These Pumpkin Spice Donuts are a warm and inviting treat! Soft, fluffy, and bursting with fall flavors, they’re perfect for cozy mornings or sweet snacks.
Nothing says autumn like the smell of pumpkin and spices baking in your kitchen! I love to enjoy them fresh with a cup of coffee—it’s like a hug in donut form! 🍩☕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the foundation of your donuts. You might try using a gluten-free flour blend if you need a gluten-free version. I’ve had good results with those blends in baking!
Pumpkin Pie Spice: If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand, you can easily mix your own using cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. I often customize the blend to my taste—more cinnamon, please!
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin is super convenient, but fresh puree is delicious too! Just be sure it’s well cooked. I love using fresh pumpkin as it adds a richer flavor.
Buttermilk: If you’re out of buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes to curdle!
Granulated Sugar: You can replace some or all of the granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a slight twist. It gives a lovely caramel flavor, which I truly enjoy!
How Do You Fry Donuts Without Making a Mess?
Frying donuts can be tricky, but with these tips, you’ll keep your kitchen cleaner and have perfectly cooked donuts!
- Use a deep-fryer or heavy pot to maintain the right temperature of 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too hot, the donuts will burn on the outside and remain raw inside.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot. Fry just a few donuts at a time to keep the temperature steady and allow even cooking.
- Use a slotted spoon to gently flip the donuts. This helps maintain their shape while frying.
- After frying, let the donuts drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil. This keeps them light and not greasy.
With these tips, your Pumpkin Spice Donuts will emerge perfectly golden and delicious! Enjoy savoring each bite!
How to Make Delicious Pumpkin Spice Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ¾ cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Time Needed:
This delightful pumpkin spice donut recipe will take you about 30 minutes of prep time and about 10 minutes for frying, making the total around 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick, and you’ll be rewarded with the most delightful autumn-inspired treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until combined. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices throughout the batter.
2. Mix Sugar and Wet Ingredients:
In another large bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. This will create a creamy mixture full of flavor.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet pumpkin mixture, alternating with the buttermilk (start and finish with the dry ingredients). Mix until just combined, then stir in the melted butter. Be careful not to overmix; we want the donuts to stay light and fluffy!
4. Heat the Oil:
In a deep-fryer or a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). The oil should be about 2-3 inches deep for frying. Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches the right temperature for optimal frying.
5. Shape the Donuts:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ½-inch thick. Use a donut cutter or two circle cutters (one larger and one smaller for the hole) to cut out your donut shapes. Make sure to gather and re-roll any excess dough to make more donuts!
6. Fry the Donuts:
Carefully place a few donuts into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry until they rise to the surface and turn a beautiful golden brown, about 1-2 minutes on each side. Flip them gently using a slotted spoon when necessary.
7. Drain Excess Oil:
Once fried, remove the donuts from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined tray to catch any excess oil. Let them sit for a minute.
8. Coat with Cinnamon Sugar:
While the donuts are still warm, toss them in a bowl filled with the cinnamon sugar mixture until they’re nicely coated. This adds the final touch of sweetness and spice!
9. Serve:
Let the donuts cool for just a couple of minutes, then enjoy them warm for the best flavor. They’re perfect with a steaming cup of coffee or tea!
There you have it! Your delicious homemade Pumpkin Spice Donuts are ready to be devoured. Enjoy the flavors of fall!
Can I Use a Different Type of Flour?
Yes! If you want a gluten-free option, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s a one-to-one baking substitute to achieve similar results!
What Can I Use Instead of Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, don’t worry! You can mix ½ cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly before using it in your recipe.
Can I Bake Instead of Frying These Donuts?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan. Spoon the batter into the pan, filling each donut mold about ¾ full. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean!
How Should I Store Leftover Donuts?
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. Just reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds before enjoying!
