Article

Fall back on old classics

October 7, 2010 by Alicia Kelso — Editor, QSRWeb.com

Autumn tends to bring out the best in our senses – vivid colors of changing leaves; nostalgic smells of campfires; pleasant tastes of seasonal spices.

It’s no wonder quick-service donut chains tap into fall’s bounty to create classic collections inspired by pumpkins, apples, maple and more. Here are some seasonal-inspired items now on the menu:

Dunkin’ Donuts

Dunkin’ Donuts has introduced a fall line-up that includes the Maple Cheddar Breakfast Sandwich and the Caramel Apple Latte, as well as pumpkin favorites and seasonal Munchkins donut holes.

The Maple Cheddar Breakfast Sandwich is back by popular demand, combining one scrambled egg with sweet maple-flavored sausage and topped with melted white cheddar cheese. The sandwich is serviced on a baked croissant and is available for a suggested retail price of $2.99.

The Caramel Apple Latte, offered in select markets only, combines red and green apple flavors with a hint of caramel. Small size is offered for a suggested $1.99.

Seasonal Munchkins are glazed, old-fashioned cake donut holes, dipped in autumn nonpareils. They’re available for $4.79 for a 25-count box, or $6.99 for a 50-count box.

Finally, Dunkin’s fall-inspired, pumpkin-flavored items will be available at participating restaurants for a limited time. They include hot or iced pumpkin coffees and lattes, a pumpkin muffin, and a pumpkin donut.

Later this month, Dunkin’ Donuts will offer some spooktacular thrillers. Keep an eye out for the “Boston Scream” donut, a variation of the company’s Boston Kreme, decorated with orange icing drizzle and available for 89 cents.

Also, a trick-or-treat bag, in select markets, will be sold beginning Oct. 18. It will include a free gift with purchase of a 50-count box of Munchkins, or a dozen donuts.

"Our new and returning fall menu items capture the flavor of the season in a fresh, affordable and delicious way," said Dunkin' Brands' Executive Chef Stan Frankenthaler. "From our popular Maple Cheddar Breakfast Sandwich to the new Caramel Apple Latte, our guests can celebrate fall to the fullest and keep themselves running any of time of day all throughout October."

Krispy Kreme

Krispy Kreme is also getting into the Halloween spirit with its limited-time offerings. Through Oct. 31, the company will offer the Jack-O-Lantern Doughnut, a pumpkin-shaped yeast doughnut with a creamy orange icing and a jack-o-lantern face.

Also, the Pumpkin Spice Cake Doughnut is made with pumpkin flavors and spices, including cinnamon and nutmeg. The Chocolate Iced with Halloween Sprinkles is also available, embracing the orange and black theme of the season.

Finally, in select markets, Krispy Kreme is selling its Spider Web doughnut, a chocolate-iced creation featuring a cobweb design.

“No tricks are needed to pick up these bewitching treats,” said Ron Rupocinski, corporate chef at Krispy Kreme. “Share these scrumptious goodies with family, friends and co-workers at Halloween get-togethers.”

Tim Horton’s

It’s also pumpkin season at Tim Horton’s. At participating U.S. restaurants for a limited time, the company has brought back its Pumpkin Spice Donut and Pumpkin Spice Muffin. Enjoy both items with a cup specialty Pumpkin Spice Coffee.

Not to limit autumn’s harvest, Tim Horton’s is also offering a new Caramel Apple Cider Supreme, made with apple cider, caramel flavor, whipped topping and caramel drizzle.

The company has also launched a new apple donut and timbits, a caramel apple Danish, and an apple spice muffin.

Culver’s

Donut chains aren’t the only places taking advantage of the harvest. Culver’s has gone pumpkin crazy with its Pumpkin Spice Shake, Pumpkin Pecan Concrete Mixer, and its new Pumpkin Cheesecake Concrete Mixer.

Cold Stone Creamery
 
Some companies are looking well beyond fall. Cold Stone Creamery is touting its new eight-layer ice cream cake as the perfect holiday party addition. The multi-layered cakes hit stores on Oct. 6 and are crafted with three layers of ice cream, three layers of cake, two mid-layers of mix-ins, and topped with frosting.

The cakes available are Cake Batter Layers and Quilted Coffee Caramel. Cake Batter Layers includes Cake Batter ice cream, yellow cake, cookie dough and chocolate shavings, topped with cake batter frosting and fudge.

Quilted Coffee Caramel Cake features coffee ice cream, Devil’s Food Cake, caramel and Heath Bar wrapped in coffee frosting and topped with caramel.

“Historically, Cold Stone Creamery has been a revolutionary in the ice cream cake category. We are anticipating the introduction of our new eight-layer cakes will further elevate this position,” said Suzanne Schutz, vice president of Cold Stone marketing. “Most importantly, this expansion in our signature cake line offers a refined elegance and adds ease to entertaining this holiday season.”

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