipes Using Krispy Kreme Holiday Treats
Krispy Kreme’s holiday doughnuts are a beloved tradition, instantly evoking feelings of warmth, joy, and deliciousness. But beyond enjoying them straight from the box, these festive treats can be transformed into extraordinary desserts and culinary creations. This holiday season, let’s unlock the full potential of Krispy Kreme’s limited-edition doughnuts and create unforgettable memories in the kitchen.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to using Krispy Kreme’s holiday doughnuts in creative recipes, ranging from simple no-bake delights to more elaborate showstoppers. Whether you’re looking for a quick treat to impress guests or a fun baking project for the whole family, you’ll find inspiration here.
## Understanding Krispy Kreme’s Holiday Doughnut Flavors
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s appreciate the stars of the show. Krispy Kreme typically releases a variety of holiday-themed doughnuts, each with its unique flavor profile and festive decoration. While the specific flavors may vary each year, some common themes include:
* **Santa Belly Doughnut:** A doughnut shaped like Santa’s belly, often filled with chocolate creme and decorated with icing and a sugar belt buckle. Its richness makes it ideal for recipes that need a chocolatey boost.
* **Reindeer Doughnut:** Usually a doughnut decorated to resemble a reindeer, with pretzel antlers and a red nose. The underlying doughnut flavor is typically glazed or chocolate, making it versatile for various recipes.
* **Holiday Sprinkles Doughnut:** A classic glazed doughnut adorned with festive sprinkles in red, green, and white. Its simple flavor makes it a blank canvas for adding other flavors and textures.
* **Snowflake Doughnut:** A doughnut decorated with a snowflake design, often featuring a white icing base and glittery accents. This doughnut often has a light and airy taste, perfect for recipes that need a delicate touch.
* **Gingerbread Doughnut:** A spiced gingerbread-flavored doughnut, offering a warm and comforting flavor profile that perfectly embodies the holiday spirit. It is excellent in recipes that benefit from gingerbread flavor such as cheesecakes.
Keep in mind that the exact flavors and designs might differ each year, so be sure to check your local Krispy Kreme’s offerings to select the best doughnuts for your culinary adventures.
## Recipe 1: Krispy Kreme Doughnut Bread Pudding
Bread pudding is a classic comfort food, and using Krispy Kreme doughnuts takes it to a whole new level of decadence. The doughnuts’ sweetness and richness create a bread pudding that’s incredibly moist, flavorful, and satisfying.
**Ingredients:**
* 6-8 Krispy Kreme holiday doughnuts (a mix of flavors works well), cut into 1-inch cubes
* 4 large eggs
* 2 cups heavy cream
* 1 cup milk
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* Pinch of salt
* Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts), 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Doughnuts:** Cut the Krispy Kreme doughnuts into 1-inch cubes. Spread them out on a baking sheet and let them air dry for about 30 minutes to an hour. This helps them absorb the custard better.
2. **Make the Custard:** In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
3. **Combine Doughnuts and Custard:** Place the dried doughnut cubes in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour the custard mixture over the doughnuts, making sure all the pieces are evenly soaked. Gently press down on the doughnuts to ensure they are submerged in the custard.
4. **Add Optional Ingredients:** If desired, sprinkle chopped nuts, raisins, or dried cranberries over the top of the bread pudding.
5. **Bake:** Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and let it sit for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight in the refrigerator) to allow the doughnuts to fully absorb the custard. This step is crucial for a moist and flavorful bread pudding.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the covered bread pudding for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
7. **Cool and Serve:** Let the bread pudding cool slightly before serving. You can serve it warm or at room temperature. Serve as-is or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Flavor Combinations:** Experiment with different Krispy Kreme doughnut flavors to create unique bread pudding variations. A combination of Santa Belly (chocolate) and Holiday Sprinkles doughnuts would be particularly festive.
* **Boozy Bread Pudding:** Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the custard for an extra layer of flavor.
* **Caramel Sauce:** Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the bread pudding before serving for an even more indulgent treat.
* **Nutella Swirl:** Swirl a few tablespoons of Nutella into the custard before baking for a chocolate-hazelnut twist.
## Recipe 2: Krispy Kreme Doughnut Trifle
A trifle is an elegant and visually stunning dessert, perfect for holiday gatherings. Using Krispy Kreme doughnuts as a layer adds a touch of fun and sweetness to this classic dessert.
**Ingredients:**
* 6 Krispy Kreme holiday doughnuts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
* 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
* 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
* 1 (12 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
* 1 (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
* 3 cups milk
* Optional: Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries), chocolate shavings, caramel sauce
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Doughnuts:** Cut the Krispy Kreme doughnuts into bite-sized pieces.
