Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donuts Irresistible Fall Treat

Fall is here, and what better way to celebrate than with warm Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Donuts? Imagine sinking your teeth into a fluffy donut, rich with pumpkin flavor and kissed with sweet cinnamon sugar. In this post, I’ll guide you through every step, from gathering simple ingredients to perfecting your baking technique. Get ready to make these delicious treats that will impress friends and family alike! Let's dive in!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree

- 1/2 cup granulated sugar

- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed

- 2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 teaspoon baking powder

- 1 teaspoon baking soda

Canned pumpkin puree is key for moist donuts. It adds a rich flavor and color. The sugars give sweetness and help with browning. All-purpose flour provides the structure needed for the donuts. Baking powder and baking soda work together to make them rise.

Additional Ingredients

- 1/2 cup vegetable oil

- 2 large eggs

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- 1 teaspoon cinnamon

- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

- 1/4 teaspoon ginger

- 1/4 teaspoon salt

Vegetable oil keeps the donuts soft. Eggs help bind the ingredients and add richness. Vanilla extract enhances the flavor. Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger bring warmth and depth. Salt balances the sweetness and improves flavor.

Coating Ingredients

- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)

- 2 teaspoons cinnamon (for coating)

The coating of sugar and cinnamon is a must. It gives the donuts a sweet crunch. Toss the warm donuts in this mix for a delightful finish. This step is what makes them irresistible!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepping the Donut Pan

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. Next, lightly grease your donut pan. You can use cooking spray or a little vegetable oil. Make sure to coat it well. This helps the donuts come out easily after baking.

Mixing Wet and Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Mix until everything blends well. Then, add the eggs one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract for extra flavor.

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps. This mix gives your donuts great texture and taste.

Baking the Donuts

Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps your donuts fluffy.

Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan. Fill each cavity about 3/4 full. This gives them room to rise. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, they are ready!

After baking, let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is important for the perfect texture.

Tips & Tricks

Ensuring Perfect Donuts

To make the best donuts, avoid overmixing the batter. Overmixing makes them tough. Mix just until the dry ingredients blend in. This helps keep your donuts soft and light.

You can check doneness with a toothpick. Insert it into the center of a donut. If it comes out clean, they are ready. This simple test ensures your donuts are perfectly baked.

Enhancing Flavor

Want to boost flavor? Try adding spices like allspice or cloves. A pinch of these can make your donuts pop.

Using fresh pumpkin often gives better taste than canned. If you choose fresh, cook it and puree it well. This adds a vibrant flavor to your donuts.

Coating Techniques

To achieve an even cinnamon-sugar coat, toss the donuts gently in the mixture. Roll them until every part is covered. This adds a sweet, crunchy layer.

For extra sweetness, consider a glaze. You can mix powdered sugar with milk and vanilla. Drizzle it on top for a rich finish that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon sugar.

Variations

Flavor Variations

You can easily change the taste of these donuts. Adding chocolate chips makes them sweet and rich. I love using dark chocolate for a nice contrast with the pumpkin. Nuts like walnuts or pecans add a crunchy texture. Simply fold them in before you pour the batter into the pan.

Another fun option is to make a pumpkin spice glaze. Mix powdered sugar with a little milk, pumpkin spice, and vanilla. Drizzle it over the warm donuts for a sweet touch. This glaze adds a creamy finish to each bite.

Dietary Adjustments

For gluten-free donuts, swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Look for a blend that has xanthan gum for the best texture. You won’t notice much difference in taste.

If you want to make these donuts vegan, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. You can also use almond milk instead of regular milk in the glaze.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these donuts with warm apple cider or a rich cup of coffee. The flavors blend perfectly, making a cozy treat. For a fun gathering, serve them on a tiered stand. Arrange colorful napkins and some fall decorations for a festive look. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream next to the donuts for extra indulgence.

Storage Info

Room Temperature Storage

You can store your cinnamon sugar pumpkin donuts at room temperature for up to three days. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them soft and fresh. Avoid stacking them, as this can cause them to stick together. If you plan to enjoy them soon, this method works great.

Refrigeration Tips

If you want to keep your donuts fresh for longer, store them in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them in plastic wrap. This method lets them last about a week. Just remember, the fridge can dry them out. To fix this, let them sit at room temperature for a bit before enjoying.

Freezing Instructions

Freezing is a smart way to keep your donuts for a long time. First, let the donuts cool completely. Then, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. For a warm treat, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

How to Make Donuts Without a Donut Pan?

You can use a muffin tin to make donuts. Just pour the batter into the muffin cups. Fill them about halfway. Bake at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes. You will have pumpkin muffins that taste like donuts. You can also use a baking sheet. Shape the batter into circles and bake them. Be sure to keep them spaced out for even cooking.

Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. First, cook the pumpkin until soft. You can roast it in the oven or boil it. Then, scoop out the flesh and mash it. You need about 1 cup of fresh pumpkin for this recipe. Fresh pumpkin has a different moisture level, so adjust the other ingredients slightly. If it seems too wet, add a bit more flour.

What is the Best Way to Reheat Leftover Donuts?

To reheat leftover donuts, use a microwave. Heat them for about 10 seconds. This keeps them soft and warm. You can also use an oven. Preheat it to 350°F and heat the donuts for 5-7 minutes. This helps keep the texture nice and fresh. If you want, sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top to make them extra tasty again.

Now you have all the tools to make amazing pumpkin donuts. You learned about the key ingredients, mixing techniques, and baking tricks. I shared tips for perfect donuts, flavor variations, and how to store them. Remember to experiment and enjoy the process. Whether you share them or keep them all to yourself, these donuts will delight everyone. Happy baking!