Everyone knows September 1 is the unofficial start to fall. With it comes all of our favorite flavors—cinnamon, salted caramel and, most importantly, pumpkin. The annual pumpkin spice craze kicked off early this year with the release of the pumpkin spice latte at Starbucks. Everyone’s welcoming the chilly weather with their own treats, from orange-coated Kit Kats to pumpkin spice Spam. Well, Krispy Kreme is not about to be upstaged.
Krispy Kreme is kicking off the season the sweetest way possible with cheesecake-stuffed pumpkin spice doughnuts. And you can get one for free!
The Perfect Mix of Spicy and Creamy
Pumpkin spice isn’t new ground for the folks at Krispy Kreme, but this year they’re really packing in the flavor. This new doughnut combines the sweet goodness of the original glazed recipe with velvety cream cheese. Sprinkle in that seasonal spice we all know and love and you’ve got a mouthful of heaven.
Now, there is a catch to these cream-cheesy delights—you can’t just go in and buy one all willy-nilly. Instead, Krispy Kreme is serving up these cheesecake-stuffed pumpkin spice doughnuts at the cost of another pumpkin spice product. That’s right, if you bring in another pumpkin product that didn’t live up to the hype, you can trade it in for one of these guys. They call it the “Pumpkin Spice Purchase Protection” plan, because, according to a press release, “Bad pumpkin spice products shouldn’t happen to good people.”
So which PSL is actually the best? We tried them all and found out.
Hurry over to Krispy Kreme Now!
Like the famed PSL itself, these cheesecake-stuffed pumpkin spice doughnuts won’t be around for long. In fact, you’ve got less than a week to trade in your pumpkin baddies for these goodies. The promotion ends on September 8, so if you’ve got a Krispy Kreme craving, you’d better act fast.
No time to get in this week? No worries. The Pumpkin Spice Cake Doughnut and Krispy Kreme’s own version of the PSL will both be in stores through Thanksgiving so you don’t have to miss out.
Can't Get Enough Pumpkin? Try These Recipes
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Pretty Pumpkin Cinnamon Buns
I make sticky buns and cinnamon rolls quite often because my husband loves them. One day I had some fresh pumpkin on hand and decided to try pumpkin cinnamon buns. We loved the results! —Glenda Joseph, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
Pumpkin Waffles with Orange Walnut Butter
This is so delicious! Bring a flourish to the breakfast table with these unique and flavorful waffle. —Brandi Davis, Pullman, Washington
Pumpkin-Chorizo Bow Ties
Chicken sausage is such a convenient way to add flavor to healthy dishes. If your family doesn't like spicy food, skip the red pepper flakes and use a mild-flavored sausage. The pumpkin really stands out that way. —Sharon Ricci, Mendon, New York
Pumpkin Bread
I keep my freezer stocked for our harvest crew with home-baked goodies like this deliciously spicy, easy pumpkin bread recipe. —Joyce Jackson, Bridgetown, Nova Scotia
Autumn Pumpkin Chili
We have this turkey pumpkin chili often because everyone loves it, even the most finicky grandchildren. It’s a definite “keeper” in my book! —Kimberly Nagy, Port Hadlock, Washington
Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
My kids start begging me for these cakelike sandwich cookies as soon as autumn arrives. I haven't met a person yet who doesn't like these fun treats. —Deb Stuber, Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Pasta Squiggles with Pumpkin Sauce
My family loves this spiral pasta in a tasty pumpkin sauce. Make it for Halloween and call it Creepy-Crawly Noodles! —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Easy Pumpkin Sloppy Joes
Stirring canned pumpkin into sloppy joe meat may seem strange, but everyone is delightfully surprised by these. Add cloves, nutmeg and chili powder for extra oomph, then plunk dill slices on top. —Donna Musser, Pearl City, Illinois
Honey-Date Pumpkin Cookies
Just in time for harvest, here are some delicious drop cookies, plump with dates, pumpkins and nuts. The old-fashioned cream cheese frosting will remind you of Grandma’s kitchen.—Eunice Stoen, Decorah, IA
Pumpkin Pancakes with Cinnamon Brown Butter
Good morning, indeed! These tender, moist pumpkin pancakes will make everyone wake up early. The cinnamon butter makes a flavor combo that is out of this world! —Courtney Shay, Gaithersburg, Maryland
Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream with Salted Caramel Sauce
Truthfully, I want those cozy flavors of Thanksgiving throughout the year. This ice cream has just the right balance of spices, and no matter when you make it, you'll find yourself surrounded in the warmth and love that pumpkin pie has to offer. —Angie Stewart, Memphis, Tennessee
Pumpkin Charlotte
My mother-in-law gave me this recipe a while back and I just love it! I make it for my husband and his friends during hunting season and it's a big hit. —Lorelle Edgcomb, Granville, Illinois
Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal
There's nothing like a bowl of warm oatmeal in the morning, and my spiced version works in a slow cooker. Store leftovers in the fridge. —Jordan Mason, Brookville, Pennsylvania
Cheese & Pumpkin-Filled Manicotti
