Touchdown Taste Buds: Recreating Travis Kelce’s Favorite Store-Bought Doughnuts at Home
Travis Kelce, the Kansas City Chiefs’ star tight end, is known for his incredible athletic abilities on the field. But what about off the field? While his diet is undoubtedly tailored for peak performance, even elite athletes have their guilty pleasures. Rumor has it (and corroborated by several interviews and social media mentions) that Kelce has a soft spot for certain store-bought doughnuts. While the *exact* brand and specific flavors often remain playfully ambiguous (perhaps to avoid endorsement obligations or simply due to personal preference at the time), we can glean enough information to create delicious, satisfying, and *relatively* easy-to-recreate versions at home.
This blog post isn’t about pretending these are *health* doughnuts. This is about indulging in a treat that a world-class athlete occasionally enjoys, and having some fun in the kitchen while doing so. We’ll explore some of the likely contenders for Kelce’s favorite store-bought doughnuts, focusing on popular varieties and flavors that are readily available and easily duplicated. Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth with these homemade recreations!
## Decoding Kelce’s Doughnut Desires: What Are We Aiming For?
Before we jump into specific recipes, let’s analyze what kind of store-bought doughnuts are likely to appeal to someone like Travis Kelce:
* **Classic Flavors:** While adventurous flavors are fun, store-bought doughnuts often excel at the classics. Think glazed, chocolate frosted, Boston cream, jelly-filled, and powdered sugar.
* **Substantial Texture:** A good store-bought doughnut should have a satisfying chew or a light, airy texture. We’re not aiming for delicate, fancy pastries here; we want something that feels like a treat.
* **Convenience (Replicated):** While we *are* making these from scratch, we’ll prioritize recipes that are relatively straightforward and don’t require overly complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
* **The “Guilty Pleasure” Factor:** These should be undeniably delicious and a little bit indulgent. We’re not counting calories here; we’re focusing on flavor and satisfaction.
## Recipe 1: The Glazed Doughnut (Krispy Kreme Homage)
The glazed doughnut is a timeless classic, and Krispy Kreme is arguably the king of glazed perfection. This recipe aims to capture that light, airy texture and sweet, glassy glaze.
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Doughnuts:**
* 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
* 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
* ¼ cup granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
* ¼ cup shortening, melted
* 3 ½ – 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
* Vegetable oil, for frying
* **For the Glaze:**
* 4 cups powdered sugar
* ½ cup hot milk
* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
**Instructions:**
1. **Activate the Yeast:** In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and granulated sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This indicates the yeast is active.
2. **Combine Wet Ingredients:** Add the salt, eggs, and melted shortening to the yeast mixture. Stir well to combine.
3. **Add Flour Gradually:** Gradually add the flour, starting with 3 ½ cups, mixing until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it’s manageable.
4. **Knead the Dough:** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.
5. **First Rise:** Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. **Roll and Cut the Dough:** Punch down the dough to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about ½ inch thickness. Use a doughnut cutter (or two different-sized round cookie cutters) to cut out doughnut shapes.
7. **Second Rise:** Place the doughnuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
8. **Prepare the Oil:** Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
9. **Fry the Doughnuts:** Carefully drop the doughnuts into the hot oil, a few at a time. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Don’t overcrowd the pot.
10. **Drain the Doughnuts:** Remove the doughnuts from the oil and place them on a wire rack to drain.
11. **Make the Glaze:** While the doughnuts are cooling slightly, prepare the glaze. In a large bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, hot milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk, a tablespoon at a time, if the glaze is too thick.
12. **Glaze the Doughnuts:** Dip the warm doughnuts into the glaze, coating them completely. Place them back on the wire rack to allow the excess glaze to drip off.
13. **Enjoy:** Let the glaze set slightly before serving. These are best enjoyed fresh.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Yeast Activation:** Make sure your milk isn’t too hot, as it can kill the yeast. It should be warm to the touch, but not scalding.
* **Kneading:** Don’t over-knead the dough, as this can result in tough doughnuts. Aim for a smooth and elastic texture.
* **Frying Temperature:** Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial for even cooking. Too low, and the doughnuts will be greasy; too high, and they’ll burn on the outside before cooking through.
* **Glaze Consistency:** Adjust the amount of milk in the glaze to achieve your desired consistency. You want it to be thick enough to coat the doughnuts but thin enough to drip off easily.
