Irresistible Pumpkin Spice Donuts Recipe

Indulge in the delightful flavors of fall with these scrumptious Pumpkin Spice Donuts. From the moment you start mixing the pumpkin puree and aromatic spices, your kitchen will be filled with the cozy essence of autumn. These donuts strike the perfect balance between fluffy and moist, thanks to the addition of sour cream and the richness of real pumpkin. And that irresistible coating of cinnamon sugar? It’s the cherry on top that elevates these treats to bakery-quality status.

Crafting these Pumpkin Spice Donuts has become a cherished tradition in my home, signaling the arrival of the fall season. The joy of sharing these homemade delights with family and friends is unparalleled. Whether enjoyed with a steaming cup of coffee at breakfast or as a delightful dessert at gatherings, these donuts never fail to bring smiles all around. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the warmth of the season, and let’s bake up a batch of these autumn-inspired treats!

Quick Benefits

• Moist and Flavorful: The real pumpkin puree and warm spices create a rich, moist donut bursting with fall flavors.
• Quick and Easy: With a speedy 90-minute start-to-finish time, you can enjoy fresh, homemade donuts without spending all day in the kitchen.
• Versatile and Indulgent: Easily adaptable with variations like maple glaze or cream cheese frosting, these donuts cater to different tastes for a delicious treat.

Why You’ll Love This Irresistible Pumpkin Spice Donuts Recipe Recipe

• Irresistible Fall Flavors: The warm spices and rich pumpkin flavor in these donuts embody the essence of autumn, making them a perfect seasonal treat.
• Quick and Easy to Make: With just 90 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy freshly made, homemade donuts without spending all day in the kitchen.
• Amazing Texture: These donuts have a cake-like texture that is both fluffy and rich, thanks to the pumpkin and sour cream in the recipe.
• Delicious Cinnamon Sugar Coating: The final touch of cinnamon sugar adds the perfect sweet crunch to every bite, making these donuts even more irresistible.
• Versatile and Adaptable: You can get creative with various toppings and coatings like maple icing, cream cheese frosting, or vanilla glaze to add variety to this already amazing recipe.
• Perfect for Sharing: Whether it’s a cozy family activity or a fall get-together, these donuts are sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces and create lasting memories.
• Great for Gifting: Wrapped in pretty boxes with autumn-colored ribbons, these homemade donuts make wonderful gifts that will surely delight friends and family.
• Captures the Essence of Fall: From the aroma that fills your kitchen to the cozy flavors in every bite, these Pumpkin Spice Donuts embody everything wonderful about the season and are sure to become a fall tradition in your home.

Ingredients for Irresistible Pumpkin Spice Donuts Recipe

• Egg yolks (2).
• Brown sugar (2/3 cup).
• Sugar for coating (1/2 cup).
• Sour cream (3/4 cup).
• Vegetable oil for frying (4 cups).
• Cake flour (3 cups).
• Pumpkin pie spice (1 1/2 tablespoons).
• Kosher salt (3/4 teaspoon).
• Salted butter, room temp (3 tablespoons).
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon).
• Pumpkin pie spice for coating (1 tablespoon).
• Pumpkin puree (1/2 cup).
• Baking powder (2 teaspoons).

Pro Tips for Irresistible Pumpkin Spice Donuts Recipe

To ensure the perfect texture for your Pumpkin Spice Donuts, be sure to remove excess moisture from the pumpkin. This step helps maintain the right consistency of the dough and prevents the donuts from becoming too wet when fried.

If you’re out of pumpkin puree, you can increase the sour cream to 1 cup and still enjoy the delicious pumpkin spice flavor from the seasonings. This substitution allows for flexibility in the recipe without compromising the taste.

Maintaining the oil temperature at 350°F is crucial for the ideal donut texture. Use a candy thermometer to monitor and adjust the heat accordingly. When frying, work in small batches of 2-3 donuts at a time to prevent overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature and affect the final result.

How to Make Irresistible Pumpkin Spice Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Step 01

Remove excess moisture from pumpkin puree by pressing it between layers of paper towels until it reaches a paste-like consistency.

Step 2: Step 02

Combine flour, spices, baking powder, and salt by sifting.

Step 3: Step 03

Cream together butter and sugar, then mix in pumpkin, egg yolks, and vanilla.

