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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FAQs:
Can I use a different type of sugar for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the granulated sugar or brown sugar with alternatives like coconut sugar or maple sugar. Keep in mind that these substitutes may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the donuts. If using a liquid sweetener, like maple syrup or honey, you may need to adjust the amount of liquid in the recipe to maintain the proper consistency of the batter.
Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?
Yes, if you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin instead. Spoon the batter into the muffin cups, filling them about 3/4 full. The cooking time may be slightly longer, so check for doneness with a toothpick. While they won’t have the traditional donut shape, they will still be delicious!
Can I make these donuts ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! You can prepare these donuts a day or two in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If making them further in advance, consider freezing them. Just be sure to thaw them and reheat slightly before serving to ensure they stay fresh and fluffy.
What can I do if I don’t have pumpkin puree?
If you don’t have pumpkin puree, you can substitute it with applesauce or mashed sweet potatoes. Both alternatives will provide a similar moist texture and slight sweetness. However, keep in mind that these substitutions will change the flavor profile slightly, but they will still yield a delicious donut.
Conclusion:
With their fluffy texture and irresistible cinnamon sugar coating, these Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Cake Donuts are a delightful way to celebrate the fall season. They make a perfect addition to your breakfast table, a festive treat for a gathering, or a comforting dessert. Enjoy these delicious donuts and savor the taste of autumn in every bite!
📖 Recipe:
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Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Cake Donuts
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the flavors of fall with these Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Cake Donuts. These fluffy and moist donuts are infused with warm pumpkin spices and coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture, making them the perfect treat for crisp autumn mornings or cozy desserts. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, they are ideal for any pumpkin lover!
Ingredients
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
2 large eggs
1/4 cup milk of choice
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
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan with non-stick spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
- In another bowl, combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool slightly.
- For the coating, combine sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Dip each donut in melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
Notes
Ensure the donuts are slightly cooled before dipping in butter and rolling in cinnamon sugar to prevent the coating from melting off.
Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 donuts
- Calories: 210 kcal per donut
