Pumpkin Donut Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy, fall-inspired treat that’s both incredibly simple and irresistibly delicious, this Pumpkin Donut recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. With just a couple of pantry staples, you can whip up soft, moist donuts bursting with pumpkin flavor that perfectly balance sweet and spice. These donuts bring that warm pumpkin goodness to every bite, making them ideal for breakfast, a snack, or even a festive dessert. Trust me, once you try this Pumpkin Donut, you’ll want to bake them again and again to share with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of making these Pumpkin Donuts lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the fluffy texture brought by the cake mix to the rich, velvety pumpkin that adds moisture and autumnal color. Here’s what you need to whip up this easy and delightful treat:

• Yellow Cake Mix (15.25 oz packet): Provides the perfect light and fluffy base for the donuts, ensuring a tender crumb.
• Pumpkin Puree (15 oz can): Adds vibrant color, moisture, and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor that makes these donuts feel like fall in every bite.

How to Make Pumpkin Donut

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Mix Ingredients

Start by heating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s nice and hot when the donuts are ready to bake. In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix with the canned pumpkin puree. The batter will become thick and rich, which is exactly what you want to ensure moist, fluffy donuts. Feel free to add any additional spices like cinnamon or nutmeg if you’re feeling adventurous, but the basic mix stands beautifully on its own.

Step 2: Prepare the Donut Pan and Fill

Grease your donut pan thoroughly to prevent sticking. To make filling the pan easier and cleaner, spoon the batter into a piping bag and squeeze it into each cavity. The thick batter means you’ll want to fill each donut mold about halfway full—this helps the donuts bake evenly without overflowing.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Place the donut pan into the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. To check if they’re done, gently press the tops of the donuts with your finger. If the batter springs back without leaving an indentation, your donuts are perfectly baked. The quick bake time means these are a lovely quick dessert or snack when time is tight but you want maximum flavor.

Step 4: Cool and Decorate

Remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool completely before moving on to any toppings. This step is important to prevent your decorations from melting or sliding off. Once cooled, these Pumpkin Donuts are a blank canvas ready for your favorite glazes, drizzles, or dustings.

How to Serve Pumpkin Donut

Garnishes

One of the best parts of a Pumpkin Donut is customizing it with toppings that enhance flavor and add visual appeal. A light drizzle of caramel sauce complements the pumpkin perfectly, while a dusting of powdered sugar keeps it simple. For a festive touch, colorful sprinkles or a maple glaze can bring a fun twist to every bite.

Side Dishes

Pair these donuts with a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea to create a cozy breakfast or afternoon snack experience. Fresh fruit, such as sliced apples or pears, balances the sweetness and adds freshness to your spread. Don’t forget whipped cream or a dollop of cream cheese frosting if you want an extra indulgent treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your Pumpkin Donut shine by arranging them on a pretty platter sprinkled with cinnamon or nutmeg. Serve them in a rustic basket lined with a cute kitchen towel for a charming fall-themed presentation. You can also stack them with parchment paper between layers to create an enticing centerpiece for brunch or holiday gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Pumpkin Donuts, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day to keep them moist and fresh. Avoid adding any frostings or sugary toppings until you’re ready to serve, as these can cause the donuts to become soggy over time.

Freezing

Want to enjoy these donuts later? Freeze plain donuts by wrapping each one tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay good for up to a month. When ready to indulge, thaw at room temperature and add your favorite glaze or topping.

Reheating

To revive your Pumpkin Donut’s freshly baked texture, reheat in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes. This refreshes the softness and brings back that just-baked warmth perfectly.

FAQs

Can I add spices to the Pumpkin Donut batter?

Absolutely! While the basic recipe is wonderful on its own, adding classic fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice can deepen the flavor and make the donuts even more aromatic.

Do I need to grease the donut pan?

Yes, greasing the pan well ensures the donuts pop out easily after baking and helps maintain their perfect shape without sticking.

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?

Definitely. Homemade pumpkin puree works just as well and adds a lovely fresh pumpkin flavor to your donuts. Just make sure it’s smooth and drained if it’s watery.

How thick should the batter be before baking?

The batter should be thick enough to hold its shape when piped but still pliable for easy filling of the donut pan. It will not be runny like typical cake batter, which is completely fine for these moist donuts.

What is the best way to store decorated pumpkins donuts?

If your Pumpkin Donuts are topped with caramel or powdered sugar, it’s best to keep them in a cool place and consume them within a few hours to prevent the toppings from melting or losing texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about homemade Pumpkin Donuts, especially when they come together as quickly and easily as this recipe allows, with just two main ingredients. They bring warmth, comfort, and that nostalgic fall feeling no matter the occasion. I invite you to try making these at home – your kitchen will smell amazing, and the first bite will have you smiling. Trust me, once you try this Pumpkin Donut, it will become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection.

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