2. **Make the Pudding:** In a large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until smooth. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken.
3. **Make the Cream Cheese Layer:** In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in half of the thawed whipped topping.
4. **Assemble the Trifle:** In a large trifle bowl or individual serving glasses, layer the ingredients in the following order:
* Doughnut pieces
* Vanilla pudding
* Cream cheese mixture
* Remaining whipped topping
* Optional: Fresh berries, chocolate shavings, or caramel sauce
5. **Chill:** Cover the trifle and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together and the doughnuts to soften slightly.
6. **Serve:** Serve chilled. Garnish with additional fresh berries, chocolate shavings, or caramel sauce, if desired.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Flavor Combinations:** Choose Krispy Kreme doughnut flavors that complement the other ingredients in the trifle. Reindeer Doughnuts paired with chocolate pudding and fresh raspberries would be a festive and delicious combination.
* **Liquor Infusion:** Drizzle a small amount of liqueur (such as amaretto or Grand Marnier) over the doughnut layer for an extra touch of sophistication.
* **Layered Presentation:** Get creative with the layering to create a visually appealing trifle. Alternate the doughnut pieces with different fruits and toppings for a colorful and exciting presentation.
* **Cookie Crumbles:** Add a layer of crushed cookies (such as Oreos or graham crackers) for added texture and flavor.
## Recipe 3: Krispy Kreme Doughnut Ice Cream Sandwiches
Ice cream sandwiches are a classic summertime treat, but they can be enjoyed year-round, especially when made with Krispy Kreme holiday doughnuts. The doughnuts’ soft texture and sweet flavor create the perfect complement to cold and creamy ice cream.
**Ingredients:**
* 6 Krispy Kreme holiday doughnuts, sliced in half horizontally
* 1 pint of your favorite ice cream, softened slightly
* Optional: Sprinkles, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, mini M&Ms
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Doughnuts:** Slice the Krispy Kreme doughnuts in half horizontally.
2. **Soften the Ice Cream:** Let the ice cream soften slightly at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes, or until it’s easily scoopable but not completely melted.
3. **Assemble the Sandwiches:** Place a scoop of softened ice cream on the bottom half of each doughnut. Gently press the top half of the doughnut onto the ice cream.
4. **Add Toppings (Optional):** If desired, roll the edges of the ice cream sandwiches in sprinkles, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or mini M&Ms.
5. **Freeze:** Wrap the ice cream sandwiches individually in plastic wrap and freeze for at least 30 minutes to allow the ice cream to harden.
6. **Serve:** Serve the frozen ice cream sandwiches and enjoy!
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Ice Cream Flavors:** Choose ice cream flavors that complement the Krispy Kreme doughnut flavors. Vanilla ice cream is a classic choice, but chocolate, peppermint, or eggnog ice cream would also be delicious.
* **Doughnut Toasting:** For a slightly warmer and crispier doughnut, lightly toast the cut sides in a toaster oven or skillet before adding the ice cream.
* **Doughnut Glaze:** Lightly glaze the cut sides of the doughnut with melted chocolate before adding the ice cream for an extra layer of decadence.
* **Doughnut Shape Cutters:** Use holiday-themed cookie cutters to create fun and festive shapes from the doughnut halves before assembling the ice cream sandwiches.
## Recipe 4: Krispy Kreme Doughnut Pops
Doughnut pops are a fun and easy treat that’s perfect for parties and gatherings. Using Krispy Kreme holiday doughnuts adds a festive touch to these already adorable treats.
**Ingredients:**
* 6 Krispy Kreme holiday doughnuts
* 12 lollipop sticks
* 12 ounces melting chocolate (milk, dark, or white)
* Sprinkles, edible glitter, chopped nuts, or other decorations
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Doughnuts:** Insert a lollipop stick into the bottom of each Krispy Kreme doughnut, pushing it about halfway through. If the doughnut is too soft, chill in the freezer for 10 minutes to firm up before inserting the sticks.
2. **Melt the Chocolate:** Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and melted. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate.
3. **Dip the Doughnuts:** Dip each doughnut into the melted chocolate, making sure to cover it completely. Gently tap off any excess chocolate.
4. **Decorate:** Immediately sprinkle the doughnuts with sprinkles, edible glitter, chopped nuts, or other decorations before the chocolate sets.
5. **Set the Chocolate:** Place the doughnut pops on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them set completely. This can be done at room temperature or in the refrigerator for faster setting.
6. **Serve:** Serve the doughnut pops and enjoy!
