Randy’s Donuts, the cherished and iconic donut shop, has been gradually widening its reach across the nation. In their push to spread beyond California, they’re adding a touch of flair to the lineup with a handful of limited-run autumn offerings. As discerning taste-testers, we simply had to sample them for ourselves. Up ahead, we’ll explore their pumpkin cake donut topped with cream cheese glaze and the pistachio and cinnamon crumb raised donuts (which extend their butter crumb raised donut that’s available year-round).
Pumpkin Cake Donut with Cream Cheese
Pros: People tend to identify as either a cake-donut lover or a raised-donut enthusiast. I’m in the cake camp, so we’re already off to a favorable start. The donut carries a pleasantly light pumpkin note, perfectly timed for peak pumpkin season. Think of this as a seasonal pause that stays close to the spirit of fall. On top, the donut wears cream cheese icing with pumpkin cake crumbs dusted over the surface.
Cons: This one leaned toward dryness for my taste. I adore a cake donut, but it truly needs to be done justice, or it can feel outshined by the yeasted counterparts. Still, a quick dip into your pumpkin-spice coffee could loosen things up. In the end, I liked this donut well enough rather than loving it, so maybe a stronger pumpkin kick would have pushed it over the edge.
Butter Crumb Raised Donut
Pros: To understand Randy’s new crumb donuts, we must start at the beginning—the foundational treat. Their groundbreaking butter crumb raised donut. This lofty raised donut stays impressively moist, offering a touch of chew while remaining tender enough that it won’t dry out quickly. It’s drenched in a glossy sweet glaze and scattered with rich, buttery crumbs (think coffee cake topping, minus the cinnamon). It’s as indulgent as it is legendary.
Cons: Some might argue this is decadently fatty for a donut. Do I share that view? Not really. Still, I can see why someone might think that way.
Pistachio Crumb Raised Donut
Pros: Pistachio aficionados are in for a real treat today. This donut somehow elevates the already excellent butter crumb raised donut by infusing pistachio flavor to the fullest, all while preserving the beloved attributes of the original. The pistachio-flavored icing and pistachio butter crumbs create a vibrant green hue that would surely start your day with a cheerful, nutty note. It’s simply tasty, wholesome nutty joy.
Cons: I won’t dock it for novelty, but I do wish this one could stay on the menu beyond the fall season. Come on, Randy—keep it around for the long haul!
Cinnamon Crumb Raised Donut
Pros: Randy’s Donuts takes their raised donut, glazes it generously, and crowns it with cinnamon-kissed crumbs. It’s essentially a more concentrated coffee-cake experience. It carries forward many of the strengths of the preceding varieties. The buttery crumb topping elevates the donut beyond a plain old glazed version, while a hint of autumn comes through via the cinnamon.
Cons: There is quite a cinnamon overload here. I’m as much of a cinnamon fan as anyone, but this one felt a touch too intense for me. Among all the donuts I sampled today, this was the only one I couldn’t imagine polishing off in a single sitting. I never expected to encounter a cinnamon excess moment like this.