* **Krispy Kreme Secret (Rumored):** Some believe Krispy Kreme uses potato flour in their doughnut recipe for an extra light texture. Try substituting a ¼ cup of all-purpose flour with potato flour for a slightly different result.
## Recipe 2: Chocolate Frosted Doughnuts (Dunkin’ Inspired)
Next up, we’re tackling the classic chocolate frosted doughnut. This recipe aims for a rich, decadent chocolate flavor and a smooth, glossy frosting.
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Doughnuts:**
* Same doughnut recipe as the Glazed Doughnuts (above), or you can use store-bought refrigerated doughnut dough for a shortcut.
* **For the Chocolate Frosting:**
* 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
* 2 cups powdered sugar
* ¼ cup milk
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Doughnuts:** Follow the instructions for the Glazed Doughnuts recipe to make the doughnuts. Fry them until golden brown and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
2. **Melt the Chocolate and Butter:** In a heatproof bowl set over a simmering pot of water (double boiler), melt the chocolate and butter together, stirring occasionally until smooth. Remove from heat.
3. **Make the Frosting:** Whisk in the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If the frosting is too thick, add more milk, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
4. **Frost the Doughnuts:** Dip the cooled doughnuts into the chocolate frosting, coating them completely. You can also use a spatula to spread the frosting on. Let the excess frosting drip off.
5. **Optional: Add Sprinkles:** While the frosting is still wet, sprinkle with your favorite sprinkles for a fun and festive touch.
6. **Let the Frosting Set:** Place the frosted doughnuts on a wire rack and let the frosting set completely before serving.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Chocolate Quality:** Use high-quality semi-sweet chocolate for the best flavor.
* **Frosting Consistency:** Adjust the amount of milk in the frosting to achieve your desired consistency. You want it to be thick enough to coat the doughnuts but thin enough to spread or dip easily.
* **Different Chocolate:** Experiment with different types of chocolate, such as milk chocolate or dark chocolate, for a different flavor profile.
* **Espresso Powder:** Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the frosting for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.
* **Store-Bought Shortcut:** If you’re short on time, use store-bought chocolate frosting instead of making it from scratch.
## Recipe 3: Boston Cream Doughnuts (A Classic Indulgence)
Boston cream doughnuts are a beloved classic, featuring a light, airy doughnut filled with creamy custard and topped with a rich chocolate glaze. This recipe requires a few more steps, but the results are well worth the effort.
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Doughnuts:**
* Same doughnut recipe as the Glazed Doughnuts (above).
* **For the Custard Filling:**
* 2 cups milk
* ½ cup granulated sugar
* ¼ cup cornstarch
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* 4 large egg yolks
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* **For the Chocolate Glaze:**
* Same chocolate frosting recipe as the Chocolate Frosted Doughnuts (above).
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Doughnuts:** Follow the instructions for the Glazed Doughnuts recipe to make the doughnuts. Fry them until golden brown and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
2. **Make the Custard Filling:** In a medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt until smooth. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. Reduce heat to low and cook for 1-2 minutes more, stirring constantly.
3. **Temper the Egg Yolks:** In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth. Slowly pour a small amount of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to prevent them from scrambling. This is called tempering.
4. **Combine and Cook the Custard:** Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
5. **Finish the Custard:** Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract. Pour the custard into a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (pressing the plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming), and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until completely chilled.
6. **Make the Chocolate Glaze:** Follow the instructions for the Chocolate Frosting recipe to make the chocolate glaze.
7. **Fill the Doughnuts:** Use a pastry bag fitted with a filling tip (or a small knife) to poke a hole in the side of each doughnut. Fill the doughnuts with the chilled custard filling.
8. **Glaze the Doughnuts:** Dip the tops of the filled doughnuts into the chocolate glaze, letting the excess glaze drip off. Place them on a wire rack to allow the glaze to set.
9. **Enjoy:** These are best enjoyed chilled.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Custard Consistency:** If the custard is too thick, whisk in a tablespoon of milk at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
* **Preventing Skin:** Pressing the plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the custard while it chills will prevent a skin from forming.
* **Chocolate Ganache:** For a more decadent glaze, use a chocolate ganache instead of the chocolate frosting. To make ganache, heat equal parts heavy cream and chopped chocolate in a saucepan until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
* **Pastry Cream:** Some Boston Cream recipes use Pastry Cream instead of custard. Pastry Cream is very similar, but uses a slightly different ratio of ingredients and technique.
