Copycat Dunkin’ Kreme Delight Donut Recipe

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If there’s one thing that makes my mornings brighter, it’s a fresh Dunkin’ donut paired with a bold cup of coffee. But what if I told you that you could recreate one of Dunkin’s fan-favorite indulgences—the irresistible Dunkin’ Kreme Delight Donut—right in your own kitchen?

How to make a Dunkin’ Kreme Delight Donut

The Dunkin’ Kreme Delight Donut is a sweet donut from Dunkin’ that’s typically filled with a smooth vanilla-flavored cream (similar to their classic “Kreme” filling) and topped with a powdered sugar or lightly glazed coating.

Ingredients

For the Donut Dough:

• 3 1/2 cups (440g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup (180ml) warm milk (110°F/43°C)
• 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Cream Filling:

• 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Coating:

• Powdered sugar (for dusting)
• Optional: Use a glaze made of powdered sugar mixed with milk for a glazed version.

Instructions

1. Making the Dough:

1. In a small bowl, warm the milk to about 110°F (43°C) (lukewarm). Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center.
3. Add the frothy yeast mixture, softened butter, egg yolks, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough begins to form.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
5. Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

2. Shaping and Frying:

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it to a floured surface and roll it out to about 1/2 inch thick.
2. Using a round cookie cutter (about 3 inches in diameter), cut out circle-shaped donuts. If you don’t have a cutter, use the rim of a glass. Re-roll the scraps and cut additional circles.
3. Place the cut dough rounds on a tray lined with parchment paper. Cover them with a cloth and let them rise for another 30-40 minutes.
4. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the donuts, 2-3 at a time, and fry for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

3. Preparing the Cream Filling:

1. In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, as it can turn into butter.
3. Spoon the cream filling into a piping bag fitted with a thin round nozzle (you can also use a zip-top bag with the corner cut off).

4. Filling the Donuts:

1. Once the fried donuts are completely cool, use a small knife or skewer to make a small hole in the side of each donut. Twist gently to create a pocket inside.
2. Insert the piping bag nozzle into the hole and fill each donut with the whipped cream mixture until you notice it feels full (but don’t overfill, as it may burst).

5. Coating:

1. Dust the filled donuts generously with powdered sugar for that classic look. Alternatively, dip them into a simple powdered sugar glaze (mix powdered sugar and milk until smooth) for a glossy finish.

Tips for Success

• Proof the Yeast: Make sure the milk isn’t too hot when proofing the yeast. If it’s too warm, it can kill the yeast, preventing the dough from rising.
• Fry Consistently: Use a kitchen thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at 350°F (175°C). Too hot, and the donuts will burn; too cool, and they’ll absorb oil and become greasy.
• Cool Before Filling: It’s important to let the donuts cool completely before filling to avoid melting the whipped cream.
• Storage: These donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. Let them come to room temperature before serving to enjoy their soft texture.
• Experiment: If you like flavored fillings, you can incorporate cocoa powder, fruit purées, or other flavors into the whipped cream for variety!

What to serve with

Pairing the Dunkin’ Kreme Delight Donut with the right drinks, sides, or accompaniments can elevate your dining experience and make the treat stand out even more.

• Bold Brewed Coffee: Opt for a medium to dark roast coffee to balance the sweetness of the Dunkin’ Kreme Delight Donut.
• Latte: The rich, creamy texture of a latte complements the silky filling of the donut. Add a dash of vanilla syrup to mirror the Dunkin’ Kreme Delight Donut‘s flavor profile.
• Cappuccino: The foam layer of a cappuccino cuts through the richness of the donut and provides a delightful contrast.
• Espresso: If you prefer intense flavors, a shot (or double shot) of espresso adds a bold contrast to the Dunkin’ Kreme Delight Donut’s sweetness.
• Iced Coffee or Cold Brew: Serve a chilled coffee for a refreshing pairing, especially if you’re enjoying the donut in warmer weather.

Ingredients Substitutes

Don’t worry if you’re missing a specific ingredient when making Dunkin’s Kreme Delight Donut at home! With some thoughtful substitutions, you can still enjoy delicious homemade donuts while tweaking the recipe to suit dietary preferences, ingredient availability, or personal taste.

1. Flour Substitutes

The original recipe calls for all-purpose flour for the Dunkin’ Kreme Delight Donut base.

Substitutes:

• Bread Flour: This is a great substitute if you’re aiming for extra elasticity in the dough. It has a higher protein content, which yields a slightly chewier texture.
• Whole Wheat Flour: Use whole wheat flour for a healthier, fiber-packed option. Replace up to 50% of the all-purpose flour to avoid making the Dunkin’ Kreme Delight Donut too dense.
• Gluten-Free Flour Blend: For those with gluten sensitivities, choose a reliable gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or some binding agent for proper texture.
• Spelt Flour: Spelt works well as an alternative for a nuttier flavor but can affect the dough’s elasticity, so mix it with all-purpose flour for balance.

2. Sugar Substitutes

The recipe calls for granulated sugar in the dough and powdered sugar for the cream filling and coating.

