Krispy Kreme launched the Pikachu Doughnut as part of a limited-time Pokémon collection to celebrate the franchise’s 30th anniversary in 2026. This is a homemade interpretation designed to get close to the original, not Krispy Kreme’s proprietary recipe.
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What makes Krispy Kreme’s Pikachu Doughnut special
The Pikachu Doughnut stands out for its playful design and flavor layers. According to Krispy Kreme, it features an unglazed shell doughnut filled with lemon-flavored Kreme, dipped in vanilla icing, and finished with yellow drizzle, lightning-shaped nonpareils, and a Pikachu topper. The lemon Kreme offers a fresh, tangy contrast to the sweet vanilla icing, while the bright decorations capture Pikachu’s signature look. In this copycat, lemon curd or lemon pastry cream is used for the filling to mimic the ‘lemon flavored Kreme™’, and specialty sprinkles and toppers help achieve a similar visual effect.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup lemon curd or lemon-flavored pastry cream
- 1 cup vanilla icing
- 1/2 cup yellow candy melts or yellow food coloring — Buy on Amazon
- 1/4 cup black candy melts or black icing — Buy on Amazon
- 2 tablespoons lightning-shaped yellow nonpareils or sprinkles — Buy on Amazon
- 12 pieces Pikachu edible topper or Pikachu-shaped candy — Buy on Amazon
- as needed vegetable oil (for frying)
Tools you’ll need
- Stand mixer or large mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Doughnut or biscuit cutter (about 3-inch diameter)
- Baking sheet or tray
- Plastic wrap or clean towel
- Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot
- Thermometer (for oil temperature)
- Piping bag with round tip
- Cooling rack and paper towels
- Small bowls for melting candy melts and mixing icing
How to make it
- Activate the yeast: Mix the active dry yeast with the warm water and a pinch of sugar. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy—this signals the yeast is alive and will help your doughnuts rise properly.
- Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, eggs, whole milk, and melted unsalted butter. Add the foamy yeast mixture. Knead by hand or with a dough hook until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes. Proper kneading builds gluten, giving doughnuts their signature airy-yet-chewy texture.
- First rise: Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour. Rising fully is crucial for a light crumb—if under-proofed, the doughnuts will be dense.
- Shape the doughnuts: Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut into rounds using a doughnut or biscuit cutter. Place the rounds on a floured tray, cover, and let rise again until puffed, about 30 minutes. This second rise ensures the doughnuts stay soft and expand when fried.
- Fry the doughnuts: Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or heavy pot. Carefully fry the doughnuts in batches until golden brown on both sides, about 1-2 minutes per side. Use a thermometer to keep the oil at 350°F for even cooking. Remove and drain on paper towels, then cool completely. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, causing greasy doughnuts.
- Fill with lemon Kreme: Spoon lemon curd or lemon-flavored pastry cream into a piping bag fitted with a round tip. While the doughnuts are still slightly warm (not hot), poke a hole in the side of each doughnut and pipe in the filling until the doughnut feels just full—aim for about 1 part filling to 2 parts doughnut shell. Overfilling can cause leaks.
- Chill before icing: Transfer filled doughnuts to the fridge for 10-15 minutes. Chilling firms up the filling, preventing it from seeping out when dipped in icing.
- Dip in vanilla icing: Pour the vanilla icing into a shallow bowl. Dip the tops of each doughnut, allowing excess to drip off. This forms the base for the decorations and keeps the doughnut moist.
- Add Pikachu decorations: Melt yellow candy melts (or use white candy melts tinted with yellow food coloring) and drizzle over the iced doughnuts for Pikachu’s signature color. Immediately sprinkle lightning-shaped nonpareils or yellow sprinkles on top before the drizzle sets.
- Pipe Pikachu’s face: Use black candy melts or black icing to pipe on eyes, nose, and mouth. Place a Pikachu edible topper or Pikachu-shaped candy on each doughnut for the finishing touch. Let the decorations set fully before serving.
How close is it to the original?
