Baking these cinnamon sugar pumpkin cake donuts is like wrapping yourself in a cozy fall blanket. They’re perfectly spiced, irresistibly tender, and coated in a crunchy cinnamon sugar topping that’ll have you reaching for seconds (or thirds).
Why This Recipe Works
- The combination of pumpkin puree and warm spices creates a moist, flavorful donut that’s packed with autumn vibes.
- Baking instead of frying makes these donuts a lighter option without sacrificing texture or taste.
- The cinnamon sugar coating adds a delightful crunch and sweetness that complements the pumpkin perfectly.
- This recipe is straightforward, requiring no fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients.
- They’re perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any time you need a little pumpkin spice in your life.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the coating: 1/2 cup granulated sugar + 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Equipment Needed
- Donut pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease your donut pan. This ensures your donuts will pop out easily after baking. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This blend of dry ingredients will give your donuts that signature spiced flavor.
Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth. The pumpkin puree not only adds flavor but also moisture, making the donuts tender.
Combine and Fill
Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough donuts. Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off for easy filling. Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean. The donuts should be springy to the touch. Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Coat and Serve
While the donuts are still warm, mix the cinnamon and sugar for the coating in a shallow bowl. Roll each donut in the mixture until fully coated. The warmth helps the sugar stick better. Serve immediately for the best texture.
Tips and Tricks
For an extra moist donut, you can substitute the milk with buttermilk. If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin, though the cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly. To ensure even baking, rotate the pan halfway through the cooking time. For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend. And if you’re out of pumpkin puree, sweet potato puree makes a great substitute.
Recipe Variations
- Add a cream cheese filling by injecting a small amount into the center of each donut after baking.
- For a chocolate twist, mix in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
- Top with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk instead of the cinnamon sugar coating.
- Incorporate chopped nuts or oats into the batter for added texture.
- Make mini donuts by using a mini donut pan and reducing the baking time to 6-8 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the donuts a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. However, for the best texture, wait to coat them in cinnamon sugar until just before serving.
Can I freeze these donuts?
Absolutely! Freeze the baked but uncoated donuts in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature and coat with cinnamon sugar before serving.
Why did my donuts turn out dense?
This usually happens if the batter is overmixed. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep the donuts light and fluffy.
Summary
These cinnamon sugar pumpkin cake donuts are a must-try for any pumpkin spice lover. Easy to make and even easier to eat, they’re the perfect treat to welcome the fall season.