There's something magical about biting into a soft, fluffy pumpkin donut that tastes even better than the ones at Dunkin Donuts. Whether you're craving pumpkin donuts for a cozy fall morning or planning a special brunch, homemade donuts are easier to make than you think. The best part about making donuts at home is that you control exactly what goes into them; no mystery ingredients or artificial flavors. These donuts deliver that perfect balance of warm spices and moist cake texture that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Making pumpkin donuts from scratch doesn't require fancy skills or complicated steps. With simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, you can create bakery-quality donuts in under an hour. Whether you prefer baked donuts for a healthier option or deep-fried versions for that authentic donut shop experience, we've got you covered with multiple methods to perfect your donuts game this season.
Background; Why This Recipe Stands Out
The tradition of pumpkin donuts has become more than just a seasonal fad; it's a beloved fall staple that people eagerly anticipate each year. What makes homemade donuts special is the freshness factor that store-bought versions simply can't match. When you make donuts at home, you're getting a donut that's soft on the inside, perfectly caramelized on the outside, and bursting with authentic pumpkin spice flavor that tastes nothing like artificial seasonings.
Pumpkin donuts pair beautifully with your morning coffee, afternoon tea, or as a sweet treat during your fall festivities. They're perfect alongside scrambled eggs for breakfast, served as a dessert after dinner, or packed in a lunchbox for a special surprise. The versatility of donuts means you can customize them with different glazes like cream cheese frosting, maple glaze, cinnamon sugar coating, or even keep them simple with a basic sugar dusting. These pumpkin donuts work wonderfully for holiday gatherings, weekday breakfasts, or when you simply want to impress your family with homemade goodness.
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Ingredients
For the Batter
Pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
All-purpose flour
Whole wheat flour
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
eEggs
; Vegetable oil or melted butter
Buttermilk
Vanilla extract
Pumpkin pie spice
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Ground ginger
; Pinch of ground nutmeg and ground cloves
For Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional)
Cream cheese; softened
Butter; softened
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
For Maple Glaze (Optional)
Powdered sugar
Maple syrup
Milk
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Step 1; Prepare Your Equipment and Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 350°F if making baked pumpkin donuts; or heat oil to 375°F if frying. Grease your donut pan with non-stick spray or butter; making sure to coat every crevice for easy removal. Gather all your pumpkin donuts ingredients and measure them into separate bowls; having everything ready makes the mixing process smooth and prevents forgotten ingredients from ruining your batch.
Step 2; Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium mixing bowl; whisk together the all-purpose flour; whole wheat flour; baking powder; baking soda; salt; pumpkin pie spice; ground ginger; nutmeg; and cloves. This step is crucial for even distribution of pumpkin donuts spices throughout your batter. Make sure there are no lumps in your dry mixture; as lumps can create dense spots in your finished donuts. Set this mixture aside while you prepare your wet ingredients.
Step 3; Combine Wet Ingredients and Create YourBatter
- In a large bowl; whisk together pumpkin puree; eggs; oil or melted butter; buttermilk; vanilla extract; and both sugars until smooth and well combined. The mixture should look creamy and slightly frothy. Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients; stirring until just combined; being careful not to overmix your donuts batter. A few small lumps are perfectly fine; overmixing creates tough; dense pumpkin donuts instead of the light; fluffy texture you're after. Transfer your pumpkin donuts batter into a piping bag fitted with a large round tip for easy filling.
Step 4; Bake or Fry and Add Your Favorite Toppings
- Pipe the donuts batter into your prepared donut pan; filling each cavity about three-quarters full. For baked donuts; bake for 8-10 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean; then cool for 5 minutes before removing. For fried pumpkin donuts; carefully flip each donut after 60 seconds of frying; then fry the other side for another 60 seconds until golden brown. Once cooled; dip your donuts in your chosen glaze; frosting; or cinnamon sugar coating.
Expert Cooking Tips
Techniques to Perfect Your Donuts
Use Pure Pumpkin Puree Only - Always reach for 100% pure pumpkin puree; not pumpkin pie filling which contains added sugars and spices that will throw off your recipe. Check the label carefully; as this is the most important ingredient difference that affects texture and flavor in your pumpkin donuts.
The Overmixing Problem - When making pumpkin donuts batter; resist the urge to mix until perfectly smooth. Mixing too much develops gluten; resulting in dense; tough pumpkin donuts rather than the tender; cake-like texture you want. Mix just until ingredients are combined; lumps are your friend here.
Temperature Control Matters - For baked pumpkin donuts; an oven thermometer ensures accurate temperature; since ovens vary. For fried pumpkin donuts; use a candy thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature for even cooking and color. Temperature fluctuations cause undercooked or overly dark pumpkin donuts.
