These pumpkin spice donuts are fluffy, warm, and full of cozy fall flavors! Topped with a sweet glaze, they are the perfect treat for chilly mornings or afternoon snacks.
Honestly, what’s better than a homemade donut with that wonderful pumpkin spice aroma? I love enjoying them with a hot cup of coffee—trust me, it’s a match made in heaven!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: You can use canned pumpkin puree for convenience, but fresh pumpkin gives a bright flavor. If you have butternut squash on hand, that works too!
Eggs: Large eggs are key to providing structure and moisture. For a vegan option, try using flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon of flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg).
Vegetable Oil: Vegetable oil keeps the donuts moist. If you prefer, you can use melted coconut oil or applesauce for a healthier twist.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: If you don’t have this spice blend, mix equal parts of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. I sometimes add a pinch of clove for an extra kick!
How Can You Ensure Your Donuts Are Fluffy and Light?
The key to fluffy donuts is mixing the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can make them dense. Here’s how to do it right:
- First, beat the wet ingredients until smooth.
- Sift the dry ingredients to aerate them, which helps with lightness.
- When combining, use a gentle folding motion to mix, avoiding lumps but being careful not to overwork the batter.
Also, remember to bake them until just done—donuts should spring back when you lightly touch them. Enjoy baking! Your kitchen will smell amazing!
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes approximately 15 minutes of prep time and about 15-18 minutes to bake. Allow an additional 5 minutes for cooling in the pan before transferring to a rack. In total, you can enjoy your homemade donuts in about 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your donut pan and lightly grease it to ensure your donuts come out easily after baking. Set it aside for now!
2. Mixing the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Keep whisking until everything is smooth and well-combined. It should look creamy and orange from the pumpkin!
3. Preparing the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and ground cinnamon. This helps aerate the flour and ensures even mixing later. It smells wonderful!
4. Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to mix! Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—it’s okay if there are a few lumps; this keeps the donuts fluffy!
5. Filling the Donut Pan:
Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full. An ice cream scoop works great for this, and it keeps things neat!
6. Baking Time:
Pop the donut pan into your preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from one of the donuts. You’ll know they’re ready when they spring back slightly when pressed.
7. Cooling:
Once baked, remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. Your kitchen will smell divine!
8. Making the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
While the donuts cool, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. This is what will make your donuts extra special and flavorful!
9. Coating the Donuts:
Once the donuts are cool, brush each one with melted butter, then dip or sprinkle generously with the cinnamon sugar mixture until they are well coated. Yum!
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Now it’s time for the best part—enjoying your delicious pumpkin spice donuts! They are great for breakfast or as a delightful afternoon treat. Feel free to share, but you might want to keep them all to yourself!
This recipe creates moist, fluffy donuts with a warm, spiced flavor, covered in sweet cinnamon sugar. They are perfect for celebrating the fall season or simply treating yourself to something special!
Can I Use Homemade Pumpkin Puree Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! Homemade pumpkin puree works just as well. Make sure to cook and puree your pumpkin until smooth. Just remember to drain any excess moisture to prevent the donuts from being too wet!
Can I Bake These Donuts Without A Donut Pan?
If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin to make pumpkin spice muffins instead! Just adjust the baking time to around 18-20 minutes and check for doneness with a toothpick.
How Should I Store Leftover Donuts?
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw and enjoy when you’re ready!
Can I Make These Donuts Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just ensure it includes xanthan gum for texture. The donuts may need slight adjustments in baking time, so keep an eye on them!