Fluffy Pumpkin Donuts Recipe: Autumn’s Sweetest Treat

Autumn whispers delightful promises of warm, comforting pumpkin donuts recipe that dance with seasonal spices.

Crisp mornings call for something sweet and special from the kitchen.

These golden-brown circles of happiness burst with rich, velvety pumpkin flavor and delicate warmth.

Soft, pillowy textures melt in your mouth with each delectable bite.

Cinnamon and nutmeg weave magic through every morsel, creating an irresistible treat.

The perfect balance of sweetness and spice makes these donuts a must-try weekend indulgence.

Brace yourself for a dessert that celebrates fall’s most beloved flavors.

The Donuts That Bring Pumpkin Spice Joy to Your Day

• Discover the joy of making these pumpkin spice donuts that bring autumn vibes right to your kitchen.
• Perfect for novice bakers who want to create delicious treats without complicated techniques or professional skills.
• Minimal ingredients and simple steps mean you can have warm, delectable donuts ready in less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Kids can help mix ingredients and roll donuts in cinnamon sugar, making it a fun shared cooking experience for everyone.

Shopping List for Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix Donuts

• Cake Mix: A convenient base that provides structure and flavor for the donuts.
• Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture and rich autumn flavor to the donuts.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help create a tender texture.
• Melted Butter: Enhances richness and provides additional moisture.

• Granulated Sugar, Cinnamon: Create a sweet and spicy topping that adds extra flavor and texture to the donuts.

• Non-Stick Spray: Ensures easy removal of donuts from the pan.
• Butter: Used for brushing donuts before coating with cinnamon sugar.

Donut-Making Tools for Fresh-Baked Morning Treats

• Donut Pan: Essential for creating the classic donut shape with perfect wells.
• Mixing Bowl: Large bowl for combining cake mix, pumpkin, eggs, and butter smoothly.
• Pastry Bag: Helps pipe batter neatly into donut pan without mess.
• Scissors: Used to snip corner of pastry bag for controlled batter flow.
• Butter Knife: Perfect for smoothing batter inside donut wells.
• Shallow Bowl: For mixing cinnamon sugar topping.
• Toothpick: Checks donuts for doneness by testing interior.
• Pastry Brush: Applies melted butter before coating donuts in cinnamon sugar.

Easy Instructions for Fluffy Pumpkin Spice Donuts

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven dial to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, getting it ready for some delicious donut magic.

Step 2: Create Magical Batter

• Cake mix
• Pumpkin puree
• Eggs
• Melted butter

Whip everything together until the mixture looks smooth and dreamy.

Step 3: Prepare Batter Transfer

Slide the batter into a plastic pastry bag, twisting the end closed.

Snip a small corner with sharp scissors to create a perfect piping point.

Step 4: Fill Donut Molds

Spritz your donut pan with non-stick spray.

Gently squeeze the batter into each well, creating perfect donut shapes.

Step 5: Smooth The Surface

Use a butter knife to level the batter, ensuring each donut looks picture-perfect and even.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Pop the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted.

Step 7: Cool Down

Let the donuts rest in the pan for a few minutes, allowing them to set and cool slightly.

Step 8: Create Delicious Coating

• Sugar
• Ground cinnamon

Step 9: Add Delightful Topping

Brush each donut with melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating every delicious inch.

Step 10: Serve And Enjoy

Serve these warm, heavenly donuts immediately or at room temperature.

Watch them disappear in seconds!

Tips and Tricks for Donuts That Taste Bakery-Fresh

• Prevent Sticking Spray donut pan thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of donuts.
• Control Consistency Use a pastry bag or ziplock bag with corner snipped for precise, clean batter filling in donut wells.
• Check Doneness Insert toothpick into center of donuts; if it comes out clean, they are perfectly baked without raw spots.
• Enhance Flavor Brush melted butter before coating with cinnamon sugar to help spices adhere and create a delicious crispy exterior.
• Store Smartly Keep donuts in airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain moisture and freshness.

Fun Variations for Pumpkin Donuts With Extra Flair

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace cake mix with gluten-free cake mix and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Version: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based butter alternative, and select vegan cake mix to create dairy-free and egg-free donuts.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Substitute cake mix with almond flour, use sugar-free sweetener, and incorporate cream cheese for low-carb, ketogenic-friendly donuts.
• Chocolate Lover's Variation: Use chocolate cake mix, add cocoa powder, and sprinkle chocolate chips for an intense chocolate pumpkin spice experience.

Warm and Cozy Serving Suggestions for Pumpkin Donuts

• Cozy Autumn Brunch Companion: Pair these warm pumpkin spice donuts with a steaming mug of apple cider or caramel latte for a perfect morning treat.
• Fall Dessert Platter: Create a festive dessert board with these donuts, add some candied pecans, fresh apple slices, and a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
• Coffee Break Delight: Serve these donuts alongside your favorite coffee or tea, making them an ideal mid-afternoon snack that brings comfort and warmth to your day.
• Potluck Party Star: Bring these donuts to gatherings as a crowd-pleasing dessert that captures the essence of autumn, guaranteed to make everyone smile.

How to Store Donuts and Keep Them Super Soft

• Store donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual donuts tightly in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Thaw frozen donuts at room temperature, then warm in a preheated 300F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore texture and warmth.
• Briefly microwave refrigerated or thawed donuts for 10-15 seconds to refresh, being careful not to overheat and dry them out.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of cake mix for this recipe?

Yes, you can experiment with other cake mix flavors like vanilla or yellow cake mix. Just ensure the consistency remains similar when mixing with pumpkin puree.

• Is it necessary to use a pastry bag for filling the donut pan?

While a pastry bag makes filling easier and neater, you can also use a spoon or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off to transfer the batter into the donut pan.

• How do I prevent the donuts from sticking to the pan?

Always spray the donut pan thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray before adding the batter. This helps ensure easy removal of the donuts after baking.

Pumpkin Donuts Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Homemade pumpkin donuts blend autumn spices with sweet comfort, creating a delightful seasonal treat. Warm cinnamon and nutmeg elevate these pillowy pastries, inviting you to savor fall’s most delicious moments.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Mix Base:

• 1 (15.25 ounces / 432 grams) box spice cake mix
• 2 eggs
• 3/4 cup (177 milliliters) canned pumpkin puree
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) melted butter

Topping Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup (150 grams) sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) melted unsalted butter

Preparation Notes:

• Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and thoroughly coat the donut pan with non-stick cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cake mix, pumpkin puree, eggs, and melted butter until a smooth, uniform batter forms.
3. Transfer the prepared batter into a plastic pastry bag, securing the end by twisting it closed and trimming one corner with sharp scissors.
4. Carefully pipe the batter into each donut pan well, filling approximately 2/3 to 3/4 full to allow room for rising.
5. Gently smooth the surface of the batter in each well using the edge of a butter knife to ensure even distribution.
6. Place the donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a donut – it should come out clean.
7. Remove the pan from the oven and allow donuts to cool in the pan for 3-5 minutes to set their structure.
8. Prepare the coating by mixing sugar and cinnamon thoroughly in a shallow dish.
9. Carefully remove donuts from the pan and brush each with melted butter, then immediately roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat completely.
10. Arrange donuts on a wire rack and serve either warm or at room temperature for optimal enjoyment.

Notes

• Swap cake mix for gluten-free alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions easily.
• Use fresh pumpkin puree for enhanced natural flavor and richer texture compared to canned options.
• Adjust spice levels by adding extra pumpkin pie spice or nutmeg for more intense autumn warmth.
• Prevent donuts from sticking by thoroughly greasing donut pan and letting them cool completely before removal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg