When the leaves start to turn and there’s a crispness in the air, it’s a sure sign that fall has arrived. And what better way to embrace the season than with a delightful batch of homemade pumpkin donuts? This Pumpkin Donut Recipe is here to satisfy your autumn cravings and bring warmth to your kitchen.
This shifting landscape signals the arrival of a cherished time of year, and with it comes the irresistible allure of comfort foods that encapsulate the very essence of the season. Amidst the symphony of falling leaves and the subtle crispness in the air, there’s one treat that reigns supreme: the delightful, aromatic pumpkin donut.
Join us as we walk through step-by-step how to make delicious pumpkin donuts for a low cost, and a short preparation time.
What are Pumpkin Donuts?
Pumpkin donuts are delicious treats made from a batter that includes pumpkin puree and a blend of warm spices. They embody the flavors and aromas of autumn, offering a delightful combination of pumpkin’s natural sweetness and the comforting essence of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. These donuts are typically soft, fluffy, and often coated with cinnamon sugar or a glaze to enhance their flavor and texture.
The process of making pumpkin donuts involves mixing together a batter that includes pumpkin puree, flour, sugar, baking powder, spices, and other ingredients. The batter is then piped into a donut pan and baked until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Once baked, they can be coated with a cinnamon sugar mixture for a slightly crunchy exterior or glazed for added sweetness and a glossy finish.
Pumpkin donuts are a popular seasonal treat, especially during the fall months when pumpkin-flavored foods are widely enjoyed. They’re often enjoyed as a breakfast treat, snack, or dessert, and they pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or apple cider. The combination of pumpkin and spices creates a warm and inviting flavor profile that’s perfect for cozy gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply enjoying the flavors of the season.
Best Pumpkin Donut Recipe: Ingredients and Substitutions
For the Donuts:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Possible Substitutions:
- Flour: You can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend for a different texture and flavor. Keep in mind that the texture might vary slightly from the original recipe.
- Granulated Sugar: Brown sugar can be used as a substitute for a deeper flavor. You can also try coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia for a healthier option.
- Baking Powder: If you don’t have baking powder, you can make a substitute by mixing 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar with 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda.
- Milk: Any type of milk, such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk, can be used instead of regular milk.
- Egg: For an egg-free version, you can use a flaxseed or chia seed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let it sit to thicken). Commercial egg replacers are also an option.
- Unsalted Butter: You can use melted coconut oil or vegetable oil as a dairy-free alternative.
- Vanilla Extract: Vanilla bean paste or vanilla essence can be used instead of vanilla extract.
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Possible Substitutions:
- Powdered Sugar: If you don’t have powdered sugar for the glaze, you can make your own by blending granulated sugar in a blender until it becomes fine.
- Milk: You can use any type of milk for the glaze, including plant-based milk alternatives.
- Vanilla Extract: As mentioned above, vanilla bean paste or vanilla essence can be used instead.
Remember that substitutions may alter the flavor, texture, and overall outcome of the pumpkin donuts. It’s a good idea to experiment with substitutions in small batches before making larger quantities to ensure you’re satisfied with the results.
Required Equipment
- Donut Pan: A specialized baking pan with donut-shaped cavities. It’s used to shape the donuts while they bake, giving them their iconic ring shape.
- Mixing Bowls: Various sizes of mixing bowls are needed to prepare the dry and wet ingredients separately before combining them.
- Whisk: A utensil with wire loops used to mix and combine ingredients, ensuring even distribution.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: These are essential for accurately measuring the ingredients and maintaining the right ratios in the recipe.
- Piping Bag or Resealable Plastic Bag: Used to pipe the donut batter into the donut pan, ensuring precise filling of the cavities.
- Wire Rack: A rack with open sections that allows air to circulate around the baked donuts. It’s used for cooling the donuts and setting the glaze.
- Baking Spray or Butter: Used to grease the donut pan to prevent the donuts from sticking.
- Oven: The oven is where the donuts will be baked to perfection.
- Small Mixing Bowl (for coating): Used to combine the ingredients for the cinnamon sugar coating.
- Small Whisk (for glaze): A smaller whisk is handy for preparing the glaze, ensuring a smooth consistency.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Used to mix and fold ingredients together when making the donut batter.
- Pastry Brush (for glaze, optional): If applying glaze, a pastry brush can be used to evenly coat the donuts.
These equipment items are essential for successfully creating pumpkin donuts. They assist in measuring, mixing, shaping, baking, and adding the finishing touches to your delicious homemade treats.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a donut pan with baking spray or a light layer of melted butter. Greasing prevents the donuts from sticking to the pan as they bake.
Step 2: Mixing Dry Ingredients
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves.
- Use a whisk to thoroughly blend the dry ingredients together. This ensures an even distribution of spices and leavening agents.
Step 3: Mixing Wet Ingredients
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup pumpkin puree, 1/3 cup milk, 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Whisk until the wet ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth. The pumpkin puree adds moisture and flavor to the batter.
Step 4: Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredient mixture.
- Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined. Be cautious not to overmix; a slightly lumpy batter is perfectly fine.
Step 5: Filling the Donut Pan
- Transfer the donut batter into a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with the corner snipped off.
- Carefully pipe the batter into the cavities of the greased donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full. This helps achieve the classic donut shape during baking.
Step 6: Baking
- Place the filled donut pan in the preheated oven.
- Bake for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until the donuts spring back when lightly touched and a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean. Baking times may vary, so keep an eye on the donuts as they bake.
