Leftover with extra Krispy Kreme donuts from yesterday’s order? From original glazed to stuffed donuts, here is exactly how to reheat Krispy Kreme donuts in the microwave for ultimate finger-licking perfection.
The problem with donuts is that they become stale or the glaze starts melt on warm day when the fried dough is not eaten fresh. How do you keep Krispy Kreme donuts fresh so that you can reheat them in the microwave?
To reheat Krispy Kreme donuts in the microwave, pop one frozen doughnut in the microwave for 8 seconds and voila. It is ready to eat and tastes exactly like having a hot one from the store.
However, not all frozen donuts result in the same success. Some may have staled or dried out due to improper storage. So, how do you store leftover Krispy Kreme donuts so that they stay fresh overnight?
How to store Krispy Kreme donuts overnight?
Whether you store Krispy Kreme donuts in the freezer, refrigerator or at room temperature, the most important factor is placing them into an airtight container. When properly sealed, the donuts stay fresh for longer because they don’t quickly dry out and become stale.
The optimal condition to serve and store original Krispy Kreme donuts is at a temperature under 64.4°F or 18°C. Keep the donuts out of direct sunlight, and wrap them in a napkin, paper bag or place into a sealed container with paper towel or parchment paper on the bottom.
If you are planning to eat the leftovers in a day or two, then it is safe to keep the original glazed donuts at room temperature. However, cream-filled donuts must stored in the refrigerator.
The dairy inside the filling will spoil if left out at room temperature it. If you are planning to not to eat the cream or custard filled donuts right away, then the USDA temperature danger zone guidelines recommend that the perishable food item be refrigerated within 2 hours.
The USDA safe handling procedures consider both dairy and egg based custards to be perishable food items. Cover the donuts in foil, plastic wrap, or seal in an airtight container and store in the fridge or freezer following the 2-hour rule.
Refrigerate or freeze as soon as you know you won’t be eating the dairy or cream filled donuts. However, if the donut is only glazed with icing or chocolate decorated, then it doesn’t need to be stored below 40°F.
Be aware that exposure to air and direct sunlight are both enemies of donuts. Melted glaze and dry stale donuts are not delicious to eat!
How long do Krispy Kreme last?
Fresh made Krispy Kreme doughnuts have a shelf life of 24 hours. However, type of donut and how it’s stored will ultimately affect the expiration date.
In general, cream-filled donuts last 3 to 5 days when stored in the fridge. Glazed donuts with no cream filling or toppings can last for 2 days on the counter, or 5 to 7 days in the fridge.
When stored in the freezer, Krispy Kreme donuts will last 2 to 3 months. Make sure to wrap them tightly with plastic wrap or place in heavy-duty freezer bag.
Don’t forget to label the bag or container with the current day so that you know how long the donuts have been stored in the freezer.
Things to know before microwaving Krispy Kreme donuts
It’s hard to beat fresh made donuts from Krispy Kreme store. But sometimes we get carried away and order too much, so there may come a time where you need to store the leftover donuts.
Here is essential things to know before microwaving Krispy Kreme donuts:
- Choose proper storing method. Store perishable cream-filled donuts in the fridge or freezer within 2 hours. Glazed donut can be left on the countertop for up to 2 days.
- Wrap the donut to reduce exposure to air.
- Use microwave-safe plate to reheat donuts and never use a paper plate.
- Use parchment paper under the donut instead of a paper towel.
- Adjust the microwave power level to medium.
- Set the microwave time based on how many donuts you are reheating in one cycle: 1 donut for 8 seconds, 2 donuts for 12 seconds, 4 donuts for 20 seconds.
Always consider the type of the doughnut before you start reheating, and begin by heating for only less than 10 seconds; baked or fried dough can toughen up quickly if overheated. Add more time in 5-second intervals until the doughnut warms up to the desired temperature that you like.
Best way to reheat Krispy Kreme donuts in the microwave?
If you want to reheat Krispy Kreme donuts that have stored in the fridge or freezer, the microwave is by far the best option.
To microwave refrigerated donuts, place the donut on a microwave-safe plate and put a piece of parchment paper or paper towel underneath.
Reheat between 5 to 8 seconds on medium heat. Take out and verify that it is warmed up properly and not overheated.
To microwave stale donuts, loosely wrap the doughnut in a slightly dampened paper towel. Microwave on medium heat for 5 seconds at a time until the fried dough is soft and warm.
To microwave frozen donuts, it may take a while to bring the doughnut to room temperature. So, your best bet is to use the microwave defrost setting.
Place a doughnut on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. Check every 10 seconds to see if it is completely defrosted and warmed throughout.
The microwave is the best way to freshen up leftover Krispy Kreme doughnuts. Make sure to store the donuts properly to reduce air exposure and following the time/temperature guidelines.
For best results, use a microwave safe plate, place parchment paper underneath the donut, reduce the power level to medium and reheat for less than 10 seconds.
Ryan Trotzuk
Tuesday 1st of June 2021
I think they are right I heated 3 room temperature stuffed donuts for a minute and they tasted horrible
Joshua
Tuesday 1st of June 2021
Yes, a minute is far too long. 5 to 10 seconds on medium heat should warm it up and bring it back to life.