Pumpkin Donuts

If you’re craving a cozy treat that perfectly captures the essence of fall, these Pumpkin Donuts are exactly what you need. Soft, tender, and bursting with warming spices and real pumpkin flavor, they offer a delightful balance of moist cake and a slightly sweet, fragrant cinnamon sugar coating. With every bite, you’ll find yourself wrapped up in that comforting feeling of autumn, making them an irresistible treat to enjoy any time of the day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating these Pumpkin Donuts is delightfully simple, relying on a handful of pantry staples and fresh pumpkin puree that work harmoniously to build flavor, texture, and that irresistible golden color.

• ½ cup pumpkin puree: Adds natural moisture and that unmistakable pumpkin taste.
• ¼ cup milk: Keeps the batter smooth and ensures tender donuts.
• ¼ cup vegetable oil: Helps keep the donuts moist without overpowering the spice.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base for structure and lightness.
• ½ cup brown sugar: Brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: The star blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for that classic autumn flavor.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives a gentle lift for fluffy donuts.
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon: Enhances warmth and spice.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the flavors.
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg: Adds a nutty, slightly sweet spice note.
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar (for coating): Coats each donut with a sweet, crunchy finish.
• 2 tablespoons butter (melted): Helps the cinnamon sugar stick and adds richness.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for coating): Mixes with sugar for a perfectly spiced crust.

How to Make Pumpkin Donuts

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by heating your oven to 350ºF and generously spraying your donut pan with non-stick cooking spray. This is key for easy donut removal and even baking.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and milk until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This provides the moist, flavorful base your donuts need.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This blend infuses the batter with those familiar fall flavors and ensures a light texture.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently with a spatula just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the donuts tender and soft.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

Pour the batter into a piping bag or a ziplock sandwich bag with a corner snipped off. Carefully pipe the batter evenly into the six cavities of your pan, filling each about three-quarters full.

Step 6: Bake the Donuts

Bake for 15 to 16 minutes, or until a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean. Let the donuts cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning the pan upside down to release the donuts onto a cooling rack. Allow them to cool for at least another 10 minutes to ensure they set properly.

Step 7: Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While the donuts cool, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Use a pastry brush to coat each donut with the melted butter. Then, mix together granulated sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Quickly dip each side of the butter-coated donut into the cinnamon sugar, coating it evenly for that perfect crunchy, sweet finish.

How to Serve Pumpkin Donuts

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm maple glaze can elevate your Pumpkin Donuts even more. Toasted pecans or a sprinkle of chopped candied ginger also add delightful texture and a burst of flavor.

Side Dishes

These donuts shine alongside a steaming mug of chai tea or pumpkin spice latte, making breakfast or afternoon snacks feel extra special. For a fuller brunch, pair with creamy scrambled eggs or a crisp apple salad to balance sweetness with savory freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Pumpkin Donuts on a rustic wooden platter adorned with cinnamon sticks and fresh autumn leaves for a festive look. Alternatively, stack them high on a tiered cake stand or stuff them with a dollop of cream cheese frosting for a fun surprise inside.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Pumpkin Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain their softness. If you need them to last longer, the fridge is an option but may slightly dry out the texture.

Freezing

You can freeze these donuts by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months and thaw quickly when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

Reheat donuts gently in a microwave for about 15 seconds or warm them in a 300ºF oven for 5 minutes. This brings back their fresh-baked softness and revives the cinnamon sugar coating’s crunch.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and is great for convenience. Just be sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Yes, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend suited for cakes, and you should achieve similar results. Just check that your blend contains xanthan gum or another binder.

Can I bake these donuts without a donut pan?

If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin, though the shape will be different. Adjust the baking time slightly and fill the cups about half full to avoid overflow.

Are Pumpkin Donuts suitable for frying instead of baking?

This recipe is specifically crafted for baking to keep the donuts moist and tender. While you could experiment with frying, the batter might be too loose, and you risk oily donuts. For frying, a dough recipe is usually better.

How do I make the donuts less sweet?

Simply reduce the brown and granulated sugar by a tablespoon or two to suit your preference. Keep in mind the coating provides additional sweetness, so adjust accordingly.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to embrace the flavors of autumn, these Pumpkin Donuts are a must-try. They’re deceptively simple to make yet incredibly satisfying with their tender crumb and cozy spices. Share them fresh out of the oven or dressed up with your favorite toppings. Trust me, once you try these donuts, they’ll become a beloved staple in your seasonal baking repertoire!

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