These pumpkin donuts are warm, fluffy, and perfectly spiced for fall! Each bite is like a soft hug full of sweet pumpkin flavor and a hint of cinnamon.
What’s even better? They are easy to make at home, and the smell while they bake is heavenly. I love enjoying them with a cup of coffee—it’s a cozy treat!☕️🍩
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin is best, but you can also roast and puree fresh pumpkin. Just make sure to drain excess moisture for the right texture.
Vegetable Oil: This keeps the donuts moist. You can use melted coconut oil or applesauce for a healthier option.
Spices: The mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger gives great flavor. Feel free to adjust the amounts or swap for your favorite spices, like allspice or pumpkin pie spice.
Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly, but you can try a gluten-free blend if you need a gluten-free option. Just ensure it contains a binding agent.
How Do I Avoid Overmixing the Batter?
Overmixing can make your donuts tough instead of fluffy. Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix until the dry ingredients are just combined with the wet—some lumps are totally okay!
- Use a rubber spatula to gently fold the batter rather than stirring vigorously.
- Having all ingredients at room temperature helps them blend more easily.
Remember, it’s better to have a few lumps than to end up with dense donuts!
How to Make Delicious Pumpkin Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
Optional Topping:
- Chopped nuts or white chocolate chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 12-15 minutes to bake. Make sure to allow for a few minutes of cooling time before coating them in sugar. In total, you’re looking at around 30 minutes until you can enjoy your warm pumpkin donuts!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your donut pan and lightly grease it with non-stick spray or some butter to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and creamy.
3. Prepare Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. This will ensure a nice even mix and light texture.
4. Combine Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the pumpkin mixture, stirring gently just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
5. Fill the Pan:
Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full to allow for rising.
6. Bake:
Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the donuts comes out clean.
7. Cool Slightly:
After baking, let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly but keep them warm.
8. Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
In a shallow bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon for your coating. This will give your donuts that sweet, spiced finish.
9. Coat the Donuts:
Brush the warm donuts with melted butter, and then dip them into the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat them completely. This is where they become extra tasty!
10. Add Optional Toppings:
If you like, sprinkle some chopped nuts or white chocolate chips on top of your donuts for extra flavor and crunch.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious pumpkin donuts warm or at room temperature. They’re perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon treat. Enjoy every bite of your moist, flavorful pumpkin donuts!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! You can roast and puree fresh pumpkin. Just make sure to drain any excess moisture to maintain the right consistency for the donuts.
What If I Don’t Have a Donut Pan?
No worries! If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin to make pumpkin muffins. Just adjust the baking time to about 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
How Should I Store Leftover Donuts?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week, but they may lose some of their moisture.
Can I Freeze These Donuts?
Yes! You can freeze the pumpkin donuts for up to 3 months. Just allow them to cool completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying, or warm them in the oven for a few minutes!