Pumpkin Donuts

These homemade pumpkin donuts combine a lovely spiced cake and pumpkin spice glaze to create a delicious breakfast or afternoon treat.

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Table of Contents

Pumpkin Donuts Ingredients
Substitutions And Additions
How To Make This Pumpkin Donuts Recipe
How To Serve These Pumpkin Spice Donuts
Storage
Why We Love This Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
More Recipes You’ll Love
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Easy, baked pumpkin donuts are full of all the comforting and warm flavors of fall. These adorable little confections have a fluffy spiced cake drizzled with a pumpkin spice glaze that will transport you right to the days when the leaves are at their most brilliant, and the air is crisp.

close up shot of a bunch of Pumpkin Donuts

Pumpkin Donuts Ingredients

These pumpkin donuts feature a rich, earthy pumpkin flavor enhanced by a blend of warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

Topped with a sweet glaze, these donuts are the embodiment of fall’s comforting flavors and are perfect for savoring with a cup of coffee or as a dessert treat.

You’ll need:

For The Pumpkin Donuts:

1 tablespoon of butter, melted
½ cup of brown sugar
¼ tablespoon of baking soda
½ teaspoon of baking powder
1 cup of all-purpose flour
⅓ cup of granulated sugar
⅛ teaspoon of ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
⅛ teaspoon of ground cloves
¼ teaspoon of salt
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon of vinegar
½ cup of heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
¾ cup of pumpkin puree

PRO TIP:

Make sure you buy pure pumpkin puree and not canned pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling is already sweetened and spiced, which we are doing ourselves in this recipe.

For The Pumpkin Glaze:

1 cup of brown sugar
1 cup of powdered sugar
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice
¼ cup of half and half cream

Substitutions And Additions

PUMPKIN PIE SPICE: If you’re like me, you always have pumpkin pie spice on hand. If not, you can make your own by combining ¼ teaspoon each of ground nutmeg, ground ginger, ground cloves, and ground allspice.

TOPPINGS: To make these mini donuts even fancier, while the glaze is still warm, you could add sprinkles, toasted coconut, finely chopped pecans or walnuts, toffee pieces, or a little bit of cinnamon sugar or pumpkin pie spice.

GLAZE: How about a different twist on the glaze? Add a tablespoon of maple syrup to the glaze for a sweet surprise.

PUMPKIN PUREE: If you’re out of pumpkin puree or just want to switch things up, sweet potato puree makes for a fantastic alternative.

It offers a slightly different flavor but pairs wonderfully with the spices and glaze in this recipe.

CINNAMON: Experiment with your spice cabinet by using cardamom instead of cinnamon.

It offers a unique, citrusy-spicy flavor that can give your donuts an exotic twist.

VANILLA EXTRACT: While vanilla extract is a classic choice, almond extract can be a delightful alternative.

It brings a subtly nutty and sweet flavor that pairs surprisingly well with pumpkin.

How To Make This Pumpkin Donuts Recipe

Once you mix up the spiced batter for these donuts, they will get baked in the oven before being topped with an irresistible glaze. Let’s walk through the steps:

For The Pumpkin Donuts

STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Melt one tablespoon of butter in the microwave for 30 seconds and set aside to cool.

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS

Butter often separates in the microwave. To prevent separation, don’t melt it completely. Remove it while there are still some lumps remaining, then swirl the butter gently in the bowl to bring the fat and cream back together and allow any lumps to finish melting.

STEP TWO: In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, flour, granulated sugar, nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt.

Stir together using a fork.

STEP THREE: Beat the egg with a fork in a separate small bowl, then add it to the melted butter along with the vinegar, heavy whipping cream, and vanilla.

Whisk the wet ingredients until fully incorporated.

STEP FOUR: Add the egg mixture to the dry ingredients in the large bowl. Stir well.

egg mixture added to the dry ingredients

STEP FIVE: Add the pumpkin puree and continue mixing until all the ingredients are combined.

STEP SIX: Fill a disposable pastry bag with the donut batter.

Squeeze the batter toward the tip to eliminate air bubbles, then twist the top firmly or use a clip or rubber band to seal it.

Snip the tip off the bag, then slowly pipe batter into the wells of a mini donut pan sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.

PRO TIP:

Only fill each donut mold halfway to prevent the donuts from spilling over as they rise.

We recommend a Wilton 12-Cavity Mini Donut Pan, but if you don’t have one or can’t find one, this recipe makes fun pumpkin donut holes in a mini muffin pan. Fill the muffin cavities ¾ full and reduce the baking time by two or three minutes.

STEP SEVEN: Bake in the preheated oven for about ten minutes, until the tops are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let cool in the pan for a few minutes before removing the donuts to cool on a wire rack.

PRO TIP:

Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to keep a close eye on your donuts as the suggested baking time approaches.

For The Pumpkin Glaze

STEP ONE: Combine the brown sugar, powdered sugar, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and cream in a small bowl. Stir well with a whisk or fork, adding milk if the glaze is too thick or powdered sugar if it’s too thin until it’s a good consistency, not runny but also not as thick as frosting.

PRO TIP:

You can make your own half and half cream by mixing equal parts heavy whipping cream and milk.

STEP TWO: Using a pastry brush or spoon, glaze the donuts. Let the glaze set for ten minutes.

STEP THREE: Serve with sprinkles, if desired.

How To Serve These Pumpkin Spice Donuts

Serve these delightful little donuts with a cold iced tea on the side.