Granulated Sugar Substitutes:

• Brown Sugar: Adds more moisture and a slightly caramel-like flavor to the dough.
• Coconut Sugar: A great natural alternative with a mild caramel taste, but it may darken the dough slightly.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: Use as a natural sweetener in the dough, though you’ll need to slightly reduce the liquid content to keep the dough firm.

Powdered Sugar Substitutes:

• Homemade Powdered Sugar: Blend granulated sugar in a food processor until fine. If needed, add a small amount of cornstarch to mimic store-bought powdered sugar.
• Stevia Powder: For a sugar-free option, you can use stevia powder, but be mindful of the sweetness ratio (stevia is much sweeter than sugar).

3. Yeast Substitutes

The recipe uses active dry yeast for the dough to help the donuts rise.

Substitutes:

• Instant Yeast: Can be swapped directly for active dry yeast. You don’t need to proof instant yeast—simply mix it into the dry ingredients.
• Baking Powder/Baking Soda (for quick donuts): For a yeast-free version, you can use baking powder or soda mixed with an acidic ingredient like sour cream, yogurt, or lemon juice. This method will produce cake-like donuts rather than fluffy yeast-style ones.

4. Milk Substitutes

The dough requires warm milk as a liquid base to activate the yeast and bind the ingredients.

Substitutes:

• Dairy-Free Milk: Almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk are excellent alternatives for those avoiding dairy. Use unsweetened versions to avoid altering the sweetness of the dough.
• Evaporated Milk: If you want a richer dough, evaporated milk can work well when diluted with equal parts water.
• Water: As a last resort, warm water can replace milk. Adding a tablespoon of melted butter to the water can improve the flavor and texture.

5. Butter Substitutes

The recipe uses unsalted butter to enrich the dough.

Substitutes:

• Margarine: Works as a direct substitute, though it may slightly affect the flavor.
• Coconut Oil: Provides richness and a mild coconut flavor (use refined coconut oil for a neutral taste).
• Vegetable Oil: Can be substituted in equal proportions, though the dough may not have the same soft crumb as with butter.
• Applesauce: For a healthier alternative, use unsweetened applesauce instead of butter. Reduce other liquids slightly to avoid making the dough too wet, as this substitute adds moisture.

6. Eggs Substitutes

The recipe uses egg yolks to provide richness and structure.

Substitutes:

• Flaxseed Meal + Water (Flax Egg): Combine 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2 tablespoons of water per egg yolk. Let it sit for a few minutes until it forms a gel-like consistency.
• Mashed Bananas: Use 2 tablespoons of mashed banana for each egg yolk. This will add a slight fruity taste.
• Greek Yogurt: Use 2 tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt as a substitute for egg yolks—this works especially well in enriched doughs.
• Silken Tofu: Blend 2 tablespoons of silken tofu for every egg yolk for a vegan and rich alternative.

7. Heavy Cream Substitutes

The cream filling is made with heavy whipping cream.

Substitutes:

• Coconut Cream: A dairy-free alternative that whips up beautifully and creates a luscious, silky filling.
• Evaporated Milk + Butter: Blend evaporated milk with 1–2 tablespoons of melted butter to mimic the richness of heavy cream.
• Cream Cheese: For a tangy filling, replace part or all of the whipped cream with softened cream cheese. Whip to make it lighter.
• Cashew Cream: Made from blended soaked cashews, this vegan substitute creates a rich and creamy base that can mimic heavy cream.

8. Vegetable Oil Substitutes

The recipe uses vegetable oil for frying the donuts.

Substitutes:

• Canola Oil: A neutral oil similar to vegetable oil that’s ideal for frying.
• Peanut Oil: Enhances the flavor slightly and has a high smoke point, making it great for frying.
• Sunflower Oil: Another neutral-flavored oil suitable for frying donuts.
• Coconut Oil: Works well for frying and adds a slight coconut flavor. Use refined coconut oil for less noticeable flavor.

9. Vanilla Extract Substitutes

A hint of vanilla extract is added to both the dough and cream filling.

Substitutes:

• Almond Extract: Creates a nutty, distinct flavor as an alternative to vanilla.
• Maple Extract: Gives a warm, sweet flavor to the dough and cream filling.
• Vanilla Bean Paste: Adds more intensity and can be swapped at a 1:1 ratio.
• Imitation Vanilla Flavor: Though less aromatic, it works as a reasonable substitute when pure vanilla isn’t available.

10. Coating Substitutes

The donuts are finished with powdered sugar, but there are plenty of ways to customize the coating.

Alternatives:

• Granulated Sugar + Cinnamon: Roll the donuts in cinnamon sugar for a spiced variation.
• Chocolate Glaze: Dip the donuts in melted chocolate (milk, dark, or white) for an indulgent twist.
• Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles to the glaze for a fun look.
• Fruit Jelly: Coat the donuts in a thin layer of fruit preserves for a fruity finish.

Final Thoughts

With these substitutes, you can adapt the Dunkin’ Kreme Delight Donut recipe to perfectly suit your taste, dietary needs, or pantry limitations.

More Donut Recipes:

• Copycat Dunkin’ Pumpkin Donut Recipe
• Dulce De Leche Cinnabon Delights Recipe
• Copycat Krispy Kreme Superhero Donuts Recipe
• Copycat Dunkin’ Star Spangled Donut Recipe