Nothing says autumn quite like the warm, comforting aroma of fresh pumpkin donuts. This Pumpkin Donut Recipe transforms simple ingredients into tender, spice-filled treats perfect for crisp fall mornings or cozy afternoon snacks. Whether you're craving a seasonal breakfast or planning a festive brunch, these homemade pumpkin donuts deliver the perfect balance of pumpkin spice and everything nice.
Why You'll Love These Pumpkin Donut Recipe
These pumpkin donuts capture the essence of fall baking with their tender crumb and warm spices. They're easier to make than traditional yeast donuts, requiring no proofing time, and can be ready in under an hour. Perfect for both novice and experienced bakers, this recipe yields consistently delicious results that rival any bakery version.
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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
Prepare Your Workspace
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Grease a standard donut pan with non-stick cooking spray
- Gather all ingredients and ensure they're at room temperature
Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt
- Break up any lumps to ensure even distribution of spices
Combine Wet Ingredients
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth
- Make sure there are no streaks of egg remaining
Create the Batter
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients
- Gently fold together until just combined
- Avoid overmixing to ensure tender donuts
Fill and Bake
- Transfer batter to a large piping bag or zip-top bag
- Cut off the corner and pipe batter into prepared donut pan, filling each cavity ¾ full
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean
- Allow to cool in pan for 5 minutes before removing
Add the Coating
- Mix sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl
- Brush each donut lightly with melted butter
- Roll in cinnamon sugar mixture while still warm
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.
FAQ
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.
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.
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.
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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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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