Caramel Kreme Crunch from Krispy Kreme features a soft, glazed doughnut topped with a layer of smooth caramel frosting and sprinkled with crunchy caramelized bits, delivering a delightful mix of sweet, creamy, and crispy flavors.
Equipments
- Doughnut fryer
- Doughnut proofer
- Dough sheeter (optional)
- Glazing station
- Cooling rack
- Piping bags or spatulas
- Mixing bowls
- Caramel sauce warmer or pot
- Sprinkling trays
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
Ingredients
- For the doughnut:
- 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warm
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- For the glaze:
- 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup (60ml) whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the caramel frosting:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (220g) packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup (60ml) whole milk
- 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the caramel crunch topping:
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Pinch of salt
Using active dry yeast at the correct temperature is crucial to ensure your doughnut dough rises properly and achieves a soft texture. Warm whole milk should be used in both the dough and glaze to facilitate mixing and enhance flavor. When making the caramel frosting, carefully control the heat to avoid burning the brown sugar, which can affect the frosting's taste and consistency. The caramel crunch topping requires precise caramelization of granulated sugar, so watch closely to achieve the perfect crunchy texture without bitterness. Your homemade Caramel Kreme Crunch from Krispy Kreme copycat recipe will shine when these ingredient details are followed carefully.
Instructions
- Prepare the doughnut dough:
- Mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a bowl.
- Add warm milk, melted butter, and eggs.
- Knead until smooth.
- Let dough rise until doubled.
- Roll and cut doughnuts:
- Roll out dough on floured surface (using dough sheeter if available).
- Cut out doughnut shapes.
- Proof doughnuts:
- Place doughnuts in the proofer or cover to rise until puffy.
- Fry doughnuts:
- Heat vegetable oil in doughnut fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry doughnuts until golden brown on both sides.
- Drain on cooling rack.
- Prepare glaze:
- Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Glaze doughnuts:
- Dip warm doughnuts into glaze.
- Place on cooling rack to set.
- Prepare caramel frosting:
- Melt butter in a pot.
- Add brown sugar and milk; boil for 1-2 minutes.
- Remove from heat; stir in powdered sugar and vanilla.
- Whisk until spreadable.
- Spread caramel frosting:
- Use piping bag or spatula to spread frosting over glazed doughnuts.
- Prepare caramel crunch topping:
- Combine sugar and water in pot; cook until amber.
- Stir in butter and salt.
- Pour onto baking sheet, let harden, then crush into bits.
- Apply caramel crunch:
- Sprinkle caramelized bits over caramel-frosted doughnuts.
- Serve.
Substitution
When preparing a Caramel Kreme Crunch from Krispy Kreme copycat menu, you can substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk to accommodate dietary preferences without significantly altering the texture. If a doughnut fryer is unavailable, a heavy-bottomed pot with a deep-frying thermometer can be used to maintain the oil temperature between 350degF to 375degF for proper frying. Should you lack a dough sheeter, rolling the dough manually on a floured surface with a rolling pin works well, ensuring even thickness for uniform frying. For the caramel crunch topping, granulated sugar can be replaced with coconut sugar for a slightly different flavor profile while still achieving the necessary caramelization. Your caramel frosting can be applied with either piping bags or spatulas depending on your comfort level, allowing control over the thickness and distribution of the topping.
Tips
Ensure your yeast is fresh and the milk is warm (around 110degF/43degC) to activate the dough properly and achieve a light, fluffy texture. Maintain oil temperature at a steady 350degF (175degC) during frying to avoid greasy or undercooked doughnuts. When preparing the caramel crunch, watch the sugar closely as it can quickly burn; remove from heat once it reaches a rich amber color for the best flavor. Your caramel frosting should be smooth and spreadable; cool it slightly before application to prevent it from melting off the glaze.
Nutritions
Caramel Kreme Crunch doughnuts from Krispy Kreme contain a high amount of refined carbohydrates and sugars, primarily from all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, and caramel components. Each doughnut provides considerable calories, with fats contributed by unsalted butter, whole milk, eggs, and frying oil, which increase saturated fat content. Due to the combination of yeast-leavened dough and rich toppings, these doughnuts offer minimal dietary fiber and essential nutrients, so moderation is key for your balanced diet. You can enjoy this treat occasionally while being mindful of its impact on blood sugar and overall calorie intake.
Storage
Store your Caramel Kreme Crunch doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature to preserve the glaze and caramel frosting's smooth texture. Avoid refrigeration, as it can cause the caramel to harden and the doughnuts to lose softness. For best freshness, consume within 1-2 days or freeze individually wrapped doughnuts in plastic wrap for up to one month.
Variation or Alternatives
You can experiment with substituting whole milk in the doughnut dough with buttermilk for a tangier flavor and tender crumb. For a different texture, try baking the doughnuts instead of frying, using a doughnut pan and baking at 375degF (190degC) for 10-12 minutes. Instead of traditional caramel frosting, use a salted caramel glaze made by mixing caramel sauce with a pinch of sea salt and powdered sugar for a smoother finish. To vary the crunch topping, replace caramelized sugar bits with crushed toffee or pecan praline for added nutty sweetness.
Allergies
The Caramel Kreme Crunch contains common allergens such as wheat from all-purpose flour, dairy from whole milk, unsalted butter, and powdered sugar, as well as eggs. If you have allergies to gluten, dairy, or eggs, consuming this doughnut may trigger allergic reactions ranging from mild discomfort to severe symptoms. Always check ingredient labels carefully to ensure your safety before enjoying such treats.
Why this recipe?
The Caramel Kreme Crunch from Krispy Kreme combines the rich sweetness of caramel with a satisfying crunchy texture that creates a unique flavor experience. Its balanced blend of creamy glaze and crispy topping keeps customers coming back for a delightful treat perfect for satisfying sweet cravings. You can recreate this popular menu item at home to enjoy a cost-effective, customizable version of a beloved dessert. Crafting the copycat allows you to control ingredients for freshness and tailor flavors to match your personal taste preferences.