These Pumpkin Donuts are the perfect addition to your fall recipes. Their delightful pumpkin flavor combined with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar makes them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a cozy brunch or simply enjoying a quiet morning at home, these donuts bring warmth and joy to your table. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make using cake mix, making them a go-to dessert for busy days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe uses spice cake mix, cutting down prep time significantly.
- Perfectly Spiced: The combination of pumpkin and cinnamon creates an aromatic flavor that captures the essence of fall.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them warm or at room temperature; they’re great for breakfast or dessert.
- Family-Friendly: Simple enough for kids to help with, making it a fun family cooking activity.
- Deliciously Soft Texture: These donuts are baked to perfection, resulting in a tender and fluffy bite.
Tools and Preparation
To create these delightful pumpkin donuts, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen. Having the right equipment makes the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Donut pan
- Mixing bowl
- Plastic pastry bag
- Butter knife
- Oven
Importance of Each Tool
- Donut pan: This specialized pan gives your donuts their signature shape while ensuring even baking.
- Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl is crucial for combining ingredients without spills.
- Plastic pastry bag: Ideal for transferring batter into the donut pan easily and neatly.
Ingredients
These Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix Donuts are soft, flavorful, and coated in a delicious cinnamon sugar topping. Perfect for fall mornings or any cozy treat.
For the Donuts
- 1 (15.25 ounce) box spice cake mix
- ¾ cup canned pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 eggs
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
For the Topping
- ¾ cup sugar (for the cinnamon/sugar topping)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons melted unsalted butter (for the topping)
How to Make Pumpkin, Donuts, Fall Recipes, Desserts
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your donuts bake evenly.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the spice cake mix, pumpkin puree, eggs, and melted butter. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Step 3: Prepare the Pastry Bag
Transfer the mixture into a plastic pastry bag. Twist the end tightly and snip one corner with scissors to create an opening.
Step 4: Fill the Donut Pan
Gently squeeze the batter into each well of a greased donut pan. Use a butter knife to smooth out any uneven tops.
Step 5: Bake the Donuts
Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into one of the donuts comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool Slightly
Remove from oven and let the donuts cool slightly before carefully removing them from the pan.
Step 7: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Topping
In a shallow bowl, stir together sugar and ground cinnamon until well mixed.
Step 8: Coat with Butter and Sugar Mixture
Brush each donut with melted butter and then dip them into the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
Step 9: Serve
Serve warm or allow to cool completely before serving at room temperature. Enjoy these delicious pumpkin donuts as part of your favorite fall recipes!
How to Serve Pumpkin, Donuts, Fall Recipes, Desserts
These delightful pumpkin donuts are perfect for any occasion, especially during the fall season. Their warm flavors and comforting texture make them a crowd-pleaser. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your pumpkin donut experience.
With Hot Beverages
- Coffee – Pair these donuts with a freshly brewed cup of coffee for a cozy morning treat.
- Spiced Tea – Enjoy with spiced chai or herbal tea to enhance the warm spices in the donuts.
- Hot Chocolate – Dip these sweet treats into a mug of hot chocolate for an indulgent dessert.
As a Breakfast Option
- With Yogurt – Serve alongside Greek yogurt topped with honey for a balanced breakfast.
- Fruit Salad – Add fresh fruit salad as a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the donuts.
- Breakfast Sandwich – Use them as sweet buns for a breakfast sandwich with cream cheese and smoked salmon.
For Special Occasions
- Dessert Platter – Arrange on a colorful platter with other fall-themed desserts for gatherings.
- Brunch Buffets – Include in your brunch spread alongside other breakfast favorites like muffins and pastries.
How to Perfect Pumpkin, Donuts, Fall Recipes, Desserts
To ensure your pumpkin donuts turn out perfectly every time, consider these useful tips.
- Bold Ingredient Quality: Use fresh canned pumpkin puree for the best flavor. Avoid pumpkin pie filling as it contains added sugars and spices.
- Bold Mixing Technique: Mix until just combined to keep the donuts light and fluffy. Over-mixing can lead to dense donuts.
- Bold Baking Time: Keep an eye on baking time; every oven is different. Start checking at 10 minutes to prevent overbaking.
