Craving the legendary Dunkin’ Philly Kreme Donut but don’t want to wait in line? You’re in the right place! This copycat recipe perfectly captures that signature puffy, golden donut filled with cloud-like vanilla kreme, all finished off with a gentle dusting of powdered sugar. Once you try a bite, you’ll never believe how easy it is to make bakery-quality donuts in your own kitchen!
Making these treats from scratch lets you control both quality and quantity—plus, they’re fresher, cheaper, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re serving them for brunch, dessert, or just a sweet snack, your family and friends will be begging for more. For more sweet ideas, check out our treats and delicious cake recipes!
Table of Contents
How to make Philly Kreme Donut
These donuts begin with a classic yeasted dough, ensuring each bite is soft and fluffy. The real star is the Philly Kreme—a silky, rich vanilla custard that’s piped inside once the donuts are cooled. The final flourish of powdered sugar gives them that iconic look and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Want more breakfast bites or indulgent baked goods? Explore our baked-dishes for inspiration!
Nutrition facts
- Serving Size: 1 donut (estimate)
- Calories: 330
- Total Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 42g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 6g
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 package active dry yeast — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
- 1/4 cup warm water (110°F) — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
- 3/4 cup whole milk (lukewarm) — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
- 1/2 tsp salt — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
- 2 large eggs — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted) — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
- Vegetable oil (for frying) — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting) — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
- 3 large egg yolks (for kreme) — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (for kreme) — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
- 2 tbsp cornstarch — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
- 1 cup whole milk (for kreme) — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for kreme) — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream (whipped, for kreme) — 🛒 Buy on Amazon
Tools you’ll need
- Stand mixer or large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Dough scraper or spatula
- Rolling pin
- Round dough cutter (about 3 inches)
- Baking sheet lined with parchment
- Heavy-bottomed saucepan or deep fryer
- Slotted spoon
- Piping bag with filling tip
- Wire rack for cooling
- Medium saucepan (for kreme filling)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle in the yeast and let sit until frothy, about 5 minutes.
- Make the Dough: In a stand mixer bowl, add the flour, salt, eggs, melted butter, and yeast mixture. Mix until a soft, smooth dough forms—about 5-7 minutes.
- First Rise: Cover the bowl with a towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
- Roll and Cut: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll to 1/2-inch thickness, then cut out 3-inch rounds. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.
- Second Rise: Cover and let rise for another 45 minutes.
- Fry the Donuts: Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry donuts in batches, 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
- Make the Kreme Filling: In a medium saucepan, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and milk. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat, whisk in vanilla and butter, then cool completely. Fold in whipped cream for extra fluffiness.
- Fill the Donuts: Gently pierce each cooled donut with a piping bag filled with kreme. Fill until you feel slight resistance and kreme just starts to ooze out.
- Finish: Dust the tops of the filled donuts generously with powdered sugar before serving.
What to serve with
Drinks:
- Classic brewed coffee or espresso
- Iced lattes or cold brew
- Hot chocolate, especially in colder months
- Matcha or chai lattes
Sides:
- Fresh fruit salad or mixed berries
- Scrambled eggs or an omelet for a breakfast spread
- Savory pastries if serving at brunch
Extras:
- Whipped cream and chocolate sauce for dipping
- Sprinkle with chocolate shavings for special occasions
Variations
- Swap vanilla kreme for chocolate or coffee pastry cream.
- Add a layer of fruit jam or jelly along with the kreme filling for extra flavor.
- Top with a chocolate glaze instead of powdered sugar for a Boston Cream vibe.
- Infuse the kreme with espresso or lemon zest for a gourmet twist.
- Try baking instead of frying for a lighter version; the texture will be more cake-like but still delicious.
Ingredient Substitutes
- All-purpose flour:
- Bread flour (for chewier texture)
- Gluten-free baking blend (results may vary)
- Whole milk:
- 2% milk
- Oat milk or almond milk (for dairy free)
- Unsalted butter:
- Margarine
- Coconut oil
- Active dry yeast:
- Instant yeast (direct swap)
- Fresh yeast (use conversion chart)
- Eggs:
- Egg replacer (for vegan)
- Unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup per egg, baking only)
- Whipped cream (for filling):
- Dairy-free whipped topping
- Coconut whipped cream
- Powdered sugar:
- Granulated sugar blended until fine
- Sugar-free powdered substitute
Ingredients
1 package active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water (110°F)
3/4 cup whole milk (lukewarm)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp salt
2 large eggs
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
Vegetable oil (for frying)
1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
3 large egg yolks (for kreme)
1/3 cup granulated sugar (for kreme)
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 cup whole milk (for kreme)
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp unsalted butter (for kreme)
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream (whipped, for kreme)
Instructions
Activate yeast in warm water with a pinch of sugar until frothy.
In a mixer, combine milk, sugar, salt, eggs, melted butter, and yeast mixture.
Add flour gradually and mix until dough is smooth and elastic.
Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1-2 hours.
Roll dough to 1/2-inch thickness and cut into rounds.
Place on a lined baking sheet and let rise again, 45 minutes.
Heat oil to 350°F and fry donuts 1-2 minutes per side until golden.
Cool completely on a wire rack.
For Philly Kreme: Whisk yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and milk in a saucepan, cook until thickened.
Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and butter, cool completely.
Fold whipped cream into the cooled custard.
Fill donuts with kreme using a piping bag.
Dust filled donuts with powdered sugar before serving.