Piping Bag Technique - Using a piping bag filled with donuts batter creates uniform; professional-looking donuts with smooth edges. This method also prevents mess and gives you better control over donut size; ensuring all your pumpkin donuts bake at the same rate.
Cooling Time is Essential - Never glaze or frost donuts while they're still warm; the glaze will melt right off. Wait at least 10-15 minutes for proper cooling; allowing your donuts to set firm enough to hold toppings.
Spice Blend Matters - The secret to authentic-tasting pumpkin donuts lies in using real spices rather than relying solely on pumpkin pie spice. Adding individual ginger; nutmeg; and cloves creates depth and complexity in your donuts that tastes homemade and special.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
Making Pumpkin Donuts Work for Every Diet
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Donuts
For those with gluten sensitivities; you can easily make gluten-free pumpkin donuts by substituting one-for-one gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose and whole wheat flour combination. The baking time remains the same; and your gluten-free donuts will have nearly identical texture to traditional versions. Make sure your gluten-free donuts batter is well combined; as gluten-free flour tends to be slightly drier than wheat flour.
Vegan Pumpkin Donuts
Transform your recipe into a vegan version by replacing eggs with flax eggs; two tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with six tablespoons water per egg. Use plant-based oil instead of butter; and swap buttermilk with non-dairy milk mixed with one tablespoon lemon juice. These vegan donuts taste indistinguishable from traditional versions and are perfect for those avoiding animal products.
Low-Carb and Keto Pumpkin Donuts
Create low-carb pumpkin donuts by replacing all-purpose flour with almond flour or a keto-friendly flour blend; reducing sugar to ¼ cup; and substituting regular sugar with erythritol or monk fruit sweetener. Keto pumpkin donuts require slightly adjusted baking time; approximately 10-12 minutes; as almond flour donuts brown differently. These donuts satisfy sweet cravings while keeping you in ketosis.
High-Protein Pumpkin Donuts
Boost the nutrition in your donuts by adding ⅓ cup vanilla protein powder to the dry ingredients. This creates protein donuts perfect for post-workout breakfasts. The extra protein doesn't significantly affect texture or taste; making these donuts a smart choice for fitness-focused families.
Dairy-Free Pumpkin Donuts
Simply replace buttermilk with dairy-free milk mixed with vinegar; and use dairy-free butter or oil. For the cream cheese frosting; use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives. Your dairy-free pumpkin donuts will taste just as delicious as the traditional version while accommodating dietary restrictions.
Equipment Recommendations
- Donut Pan - A quality non-stick donut pan is essential for making donuts; whether baked or fried. Silicone donut molds work well for baked pumpkin donuts; while metal pans are better for fried donuts. Having a standard donut pan and a mini donut pan gives you options for pumpkin donuts variety.
- Piping Bag and Tips - A pastry bag with a large round tip ensures uniform donuts and professional presentation. Disposable piping bags make cleanup easier after making pumpkin donuts.
- Candy/Deep-Fry Thermometer - If making fried donuts; a thermometer maintains proper oil temperature for consistent results. This prevents undercooked or burnt donuts.
- Electric Mixer - While hand mixing works; an electric mixer makes combining donuts ingredients faster and easier; especially the wet ingredients.
- Toothpick or Cake Tester - A simple toothpick tests for doneness in your baked donuts; ensuring they're perfectly cooked; not dry.
- Mixing Bowls - Have several medium and large bowls on hand for separating wet and dry ingredients when preparing pumpkin donuts.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Keeping Your Pumpkin Donuts Fresh and Delicious
Storing Baked Pumpkin Donuts
Store glazed or frosted pumpkin donuts in an airtight container on the counter for up to 2 days; keeping them fresh without drying out. Unfrosted donuts can sit in an airtight container for 3 days. For longer storage; place donuts in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy frozen donuts; simply thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes or warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.
Storing Fried Pumpkin Donuts
Fried pumpkin donuts stay fresh on the counter in an airtight container for 1-2 days; as they dry out faster than baked versions. For freezing fried donuts; wrap individually in plastic wrap; then place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. These donuts reheat beautifully in a microwave for 20-30 seconds per donut.
Make-Ahead Pumpkin Donuts Strategy
Prepare your donuts batter the night before and refrigerate in an airtight container; bringing it to room temperature before baking or frying. You can also prepare unfrosted donuts up to 3 days ahead; then frost them the morning you want to serve them for maximum freshness. Pre-portioning donuts batter in your piping bag and freezing overnight makes morning preparation quick and easy.
Reviving Day-Old Pumpkin Donuts
Refresh slightly stale donuts by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 15-20 seconds; making them taste almost fresh-baked. For fried donuts; a quick warm-up in a 350°F oven for 3-5 minutes restores their tender texture and brings back that donut shop experience.
