The aroma of warm pumpkin donuts wafting through the air is like a cozy hug for your senses. Imagine biting into a fluffy donut, coated in cinnamon sugar, with a hint of nutmeg that dances on your taste buds. It’s a delightful treat that transforms any ordinary day into a special occasion.
These pumpkin donuts aren’t just for chilly autumn mornings; they’re perfect for brunch with friends, holiday gatherings, or even as a sweet pick-me-up. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be counting down the days until you can make them again.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These pumpkin donuts are incredibly easy to whip up and require minimal ingredients
- Their flavor is a heavenly blend of spices and sweetness that everyone will adore
- The golden-brown exterior makes them visually irresistible and perfect for sharing
- Enjoy them fresh, or freeze some for later—if they last that long!
I still remember the first time I made pumpkin donuts; the kids went wild over them, declaring me the “Donut Queen.”
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious pumpkin donuts:
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All-Purpose Flour: This is your base; sift it well to keep your donuts light and airy.
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Canned Pumpkin Puree: Use 100% pure pumpkin for rich flavor—avoid those spiced varieties.
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Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the batter, but feel free to mix in brown sugar for added depth.
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Baking Powder: A must-have for that perfect rise; ensure it’s fresh for maximum effectiveness.
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Ground Cinnamon: This spice adds warmth; don’t skimp on it—it’s the star of the show!
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Nutmeg: Just a pinch brings out the flavors beautifully; fresh nutmeg is even better if you have it!
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Eggs: They bind everything together; use room temperature eggs for best results.
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Vegetable Oil: Keeps your donuts moist and tender—no one likes a dry donut!
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Vanilla Extract: A splash adds depth and rounds out the flavor profile perfectly.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your donut pan generously to ensure easy release after baking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar until well combined. The smell should be heavenly!
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix canned pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. Make sure there are no lumps lurking around!
Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined—overmixing can lead to tough donuts, and nobody wants that.
Fill Donut Pan: Spoon or pipe the batter into each cavity of your greased donut pan about halfway full. No need to fill them all the way; they’ll puff up nicely.
Bake Away: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Your kitchen should smell divine right about now!
Cool & Coat: Allow donuts to cool in the pan for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Toss them in cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm so it sticks perfectly!
Enjoy & Share: Now comes the best part—devouring those fluffy delights! Invite friends over or save some for yourself (I won’t tell anyone).
These pumpkin donuts are not only easy to make but also bring joy with every bite. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or share them at brunch, they are sure to impress!
You Must Know
- Pumpkin donuts are not just delicious; they are the perfect cozy treat for autumn
- The warm spices and sweet pumpkin create a comforting aroma that fills your kitchen, making it a delightful spot for family gatherings or quiet moments with a cup of coffee
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Mix your dry ingredients first, then whisk the wet ones separately before combining them. This method ensures even distribution of flavors and avoids clumps of baking powder in your pumpkin donuts.
Add Your Touch
Try adding chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture. You can also swap pumpkin puree with sweet potato for a different flavor profile that still screams autumn.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover pumpkin donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them individually and reheat in the microwave when you’re ready to indulge again.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the fluffiest donuts, don’t overmix the batter; stop as soon as you see no dry ingredients
- Use fresh pumpkin puree for better flavor and moisture
- Experiment with different glazes like maple or cream cheese to elevate your treats!
The first time I made pumpkin donuts, my kitchen smelled so amazing that my neighbors knocked on the door asking what was cooking! They became my unofficial taste testers, and now I always make a double batch.
FAQ
Can I use canned pumpkin for pumpkin donuts?
Yes, canned pumpkin works great and saves time without sacrificing flavor.
How do I know when my pumpkin donuts are done?
Insert a toothpick; if it comes out clean, your donuts are perfectly baked!
Can I make these pumpkin donuts gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for delicious results.
Pumpkin Donuts
Pumpkin donuts are the perfect autumn treat, boasting a fluffy texture and an irresistible mix of warm spices. These delightful baked goodies are coated in cinnamon sugar, adding a sweet crunch that makes them perfect for brunch or cozy gatherings. Easy to make, they transform any occasion into a celebration of fall flavors. Get ready to indulge in these delicious pumpkin donuts that will have everyone asking for more!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your donut pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar.
- In another bowl, combine pumpkin puree, egg, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
- Fill each cavity of the donut pan halfway with batter.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown; a toothpick should come out clean.
- Cool for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack; toss in cinnamon sugar while warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut (40g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg