Dr. Pepper Krispy Kreme Doughnut Recipes: A Sweet Collaboration!
Get ready for a flavor explosion! The collaboration between Dr. Pepper and Krispy Kreme has sparked a culinary frenzy, inspiring a range of delicious doughnut creations that blend the iconic taste of Dr. Pepper with the irresistible sweetness of Krispy Kreme doughnuts. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, these recipes will guide you through crafting your own Dr. Pepper-infused doughnuts that are sure to impress.
This blog post will delve into several exciting recipes, offering detailed instructions and tips to ensure your baking adventure is a success. From glazes to fillings, we’ll explore how to incorporate the distinctive Dr. Pepper flavor into every aspect of your homemade doughnuts. So, grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and prepare to embark on a sweet journey!
Why Dr. Pepper and Krispy Kreme? A Match Made in Heaven
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s appreciate the brilliance of this collaboration. Dr. Pepper, with its unique blend of 23 flavors, offers a complex and satisfying taste that’s both sweet and slightly spicy. Krispy Kreme, renowned for its light and airy Original Glazed doughnuts, provides the perfect canvas for showcasing that flavor.
The combination results in a delightful contrast of textures and tastes. The familiar sweetness of the doughnut is elevated by the distinctive Dr. Pepper notes, creating a truly unforgettable treat. It’s no wonder that home bakers are eager to recreate this magic in their own kitchens.
Recipe 1: Dr. Pepper Glazed Doughnuts (Krispy Kreme Inspired)
This recipe focuses on recreating the iconic Krispy Kreme experience with a Dr. Pepper twist. The key is to make a light and airy doughnut base and then drench it in a rich, flavorful Dr. Pepper glaze.
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Doughnuts:**
* 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
* 1/4 cup warm water (105-115°F)
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup milk, scalded and cooled
* 1/4 cup shortening
* 1 large egg
* 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
* Vegetable oil, for frying
* **For the Dr. Pepper Glaze:**
* 4 cups powdered sugar
* 1/2 cup Dr. Pepper soda
* 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
**Instructions:**
1. **Activate the Yeast:** In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Add a pinch of sugar and let it stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
2. **Combine Wet Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the sugar, salt, cooled milk, and shortening. Mix well until the shortening is melted.
3. **Add Yeast and Egg:** Add the activated yeast mixture and the egg to the bowl. Mix until well combined.
4. **Gradually Add Flour:** Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Once the dough starts to come together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
5. **Knead the Dough:** Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
6. **First Rise:** Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
7. **Punch Down and Roll Out:** Punch down the dough to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about 1/2 inch thickness.
8. **Cut Out Doughnuts:** Use a doughnut cutter or two different sized round cookie cutters to cut out doughnut shapes. Place the doughnuts and doughnut holes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9. **Second Rise:** Cover the doughnuts with a clean towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until slightly puffed.
10. **Prepare the Dr. Pepper Glaze:** While the doughnuts are rising, prepare the glaze. In a large bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, Dr. Pepper soda, light corn syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy. Adjust the amount of Dr. Pepper soda to reach your desired consistency.
11. **Fry the Doughnuts:** Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop the doughnuts into the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
12. **Drain the Doughnuts:** Remove the doughnuts from the oil and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
13. **Glaze the Doughnuts:** While the doughnuts are still warm, dip them into the Dr. Pepper glaze, coating them completely. Place the glazed doughnuts back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set.
14. **Serve and Enjoy:** Serve the Dr. Pepper glazed doughnuts warm or at room temperature. Enjoy the sweet and flavorful treat!
**Tips for Success:**
* **Yeast Activation:** Make sure the water for activating the yeast is not too hot, as this can kill the yeast. It should be between 105-115°F.
* **Dough Consistency:** The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, but not too wet. If it is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
* **Oil Temperature:** Maintain a consistent oil temperature of 350°F (175°C) for even cooking. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
* **Glaze Consistency:** Adjust the amount of Dr. Pepper soda in the glaze to achieve your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the doughnuts but thin enough to spread evenly.
Recipe 2: Dr. Pepper Filled Doughnuts
Take your Dr. Pepper doughnut game to the next level with these filled delights. This recipe features a light and fluffy doughnut filled with a creamy Dr. Pepper pastry cream or mousse.
