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Deliciously Autumnal Pumpkin Donuts Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup canned pure pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/2 cup milk
- For the coating:
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons cinnamon (depending on your taste)
Steps and instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a donut pan with non-stick spray.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. Stir until well mixed.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, brown sugar, egg, vanilla, pumpkin and milk until smooth.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix the batter.
- Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut pan, filling each donut hole about 3/4 full.
- Bake the donuts for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While the donuts are baking, melt the butter in one bowl and combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon in another.
- Once the donuts are finished baking, let them cool for a few minutes, then remove them from the pan.
- Dip each donut first in the melted butter, ensuring it is fully coated, and then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Let the donuts cool on a wire rack before serving.
Tools for making
- Donut pan - to bake the donuts in a specific shape
- Mixing bowls - for combining dry and wet ingredients
- Whisk - for mixing the wet ingredients together
- Measuring cups and spoons - to accurately measure ingredients
- Spatula - for folding the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients
- Piping bag (optional) - for neatly filling the donut pan with batter
- Wire rack - for cooling the donuts after baking
Recipe variations
- Add a cream cheese glaze on top of the donuts for extra sweetness.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top of the donuts for a crunchy texture.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter.
- Use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend for a healthier alternative.
- Replace the vegetable oil with melted butter for a richer flavor.
- Experiment with different spices like ginger or cardamom for a unique taste.
- Instead of cinnamon sugar coating, try a maple glaze or a chocolate ganache topping.
- Make mini donut holes by using a mini donut pan and adjusting the baking time accordingly.
- For a festive touch, sprinkle pumpkin seeds or colored sprinkles on top of the donuts.
- Try adding a tablespoon of bourbon or rum to the batter for a boozy twist.
Recipe overview
Indulge in the flavors of the season with these delightful Pumpkin Donuts. Perfectly spiced and sweet, these donuts are a cozy treat that pairs wonderfully with a mug of hot coffee or apple cider. Made with real pumpkin and a blend of autumnal spices, they're then dipped in melted butter and rolled in cinnamon sugar for an irresistible finish. This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to making these homemade treats, ideal for a fall weekend, Thanksgiving morning, or any time you're craving a touch of pumpkin spice. They're easy to make and even easier to enjoy, so preheat your oven and let's get started!
Common questions
- Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned? - Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. Just make sure it is well-drained and not too watery.
- Can I bake these donuts instead of frying? - Yes, this recipe is for baked pumpkin donuts to make them a bit healthier than fried versions.
- Can I substitute the spices with pumpkin pie spice? - Yes, you can use pumpkin pie spice instead of the individual spices listed, but adjust the amount to your taste preference.
- Can I make these donuts ahead of time? - These donuts are best when fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days.
Serving dishes and utensils
- Donut pan - A special pan with donut-shaped molds that is used for baking donuts.
- Wire rack - A metal rack with spaces in between the bars that allows air to circulate around the food to cool it down evenly.
- Mixing bowls - Bowls used to mix and combine ingredients together.
- Whisk - A utensil used for mixing ingredients until smooth and well combined.
- Spoon or piping bag - To fill the donut pan with the batter.
- Bowls for coating - Two bowls are needed, one for melted butter and another for the cinnamon sugar coating.
- Non-stick spray - To prevent the donuts from sticking to the pan.
- Toothpick - To check if the donuts are fully baked by inserting it into the center and seeing if it comes out clean.
Origin stories
Donuts, despite their popularity in America, actually have their roots in Europe. The concept of fried dough is not a new one, with variations of the treat dating back to ancient Rome and Greece. However, the sweet, ring-shaped version we know today likely comes from the Dutch. They are believed to have brought the treat, originally known as "olykoeks" or "oil cakes", to America when they settled in New York, then known as New Amsterdam, in the 17th century. The pumpkin variant of the donut is a uniquely American innovation, owing to the abundance of pumpkins in the country. Delicious, warm, and spiced, pumpkin donuts are a delightful homage to the harvest season, embodying the comforting flavors of the American fall in every bite.
Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.
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