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Pumpkin Spice Donuts are quintessentially fall. It reminds you of pumpkin patches, leaves changing colors and cozy warm sweaters. You do not need to go out and buy this treat, you can make them in minutes at home and enjoy this delicious fall goodness.
These pumpkin spice donuts start out with a box cake mix and are baked not fried. Therefore, it is a little healthier a treat to serve to your family, and also means not too much work to prepare them. No need to go to a donut shop or pumpkin patch to make this delicious treat. This pumpkin donut and apple cider donuts are synonymous with fall.
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What We Love About This Pumpkin Donuts Recipe
The pumpkin spice donut is super moist because of the addition of the pumpkin puree and it isn’t as heavy as a traditional cake donut. Also, you get to control the amount of spice you add so it is perfect for your family.
- 15 Minute Dessert: Whip up this dessert in just minutes, have warm donuts anytime.
- Basic Ingredients: Only 3 ingredients for this easy recipe are found in the pantry or fridge, and this recipe makes a dozen donuts.
- Family Friendly: These donuts make an extra special treat for your family and friends. They will love them from the first time they take a bite.
- Adaptable: Can make this delicious recipe low-carb, gluten-free, dairy free, vegan etc.
- Makes Great Leftovers: Have for dessert and breakfast the next day.
Ingredient Notes
- White Box Cake Mix: Any brand will work for these delicious pumpkin donuts
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: Find in the spice section in the grocery store or make your own
- Pumpkin Puree: This is 100% pure pumpkin needed for the donut batter
Pumpkin Spice Glaze
- Cream Cheese Frosting: 1 container of any brand
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: One teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice for more pumpkin spice flavor
Equipment Needed
- Donut Mold
- KitchenAid Classic Mixing Bowls
- OCTAVO 5 Speed Hand Mixer Electric
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoon
- Ziploc bag
- Pastry bag/ piping Bag
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Cake Donuts
These are the basic steps for making homemade pumpkin donuts. Please refer to the recipe card below for more detailed instructions.
STEP 1: PREP
First, preheat the oven to 425 degrees and grease two donut pans with nonstick cooking spray.
STEP 2: MIX
In a large bowl whisk together the cake mix and pumpkin pie spice until combined. Then add the pumpkin puree and stir until the ingredients are well combined. Transfer the batter to a gallon size bag and cut the corner off one end. Pipe the mixture into your donut pans.
STEP 3: BAKE
Next, bake the donuts for 8 to 10 minutes, until the donut springs back when pressed with your finger. Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for five minutes, then transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool donuts completely.
STEP 4: ICE
When the donuts are cool, prepare the glaze by heating the icing in the microwave in 15 second intervals until melted. Then, add the pumpkin pie spice and whisk to combine. Finally, dip each donut in the glaze and return it to the wire rack to cool.
Prep and Storage Tips for this Pumpkin Donuts Recipe
HOW TO MAKE THIS RECIPE AHEAD OF TIME
Truly, there is no need to do much prep in advance. If you are making your own pumpkin spice mix you can prepare that in advance.
HOW TO STORE THIS RECIPE
Store the donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese glaze. They can be left out at room temperature for about two hours.
HOW TO FREEZE THIS RECIPE
Freeze the donuts, without frosting, if possible, in a freezer bag or airtight container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator than ice.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pumpkin Baked Donuts
There are several ways to make this recipe healthier, such as:
* Use a gluten-free cake mix.
* Try a sugar free or low sugar box cake mix.
* Omit the cream cheese glaze to save calories or for a vegan donut treat.
Of course, use a mini donut pan and cook for roughly 10 minutes. Donut holes would be fun too.
Indeed, having a fall party or birthday? Make a lot of these pumpkin baked donuts.
No, the pie filling is already sweetened and has the spices added. If you use this in place of the pumpkin puree, the dessert will have too much sugar and spice.
Expert Tips for Making This Pumpkin Spice Donuts Recipe
- Add a different glaze: Make a maple glaze out of maple syrup.
- Powdered Sugar: Try dusting with a little powdered sugar instead of the glaze.
- Variation tip: Dip the donuts in melted butter with a little vanilla extract and then roll in a mixture of cinnamon sugar. Cinnamon Sugar Coating is wonderful on these baked donuts.
- Alternate ingredient: Fun sprinkles, with pumpkins and fall leaves can be added to the donut before the icing sets.
- Different cooking method tip: These donuts can be fried, but for best results bake them in the oven.
- Dietary consideration tip: Do not glaze for vegan pumpkin spice donuts.
What to Serve with Pumpkin Spice Donuts
- Apple Cider
- Pumpkin Spice Lattes
- Hot Chocolate
- Cup of Coffee
Did you try this recipe?
⭐ Click below to leave a review and rating! ⭐
Pumpkin Spice Donuts
Equipment
- Donut Mold
- Measuring Spoon
Ingredients
- 1 white cake mix, box
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 15- ounce pumpkin puree
- Ingredients for the Glaze:
- 1 cream cheese frosting, 1 container
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees and grease two donut pans with nonstick cooking spray.
- Whisk together the cake mix and pumpkin pie spice until combined.
- Add the pumpkin puree and stir until the ingredients are well combined.
- Transfer the batter to a gallon size bag and cut the corner off one end. Pipe the mixture into your donut pans.
- Bake the donuts for 8 to 10 minutes, until the donut springs back when pressed with your finger.
- Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for five minutes, then transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
- When the donuts are cool, prepare the glaze by heating the icing in the microwave in 15 second intervals until melted. Add the pumpkin pie spice and whisk to combine.
- Dip each donut in the glaze and return it to the wire rack to cool.
Expert Tips
- Add a different glaze: Make a maple glaze out of maple syrup.
- Powdered Sugar: Try dusting with a little powdered sugar instead of the glaze.
- Variation tip: Dip the donuts in melted butter with a little vanilla extract and then roll in a mixture of cinnamon sugar. Cinnamon Sugar Coating is wonderful on these baked donuts.
- Alternate ingredient: Fun sprinkles, with pumpkins and fall leaves can be added to the donut before the icing sets.
- Different cooking method tip: These donuts can be fried, but for best results bake them in the oven.
- Dietary consideration tip: Do not glaze for vegan pumpkin spice donuts.
I love pumpkin spice but I’ve never had a pumpkin spice donut before. What a great idea. Thanks for sharing.
These donuts are perfect for fall! We had so much fun making them at home, and enjoyed eating them even more.
I am so done with summer and ready for fall. These donuts are a perfect fall meal to tide me over until it arrives! Thanks for the great recipe!
This is so quick and easy to make pumpkin spice donuts! Really loved how flavorful it is, highly recommended! Will have this again!