Pumpkin Spice Dreams: 5 Delicious Recipes Featuring Krispy Kreme’s Pumpkin Doughnuts
Fall is officially here, and with it comes the glorious return of pumpkin spice everything! And let’s be honest, few things scream autumn quite like a Krispy Kreme Pumpkin Spice Doughnut. But beyond simply enjoying them straight from the box (which, let’s be real, is a perfectly acceptable activity), these delectable treats can be the star ingredient in a variety of mouthwatering recipes. Get ready to elevate your pumpkin spice game with these five unforgettable creations featuring Krispy Kreme’s iconic pumpkin doughnut.
**Why Krispy Kreme Pumpkin Doughnuts?**
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s take a moment to appreciate why Krispy Kreme’s Pumpkin Spice Doughnuts are so beloved. Their perfectly balanced blend of pumpkin spice, warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and the signature Krispy Kreme glaze creates a symphony of flavors that embodies the essence of fall. Their light, airy texture makes them incredibly versatile for incorporating into different dishes. Plus, their readily available nature makes them an easy and convenient ingredient to work with.
**Recipe 1: Pumpkin Doughnut Bread Pudding**
Bread pudding is a classic comfort food, and this pumpkin doughnut version takes it to a whole new level of autumnal deliciousness. The doughnuts replace traditional bread, infusing every bite with pumpkin spice goodness. This recipe is perfect for brunch, dessert, or even a special holiday breakfast.
**Ingredients:**
* 6 Krispy Kreme Pumpkin Spice Doughnuts, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 1 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* Pinch of salt
* Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
* Optional: Caramel sauce or whipped cream for serving
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Doughnuts:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish. Cut the Krispy Kreme Pumpkin Spice Doughnuts into 1-inch cubes. Spread the cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes to lightly dry them out. This helps prevent the bread pudding from becoming too soggy.
2. **Make the Custard:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined. This is your custard base.
3. **Assemble the Bread Pudding:** Place the slightly dried doughnut cubes into the greased baking dish. If using, sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts over the doughnuts. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the doughnuts, making sure to saturate them. Gently press down on the doughnuts with a spatula to help them absorb the custard.
4. **Bake:** Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the bread pudding is golden brown and set. A knife inserted into the center should come out mostly clean.
5. **Cool and Serve:** Let the bread pudding cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Drizzle with caramel sauce or top with whipped cream, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Spice It Up:** Add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger to the custard for an extra layer of warmth.
* **Chocolate Chip Surprise:** Fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white) for a decadent twist.
* **Boozy Bread Pudding:** Add 2 tablespoons of bourbon or rum to the custard for an adult-friendly version.
* **Make it Ahead:** Assemble the bread pudding a day ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
**Recipe 2: Pumpkin Doughnut French Toast**
Tired of plain old French toast? This recipe transforms Krispy Kreme Pumpkin Doughnuts into a truly indulgent breakfast treat. The doughnuts soak up the custard beautifully, creating a soft and flavorful French toast that’s bursting with pumpkin spice flavor.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 Krispy Kreme Pumpkin Spice Doughnuts
* 2 large eggs
* 1/4 cup milk
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* Pinch of salt
* 1 tablespoon butter, for cooking
* Maple syrup, for serving
* Optional: Powdered sugar, for serving
* Optional: Fresh berries, for serving
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Doughnuts:** Slice each Krispy Kreme Pumpkin Spice Doughnut in half horizontally.
2. **Make the Custard:** In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined. This is your French toast custard.
3. **Soak the Doughnuts:** Dip each doughnut half into the custard mixture, making sure to coat both sides. Let the doughnuts soak for about 30 seconds on each side, allowing them to absorb the custard.
4. **Cook the French Toast:** Melt the butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the soaked doughnut halves in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. **Serve:** Serve the Pumpkin Doughnut French Toast immediately with maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh berries, if desired.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Spice it Up:** Add a dash of pumpkin pie spice to the custard for an extra boost of flavor.
* **Vanilla Extract:** A splash of vanilla extract in the custard elevates the flavor profile.
* **Caramelized Doughnuts:** After cooking, sprinkle a little sugar on the French toast and let it caramelize slightly for a crispy and sweet finish.
* **Topping Extravaganza:** Get creative with toppings! Try whipped cream, chopped nuts, chocolate shavings, or even a drizzle of pumpkin spice syrup.
**Recipe 3: Pumpkin Doughnut Parfaits**
For a quick, easy, and elegant dessert or breakfast, these Pumpkin Doughnut Parfaits are the perfect solution. Layered with creamy yogurt, crunchy granola, and crumbled doughnuts, they’re a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 Krispy Kreme Pumpkin Spice Doughnuts, crumbled
* 1 cup Greek yogurt (vanilla or plain)
* 1/2 cup granola (pumpkin spice or your favorite flavor)
* Optional: Honey or maple syrup, to taste
* Optional: Pumpkin seeds, for garnish
* Optional: Whipped cream, for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. **Crumble the Doughnuts:** Crumble the Krispy Kreme Pumpkin Spice Doughnuts into bite-sized pieces.