Step 7: Coating with Cinnamon Sugar (Optional)
- While the donuts are baking, prepare the cinnamon sugar coating.
- In a small mixing bowl, mix 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
- Once the donuts are baked and slightly cooled, gently roll each donut in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat all sides. This adds a delightfully crunchy and flavorful exterior.
Step 8: Making the Glaze (Optional)
- If desired, prepare the glaze by whisking together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract in a small bowl.
- Adjust the milk quantity for your desired glaze consistency, adding more for a thinner glaze or less for a thicker one.
Step 9: Glazing the Donuts (Optional)
- Dip the tops of the cinnamon sugar-coated donuts into the glaze, allowing any excess glaze to drip off.
- Place the glazed donuts on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to catch any drips. This allows the glaze to set and create a smooth finish.
Step 10: Serving and Enjoying
- These pumpkin donuts are best enjoyed fresh.
- Serve them as a delightful breakfast treat, snack, or dessert.
- Share with friends and family to savor the warm flavors of fall.
With these step-by-step instructions, you’ll be able to create delicious and aromatic Pumpkin Donuts that capture the essence of autumn in every bite.
Preparation Time and Cost
Total Preparation Time:
- Preparation: About 15 minutes
- Baking Time: Approximately 12-15 minutes
- Coating and Glazing (if done): Additional 10-15 minutes
- Cooling Time: Around 10 minutes
- Total Estimated Time: Approximately 47-55 minutes
Please note that these times are approximate and can vary based on factors such as your cooking skills, kitchen efficiency, and the specific equipment you’re using.
Total Cost of the Donuts
The total cost of making Pumpkin Donuts can vary depending on the cost of ingredients in your area and whether you have some of the ingredients on hand. Below is an estimated cost breakdown based on average prices:
- All-purpose flour: $0.50
- Granulated sugar: $0.25
- Baking powder: $0.10
- Salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves: $0.10 (combined estimate)
- Pumpkin puree: $1.00 (assuming canned)
- Milk: $0.25
- Large egg: $0.15
- Unsalted butter: $0.25
- Vanilla extract: $0.25
Total Estimated Cost: Approximately $2.85
Please keep in mind that these cost estimates are rough and can vary based on your location, the brands you choose, and any sales or discounts available. Additionally, if you already have some of these ingredients at home, the cost may be even lower.
Nutritional Information
This Pumpkin Donut Recipe makes about 12 donuts. Here’s the nutritional information for one donut (without glaze):
- Calories: Approximately 150
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 31g
- Protein: Approximately 2g
- Fat: Approximately 2g
- Fiber: Approximately 1g
Please note that these nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as the specific ingredients used, portion sizes, and variations in preparation. If you choose to add the optional glaze, the calorie and nutrient content would increase accordingly.
Printable Recipe
In a rush and want to make this recipe later? Print out our quick and simple recipe here!
Pumpkin Donuts
Equipment
- Donut pan
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Piping Bag or Resealable Plastic Bag
- Wire Rack
- Baking Spray or Butter
- Oven
- Small Mixing Bowl for coating
- Small whisk for glaze
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- Pastry Brush optional
Ingredients
For the Donuts
- 1¾ cups All-purpose flour
- ½ cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- ½ tsp Ground Nutmeg
- ¼ tsp Ground Cloves
- ½ cup Pumpkin Puree
- ⅓ cup milk
- 1 Large egg
- 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter, melted
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ½ cup Granulated sugar
- 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
For the Glaze (Optional)
- 1 cup Powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp Vanilla Extract
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a donut pan with baking spray or a light layer of melted butter. Greasing prevents the donuts from sticking to the pan as they bake.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves.
- Use a whisk to thoroughly blend the dry ingredients together. This ensures an even distribution of spices and leavening agents.
Mixing Wet Ingredients
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup pumpkin puree, 1/3 cup milk, 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Whisk until the wet ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth. The pumpkin puree adds moisture and flavor to the batter.
Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredient mixture.
- Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined. Be cautious not to overmix; a slightly lumpy batter is perfectly fine.
Filling the Donut Pan
- Transfer the donut batter into a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with the corner snipped off.
- Carefully pipe the batter into the cavities of the greased donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full. This helps achieve the classic donut shape during baking.
Baking
- Place the filled donut pan in the preheated oven.
- Bake for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until the donuts spring back when lightly touched and a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean. Baking times may vary, so keep an eye on the donuts as they bake.
Coating with Cinnamon Sugar (Optional)
- While the donuts are baking, prepare the cinnamon sugar coating.
- In a small mixing bowl, mix 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
- Once the donuts are baked and slightly cooled, gently roll each donut in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat all sides. This adds a delightful crunchy and flavorful exterior.
Making the Glaze (Optional)
- If desired, prepare the glaze by whisking together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract in a small bowl.
- Adjust the milk quantity for your desired glaze consistency, adding more for a thinner glaze or less for a thicker one.
Glazing the Donuts (Optional)
- Dip the tops of the cinnamon sugar-coated donuts into the glaze, allowing any excess glaze to drip off.
- Place the glazed donuts on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to catch any drips. This allows the glaze to set and create a smooth finish.
Serving and Enjoying
- These pumpkin donuts are best enjoyed fresh.
- Serve them as a delightful breakfast treat, snack, or dessert.
- Share with friends and family to savor the warm flavors of fall.
If you have any questions about this recipe, feel free to reach out or leave us a comment on this post! We are always happy to help in any way possible!
Not in the mood for pumpkin donuts? Check out some of our other recipes!
Check out another pumpkin donut recipe on YouTube!
