Pumpkin donuts are like little bites of autumn happiness, bursting with warm spices and a fluffy texture that makes your taste buds dance. Picture this: the sweet aroma of cinnamon wafting through your kitchen as you prepare these delightful treats, enticing everyone in the house to come running for a taste.
Every year, when the leaves start turning and the air gets that crisp bite, I turn into an amateur donut shop right in my own kitchen. There’s something undeniably magical about combining pumpkin and spices that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Whether you’re enjoying them at breakfast or as an afternoon snack, these pumpkin donuts will make any occasion feel special.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These pumpkin donuts are incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for busy mornings or unexpected guests
- The flavor is a cozy blend of pumpkin spice that warms your soul
- They have a beautiful golden color and inviting aroma that makes them irresistible
- Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or save some for later because they stay delicious for days!
One time, I made these pumpkin donuts for a fall gathering, and you would have thought I had discovered the secret to eternal happiness based on how quickly they disappeared!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Canned Pumpkin Puree: Opt for 100% pure pumpkin, not the spiced pie filling, for optimal flavor.
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All-Purpose Flour: A versatile staple that gives the donuts their delightful structure.
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Baking Powder: This helps your donuts rise perfectly, creating that fluffy texture we all love.
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Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth; it’s like a hug in spice form.
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Nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg elevates the flavor profile, giving a cozy autumn vibe.
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Brown Sugar: For sweetness and moisture; it enhances the caramel notes in the pumpkin.
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Eggs: They bring everything together and contribute to the airy texture of the donuts.
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Milk: Use whole milk for richness; it helps create a tender crumb.
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Vegetable Oil: Keeps your donuts moist; you can also substitute with melted butter if you prefer.
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Powdered Sugar (for glazing): Optional but recommended; it adds sweetness and visual appeal.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your donut pan lightly with cooking spray so they pop out easily later.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar until well combined. The mixture should smell heavenly already.
In another bowl, mix together wet ingredients: canned pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, and vegetable oil until smooth. This is where all that delicious flavor comes from.
Carefully combine wet and dry mixtures; stir gently until just combined to keep those donuts fluffy. Don’t overmix or you’ll end up with dense little hockey pucks instead of light donuts.
Spoon or pipe the batter into your prepared donut pan about halfway full. You’re aiming for those lovely donut shapes—no one wants flat circles here!
Bake in preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma will drive you wild—I recommend not opening the oven door too soon!
Once baked, allow them to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. If desired, glaze with powdered sugar mixed with a bit of milk for an extra touch of sweetness.
Enjoy these delightful pumpkin donuts while they’re still warm or store them in an airtight container to savor later!
You’re now ready to impress friends and family with these fun seasonal treats!
You Must Know
- These pumpkin donuts are not just tantalizing treats; they bring fall flavors to life
- Their warm spices and soft, fluffy texture create a cozy atmosphere perfect for chilly mornings or festive gatherings
- Plus, they are simple enough for anyone to whip up at home!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing the dry ingredients first, then gradually add wet ingredients for a smooth batter. Preheat your oven to 350°F before you begin. This ensures that your pumpkin donuts bake evenly and achieve that delightful golden-brown color.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out traditional spices like cinnamon with nutmeg or ginger for a twist. You can also add chocolate chips or nuts to the batter for extra flavor and texture, making each donut uniquely yours!
Storing & Reheating
Store these pumpkin donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them individually wrapped. Reheat in the microwave for about 10 seconds to revive their fluffy texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For moist pumpkin donuts, avoid overmixing the batter; mix just until combined
- Using freshly pureed pumpkin enhances flavor—canned works too but is less vibrant
- Don’t skip the glaze; it adds sweetness and a beautiful finish!
Creating these delightful pumpkin donuts reminds me of my childhood, where I’d eagerly await autumn’s arrival just for the smell wafting from the kitchen. Friends would gather, laughter filling the air as we enjoyed these treats together.
FAQ
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, using fresh pumpkin puree enhances flavor but requires extra preparation time.
How do I know when my donuts are done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean if they’re ready.
Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute regular flour with your favorite gluten-free blend for delicious results.
Pumpkin Donuts
Pumpkin donuts are the perfect autumn treat, combining the warm flavors of pumpkin and spices into a fluffy delight. These easy-to-make donuts will fill your kitchen with a sweet aroma that invites everyone to indulge. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or saved for later, these pumpkin donuts bring comfort and joy to any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 donuts 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- Powdered sugar (for glazing, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar until well combined.
- In another bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, and vegetable oil until smooth.
- Gently combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed; avoid overmixing.
- Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut pan halfway full.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow cooling for 5 minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack. Glaze with powdered sugar if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut (40g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
