Dunkin' vs. Krispy Kreme: Which Boston Cream Donut Is Better?

Dunkin’ Wins the Boston Cream Face-Off Against Krispy Kreme

In a recent comparative review for Tasting Table, food writer Megan Hageman puts two corporate heavyweights to the test to determine which national chain serves a superior Boston cream donut. While Dunkin‘ carries deep ties to Massachusetts, rival Krispy Kreme maintains a massive nationwide footprint despite lacking any historical connection to Beantown. Yet, when evaluated across yeast base, chocolate icing, and signature custard filling, the hometown advantage ultimately shifts the crown.

The assignment was straightforward: purchase a Boston cream donut from both chains and evaluate them side by side. At Dunkin’, the item officially trades under the slightly altered spelling of Boston Kreme and costs $1.69 at the drive-thru. Krispy Kreme omits the term entirely from its menuboards, offering instead a Chocolate Iced Custard Filled donut priced at $2.59. Beyond pricing and naming conventions, the structural composition of each pastry reveals starkly different approaches to a classic New England recipe originating at the Parker House Hotel in 1856.

Texture and Flavor Showdown at the Drive-Thru

Dunkin’s entry presented a somewhat wonky, oblong exterior with a modest smear of chocolate icing that failed to inspire immediate confidence. However, the pastry quickly recovered upon the first bite. Hageman reports that the dough was nicely fluffed with a pleasant, bready character rather than an overpowering yeast punch. The custard filling functioned like a classic, milky vanilla pudding that remained present throughout the entire eating experience. The chocolate frosting drew direct comparisons to Betty Crocker tub frosting, offering a nostalgic profile that kept the overall sweetness level well-balanced.

Krispy Kreme brought its own distinct set of baking traits to the table. The Chocolate Iced Custard Filled doughnut featured the chain’s familiar, extra-doughy fried base without the distraction of a sugary glaze underneath the chocolate top coat. The milk chocolate icing earned praise for its pleasant flavor and adequate coverage. Trouble arose, however, upon reaching the filling. Hageman noted having to consume several bites just to locate the custard, which ultimately revealed a lighter hue, an unexpected lemony tang, and a chemical-like aftertaste that left an off-putting finish.

Chain	Menu Name	Drive-Thru Price	Filling Characteristics
Dunkin’	Boston Kreme	$1.69	Creamy, milky vanilla pudding style distributed throughout.
Krispy Kreme	Chocolate Iced Custard Filled	$2.59	Sparse placement with an unexpected lemony tang and chemical aftertaste.

The Deciding Factor in the Filling

While Krispy Kreme often dominates donut preference discussions with its signature Original Glazed ring, the execution of the custard proved to be its ultimate Achilles’ heel in this matchup. A proper Boston cream donut relies fundamentally on the integrity of its pastry cream or custard. Dunkin’ succeeded by ensuring the filling remained rich, accessible, and generous from the first bite onward. For consumers seeking a traditional take on the historic pastry without searching out a local bakery in Beacon Hill, Dunkin’ delivers the required flavor profile.