Our family adores autumn and anything to do with pumpkins! This warm, comforting recipe is so easy to put together on a cool fall weeknight. When I have time, I make homemade ravioli and tortellini using this same filling. It also works well in stuffed shells. —Mandy Howison, Renfrew, Pennsylvania
Apple Pumpkin Muffins
The combination of flavors makes this recipe a perfect treat for a cool fall day. These apple and pumpkin muffins are great for breakfast, dessert or an after-school snack. —Beth Knapp, Littleton, New Hampshire
Pumpkin Fudge
Each one of these creamy, heartwarming treats is like a bite-sized pumpkin pie. —Kathleen Henne, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania
Pumpkin Pie-Spiced Granola
My husband says this granola with pumpkin and spices tastes like a bite of real pumpkin pie, and it’s a whole lot quicker to make. —Sarah Ozimek, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
Spiced Pumpkin Tiramisu
I added pumpkin and subtracted some of the coffee flavor in a tiramisu I developed for a special holiday dinner. A new Christmas tradition was born! —Heather Clary, Downingtown, Pennsylvania
Mom's Best Pumpkin Cheesecake
Pumpkin swirls not only turn this fall cheesecake into a showstopper, but they also seem to make it more delicious! —Jami Geittmann, Greendale, Wisconsin
Pumpkin & Cauliflower Garlic Mash
I wanted healthy alternatives to my family's favorite recipes. Pumpkin, cauliflower and thyme make an amazing dish. You'll never miss those plain old mashed potatoes. —Kari Wheaton, South Beloit, Illinois
Pumpkin Coffee Ring
I make this delicious coffee cake with its creamy pumpkin filling for almost every holiday gathering, and everyone loves it. —Carol McCartney, Danville, Ohio
Jumbo Pumpkin Pecan Muffins
Perk up an autumn morning with one of these hearty muffins. You'll really enjoy the pumpkin-spice flavor and crumbly nut topping&mash;and so will everyone else! —Mrs. Janice Christofferson, Eagle River, Wisconsin
Pumpkin Pie Dip
I came up with this rich, creamy pumpkin dip when I had a small amount of canned pumpkin left in the fridge after my holiday baking. It's also great served with sliced pears and apples, or as a spread on zucchini bread. —Laurie LaClair, North Richland Hills, Texas
Pumpkin-Curry Chicken over Cashew Rice
This is truly a dish that combines international flavors with homespun comfort. The sweet curry aroma alone will warm hearts on gray-sky days. For more veggie goodness, add roasted cauliflower. —Aysha Schurman, Ammon, Idaho
Pumpkin Ginger Scones
I made these lovely scones one day when looking for a way to use up leftover pumpkin, and I was so excited with the results. I often use my food processor to stir up the dough just until it comes together. It's so simple to prepare this way. —Brenda Jackson, Garden City, Kansas
Pumpkin Egg Braid
I developed this bread to celebrate our two favorite holidays, Thanksgiving and Hanukkah. Try it with flavored butters, and use leftovers for French toast or sandwiches. —Sara Mellas, Hartford, Connecticut
Pumpkin Pie Smoothies
My pie-flavored smoothie is loaded with fruit. The spices make it all come together. —Karen Sikora, Dayton, Nevada
Pumpkin Ice Cream Roll
This wonderfully light dessert is our standby at Thanksgiving and Christmas. The hint of pumpkin and the refreshing ice cream make a most delicious after-dinner treat. —Gayle Lewis, Yucaipa, California
Cinnamon-Spiced Pumpkin Flan
I love pumpkin and decided to add it to a traditional recipe for flan. It's an interesting change of pace from the usual holiday pie. —Alisha Rodrigues, Tetonia, Idaho
Pumpkin Patch Biscuits
I got smart and started making double batches of these moist, fluffy biscuits to meet the demand. My dad loves their pumpkiny goodness and requests them for Christmas, Father's Day and his birthday. —Liza Taylor, Seattle, Washington
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
I'm one of the cooking project leaders for my daughter's 4-H club, where these soft, delicious cookies were a great hit with the kids. —Marietta Slater, Augusta, Kansas
Creamy Pumpkin Polenta
Sometimes I like to hollow out a pumpkin and serve this creamy, hearty polenta inside it. The salted pumpkin seeds add a fun crunch. —Debi George, Mansfield, Texas
Overnight Pumpkin French Toast Casserole
Recipes that don't tie me to the kitchen—that’s what I’m all about. I make this luscious dish the night before breakfast or brunch with guests. —Patricia Harmon, Baden, Pennsylvania
Pumpkin Gingersnap Parfaits
Enjoy these lovely, light parfaits as an unforgettable finale to your holiday feast. The spiced rum adds a fun new flavor to the mix. —Lorri Hazen, Twin Falls, Idaho
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cake
I have been baking this cake for friends and neighbors for years. It's an easy to make-and-take treat. —Kellie Moore, Fort Collins, Colorado
Pumpkin Knot Rolls
These rolls are the lightest, most delicious ones I've ever tasted...and everyone else seems to agree. The pumpkin gives them mild flavor, moist texture and a pretty golden color. At our house, it wouldn't be the holidays without them. —Dianna Shimizu Issaquah, Washington
Pumpkin Pancakes with Cinnamon-Apple Topping
When these pumpkin pancakes are on the griddle, people flock to the kitchen. Grab a spoon and top each stack with buttery, cinnamon-spiced apples. —Kami Button, Cheektowaga, New York