Krispy Kreme Vs Dunkin’: Which Chain Has The Better Boston Cream Donut?
Few pastries carry as much hometown pride as the Boston cream donut. It is soft, chocolate-topped and filled with custard. However, not every chain treats it with the same care. So, in the Krispy Kreme vs Dunkin’ Boston cream donut debate, which one deserves your order?
A recent side-by-side tasting put both donuts to the test. The result may surprise anyone who expects Krispy Kreme to win every donut contest. Here is a clear breakdown of how each one performs, from the first bite to the last.
Where the Boston Cream Donut Comes From
The Boston cream donut grew out of Boston cream pie. That dessert was created at the city’s Parker House Hotel in 1856. Over time, bakers turned the idea into a handheld treat. Today, the classic version has three parts:
- A soft, yeast-raised donut
- A generous pocket of custard or pastry cream
- A layer of chocolate icing on top
Because of these simple parts, small differences matter a lot. For example, a thin filling or a heavy dough can throw the whole donut off balance.
How the Two Donuts Were Compared
The test was simple. One Boston cream donut came from each chain. At Dunkin’, it is sold as the Boston Kreme, spelled with a “K.” Meanwhile, Krispy Kreme has no item called Boston cream. Instead, its Chocolate Iced Custard Filled donut fills the same role.
Each donut was judged on four points. First came the dough and its texture. Next came the filling, including flavor, consistency and amount. After that came the chocolate icing. Finally, the overall balance was considered. Taste mattered most, while price and brand history were set aside.
Krispy Kreme vs Dunkin’ Boston Cream Donut at a Glance
| Feature | Dunkin’ Boston Kreme | Krispy Kreme Chocolate Iced Custard Filled |
|---|---|---|
| Menu name | Boston Kreme | Chocolate Iced Custard Filled |
| Price paid in test* | $1.69 | $2.59 |
| Dough | Fluffy, bready, not overly yeasty | Extra doughy with a classic fried flavor |
| Filling | Creamy, vanilla pudding-like, easy to find | Sparse, light in color, tangy with an odd aftertaste |
| Chocolate icing | Familiar, frosting-style; a bit light at the edges | Pleasant milk chocolate; good coverage |
| Appearance | Slightly oblong and uneven | Neater and more uniform |
| Overall verdict | Winner | Strong dough, let down by filling |
*Prices vary by location.
Dunkin’ Boston Kreme: Plain Looks, Better Filling
At first glance, the Dunkin’ donut does not impress. It looks a little oval, and the icing does not reach the edges. Even so, the inside tells a better story.
The dough is light and fluffy. It tastes more like soft bread than raw yeast. In addition, the custard stands out right away. It has a creamy, milky taste that recalls classic vanilla pudding. Better still, it shows up in the first bite and stays through most of the donut.
The icing tastes like familiar tub-style chocolate frosting. That may not sound fancy. Still, it brings a nostalgic charm. Above all, the donut never becomes too sweet, so every part stays in balance.
Krispy Kreme Custard Donut: Great Dough, Weak Center
Krispy Kreme starts strong. Its dough has the brand’s well-known fried flavor and a pleasantly chewy, doughy feel. The milk chocolate icing is also tasty, and there is plenty of it. Notably, the donut skips the signature glaze, which works fine here.
However, the filling is where things fall apart. It takes several bites to reach any custard at all. When it finally appears, it is pale and carries an unexpected lemony tang. As a result, it leaves a slightly artificial aftertaste. In fact, the donut might taste better without the filling, which is a problem for a filled donut.
Krispy Kreme does also sell a Chocolate Iced Kreme Filled donut. That version may suit fans who want a different style of filling.
Final Verdict: Dunkin’ Takes the Crown
In the Krispy Kreme vs Dunkin’ Boston cream donut matchup, Dunkin’ wins. Krispy Kreme has the better dough and arguably the better icing. Yet the filling defines a Boston cream, and that is where Dunkin’ clearly pulls ahead.
Dunkin’s version feels traditional and honest. It is not flashy, but the custard is creamy, generous and easy to find. Of course, a small local bakery may still beat both chains. For a quick, affordable Boston cream on the go, though, Dunkin’ is the safer pick. It also helps that the chain has deep roots in Massachusetts, the donut’s home state.
Quick takeaways:
- Choose Dunkin’ if the custard filling matters most to you.
- Choose Krispy Kreme if you mainly love soft, fried dough and chocolate icing.
- Expect prices to vary, although Dunkin’ usually costs a little less.
FAQs
1. Which is better, the Krispy Kreme or Dunkin’ Boston cream donut?
Dunkin’ wins overall. Its custard is creamier and more generous, while Krispy Kreme’s filling is sparse and has an off taste.
2. Does Krispy Kreme sell a Boston cream donut?
Not by that name. Its closest match is the Chocolate Iced Custard Filled donut.
3. Why does Dunkin’ spell it “Boston Kreme”?
The chain has not clearly explained the spelling. However, it is the same classic custard-filled, chocolate-topped donut.
4. Where did the Boston cream donut originate?
It comes from Boston cream pie, which was first made at Boston’s Parker House Hotel in 1856.
