Autumn arrives with pure magic in the form of a Pumpkin Donut Recipe that transforms simple ingredients into tender, spice-filled treats perfect for crisp fall mornings. These homemade donuts capture the essence of the season, blending rich pumpkin puree with warming spices to create a breakfast or snack that's guaranteed to make your kitchen feel like a cozy autumn sanctuary.
Each golden, cake-like donut bursts with the classic flavors of fall – cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger – creating a delightful balance of sweetness and spice. Whether you're planning a leisurely weekend brunch or looking for a comforting afternoon snack, this Pumpkin Donut Recipe promises to deliver pure seasonal joy in every bite.
Why You'll Love These Pumpkin Donut Recipe
Prepare to embark on a delightful autumn baking adventure with a Pumpkin Donut Recipe that's about to become your new seasonal obsession! These aren't just donuts – they're a warm, comforting embrace of fall's most beloved flavors, crafted to perfection and designed to make your heart (and taste buds) absolutely sing.
Imagine stepping into a kitchen filled with the most intoxicating aroma of pumpkin, cinnamon, and pure autumnal magic. These donuts are a celebration of everything we love about fall baking – tender, spice-laden, and impossibly easy to create. Unlike traditional yeast donuts that demand hours of patient proofing and complex techniques, this recipe is a breath of fresh air for bakers of all skill levels.
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Ingredients
the Donuts:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
¼ cup melted butter (for dipping)
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
Pumpkin Donut Recipe: Let's Get Baking! 🍩🍂
Prepare Your Workspace Get ready to transform your kitchen into a fall flavor paradise! First things first:
- Warm up that oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C) – your donut-baking stage is set!
- Give your donut pan some love with a quick non-stick spray
- Gather your ingredients and let them chill at room temperature – teamwork makes the dream work!
Mix the Dry Ingredients Time to create your spice symphony:
- Grab a large bowl and whisk those dry ingredients together – flour, sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt are about to become best friends
- Break up any stubborn lumps – we want those spices to mingle perfectly!
Combine Wet Ingredients Let the magic begin:
- In a separate bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla until smooth and dreamy
- No egg streaks allowed – we're going for silky perfection!
Create the Batter Almost there!
- Pour those wet ingredients into the dry ingredients
- Gently fold everything together – think of it like a delicate dance, not a wrestling match
- Remember: less mixing means more tender donuts!
Fill and Bake Donut time is the best time:
- Grab a piping bag or zip-top bag and transfer that beautiful batter
- Snip the corner and pipe into your donut pan, filling each cavity ¾ full
- Bake for 12-15 minutes – your kitchen will smell like autumn heaven!
- Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes – patience is a virtue!
Add the Coating The grand finale:
- Mix sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl
- Brush each donut with melted butter (hello, deliciousness!)
- Roll those warm donuts in cinnamon sugar – pure magic!
Equipment For Pumpkin Donut Recipe
- Standard donut pan
- Large mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Piping bag or zip-top bag
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
Storage Instructions
Store cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. While these donuts can be frozen for up to 3 months, they're best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture and flavor.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend
- Dairy-Free Version: Replace whole milk with almond or oat milk
- Spice Variations: Adjust the spice blend to your taste by adding nutmeg, ginger, or allspice
- Glazed Version: Skip the cinnamon sugar and dip in a maple or vanilla glaze instead
Top Tip
Share something here that you think is key to making this recipe well, such as: Don't overcook the burgers! Sear the outside and cook to a minimum internal temperature, but they should still be juicy for best results.
Grandma's Magic Touch:
You know those recipes that instantly transport you back to Grandma's warm kitchen? This Pumpkin Donut Recipe is pure nostalgic magic. Grandma had that special touch that made everything taste like love - and these donuts are no exception. Her secret wasn't just in measuring ingredients perfectly, but in the love she sprinkled into every batch.
When Grandma made her Pumpkin Donut Recipe, the whole house would fill with the most incredible aroma of warm spices and freshly fried goodness. She'd let us help roll the donuts in cinnamon sugar, her hands guiding ours with gentle patience. Those moments weren't just about making a treat - they were about creating memories.
This Pumpkin Donut Recipe carries more than just flavor - it carries generations of family tradition. Each bite is like a warm hug, reconnecting you with those precious moments of watching Grandma work her culinary magic. It's not just a recipe; it's a delicious piece of family history that continues to bring joy, one donut at a time.
FAQ
Should donuts be baked or fried?
Traditional donuts are fried, which creates a distinctively crispy exterior and fluffy interior. While baked donuts are healthier and easier to make at home, they have a denser, more cake-like texture. Fried donuts provide the classic texture and flavor most people associate with donuts, but both methods produce delicious results.
What does pumpkin donut taste like?
Pumpkin donuts taste like a perfect blend of warm fall spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger) with subtle pumpkin flavor. The pumpkin adds moisture and richness while creating a tender, cake-like texture. Think of a pumpkin spice latte in donut form - sweet, spiced, and comforting without being overwhelmingly pumpkin-flavored.
Is old-fashioned donut the same as sour cream?
While similar, they're not exactly the same. Old-fashioned donuts have a characteristic cracked surface and tender crumb made with regular milk or buttermilk. Sour cream donuts use sour cream in the batter, giving them an extra tang and even more tender texture. Both styles are cake donuts with crispy edges and a dense, moist interior.
Does Krispy Kreme have a pumpkin spice donut?
Yes, Krispy Kreme typically offers pumpkin spice donuts seasonally during fall months. Their Pumpkin Spice Original Glazed Donut is a special version of their classic glazed donut infused with pumpkin spice flavors. However, availability varies by location and season, so check with your local store.
HOW DID YOUR PUMPKIN DONUT RECIPETURN OUT?
How did your Pumpkin Donut Recipe turn out? Ready to savor something new? These donuts impress with their perfect balance of warm autumn spices and rich pumpkin flavor. If you're a fan of sweet treats and seasonal baking, be sure to try our Oreo Cupcake Recipe next – another easy-to-make yet delicious treat!
Did you make this Pumpkin Donut Recipe? We'd love to hear about your experience! Leave a star rating and share your thoughts in the comments.
Did you try any creative twists or use any unique ingredients? Your feedback not only helps others but also contributes to our growing community of home cooks. Don't forget to share a photo of your culinary creation!
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Pairing
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Easy Pumpkin Donut Recipe
Equipment
- Standard donut pan
- Large mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Piping bag or zip-top bag
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
Donuts:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pure pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease donut pan.
- Mix dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, spices, and salt.
- Whisk wet ingredients separately: pumpkin, eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Pipe batter into donut pan, filling ¾ full.
- Bake 12-15 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool 5 minutes, remove from pan.
- Mix cinnamon and sugar for coating.
- Brush warm donuts with melted butter, roll in cinnamon sugar.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients
- Don't overmix batter
- Best served fresh
- Can substitute gluten-free 1:1 flour blend
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