Japan’s New Krispy Kreme Fall Donuts Aren’t Gluten-Free, But These Are

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J. B. Maer / Last Modified On September 17, 2025

Krispy Kreme Japan just launched a fall menu that is already making waves online. Think chestnut cream, sweet potato glaze, and pumpkin spice flavors baked into donuts that look like autumn on a plate. There is just one catch: none of them are gluten free. For those of us who live with celiac or gluten sensitivity, that means the only way to taste those cozy flavors is to recreate them at home.

The good news is that fall produce naturally lends itself to gluten free baking. Apple cider adds moisture and sweetness to a simple gluten-free flour base. Maple syrup brings sweetness without extra sugar, and chestnut purée adds an earthy richness that feels both traditional and indulgent. These ingredients do more than stand in for wheat. They make the donut seasonal and special.

At home, I like to bake donuts instead of frying. The batter holds up beautifully in a donut pan, and you still get the fluffy texture everyone expects. For a quick win, apple cider donuts with a powdered-sugar glaze are hard to beat. They taste like the best parts of a coffee shop menu but safe for the whole family. Chestnut cream makes for a more elegant option, especially topped with powdered sugar. Roasted sweet potato baked into the batter creates a donut so soft inside that it feels like dessert and breakfast at the same time.

The best part is that no one in my house feels like they are missing out. My kids love the cinnamon sugar versions after school, and my husband swears by the maple donut ones with his morning coffee. When you bake them yourself, you also get to choose how much sugar, spice, or glaze goes on top.

If you are new to gluten free baking, donuts are actually one of the easiest places to start. The batter comes together quickly, and you do not need special equipment beyond a simple donut pan. A helpful tip is to let the batter rest for ten minutes before baking so the flours can hydrate, which gives the donuts a softer crumb.

It is also fun to make the flavors your own. Swap the glaze for a drizzle of melted chocolate, or roll the donuts in cinnamon sugar right after baking. A little creativity turns these seasonal bakes into something that feels bakery-level, even when made at home.

Krispy Kreme Japan may have skipped gluten free fans with their fall lineup, but that does not mean you have to sit out this season. Their three new flavors are Caramel Pumpkin Pudding, Month Blanc Cream, and Sweet Potato Tart. With a few pantry staples and some autumn produce, it is possible to capture the same flavors in a way that feels just as festive.