Step 4: Step 04

Add the sour cream and flour mixture in alternating additions until fully combined.

Step 5: Step 05

Chill the dough for at least 1 hour or overnight until firm.

Step 6: Step 06

Roll out dough to a 1/2-inch thickness, then cut out donuts and donut holes.

Step 7: Step 07

Chill formed donuts for 20 minutes in the refrigerator.

Step 8: Step 08

Fry in oil at 350°F for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Step 9: Step 09

Coat warm donuts with spiced sugar mixture.

Storage Tips

Once you have made a batch of these delightful Pumpkin Spice Donuts, it is best to store them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. These donuts will keep nicely for a couple of days, allowing you to enjoy them beyond the day of baking. To reheat and bring back that just-made warmth, simply give them a quick zap in the microwave before serving.

If you plan to make a large batch or want to save some for later, you can freeze the donuts unfrosted. When ready to enjoy, you can warm them up and roll them in the cinnamon sugar coating for that perfect finish. Freezing them allows you to have a stash of delicious homemade donuts ready to enjoy at any time, ensuring you can savor the taste of fall whenever the craving strikes.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a pumpkin-flavored variation, you can substitute the pumpkin puree with mashed sweet potato if pumpkin is not available. This swap maintains the moist texture and adds a similar autumnal flavor profile to the donuts.

To enhance the pumpkin spice flavor without using pumpkin puree, you can increase the amount of pumpkin pie spice in the recipe. Adding an extra teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice or adjusting to your taste preferences will ensure the donuts still have that signature fall spice blend.

If you prefer a different coating for the donuts, you can replace the cinnamon sugar with maple icing, cream cheese frosting, or a simple vanilla glaze. Each option offers a unique flavor profile that complements the donuts’ cake-like texture, allowing for variety in presentation and taste.

Serving Suggestions

These Pumpkin Spice Donuts are a delightful treat that can be served in a variety of creative ways. For a fun brunch idea, set up a DIY donut bar with different glazes and toppings such as maple icing, cream cheese frosting, and vanilla glaze. Allow guests to customize their donuts for a personalized touch. Pair the donuts with a selection of hot beverages like coffee, spiced apple cider, or pumpkin spice lattes to create a cozy fall atmosphere.

To elevate your dessert table, arrange the Pumpkin Spice Donuts on a tiered platter alongside caramel apples and spiced cookies for a festive display. Add some autumn-themed decor like mini pumpkins and fall leaves to enhance the seasonal vibe. These donuts also make wonderful gifts when wrapped in parchment paper and presented in pretty boxes tied with ribbons. Include a small container of cinnamon sugar mix for recipients to refresh the coating and enjoy a homemade treat that’s sure to bring smiles.

FAQs for Irresistible Pumpkin Spice Donuts Recipe

Can I substitute the pumpkin puree with something else?

Yes, you can omit the pumpkin puree and increase the sour cream to 1 cup. The donuts will still have pumpkin spice flavor from the seasonings.

How important is it to keep the oil at the right temperature while frying the donuts?

Use a candy thermometer to keep oil at 350°F. Fry only 2-3 donuts at a time as adding too many will lower the oil temperature significantly.

What’s the purpose of the two chilling steps in the recipe?

The first chilling helps firm up the dough for rolling, while the second brief chill helps the cut donuts hold their shape during frying.

Can I use a different coating instead of cinnamon sugar for the donuts?

Yes, you can use maple icing, cream cheese frosting, or vanilla glaze instead of the cinnamon sugar coating for variety.

Conclusion

I hope this recipe for Pumpkin Spice Donuts brings as much warmth and joy to your home as it has to mine. The delightful aroma of pumpkin and spices filling your kitchen, the tender cake-like texture of the donuts, and that irresistible cinnamon sugar coating truly make these treats a must-have during the fall season. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee on a crisp morning or sharing them with loved ones at a gathering, these donuts have a way of creating special moments and memories that will last a lifetime.

So, don’t hesitate to whip up a batch of these Pumpkin Spice Donuts and savor every bite of autumn goodness. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can indulge in the flavors of the season and experience the pure joy that comes with homemade treats. Embrace the cozy vibes of fall, share these delicious donuts with your nearest and dearest, and let the magic of Pumpkin Spice Donuts brighten up your days. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious moment!