These pumpkin spice donuts are like little bites of autumn! Soft, fluffy, and bursting with warm spices, they’re perfect for any chilly day.
Honestly, I can’t resist having one (or two!) with my morning coffee. It’s like a cozy hug for your taste buds! 🎃
I love how easy they are to make at home. Just mix, bake, and enjoy the sweet smell filling your kitchen. You’ll feel like a baking superstar!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of your donuts. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Keep in mind that this might affect the texture a bit.
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin is super convenient, but if you have fresh pumpkin, roast it and blend for a homemade touch. Just make sure it’s not too watery!
Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 3/4 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes. It works just as well in this recipe!
Pumpkin Pie Spice: You can make your own by mixing equal parts cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, plus a pinch of cloves. This gives you control over the spice balance!
How Do You Get Perfectly Fried Donuts?
Frying can seem tricky, but it’s quite simple with a few tips! The right oil temperature ensures the donuts cook evenly and don’t get greasy. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature at 350°F (175°C). Too low, and the donuts will absorb oil; too high, and they’ll burn.
- Fry in small batches to keep the oil temperature steady, which helps the donuts rise beautifully.
- Donuts should fry for 1-2 minutes on each side. Look for a lovely golden color as a cue to flip.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts and let them drain on a cooling rack. This helps avoid sogginess.
With these tips, you’ll be on your way to making delicious pumpkin spice donuts that everyone will love!
How to Make Delicious Pumpkin Spice Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves)
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
Making these delightful donuts will take about 20 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes for frying! Plus, you’ll need a few moments for the donuts to cool before enjoying them. So in total, plan for about 40 minutes from start to finish. Quick and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice until everything is well mixed. This will make sure your donuts have a lovely, uniform flavor.
2. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. This adds moisture and flavor to your donuts!
3. Mix Together:
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—it’s okay if there are a few lumps. Your batter will be thick, and that’s just right!
4. Heat the Oil:
In a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to check the temperature; this is important for perfectly cooked donuts!
5. Shape the Donuts:
On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters (one large for the outer edge and a smaller one for the center) to cut out your donuts.
6. Fry the Donuts:
Carefully drop the donuts into the hot oil, frying them in batches for about 1-2 minutes on each side. They should be golden brown and puffed up beautifully!
7. Drain the Donuts:
Once cooked, remove the donuts using a slotted spoon and place them on a cooling rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
8. Coat in Cinnamon Sugar:
In a shallow bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the coating. While the donuts are still warm, toss them in the cinnamon sugar until they’re fully coated. Yum!
9. Cool and Serve:
Let the donuts cool slightly before serving. You’ll want to enjoy them fresh, preferably with a cozy cup of coffee or tea on the side. Enjoy your homemade pumpkin spice donuts!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that the donuts may be denser and have a slightly nuttier flavor. You might want to use a mix of both for a lighter texture!
How Do I Store Leftover Donuts?
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to a month. Just be sure to let them cool completely before wrapping them up for the freezer!
Can I Bake These Donuts Instead of Frying?
Absolutely! If you prefer baked donuts, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and fill a greased donut pan with the batter. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Just note that the texture will be a bit different!
What Can I Substitute for Pumpkin Puree?
If you don’t have pumpkin puree, you can use applesauce or sweet potato puree as a substitute. Both will add moisture and a hint of sweetness, though they will change the flavor slightly!