Grandma's Secret That Changed Everything
The real magic in making perfect pumpkin donuts happens when you stop rushing and let the flavors meld properly. One secret professional bakers won't tell you is that adding the spices to your wet ingredients instead of just the dry mix intensifies the donuts flavor dramatically; creating depth that tastes like it came from a fancy bakery. This simple trick makes homemade donuts taste more complex and satisfying than store-bought versions.
Here's another game-changing secret for donuts; always use fresh spices purchased within the last six months. Old spices have faded flavor intensity; which means your donuts won't taste as rich or authentic. Replace your pumpkin pie spice container once yearly; and buy cinnamon; nutmeg; and ginger fresh at the beginning of fall season for absolutely perfect donuts every single time.
FAQ
Is Dunkin Donuts Selling Pumpkin Donuts Yet?
Dunkin Donuts typically releases their pumpkin donuts in late August or early September each year; bringing back the beloved fall favorite for pumpkin donut fans nationwide. However; availability varies by location; and some stores may sell out quickly. Making homemade donuts gives you the freedom to enjoy this seasonal treat whenever you want; without waiting for national release dates or dealing with limited supplies like store-bought donuts.
Does Krispy Kreme Have Pumpkin Doughnuts?
Krispy Kreme occasionally features pumpkin doughnuts during the fall season; though their offerings change year to year based on customer demand. If you can't find pumpkin doughnuts at your local Krispy Kreme; homemade pumpkin donuts offer a customizable alternative that often tastes fresher and more flavorful than commercial chain options. Making your own pumpkin donuts also lets you control sugar content and ingredient quality.
Who Makes Pumpkin Donuts?
Several major chains make pumpkin donuts seasonally; including Dunkin Donuts; Krispy Kreme; and local bakeries; but making pumpkin donuts at home puts you in control of quality and freshness. Many home bakers now make pumpkin donuts professionally through cottage food businesses; offering customers authentic; freshly-made pumpkin donuts without commercial additives. Learning to make pumpkin donuts yourself means you're never dependent on chains for this seasonal favorite.
Why Are Amish Donuts So Good?
Amish donuts taste exceptional because they're made with traditional recipes using simple; quality ingredients without artificial additives; similar to what makes homemade pumpkin donuts superior to mass-produced versions. The key to Amish donuts success is patience; proper technique; and refusing to cut corners with ingredient quality. By following authentic recipes and using techniques passed down through generations; you can make pumpkin donuts in your home that rival or exceed Amish quality
The Best Pumpkin Donuts Journey Continues
Fall baking reaches new heights when you master homemade pumpkin donuts using these proven methods and techniques. Whether you choose baked donuts for a lighter option; deep-fried ones for authentic indulgence; or creative variations like vegan and low-carb pumpkin donuts; you're creating memories and delicious moments with every batch. Once you've conquered this recipe; you're ready to explore other amazing fall desserts.
Take your donut-making skills to the next level by trying our Churro Donuts Recipe; which combines cinnamon-sugar coating with soft interior texture in ways that'll absolutely impress your family and friends. Then; satisfy chocolate cravings with our Chocolate Frosted Donuts Recipe; perfecting the art of glossy; decadent frosting that sets beautifully on warm donuts. Both recipes use similar techniques to yourrecipe experience; making them natural progressions in your baking journey this fall season.
With love from my kitchen to yours,
Ashley Johnson
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this pumpkin donuts recipe:
Homemade Pumpkin Donuts Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Donut pan For baked pumpkin donuts
- 1 Piping Bag To fill donut molds neatly
- 1 Mixing bowl set For dry and wet ingredients
- 1 Whisk To combine ingredients evenly
- 1 Candy Thermometer For frying temperature control
- 1 Cooling rack To cool donuts before glazing
Ingredients
Pumpkin Donut Batter
- 1 cup pumpkin puree Not pumpkin pie filling
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup whole wheat flour Adds extra flavor
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar For depth of sweetness
- 2 large eggs Room temperature
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil Or melted butter
- ¼ cup buttermilk Adds moisture
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger Optional
- ground nutmeg and cloves Pinch, for warmth
Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional)
- 4 oz cream cheese Softened
- 2 tablespoon butter Softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Maple Glaze (Optional)
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoon maple syrup Pure maple syrup preferred
- 2–3 tablespoon milk Adjust for consistency
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F or heat oil to 375°F. Grease donut pan or prepare fryer.
- Whisk dry ingredients together in a medium bowl.
- Combine wet ingredients until smooth, then fold in dry ingredients gently.
- Pipe batter into molds or shape donuts for frying.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes or fry 1–2 minutes per side until golden.
- Cool donuts completely before glazing or frosting.
- Dip in maple glaze or spread with cream cheese frosting.
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