Embrace the flavors of fall with these irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Cake Donuts. Perfectly fluffy and moist, these pumpkin-spiced donuts are coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture, making them an ideal treat for crisp autumn mornings or a cozy dessert. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee or as a special snack, these donuts are sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Ingredients:
For the Donuts:
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
2 large eggs
1/4 cup milk of your choice (dairy or non-dairy)
1/4 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
1/4 cup melted butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions:
Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan with non-stick spray to ensure your donuts come out easily.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. This blend of spices will infuse your donuts with the warm flavors of fall.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until the batter is smooth and well incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
Fill Donut Pan: Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full. This will ensure the donuts rise nicely and maintain their shape.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating: While the donuts are cooling, prepare the cinnamon sugar coating. In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
Coat Donuts: Dip each slightly cooled donut in the melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
Serving Tips:
Warm and Fresh: For the best flavor and texture, serve the donuts slightly warm. You can reheat them briefly in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes.
Pairing Suggestions: These donuts are perfect with a cup of hot coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. They also pair well with a dollop of whipped cream or a side of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Presentation: Arrange the donuts on a decorative plate or cake stand for an attractive presentation. Dusting them with a little extra cinnamon sugar just before serving can add a delightful finishing touch.
Garnish: For a festive touch, consider drizzling the donuts with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or sprinkling some chopped nuts on top.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature: Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This will keep them fresh and prevent them from becoming too dry.
Refrigeration: If you live in a particularly humid climate or want to extend their shelf life, you can store the donuts in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just make sure they are well-covered to avoid absorbing any odors from other foods.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the donuts. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven.
Reviving Frozen Donuts: To bring back the freshness of frozen donuts, you can warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. This will help restore their original texture.
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