Krispy Kreme Artemis II Space-Themed Doughnut Copycat Recipe (NASA Space Mission)
This space-themed collaboration changed my breakfast routine completely! I tried the Artemis II doughnut the day it dropped and was blown away by how they captured the essence of space exploration in pastry form. The galaxy glaze has this perfect shimmer that actually sparkles like stars, and the filling tastes like sweet cosmic dust with hints of vanilla and mystery flavors that make you feel like you're floating. You've had glazed doughnuts before, but nothing that makes you dream of rocket ships while you eat. Perfect for science lovers and anyone wanting their morning treat to feel like a small adventure.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- bread flour 2.5 cups
- whole milk 1 cup
- unsalted butter 0.5 stick
- granulated sugar 0.5 cup
- instant yeast 2.25 tsp
- eggs 2 pieces
- potato starch 2 tbsp
- vegetable shortening 2 lbs
Seasonings/Sauce
- vanilla extract 2 tsp
- salt 0.5 tsp
- powdered sugar 2 cups
- corn syrup 2 tbsp
- gel food coloring (blue & purple) 0.5 tsp
- edible glitter 2 tsp
- heavy cream 0.25 cup
- marshmallow fluff 0.25 cup
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates
41 g
53%
Protein
5 g
6%
Fat
13 g
41%
Cooking steps
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1
Warm whole milk to 110°F and combine with instant yeast and granulated sugar. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy—this step ensures a strong rise, mimicking Krispy Kreme’s pillowy texture.
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2
In a large bowl, mix bread flour, potato starch, salt, eggs, melted unsalted butter, and yeast mixture. Knead until dough is soft, elastic, and slightly sticky. Proof covered for 60 minutes or until doubled, capturing Krispy Kreme’s signature airiness.
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3
Roll dough to 1/2-inch thickness and cut into 3-inch rings. Place on parchment and allow a second rise for 30 minutes. This double-proof is crucial for the melt-in-your-mouth structure.
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4
Heat vegetable shortening in a deep fryer to 355°F. Fry doughnuts in batches for 1 minute per side until lightly golden—not dark. Flip once; the exterior should be crisp yet delicate, just like Krispy Kreme.
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5
After draining, pipe each cooled doughnut with a filling made from marshmallow fluff, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a dash of mystery flavor (optional orange zest or freeze-dried raspberry).
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6
Mix powdered sugar, corn syrup, milk, and vanilla extract for the glaze. Divide and tint with gel food coloring for galaxy theme, swirl together, then add edible glitter. Dip each doughnut while glaze is warm to set a thin, dreamy shell like Krispy Kreme’s galaxy glaze.
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7
Let the doughnuts set for 10 minutes. Serve immediately to preserve the light texture and bright shimmer.
Personalized Q&A
Q. How closely does this copycat Artemis II doughnut match the real Krispy Kreme version?
This recipe uses yeast-raised dough, double proofing, and vegetable shortening frying—just like Krispy Kreme's signature base. The marshmallow fluff filling and galaxy glaze with edible glitter closely mimic the flavor and appearance of the official Artemis II doughnut, making the experience truly authentic.
Q. What are the most common frying mistakes with homemade Krispy Kreme doughnuts?
The key mistake is frying at too high or low a temperature, which can make doughnuts greasy or dry. Always fry at 355°F in vegetable shortening and flip once for a light, non-greasy exterior. Letting dough rise fully before frying is essential for achieving the signature pillowy texture.
Q. Can I substitute ingredients to make the Artemis II doughnut baked instead of fried?
While you can bake at 375°F for about 10 minutes, the result will be less airy and lack Krispy Kreme's classic crispy exterior. Frying in vegetable shortening is critical for both texture and authentic taste, as noted in the ingredient list and recipe steps.
Q. What is the nutrition breakdown for Krispy Kreme Artemis II Space-Themed Doughnut?
Each doughnut has about 310 kcal, 41g carbohydrates (53%), 5g protein (6%), and 13g fat (41%). This is typical for a filled and glazed Krispy Kreme seasonal doughnut. Enjoy in moderation if you’re watching calories or carbs.
Q. How should I store these homemade space-themed doughnuts for maximum freshness?
Store doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, refrigerate and warm before serving—freshness and signature airy texture are best within the first day.