Or, if you are like me and can’t get enough pumpkin flavors, enjoy them with a homemade pumpkin spice latte.

The warm, comforting flavors of hot apple cider perfectly complement the spiced notes in these donuts. It’s an ideal pairing for a chilly autumn evening.

If you’re hosting a brunch, consider adding these donuts to your buffet spread. They make for a sweet and seasonal addition that guests of all ages will love.

Enjoy even more autumn flavors with our other great pumpkin recipes, including our pumpkin spice muffins and pumpkin roll.

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Storage

Let’s talk about how to store them to keep that amazing flavor intact.

MAKE AHEAD: If you want to get a head start on these delectable treats, you can prepare the donut batter the night before and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop the batter into your donut pans and follow the baking instructions as usual.

IN THE FRIDGE: These homemade glazed pumpkin donuts are best the day they are made.

They will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two. Don’t stack glazed donuts when you are storing them, or they will stick together.

IN THE FREEZER: Freezing these mini pumpkin donuts is not recommended.

close up overhead shot of pumpkin donuts stacked on top of each other on a plate

Why We Love This Recipe

We adore this pumpkin donut recipe for so many reasons, including:

IRRESISTIBLE FALL FLAVOR: These donuts capture the essence of autumn with their rich pumpkin flavor and a medley of warm spices. They offer a cozy, comforting taste that’s perfect for the fall season.

HOMEMADE GOODNESS: Making donuts from scratch is incredibly rewarding, and these homemade treats surpass store-bought versions in both flavor and quality. Plus, your home will smell amazing while they’re baking!

Pumpkin baked goods are so full of cozy memories. These pumpkin donuts with glaze give you a rich, not-too-sweet flavor combined with spices like nutmeg and cloves that will remind you of grandma’s homemade pumpkin pie.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use if I don’t have a donut pan?

You can make this pumpkin donut recipe in a mini muffin pan or regular muffin pan if you don’t have a donut pan available.

Can I make these into pumpkin donut holes?

You can turn this easy recipe into donut holes using a mini muffin pan, baking for about 10-12 minutes.

How to store pumpkin donuts?

Baked donuts are the best the first day they are made, but you can store these in a single layer in an airtight container for a couple of days.

More Recipes You’ll Love

Pumpkin Donuts

5 from 4 votes

These homemade pumpkin donuts combine a lovely spiced cake and pumpkin spice glaze to create a delicious breakfast or afternoon treat.

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Servings donuts

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Review Recipe

Ingredients

Pumpkin Donuts

1 tablespoon butter, melted
½ cup brown sugar
¼ tablespoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 cup flour
⅓ cup sugar
⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
⅓ teaspoon salt
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vinegar
½ cup heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¾ cup pumpkin puree

Pumpkin Glaze

1 cup brown sugar
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
¼ cup half & half

Instructions

Pumpkin Donuts

Preheat oven to 350°F.
In a small bowl, melt 1 tablespoon butter in the microwave. Remove and let cool.
In a large mixing bowl, combine dry ingredients: brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, flour, sugar, ground nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt. Using a fork to stir.
Once melted butter has cooled, add beaten egg, vinegar, heaving whipping cream, and vanilla extract. Whisk together.
Add egg mixture to dry mixture in large mixing bowl. Stir well.
Add pumpkin puree to mixture. Stir until all ingredients are evenly combined.
Spray the donut pan with nonstick cooking spray.
Using a disposable piping bag, fill with mixture. Try to eliminate air bubbles, pushing mixture toward the tip. Using scissors, snip the tip of the piping bag.
Slowly fill each donut cavity halfway full.
Bake the first batch of mini cake donuts for approximately 10 minutes. Remove. Let cool. Use a butter knife or spoon to gently release the donuts or turn the pan upside down and gently tap the pan on the counter. They should fall onto the countertop.
Wipe the donut pan clean and repeat steps 9 and 10.

Pumpkin Glaze

Combine all ingredients in a small mixing bowl. Stir well with a whisk or fork. Reduce or add amount of powdered sugar to get desired consistency.
Using a brush or small spoon, add glaze to donuts. Let set for 10 minutes.
Serve with sprinkles, if desired.

Video

Notes

Make sure you buy pure pumpkin puree and not canned pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling is already sweetened and spiced, which we are doing ourselves in this recipe.
Butter often separates in the microwave. To prevent separation, don’t melt it completely. Remove it while there are still some lumps remaining, then swirl the butter gently in the bowl to bring the fat and cream back together and allow any lumps to finish melting.
Only fill each donut mold halfway to prevent the donuts from spilling over as they rise.
We recommend a Wilton 12-Cavity Mini Donut Pan, but if you don’t have one or can’t find one, this recipe makes fun pumpkin donut holes in a mini muffin pan. Fill the muffin cavities ¾ full and reduce the baking time by two or three minutes.
Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to keep a close eye on your donuts as the suggested baking time approaches.
You can make your own half and half cream by mixing equal parts heavy whipping cream and milk.

Nutrition

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Proudly Prepared by the Spaceships Kitchen

This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

Stephanie Keeping Publisher
Layne Kangas Marketing
Lexus Monroe Editorial Assistant

Pumpkin Donuts

Pumpkin Donuts Ingredients

Substitutions And Additions

How To Make This Pumpkin Donuts Recipe

How To Serve These Pumpkin Spice Donuts

Apple Donuts

Cinnamon Roll Donuts

Storage

Why We Love This Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

More Recipes You’ll Love