Crispy, Chewy, Sweet, and Spicy — The Donut Reinvented

Fall baking is about warmth — cinnamon swirling through the kitchen, pumpkin purée turning batter into gold, and the irresistible scent of baked sweetness meeting spice. Now imagine all of that with a playful twist: a light, crispy shell made from toasted rice cereal, and a glowing drizzle of hot honey glaze that fuses sweetness and gentle heat in every bite.

Welcome to the world of Pumpkin Krispie Donuts with Hot Honey Glaze — a dessert that feels nostalgic, yet new. Crunchy meets soft. Cozy meets fiery. Autumn meets indulgence.

Why You’ll Love These Donuts

No deep-frying: Baked, not fried — so you get less mess and lighter texture.
Crispy twist: The rice cereal coating gives every bite an airy crunch.
Hot honey glaze: Sweet meets spicy in a shiny golden drizzle that steals the show.
Perfect for gatherings: Beautiful, portable, and festive — great for fall brunches or Thanksgiving dessert tables.

It’s everything you love about pumpkin spice season, elevated with a Kitchrecipes signature twist.

Ingredients

For the Donuts

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground ginger
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
2 large eggs
½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup milk

For the Krispie Coating

2 cups crispy rice cereal (like Rice Krispies)
2 tablespoons butter, melted
2 tablespoons brown sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon

For the Hot Honey Glaze

½ cup honey
1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon butter

Optional Garnish

Extra crushed rice cereal
Cinnamon dusting
Drizzle of melted white chocolate

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan or line with non-stick spray.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger).
Combine Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk pumpkin purée, both sugars, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
Blend the Batter:
Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined — do not overmix. The batter should be thick and spoonable.
Fill the Pan:
Spoon batter into the donut molds, filling each about ¾ full. Smooth tops with a spatula.
Bake:
Bake for 12–15 minutes or until donuts spring back when lightly pressed. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
Make the Krispie Coating:
In a shallow dish, combine rice cereal, melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Lightly crush with your hands to create uneven crispy bits.
Make the Hot Honey Glaze:
In a small saucepan, heat honey, chili flakes, vinegar, and butter until melted and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Coat the Donuts:
Brush warm donuts lightly with the glaze, then dip into the Krispie coating to adhere.
Final Glaze Drizzle:
Once coated, drizzle remaining hot honey over the top for that glossy finish.
Garnish & Serve:
Optionally sprinkle crushed cereal or cinnamon on top. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Pro Tips

Don’t skip cooling: If donuts are too warm, the glaze will slide off.
Play with spice: Add a pinch of cayenne to your batter for a real kick.
Storage: Keep at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days. Reheat lightly before serving.
Freezer-friendly: Freeze unglazed donuts for up to 1 month. Glaze fresh after thawing.

What Makes the Hot Honey Glaze Special

Hot honey isn’t just for chicken — its smooth, spicy-sweet flavor turns desserts into a thrilling bite. The heat amplifies the natural sweetness of pumpkin while the honey adds shine and stickiness that catches the light perfectly.

To balance it, we add a touch of butter and vinegar for depth and tang — the glaze dances between candy-like and savory perfection.

The Texture Story

You’ll first feel that satisfying crunch from the Krispie coating — caramelized cereal that crackles softly as your teeth break through. Then comes the tender pumpkin crumb — fluffy, moist, and warmly spiced. Finally, the glaze — glossy, sweet, and lingering with just enough heat to make you take another bite.

It’s an experience, not just a treat.