This homemade version gets very close in flavor and appearance by using a bright lemon Kreme filling and vanilla icing, which matches Krispy Kreme’s signature combo. The biggest difference is likely in texture: home-fried doughnuts can be a touch denser than the ultra-light commercial product, and decorations may be less precise without industrial molds and toppers. According to reviewers, the original is praised for being cute, sweet but not overwhelming, and having a fun, balanced flavor—this recipe delivers similar qualities if you stick to the lemon and vanilla profile, even if the look is a bit more rustic.
Troubleshooting
- Dense doughnuts → Not enough rising time: Let the dough double in size during both rises for best texture. Under-proofed dough leads to heaviness.
- Leaking filling → Overfilled or not chilled: Pipe in just enough filling and chill before icing. Too much filling or skipping the chill step can cause leaks.
- Greasy doughnuts → Oil too cool: Fry at a steady 350°F. If the oil drops below this, the doughnuts absorb excess oil.
- Drizzle slides off → Icing not set: Let the vanilla icing set slightly before adding drizzle and decorations so everything adheres.
Variations
- Other fillings: Swap lemon curd for vanilla pastry cream or chocolate Kreme for a different flavor profile.
- Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but expect a denser texture.
- Pikachu decorations: If you can’t find Pikachu edible toppers, use printed rice paper cutouts or shape fondant accents.
Ingredient substitutes
- Lemon Kreme: Mix lemon curd with whipped cream for a lighter filling.
- Candy melts: Use white chocolate chips tinted with gel food coloring if candy melts aren’t available.
- Nonpareils: Regular yellow sprinkles work if you can’t find lightning shapes.
Storage
Store unfilled, cooled doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. Once filled and decorated, refrigerate in a single layer for up to 2 days; lemon filling can soften the shell over time.
FAQ
- Do seniors get free Krispy Kreme?
Krispy Kreme does not have a universal senior freebie policy; check with your local store for specific offers. - Does Shaq still own Krispy Kreme?
Shaquille O’Neal has been a franchise owner for some locations, but ownership can change; refer to Krispy Kreme news for updates. - What is the unhealthiest donut?
Donut nutrition varies by type. The Pikachu Doughnut, for example, has about 340 calories, 15g fat, and 23g sugar per serving (see source). - Does Krispy Kreme throw away leftover donuts?
Krispy Kreme states that unsold doughnuts are often donated to charities, but practices vary by location. - Is the Pikachu Doughnut still on the menu?
The Pikachu Doughnut is a limited-time seasonal item, available as of August 2026. It may not be available year-round.
Sources
- Krispy Kreme Pokémon Doughnut Collection Announcement
- Houston Chronicle: Krispy Kreme Pokémon release
- Krispy Kreme Nutrition Information
For more copycat treats, see other bakery-inspired recipes or explore fun themed drinks.
Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water
1/2 cup granulated sugar
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 eggs
1/2 cup whole milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup lemon curd or lemon-flavored pastry cream
1 cup vanilla icing
1/2 cup yellow candy melts or yellow food coloring
1/4 cup black candy melts or black icing
2 tablespoons lightning-shaped yellow nonpareils or sprinkles
12 pieces Pikachu edible topper or Pikachu-shaped candy
as needed vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
Mix yeast with warm water and a pinch of sugar; let stand until foamy.
Combine flour, sugar, salt, eggs, milk, and melted butter in a large bowl. Add yeast mixture and knead until smooth and elastic.
Cover and let dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Roll out dough to 1/2-inch thickness and cut into rounds. Place on a floured tray, cover, and let rise until puffy, about 30 minutes.
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry doughnuts until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels and cool completely.
Fill a piping bag with lemon curd or lemon-flavored Kreme. Poke a hole in each doughnut and pipe in the filling until just full.
Dip the tops of filled doughnuts in vanilla icing. Let excess drip off.
Drizzle with melted yellow candy melts and decorate with lightning-shaped nonpareils.
Pipe on Pikachu's facial features with black candy melts or icing.
Finish with a Pikachu edible topper or Pikachu-shaped candy. Let set before serving.