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Chocolate Colors:** Use food coloring to tint the melted chocolate to create different colors for the doughnut pops. This is especially fun for holiday-themed parties.
* **Drizzle Designs:** Drizzle melted white chocolate or colored candy melts over the dipped doughnuts to create fun and festive designs.
* **Doughnut Hole Pops:** Use Krispy Kreme doughnut holes instead of whole doughnuts for mini doughnut pops.
* **Peanut Butter Cups:** Press a mini peanut butter cup onto the top of the dipped doughnut before the chocolate sets for a Reese’s-inspired treat.
## Recipe 5: Krispy Kreme Doughnut Grilled Cheese
Yes, you read that right! This unusual combination of savory and sweet results in a surprisingly delicious sandwich. The Krispy Kreme glaze caramelizes beautifully when grilled, adding a unique twist to the classic grilled cheese.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnuts, sliced in half horizontally
* 2 slices of your favorite cheese (cheddar, Gruyere, or brie work well)
* 2 tablespoons butter, softened
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Doughnuts:** Slice the Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnuts in half horizontally.
2. **Butter the Doughnuts:** Spread softened butter on the outside of each doughnut half (the glazed side).
3. **Assemble the Sandwich:** Place one doughnut half, butter-side down, in a skillet over medium heat. Top with the cheese slices and the other doughnut half, butter-side up.
4. **Grill the Sandwich:** Cook the sandwich for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the doughnuts are golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. Press down gently with a spatula to ensure even cooking.
5. **Serve:** Serve the grilled cheese sandwich immediately and enjoy!
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Cheese Variety:** Experiment with different types of cheese to find your favorite combination. Sharp cheddar provides a nice contrast to the sweetness of the doughnut, while brie adds a creamy and luxurious texture.
* **Bacon or Ham:** Add a slice of cooked bacon or ham to the sandwich for a savory and salty element.
* **Tomato Slices:** Include a few thin slices of tomato for a fresh and juicy addition.
* **Spicy Mayo:** Spread a thin layer of spicy mayo on the inside of the doughnut halves before grilling for a kick of heat.
## Recipe 6: Krispy Kreme Doughnut Crumble Topping
Elevate your muffins, pies, or even ice cream with a delightful crumble topping made from crushed Krispy Kreme holiday doughnuts. This simple addition adds sweetness, texture, and a touch of holiday cheer to any dessert.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 Krispy Kreme holiday doughnuts
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/4 cup brown sugar
* 1/4 cup cold butter, cut into small cubes
* 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Doughnuts:** Roughly chop the Krispy Kreme holiday doughnuts.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** In a medium bowl, combine the chopped doughnuts, flour, brown sugar, and cold butter. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. **Add Nuts (Optional):** If desired, stir in the chopped nuts.
4. **Use as Topping:** Sprinkle the crumble topping over your favorite muffins, pies, or ice cream before baking or serving.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the crumble mixture for a warm and festive flavor.
* **Oatmeal Addition:** Replace some of the flour with rolled oats for a chewier crumble topping.
* **Coconut Flakes:** Add shredded coconut flakes for a tropical twist.
* **Make it Vegan:** Use vegan butter instead of regular butter to make the crumble topping vegan.
## Recipe 7: Krispy Kreme Doughnut Milkshake
Blend your favorite Krispy Kreme holiday doughnut into a creamy milkshake for an indulgent and festive treat. This is a simple way to enjoy the flavors of the season in a cool and refreshing drink.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 Krispy Kreme holiday doughnut
* 1 cup vanilla ice cream
* 1/2 cup milk
* Whipped cream (optional)
* Sprinkles (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a blender, combine the Krispy Kreme holiday doughnut, vanilla ice cream, and milk.
2. **Blend:** Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. **Pour and Garnish:** Pour the milkshake into a glass. Top with whipped cream and sprinkles, if desired.
4. **Serve:** Serve immediately and enjoy!
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Ice Cream Flavor:** Experiment with different ice cream flavors to complement the doughnut flavor. Chocolate ice cream would be a great choice for a Santa Belly Doughnut milkshake.
* **Extra Doughnut Pieces:** Add a few small pieces of doughnut to the milkshake after blending for added texture.
* **Chocolate Syrup:** Drizzle chocolate syrup inside the glass before pouring in the milkshake for a decorative touch.
* **Peanut Butter:** Add a tablespoon of peanut butter for a peanut butter and doughnut milkshake.
