Doughnuts are no longer just a simple sweet treat; they’ve become a canvas for creativity, a nod to nostalgia, and a symbol of flavor innovation. This year, the doughnut franchise industry is stepping into a bold, flavorful future with new product launches that highlight the versatility and decadence of this beloved bakery item. From pie-inspired delights to iconic brand collaborations, 2025 is shaping up to be a year of indulgent possibilities.
Perkins™ Delivers Nostalgia with Pie-Inspired Doughnuts
Perkins™ Restaurant & Bakery, a leader in family dining and bakery innovation, is introducing a sweet twist to its menu with its Pie-Inspired Doughnuts, available starting January 8th. Combining classic pie flavors with the warm, doughy comfort of a freshly fried doughnut, this lineup promises to evoke memories of homemade desserts.
“We are delighted to kick off the new year with sweet new offerings. Our Pie-Inspired Doughnuts are the right amount of fun and nostalgia with doughy layers of fresh-baked comfort in every bite,” said Toni Ronayne, President of Perkins Restaurant & Bakery®.
The collection includes four distinct varieties, each a testament to Perkins’ reputation for flavor-forward creations:
- Apple Pie: A glazed doughnut crowned with spiced apples, sweet vanilla glaze, and crumbled pie crust.
- Salted Caramel Cream: Featuring vanilla cheesecake, roasted almonds, and a drizzle of salted caramel.
- Wildberry Delight: A raspberry-filled doughnut topped with vanilla frosting, a berry blend, and pie crust crumbles.
- Cookies & Cream: Chocolate glaze, vanilla cream, and crushed cookies combine for a rich, satisfying bite.
These limited-time treats are perfect for indulging on the go or adding a sweet ending to any meal. Fans of Perkins’ bakery are sure to find these doughnuts “something they doughnut want to miss!”
Krispy Kreme® Goes Bold with Pop-Tarts® Collaboration
Kicking off 2025 with a burst of creativity, Krispy Kreme has unveiled its Crazy Good Doughnuts Collection, a collaboration with the iconic Pop-Tarts® brand. Available starting January 6th, this playful lineup takes the best of both brands to craft doughnuts bursting with nostalgic flavors and vibrant toppings.
“Krispy Kreme and Pop-Tarts are coming together for the very first time – you know the result will be Crazy Good,” said Dave Skena, Chief Growth Officer at Krispy Kreme.
This unique collection includes:
- Pop-Tarts® Frosted Strawberry Doughnut: Filled with strawberry filling, dipped in shortbread icing, and topped with a Frosted Strawberry Pop-Tarts® Bites piece.
- Pop-Tarts® Frosted Chocolatey Fudge Doughnut: A chocolate-glazed doughnut with brownie batter buttercreme and crushed Frosted Chocolatey Fudge Pop-Tarts® Bites.
- Pop-Tarts® Frosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon Doughnut: A cinnamon sugar doughnut topped with brown sugar cinnamon cream cheese buttercreme and a Frosted Cinnamon Roll Pop-Tarts® Bites piece.
In-shop, online, or even at select retailers, these doughnuts offer multiple ways for fans to indulge. As Jessica Waller, General Manager of Kellanova Away From Home, noted, “Krispy Kreme has done an incredible job bringing this opportunity to life, combining their iconic doughnuts with the beloved flavors of Pop-Tarts to create a truly one-of-a-kind experience for fans of both brands.”
Duck Donuts®: Elevating Customization to an Art Form
When it comes to doughnuts, few brands embody creativity and customer-centricity like Duck Donuts®. Founded on the principle that everyone deserves a warm, delicious, and personalized doughnut, Duck Donuts has carved out a unique niche in the franchise landscape by making customization the cornerstone of its business.
At Duck Donuts, the doughnut experience begins with a made-to-order base: freshly fried vanilla cake doughnuts that serve as the perfect canvas for personalization. From there, customers can choose from a dazzling array of glazes, toppings, and drizzles to craft their ideal creation. Popular combinations include fan favorites like the Maple Bacon Doughnut, which pairs savory and sweet, and the S’mores Doughnut, layered with chocolate, graham cracker crumbles, and marshmallow drizzle. However, the beauty of Duck Donuts lies in the endless possibilities—every visit offers a new opportunity to create a unique flavor experience.
Seasonal offerings and limited-time specials further enhance the menu. During the fall, for example, Duck Donuts delights customers with pumpkin spice glazes, while winter brings peppermint and hot cocoa-inspired toppings. These rotating flavors keep loyal fans coming back for more, always eager to see what new twist the brand will introduce next.
A Year of Indulgence and Imagination
From Perkins’ heartwarming Pie-Inspired Doughnuts to Krispy Kreme’s playful Pop-Tarts collaboration and Duck Donuts’ fan-first customization model, the doughnut industry is showing no signs of slowing down. These innovations highlight not only the enduring popularity of doughnuts but also their ability to evolve and excite. As franchise brands continue to push the boundaries of flavor and their creativity with Menu Magic, 2025 is proving to be a banner year for doughnut lovers everywhere.