2. **Assemble the Parfaits:** In two glasses or parfait dishes, layer the ingredients in the following order: yogurt, granola, crumbled doughnuts. Repeat the layers until the glasses are full, ending with a layer of crumbled doughnuts.
3. **Garnish and Serve:** Drizzle with honey or maple syrup, if desired. Garnish with pumpkin seeds or whipped cream, if desired. Serve immediately or chill for later.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Yogurt Alternatives:** Use coconut yogurt or dairy-free yogurt for a vegan option.
* **Fruit Addition:** Add layers of fresh fruit, such as sliced apples, pears, or cranberries, for extra flavor and nutrition.
* **Nutty Goodness:** Incorporate chopped nuts, such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds, for added crunch.
* **Spice it Up (Again!):** Sprinkle a pinch of pumpkin pie spice between the layers for an extra kick.
**Recipe 4: Pumpkin Doughnut Ice Cream Sandwiches**
This recipe is pure indulgence! Imagine biting into a creamy scoop of ice cream sandwiched between two halves of a Krispy Kreme Pumpkin Doughnut. It’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying dessert that’s perfect for a warm fall evening.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 Krispy Kreme Pumpkin Spice Doughnuts
* 1 pint pumpkin ice cream (or vanilla, if you prefer)
* Optional: Sprinkles, for garnish
* Optional: Chopped nuts, for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Doughnuts:** Slice each Krispy Kreme Pumpkin Spice Doughnut in half horizontally.
2. **Soften the Ice Cream:** Let the ice cream soften slightly at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes, making it easier to scoop.
3. **Assemble the Sandwiches:** Scoop a generous amount of ice cream onto the bottom half of each doughnut. Top with the other half of the doughnut, pressing down gently to secure the ice cream.
4. **Garnish (Optional):** Roll the edges of the ice cream sandwiches in sprinkles or chopped nuts, if desired.
5. **Freeze (Optional):** For a firmer ice cream sandwich, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and freeze for at least 30 minutes before serving.
6. **Serve:** Enjoy immediately!
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Ice Cream Choices:** Experiment with different ice cream flavors, such as cinnamon, maple walnut, or even salted caramel.
* **Doughnut Toasting:** Lightly toast the doughnut halves before adding the ice cream for a warmer, crispier sandwich.
* **Chocolate Drizzle:** Drizzle melted chocolate over the ice cream sandwiches for an extra touch of decadence.
* **Different Doughnuts:** While this recipe is tailored for pumpkin doughnuts, try it with other Krispy Kreme flavors for a fun variation.
**Recipe 5: Pumpkin Doughnut Mug Cake**
Craving a quick and easy pumpkin spice fix? This Pumpkin Doughnut Mug Cake is the answer! It’s a single-serving dessert that’s ready in minutes and requires minimal effort. It’s perfect for those moments when you need a little something sweet without having to bake a whole cake.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 Krispy Kreme Pumpkin Spice Doughnut
* 2 tablespoons milk
* 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
* 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
* Optional: Whipped cream, for topping
* Optional: Caramel sauce, for topping
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Doughnut:** Crumble the Krispy Kreme Pumpkin Spice Doughnut into a microwave-safe mug.
2. **Add Wet Ingredients:** Pour the milk and melted butter into the mug. Sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice.
3. **Mix:** Use a fork to mix the ingredients together until well combined. The mixture should be slightly lumpy.
4. **Microwave:** Microwave on high for 60-90 seconds, or until the cake is cooked through. Cooking time may vary depending on your microwave.
5. **Cool (Slightly) & Serve:** Let the mug cake cool for a minute or two before topping with whipped cream and caramel sauce, if desired. Enjoy immediately!
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Chocolate Chips:** Stir in a tablespoon of chocolate chips before microwaving for a chocolatey twist.
* **Nutty Crunch:** Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts before microwaving for added texture.
* **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of pumpkin pie spice to your liking.
* **Ice Cream Topping:** Top the warm mug cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
**Final Thoughts: Embrace the Pumpkin Spice Doughnut!**
Krispy Kreme Pumpkin Spice Doughnuts are more than just a delicious snack; they’re a versatile ingredient that can be transformed into a variety of exciting and flavorful dishes. Whether you’re craving a comforting bread pudding, a quick and easy mug cake, or a decadent ice cream sandwich, these recipes offer something for everyone. So, grab a box of your favorite pumpkin doughnuts and get creative in the kitchen! Embrace the flavors of fall and enjoy the delightful possibilities that these iconic treats have to offer.
Remember to share your creations with us! Tag us on social media with #KrispyKremePumpkinRecipes – we can’t wait to see what you come up with!