## Recipe 8: Krispy Kreme Doughnut French Toast
Transform your Krispy Kreme doughnuts into a sweet and decadent French toast. The doughnuts’ inherent sweetness means you might need to reduce the amount of sugar you usually add to your French toast batter.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnuts, sliced in half horizontally
* 2 large eggs
* 1/4 cup milk
* 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
* Pinch of cinnamon
* 2 tablespoons butter
* Maple syrup, for serving
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Doughnuts:** Slice the Krispy Kreme doughnuts in half horizontally.
2. **Make the Batter:** In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
3. **Soak the Doughnuts:** Dip each doughnut half into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are coated. Let them soak for a few seconds.
4. **Cook the French Toast:** Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Place the soaked doughnut halves in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and heated through.
5. **Serve:** Serve immediately with maple syrup.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Berry Compote:** Top the French toast with a homemade berry compote for a fruity and tart contrast to the sweetness of the doughnuts.
* **Powdered Sugar:** Dust with powdered sugar for a simple and elegant presentation.
* **Nutella Drizzle:** Drizzle with Nutella for a chocolate-hazelnut twist.
* **Whipped Cream:** Top with whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
## Recipe 9: Krispy Kreme Doughnut Parfaits
These are quick, easy, and visually appealing. Layering ingredients adds different textures and flavors to a dessert that can be ready in minutes.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 Krispy Kreme holiday doughnuts, cubed
* 1 cup vanilla yogurt (or Greek yogurt)
* 1/2 cup granola
* 1/2 cup fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
* Honey or maple syrup (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Doughnuts:** Cut the Krispy Kreme doughnuts into bite-sized cubes.
2. **Layer Ingredients:** In individual glasses or parfait dishes, layer the yogurt, doughnuts, granola, and berries. Repeat layers until the glass is full.
3. **Drizzle (Optional):** Drizzle with honey or maple syrup, if desired.
4. **Serve:** Serve immediately or chill for later.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Yogurt Flavor:** Use different flavored yogurts such as strawberry, blueberry or chocolate for a variation in taste.
* **Nut Butter:** Add a layer of peanut butter or almond butter for added protein and flavor.
* **Chocolate Shavings:** Add chocolate shavings between the layers for a more decadent treat.
* **Different Fruits:** Use seasonal fruits like peaches, plums or kiwi for different flavor combinations.
## Recipe 10: Krispy Kreme Doughnut Cake Pops
A variation of the Doughnut Pops that’s even more customizable and fun to eat.
**Ingredients:**
* 6 Krispy Kreme holiday doughnuts
* 4 oz cream cheese, softened
* 12 oz melting chocolate (milk, dark, or white)
* Sprinkles, edible glitter, chopped nuts, or other decorations
* Lollipop sticks
**Instructions:**
1. **Crumble the Doughnuts:** Crumble the Krispy Kreme doughnuts into a large bowl.
2. **Mix with Cream Cheese:** Add the softened cream cheese and mix until a smooth dough forms.
3. **Shape into Balls:** Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. **Chill:** Chill the doughnut balls in the freezer for at least 30 minutes.
5. **Melt Chocolate:** Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
6. **Dip and Decorate:** Dip the end of a lollipop stick into the melted chocolate and insert it into a doughnut ball. Dip the entire doughnut ball into the melted chocolate, tapping off any excess. Immediately decorate with sprinkles, edible glitter, or chopped nuts.
7. **Set:** Place the cake pops upright in a styrofoam block or place on a parchment-lined baking sheet to set.
8. **Serve:** Once the chocolate has set, serve and enjoy!
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Different Chocolate:** Use different colors and flavors of melting chocolate for a variety of cake pops.
* **Crushed Cookies:** Roll the dipped cake pops in crushed cookies, such as Oreos or graham crackers.
* **Extracts:** Add a drop of your favorite extract (vanilla, almond, peppermint) to the dough for added flavor.
* **Edible Markers:** Use edible markers to draw designs on the set chocolate.
## Creative Presentation Ideas
No matter which recipe you choose, the presentation can elevate your Krispy Kreme doughnut creations to the next level. Here are a few ideas:
* **Tiered Dessert Stands:** Showcase your creations on tiered dessert stands for an elegant display.
* **Mini Dessert Shooters:** Serve trifle or parfaits in mini dessert shooters for individual portions.
* **Themed Decorations:** Incorporate holiday-themed decorations such as edible glitter, candy canes, or mini ornaments.
* **Personalized Tags:** Add personalized tags to each treat for a special touch.
## Conclusion: Doughnuts Beyond the Box
Krispy Kreme holiday doughnuts offer a delightful canvas for culinary creativity. These recipes provide a starting point for transforming these beloved treats into unforgettable desserts and snacks. So, this holiday season, think beyond the box and let your imagination run wild with Krispy Kreme’s festive flavors. Happy baking!