## Recipe 4: Jelly-Filled Doughnuts (Fruity Fun)
Jelly-filled doughnuts are a delightful combination of fluffy dough and sweet, fruity filling. This recipe is relatively simple, and you can customize it with your favorite flavor of jelly.
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Doughnuts:**
* Same doughnut recipe as the Glazed Doughnuts (above), but instead of cutting out the centers, leave them whole.
* **For the Jelly Filling:**
* Your favorite flavor of jelly or jam (strawberry, raspberry, grape, etc.)
* **For Dusting:**
* Powdered sugar
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Doughnuts:** Follow the instructions for the Glazed Doughnuts recipe to make the doughnuts, but *do not* cut out the centers. Fry the doughnuts until golden brown and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
2. **Warm the Jelly (Optional):** If your jelly is very thick, you can warm it slightly in the microwave for a few seconds to make it easier to pipe.
3. **Fill the Doughnuts:** Use a pastry bag fitted with a filling tip (or a small knife) to poke a hole in the side of each doughnut. Fill the doughnuts with the jelly filling.
4. **Dust with Powdered Sugar:** Place the filled doughnuts in a bowl of powdered sugar and toss to coat them completely. Alternatively, you can use a sifter to dust them evenly.
5. **Enjoy:** These are best enjoyed fresh.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Jelly Flavor:** Experiment with different flavors of jelly to find your favorite combination.
* **Homemade Jam:** For an extra-special treat, use homemade jam instead of store-bought jelly.
* **Cream Filling:** For a variation, try filling the doughnuts with whipped cream or pastry cream instead of jelly.
* **Seedless Jelly:** Use seedless jelly for a smoother filling.
## Recipe 5: Powdered Sugar Doughnuts (Simple Sweetness)
Powdered sugar doughnuts are the epitome of simple sweetness. This recipe is incredibly easy to make, and the result is a light, fluffy doughnut coated in a generous layer of powdered sugar.
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Doughnuts:**
* Same doughnut recipe as the Glazed Doughnuts (above).
* **For Dusting:**
* Powdered sugar
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Doughnuts:** Follow the instructions for the Glazed Doughnuts recipe to make the doughnuts. Fry them until golden brown and let them cool slightly on a wire rack.
2. **Dust with Powdered Sugar:** While the doughnuts are still slightly warm, place them in a bowl of powdered sugar and toss to coat them completely. Alternatively, you can use a sifter to dust them evenly.
3. **Enjoy:** These are best enjoyed warm.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Warm Doughnuts:** Dusting the doughnuts with powdered sugar while they are still slightly warm will help the sugar adhere better.
* **Double Dusting:** For an extra-generous coating of powdered sugar, dust the doughnuts twice.
* **Cinnamon Sugar:** For a different flavor profile, try dusting the doughnuts with a mixture of powdered sugar and cinnamon.
* **Nutmeg:** Add a pinch of nutmeg to the powdered sugar for a warm, comforting flavor.
## Beyond the Recipes: Elevating Your Doughnut Experience
While these recipes are a great starting point, here are a few tips to elevate your homemade doughnut experience:
* **Freshness is Key:** Doughnuts are always best enjoyed fresh. Try to make them as close to serving time as possible.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and toppings. Try adding extracts, spices, or different types of chocolate to your recipes.
* **Presentation Matters:** Arrange your doughnuts on a pretty platter or cake stand for a more impressive presentation.
* **Pair with Coffee:** Doughnuts and coffee are a classic pairing. Serve your homemade doughnuts with your favorite cup of joe.
* **Share with Friends and Family:** Doughnuts are meant to be shared. Invite your friends and family over for a doughnut-making party.
## Conclusion: A Touchdown for Your Taste Buds
While we may never know *exactly* which store-bought doughnuts Travis Kelce craves, these homemade recreations are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. From classic glazed to decadent Boston cream, there’s a doughnut recipe here for everyone. So, get in the kitchen, have some fun, and enjoy a touchdown for your taste buds! These recipes bring a piece of the star athlete’s enjoyments to your home. Whether you’re a die-hard Chiefs fan or simply a doughnut enthusiast, these treats are a guaranteed win. After all, even a star athlete deserves a sweet treat now and then! Enjoy!