Nothing says autumn quite like the warm, cozy taste of pumpkin. If you’re like me, you count down the days until pumpkin season to enjoy all the delicious treats. These pumpkin recipes are perfect for fall.
Today, I’m sharing two fantastic pumpkin donut recipes that you can make right at home. Both are easy and perfect for a weekend breakfast or a special afternoon snack with your coffee. Let’s get baking!
Jump to Recipe:
Perfect Pumpkin Baked Donuts for Fall
These baked pumpkin donuts are light, fluffy, and full of autumn spice. They’re a great way to enjoy a sweet treat without the fuss of frying.
Key Ingredients & Baking Tips
- Pumpkin Puree Secret: Use plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. It helps keep the donuts perfectly moist.
- Donut Pan Must-Have: A good non-stick donut pan makes all the difference for beautifully shaped baked donuts.
- Spice Blend Matters: A mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger makes these taste just like autumn.
What You Need for Pumpkin Baked Donuts
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- ¾ cup pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2-3 tbsp milk
⏱️ Time: 30 minutes🍽️ Yields: 12 donuts
How to Make Pumpkin Baked Donuts
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a non-stick donut baking pan with cooking spray or butter. This helps your donuts slide out easily.
Step 2: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 3: Combine Batter and Bake
Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make donuts tough. Spoon or pipe the batter evenly into the donut pan cavities. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 4: Cool and Glaze Your Donuts
Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. While cooling, whisk powdered sugar and milk for the glaze. Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze and let set.
📝 Final Note
Store these baked donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They are best enjoyed fresh!
Classic Pumpkin Donuts for a Sweet Treat
Get ready for classic, tender pumpkin donuts that are deep-fried to golden perfection. They have a lovely crisp outside and a soft, spiced inside.
Key Ingredients & Frying Tips
- Buttermilk for Tenderness: Using buttermilk makes these donuts extra tender and gives them a slight, pleasant tang.
- Pumpkin Spice Power: Don’t be shy with your pumpkin pie spice; it truly makes the pumpkin flavor shine brightly.
- Oil Temperature Control: Keep your frying oil at a consistent temperature (around 350°F / 175°C) for even cooking. A kitchen thermometer is your friend here!
What You Need for Classic Pumpkin Donuts
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
- ¾ cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil for frying
- For Coating: ½ cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon
⏱️ Time: 45 minutes🍽️ Yields: 10-12 donuts
How to Make Classic Pumpkin Donuts
Step 1: Prepare the Donut Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. In a separate medium bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Add the wet ingredients to the dry, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Shape Your Donuts
Lightly flour a clean surface. Roll out the dough to about ½ inch thick. Use a donut cutter (or two different-sized round cutters) to cut out your donut shapes. You can re-roll scraps once to cut out more.
Step 3: Fry the Donuts to Golden Perfection
Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add 2-3 donuts to the hot oil at a time. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Step 4: Coat and Serve Warm
Remove the fried donuts with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. While they are still warm, toss them in a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon. These are best served fresh!
📝 Final Note
These classic pumpkin donuts are truly best enjoyed the day they are made. If you have any leftovers, warm them slightly before eating.