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Doughnuts:** (Use the same doughnut recipe as in Recipe 1 or your favorite doughnut recipe)
* **For the Dr. Pepper Pastry Cream:**
* 2 cups Dr. Pepper soda
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup cornstarch
* Pinch of salt
* 4 large egg yolks
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* **For the Dr. Pepper Mousse (Alternative Filling):**
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 cup Dr. Pepper soda
* 4 ounces white chocolate, chopped
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Doughnuts:** Follow the instructions in Recipe 1 to make the doughnuts. Fry them until golden brown and let them cool slightly.
2. **Make the Dr. Pepper Pastry Cream:**
* In a medium saucepan, whisk together the Dr. Pepper soda, sugar, cornstarch, and salt until smooth.
* In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until lightly beaten.
* Gradually whisk a small amount of the hot Dr. Pepper mixture into the egg yolks to temper them (this prevents them from scrambling). Then, pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan.
* Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the pastry cream thickens and comes to a boil. Continue to cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly.
* Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until smooth. Transfer the pastry cream to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (pressing the plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming), and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until completely cold.
3. **Make the Dr. Pepper Mousse (Alternative Filling):**
* Heat the Dr. Pepper soda in a small saucepan over medium heat until it simmers.
* Pour the hot Dr. Pepper soda over the chopped white chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for 1 minute to melt the chocolate, then whisk until smooth.
* Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
* In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
* Gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled Dr. Pepper white chocolate mixture until combined.
* Transfer the mousse to a piping bag and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
4. **Fill the Doughnuts:**
* Use a piping bag fitted with a small tip or a small knife to make a small incision on the side of each doughnut.
* Fill the doughnuts with either the Dr. Pepper pastry cream or the Dr. Pepper mousse. Pipe the filling in until the doughnut is full.
5. **Garnish (Optional):** Dust the filled doughnuts with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate.
6. **Serve and Enjoy:** Serve the Dr. Pepper filled doughnuts chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy the creamy and flavorful filling!
**Tips for Success:**
* **Tempering Egg Yolks:** Tempering the egg yolks is crucial to prevent them from scrambling when making the pastry cream. Gradually whisk a small amount of the hot liquid into the egg yolks before adding the egg yolks to the entire mixture.
* **Preventing Skin on Pastry Cream:** Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pastry cream while it’s chilling to prevent a skin from forming.
* **Whipping Cream:** Ensure the heavy cream is cold before whipping it for the mousse. This will help it whip up to stiff peaks more easily.
* **Filling Doughnuts:** Be careful not to overfill the doughnuts, as the filling can leak out.
Recipe 3: Dr. Pepper Doughnut Holes
These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties or a quick snack. They’re easy to make and incredibly addictive!
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Doughnut Holes:** (Use the same doughnut recipe as in Recipe 1. Alternatively, use the dough scraps from cutting out the doughnuts in Recipe 1 and 2)
* **For the Dr. Pepper Cinnamon Sugar Coating:**
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
* 1/4 cup Dr. Pepper reduction (see instructions below)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Doughnut Holes:** Follow the instructions in Recipe 1 to make the doughnut dough. Instead of cutting out doughnuts, use a small spoon or melon baller to scoop out small balls of dough. Alternatively, use the scraps of dough from your doughnut cutting endeavors.
2. **Second Rise:** Place the doughnut holes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with a clean towel and let them rise for another 20-30 minutes, or until slightly puffed.
3. **Prepare the Dr. Pepper Reduction:** In a small saucepan, simmer 1/2 cup of Dr. Pepper soda over low heat until it reduces to about 1/4 cup. This will intensify the Dr. Pepper flavor.
4. **Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:** In a shallow bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Drizzle the Dr. Pepper reduction over the sugar mixture and stir with a fork to create clumps of flavor. The sugar will have a slight moistness to it.
5. **Fry the Doughnut Holes:** Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop the doughnut holes into the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry for 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
6. **Coat the Doughnut Holes:** Remove the doughnut holes from the oil and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil. While they are still warm, toss them in the Dr. Pepper cinnamon sugar coating until they are evenly coated.
7. **Serve and Enjoy:** Serve the Dr. Pepper doughnut holes warm. These are best enjoyed fresh!
**Tips for Success:**
* **Dr. Pepper Reduction:** Simmering the Dr. Pepper soda reduces its volume and concentrates its flavor, resulting in a more intense Dr. Pepper taste in the coating.
* **Even Coating:** Toss the doughnut holes in the cinnamon sugar coating while they are still warm to ensure the coating adheres properly.
* **Serving Fresh:** Doughnut holes are best enjoyed fresh, as they can become stale quickly. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
Recipe 4: Dr. Pepper Chocolate Doughnuts
For chocolate lovers, this recipe combines the rich flavor of chocolate with the unique taste of Dr. Pepper. These doughnuts are perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings.
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Chocolate Doughnuts:**
* 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
* 1/4 cup warm water (105-115°F)
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup milk, scalded and cooled
* 1/4 cup shortening
* 1 large egg
* 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
* 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
* Vegetable oil, for frying
* **For the Dr. Pepper Chocolate Glaze:**
* 2 cups powdered sugar
* 1/4 cup Dr. Pepper soda
* 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
* 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
**Instructions:**
1. **Activate the Yeast:** In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Add a pinch of sugar and let it stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. **Combine Wet Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the sugar, salt, cooled milk, and shortening. Mix well until the shortening is melted.
3. **Add Yeast and Egg:** Add the activated yeast mixture and the egg to the bowl. Mix until well combined.
4. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and cocoa powder.
5. **Gradually Add Dry Ingredients:** Gradually add the flour mixture, one cup at a time, to the wet ingredients, mixing well after each addition. Once the dough starts to come together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
6. **Knead the Dough:** Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
7. **First Rise:** Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
8. **Punch Down and Roll Out:** Punch down the dough to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about 1/2 inch thickness.
9. **Cut Out Doughnuts:** Use a doughnut cutter or two different sized round cookie cutters to cut out doughnut shapes. Place the doughnuts and doughnut holes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
10. **Second Rise:** Cover the doughnuts with a clean towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until slightly puffed.
11. **Prepare the Dr. Pepper Chocolate Glaze:** In a large bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, Dr. Pepper soda, cocoa powder, light corn syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy. Adjust the amount of Dr. Pepper soda to reach your desired consistency.
12. **Fry the Doughnuts:** Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop the doughnuts into the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
13. **Drain and Glaze:** Remove the doughnuts from the oil and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil. While the doughnuts are still warm, dip them into the Dr. Pepper chocolate glaze, coating them completely. Place the glazed doughnuts back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set.
14. **Serve and Enjoy:** Serve the Dr. Pepper chocolate doughnuts warm or at room temperature. Enjoy the rich chocolate flavor with a hint of Dr. Pepper!
**Tips for Success:**
* **Cocoa Powder:** Use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for the best chocolate flavor.
* **Dough Consistency:** The dough should be soft and slightly sticky. Be careful not to add too much flour, as this can make the doughnuts tough.
* **Glaze Consistency:** Adjust the amount of Dr. Pepper soda in the glaze to achieve your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the doughnuts but thin enough to spread evenly.
Variations and Customizations
These recipes are just a starting point! Feel free to experiment and customize them to your liking. Here are a few ideas:
* **Dr. Pepper Caramel Glaze:** Add caramel extract to the Dr. Pepper glaze for a richer, more decadent flavor.
* **Dr. Pepper Peanut Butter Filling:** Mix peanut butter with the Dr. Pepper pastry cream for a delicious peanut butter and Dr. Pepper filling.
* **Dr. Pepper Chocolate Chips:** Add chocolate chips to the doughnut dough for extra chocolate flavor.
* **Dr. Pepper Sprinkles:** Decorate the glazed doughnuts with Dr. Pepper-colored sprinkles.
* **Dr. Pepper Icing:** Create a simple Dr. Pepper icing by mixing powdered sugar with Dr. Pepper soda until you reach your desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions
These Dr. Pepper Krispy Kreme-inspired doughnuts are perfect for:
* **Breakfast or Brunch:** Start your day with a sweet and flavorful treat.
* **Dessert:** Satisfy your sweet cravings after dinner.
* **Parties and Gatherings:** Impress your guests with these unique and delicious doughnuts.
* **Gifts:** Share the joy of Dr. Pepper doughnuts with friends and family.
Storing Doughnuts
Doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They may lose some of their freshness over time. For longer storage, you can freeze the doughnuts. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw the doughnuts at room temperature before serving.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Dr. Pepper and Krispy Kreme has inspired a world of delicious doughnut possibilities. These recipes offer a fun and creative way to enjoy the unique flavor of Dr. Pepper in a classic treat. Whether you’re making glazed doughnuts, filled doughnuts, or doughnut holes, these recipes are sure to delight your taste buds. So, get baking and create your own Dr. Pepper doughnut masterpieces!