Krispy Kreme brought back its famous cheesecake-filled pumpkin spice doughnuts for us!
Krispy Kreme’s Fall Menu Is Here—and We Taste Tested Every Pumpkin Spice Doughnut
Published on Sep. 14, 2020
When fall rolls around, it seems like pumpkin spice lattes always hog the spotlight. Not that we don’t absolutely love our PSLs, but when you’re a pumpkin fanatic such as myself, you crave variety. And while Dunkin’ fall menu is a solid option with its pumpkin spice doughnuts and Munchkins, there’s a whole ‘nother company beckoning to me.
You guessed it—Krispy Kreme!
It’s time to visit your nearest shop, because this year Krispy Kreme is introducing a Pumpkin Spice Doughnut collection. That’s not all—you can expect to see some maple and apple action too.
Every Item in the Krispy Kreme Fall Doughnut Collection, Ranked
Taste of Home producer Linda Cheung ordered everything in the pumpkin spice collection, along with one apple and one maple doughnut each. Her parents used to own a doughnut shop, so you know her ratings are legit!
Pumpkin Spice Original Glazed
All of the goodness of an original glazed doughnut with a subtle hint of the pumpkin spice flavor. Not too sweet and ideal for someone that enjoys the taste of fall flavors without it being too overpowering. Final rating: 7.5/10
Pumpkin Spice Latte Swirl
Perfect for those that love cinnamon sugar doughnuts! Krispy Kreme balances the flavor of a classic cinnamon sugar doughnut with a subtle kick of pumpkin spice. I didn’t really get a “latte” flavor from the doughnut, though. Final rating: 7.5/10
Pumpkin Spice Original Filled Cheesecake
This stuffed doughnut is incredible! The cheesecake filling overpowers the pumpkin spice flavor since it’s already so subtle, but not in a bad way. The flavors work together for a nice bite. Final rating: 8/10
Apple Fritter
You can’t go wrong with a classic. Everything about an apple fritter makes me think of fall. This doughnut has the perfect amount of cinnamon, plus I loved the crunch from the glaze and the texture from the apple chunks. Final rating: 8/10
Pumpkin Spice Cake Doughnut
My favorite pumpkin spice doughnut out of the all the pumpkin options at Krispy Kreme. The amount of pumpkin spice flavor is stronger in this one, but not overbearing. The glaze gives it a nice bite and I can definitely see myself enjoying this with a coffee. Final rating: 9/10
Maple Pecan Cheesecake
My favorite out of the bunch! It’s the sweetest doughnut out of all of the ones I tried, but it’s a nice twist on a classic maple bar. The cheesecake filling complements the maple icing so well. The salted pecans on top give it a nice added texture and makes for the perfect bite! Final rating: 10/10
Don’t feel like going to the store? Learn how to make Krispy Kreme doughnuts at home.
When Can I Get These?
Krispy Kreme pumpkin spice doughnuts are out right now! We don’t know how long these will be around, so pick up a dozen ASAP. Head over to Krispy Kreme before it’s too late and have yourself a pumpkin-filled month. Of course, we’ll be stocking up on all our favorite pumpkin spice products, too.
The Best Fall Copycats to Make at Home
Inspired by: Starbucks Pumpkin BreadSkip the line and bake Starbucks pumpkin bread in your own kitchen. This copycat recipe may be even better than the original! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Inspired by: The Cheesecake Factory Steak DianeWith tender steak medallions, fluffy mashed potatoes and a robust wine-infused mushroom sauce, this Cheesecake Factory-inspired main dish is perfect for chilly fall nights. Plus, it’s downright delicious!
Inspired by: Cracker Barrel Hash Brown CasseroleServe this indulgent casserole alongside steak and eggs for breakfast, with a slice of quiche for brunch or in the evening with fried chicken and green beans. It's heart, comforting and perfect for chilly days.
Inspired by: Dunkin' Pumpkin MunchkinsI always have a few special treats handy when the grandchildren visit. These cake doughnuts are one of their favorite snacks. —Beva Staum, Muscoda, Wisconsin
Inspired by: Starbucks Pumpkin Spice LatteEach sip of this spiced-just-right beverage from our very own baristas tastes like a piece of pumpkin pie! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Inspired by: Olive Garden Five Cheese Ziti al FornoAfter having the five-cheese ziti at Olive Garden, I tried to make my own version of it—and I think I got pretty close. I always double this when I'm making it and freeze the second one for another meal. —Keri Whitney, Castro Valley, California
Inspired by: Affy Tapple Caramel ApplesWho doesn’t love a good gooey caramel apple? Make a double batch because these treats always go fast! —Karen Ann Bland, Gove, Kansas
Inspired by: Cracker Barrel Roast BeefEveryone loves slices of this fork-tender roast beef with its savory gravy. The well-seasoned roast is Mom's specialty. People always ask about the secret ingredients. Now you have the delicious recipe for our favorite meat dish! —Linda Gaido, New Brighton, Pennsylvania. If you like this, then you must try a copycat of Cracker Barrel's meatloaf recipe.