- Bold Cooling Method: Let the donuts cool slightly in the pan before transferring. This helps them hold their shape better.
- Bold Sugar Coating: Coat while still warm for better sugar adhesion. This enhances the flavor and sweetness of each bite.
Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin, Donuts, Fall Recipes, Desserts
These pumpkin donuts pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their flavors. Consider adding these options to your meal or snack time.
- Apple Slices – Crisp apple slices provide a refreshing crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft donuts.
- Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses adds savory notes that balance the sweetness of the donuts.
- Nuts and Seeds – Roasted nuts or seeds offer a crunchy texture that makes for an enjoyable snack combination.
- Pumpkin Soup – Serve a small cup of creamy pumpkin soup for a cozy fall-themed pairing.
- Salad Greens – A light salad with seasonal greens can brighten up your plate and add freshness.
- Maple Syrup Drizzle – Serve with maple syrup on the side for those who enjoy an extra touch of sweetness!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making pumpkin donuts can be a delightful experience, but some common mistakes can hinder your results. Here are a few to watch out for:
Using pumpkin pie filling – This can lead to overly sweet donuts. Always opt for plain canned pumpkin puree in this recipe.
Not measuring ingredients properly – Accurate measurements ensure the perfect texture and flavor. Use measuring cups and spoons for best results.
Overmixing the batter – Overmixing can make the donuts tough. Mix just until combined for light and fluffy donuts.
Skipping the cooling step – Removing donuts from the pan too soon can cause them to break. Let them cool slightly before taking them out.
Neglecting the topping – The cinnamon sugar adds essential flavor. Don’t skip this step; it is what makes these donuts a true fall treat!
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Enjoy within 3-5 days for best freshness.
Freezing Pumpkin, Donuts, Fall Recipes, Desserts
- Place cooled donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Freeze for 1-2 hours, then transfer to a freezer bag.
- They will keep well for up to 3 months.
Reheating Pumpkin, Donuts, Fall Recipes, Desserts
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave – Heat one donut at a time for 10-15 seconds.
- Stovetop – Warm in a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these pumpkin donuts without eggs?
Yes! You can replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water).
How do I add more flavor to my pumpkin donuts?
You can enhance the flavor by adding vanilla extract or nutmeg to the batter. A pinch of ginger or cloves also works well.
Are these pumpkin donuts suitable for vegan diets?
While this recipe contains eggs and butter, you can make it vegan-friendly by using plant-based alternatives like flax eggs and vegan butter.
What are some customization options for these fall recipes?
Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the batter. You can also experiment with different spices based on your taste preferences.
How should I store leftover donuts?
Store leftover pumpkin donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate them for up to a week.
Final Thoughts
These Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix Donuts are not only easy to make but also capture the essence of fall in every bite. Their soft texture paired with the cinnamon sugar coating makes them irresistible. Feel free to customize them with your favorite mix-ins or toppings! Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a seasonal favorite!
SEO Information
Pumpkin Donuts
Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with these delightful Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix Donuts. Perfectly spiced with pumpkin and cinnamon, these soft and fluffy donuts are a breeze to whip up using just a few simple ingredients. Ideal for breakfast, dessert, or a festive brunch, they are generously coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar topping that enhances their irresistible charm. Whether you’re sipping coffee on a crisp morning or celebrating with friends at a gathering, these donuts will surely warm hearts and bring smiles. With easy preparation steps and family-friendly appeal, this recipe is bound to become a seasonal favorite!
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 donuts 1x
Ingredients
- 1 (15.25 ounce) box spice cake mix
- ¾ cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 eggs
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- ¾ cup sugar (for the cinnamon/sugar topping)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons melted unsalted butter (for the topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine spice cake mix, pumpkin puree, eggs, and melted butter until well blended.
- Transfer the mixture into a plastic pastry bag or piping bag.
- Fill each cavity of a greased donut pan with the batter.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool slightly before removing from the pan.
- Prepare the cinnamon sugar by mixing sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
- Brush each warm donut with melted butter and coat them in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut (40g)
- Calories: 139
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Use fresh canned pumpkin puree for optimal flavor. Avoid overmixing to ensure fluffy donuts. Feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts for added texture.
