Pumpkin donuts are the quintessential fall treat, offering a warm and comforting flavor that’s perfect for crisp autumn mornings or cozy gatherings. This Super-Easy Pumpkin Donuts Recipe allows you to enjoy the rich taste of pumpkin and the delightful spices of fall without a lot of fuss. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking to try something new, these donuts are simple to make and incredibly satisfying.
The recipe combines the natural sweetness of pumpkin with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to create a donut that’s both moist and flavorful. The simplicity of the ingredients and the straightforward preparation make this recipe accessible to bakers of all skill levels. Whether you enjoy them plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with a sweet glaze, these pumpkin donuts are sure to become a favorite in your autumn recipe collection.
Ingredients for Super-Easy Pumpkin Donuts
For the Donuts:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – Provides the structure for the donuts.
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree – Adds moisture and a rich pumpkin flavor.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the donuts and enhances flavor.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar – Adds a hint of molasses and extra moisture.
- 1/4 cup melted butter – Gives the donuts a rich, buttery taste.
- 2 large eggs – Binds the ingredients and adds moisture.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the donuts rise and become fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – Provides additional leavening.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds a warm, spicy flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg – Complements the cinnamon with a hint of warmth.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger – Adds a touch of spicy sweetness.
For the Glaze (optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the glaze.
- 2 tablespoons milk – Adds moisture to the glaze.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor of the glaze.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds a hint of spice to the glaze.
How to Make Super-Easy Pumpkin Donuts
1. Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a donut pan or lightly spray it with non-stick cooking spray. This will ensure that your donuts come out easily and have a nice, golden finish.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground ginger. This mixture ensures that the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the donuts.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Add the canned pumpkin puree and mix until smooth. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense donuts. The batter should be thick but easily spoonable.
5. Fill the Donut Pan
Using a spoon or a piping bag, fill each cavity of the donut pan with the batter. If you’re using a piping bag, you can cut off the tip and pipe the batter directly into the pan. Fill each cavity about 2/3 full to ensure the donuts rise properly without overflowing.
6. Bake the Donuts
Bake the donuts in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The donuts should be golden brown on top and spring back when lightly touched.
7. Cool the Donuts
Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps prevent them from becoming soggy.
8. Prepare the Glaze (Optional)
While the donuts are cooling, prepare the glaze if desired. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
9. Glaze the Donuts (Optional)
Once the donuts are completely cool, dip the tops into the glaze or drizzle the glaze over them. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
10. Serve and Enjoy
Enjoy the donuts fresh, or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply warm them in a microwave or toaster oven.
About the Main Ingredients
All-Purpose Flour
All-purpose flour is the standard flour used in baking. It provides the structure for the donuts and ensures a tender crumb. It’s versatile and works well in a variety of baked goods.
Canned Pumpkin Puree
Canned pumpkin puree adds moisture and a rich pumpkin flavor to the donuts. It also contributes to the texture, making the donuts soft and moist. Make sure to use plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar
Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps with the texture of the donuts. Brown sugar provides additional moisture and a hint of molasses, enhancing the overall flavor.
Melted Butter
Melted butter adds richness and a buttery flavor to the donuts. It also helps with the texture, making the donuts tender and moist.
Eggs
Eggs are essential in baking as they bind the ingredients together and add moisture. They also help with the structure and rise of the donuts.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda
Baking powder and baking soda are leavening agents that help the donuts rise and become fluffy. Baking powder works with the acidic components of the batter, while baking soda requires an acid (like the pumpkin) to activate.
Ground Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger)
Ground spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger provide the warm, spicy flavor that characterizes pumpkin donuts. They complement the pumpkin and enhance the overall taste.
Powdered Sugar
Powdered sugar is used to make the glaze, providing sweetness and a smooth texture. It dissolves easily and creates a glossy finish.
Milk
Milk adds moisture to the glaze, helping it achieve the right consistency. It also enhances the flavor of the glaze.
This Super-Easy Pumpkin Donuts Recipe is perfect for any fall occasion or simply as a delightful treat to enjoy with your morning coffee. Its simplicity and delicious flavor make it a must-try for pumpkin lovers everywhere. Enjoy baking and savoring these delightful donuts!