Inspired by: Panera Bread Cinnamon Crunch BagelsThere’s something magical about a crunchy, cinnamon-sugar-topped bagel once it’s toasted and slathered with a smear of flavorful cream cheese. Make this Panera Bread copycat recipe at home for a cozy, fall treat.
Inspired by: Panera Bread Autumn Squash SoupThis delectable soup feels like fall! Its golden color and rich, satisfying flavor have made it a favorite of mine—which is really amazing because I was convinced I didn't like squash until I tried this recipe. —Becky Ruff, Monona, Iowa
Inspired by: Starbucks Cranberry Bliss BarsOn a cool fall day, few treats pair better with a steaming cup of coffee than Starbucks' cranberry bliss bars. We'll show you how to make this annual favorite at home.
Inspired by: Red Lobster Cheddar Bay BiscuitsWarm, fluffy, herby and cheesy, there’s something magical about these Red Lobster biscuits that makes it nearly impossible to eat only one. Enjoy 'em with a hearty stew, cozy casserole or pot roast for the ultimate fall meal.
Inspired by: Einstein Bros. Bagels Frozen Pumpkin LatteThe winter holidays are my favorite time of year, and this spiced pumpkin drink is one reason I love the season so much. If you don't have a coffee maker, it's OK to use instant coffee—just make it stronger. —Kathie Perez, East Peoria, Illinois
Inspired by: Trader Joe's Pumpkin Rolls Indulge in these pumpkin cinnamon rolls for a cozy and delightful twist on the classic treat. Perfect for autumn mornings, these rolls are filled with pumpkin, cinnamon and a sweet glaze that will make your breakfast extra special.
Inspired by: Starbucks Caramel Apple SpiceSpiced with cinnamon sticks, allspice and caramel, this warm-you-up sipper will chase away winter's chill. Serve brimming mugs alongside a platter of festive cookies at your next holiday gathering. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Inspired by: Noodles & Company Wisconsin Mac & CheeseI like to serve this mac & cheese with a salad and crusty bread. It's a satisfying meal that feels upscale, but will fit just about any budget. And because the Gorgonzola is so mild in this dish, even the kiddos will go for it. —Charlotte Giltner, Mesa, Arizona
Inspired by: Starbucks Pumpkin SconeAfter trying a pumpkin scone at a coffee house, I was inspired to look for a recipe to try at home. The glaze nicely complements the pumpkin flavor.
Inspired by: Applebee's Maple Butter BlondieEver since I tried the maple blondie at Applebee's, I've been determined to figure out the recipe. I tried several variations until I came up with this one, and it's become one of our family favorites. —Pat Parker, Chester, South Carolina
Inspired by: The Cheesecake Factory Pumpkin CheesecakeMove over, pumpkin pie: This pumpkin cheesecake recipe might just be our new favorite fall dessert.
Inspired by: Wendy's ChiliThis hearty slow cooker chili can cook for up to 10 hours on low in the slow cooker. It's so good to come home to its wonderful aroma after a long day away. —Sue Call, Beech Grove, Indiana
Inspired by: Panera Bread Pumpkin Pie BagelsExperience the comforting flavors of fall with these homemade pumpkin spice bagels. Made with warm spices and a hint of sweetness, they’re perfect for cozy autumn mornings
Inspired by: Boston Market Meat LoafThis traditional meat loaf recipe creates a tender, juicy meat loaf topped with a caramelized glaze. The best part: It’s so easy to make, and it’s ready to eat in about an hour!
Inspired by: Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese MuffinI first made this recipe back in 1987 and have since made it many times over the years because it's my children's favorite muffin recipe.
—Wendy Stenman
Inspired by: Country Kitchen Old Fashioned Apple CrispI live in apple country, and making a delicious apple crisp is one way to use the fruit. This treat doesn’t take a lot of time to assemble. —Gertrude Bartnick, Portage, Wisconsin
Inspired by: Cracker Barrel Chicken n’ DumplinsUsing precooked chicken and ready-made biscuits, this hearty dish is comfort food made simple. It's the perfect way to warm up on chilly nights. —Lakeya Astwood, Schenectady, New York.
Want to try out more recipes? Here’s our copycat Cracker Barrel broccoli cheddar chicken recipe.
Inspired by: Trader Joe's Pumpkin Toaster Waffles Made with pumpkin puree and warming spices, these buttermilk pumpkin waffles are a cozy addition to any fall breakfast.
