There’s something so comforting about biting into a warm pumpkin spice donut during the cooler months. This recipe for pumpkin spice donuts is effortless, taking just a few simple ingredients and less than half an hour from start to finish. Whether you want a cozy breakfast treat or a sweet snack to enjoy with coffee, these donuts are a crowd pleaser you can whip up anytime.
You’ll love how soft and fluffy these donuts are, with just the right amount of spice and pumpkin flavor. Plus, they’re baked instead of fried, making them a bit lighter but still incredibly indulgent. Let’s dive into making your new favorite fall treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy – ready in under 30 minutes
- Soft, tender texture with rich pumpkin flavor
- Baked, not fried, for a lighter treat
- Perfectly balanced pumpkin spice blend
- Great for breakfast, snacks, or dessert
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create a batch of 12 delightful pumpkin spice donuts. Everything should be at room temperature for best results.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Servings: 12 donuts
- Calories (approx.): 210 per donut
How to Make Effortless Pumpkin Spice Donuts
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a donut pan lightly with oil or nonstick spray.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice until evenly combined.
- In a large bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until smooth and slightly fluffy. Add the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and buttermilk, mixing well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined—do not overmix or the donuts will be dense.
- Spoon the batter into the donut pan cavities, filling each about 3/4 full for nice rising.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean. The donuts should spring back lightly when touched.
- Allow donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best flavor and consistency.
- Make sure your baking powder is fresh for proper rise.
- Don’t overmix the batter to keep donuts light and fluffy.
- Fill the donut molds evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Cool donuts completely before glazing to prevent melting.
Storage and Reheating
Store your pumpkin spice donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for 5 days. To keep them fresh longer, freeze donuts in a sealed bag for up to 3 months.
To reheat, warm donuts in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This brings back their soft texture and highlights the pumpkin spice aroma.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. Make sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
You can, but make sure to cook and puree fresh pumpkin until smooth and remove excess liquid. Canned pumpkin puree is convenient and consistent for baking.
How do I store leftover donuts to keep them fresh?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature if eating within 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Freeze for longer storage to maintain freshness.
Can I add a glaze or frosting to these donuts?
Absolutely! A simple powdered sugar glaze or cream cheese frosting pairs wonderfully with pumpkin spice donuts. Just add after they have cooled completely.
