Easy Pumpkin Donuts with Spiced Glaze Recipe
Introduction
These easy pumpkin donuts are a perfect seasonal treat that combines warm spices and rich pumpkin flavor in a simple, quick recipe. Made from a spice cake mix and pumpkin puree, they deliver bakery-quality taste without the hassle. Enjoy a cozy fall snack that’s moist, flavorful, and topped with a sweet glaze.
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) spice cake mix
- 1 can (15 oz) pure pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease each well of a donut pan with nonstick spray and set it aside.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the spice cake mix and pumpkin puree. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend until smooth, with no dry streaks. Stir in pumpkin pie spice if using.
- Step 3: Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner cut off. Pipe the batter evenly into the greased donut wells, filling them about two-thirds full.
- Step 4: Bake the donuts in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, until they spring back lightly when touched and are no longer wet on top. Begin checking at 12 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Step 5: Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack. Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and cinnamon (if using) to make the glaze. Dip or drizzle the glaze over the slightly cooled donuts before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the batter along with the pumpkin pie spice.
Storage
Store the pumpkin donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds before serving to refresh their softness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Fresh pumpkin needs to be cooked and pureed until smooth before using. Since canned pumpkin puree is cooked and consistent in texture, it’s best for this recipe to ensure the right moisture and flavor balance.
What can I substitute for pumpkin pie spice?
If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, combine ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger, and a pinch of cloves to create a similar warm spice blend.
PrintEasy Pumpkin Donuts with Spiced Glaze Recipe
These easy pumpkin donuts are a delightful fall treat featuring moist, spiced cake mix combined with pure pumpkin puree. Baked to perfection and finished with a simple cinnamon glaze, they provide a cozy, bakery-style experience that’s quick enough for any weeknight or weekend gathering.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings (6 donuts) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Donut Batter
- 1 box (15.25 oz) spice cake mix
- 1 can (15 oz) pure pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (optional)
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Lightly grease each well of a donut pan with nonstick spray to ensure easy removal of the donuts after baking. Set the pan aside.
- Mix Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the spice cake mix and the entire can of pumpkin puree. Using a hand mixer or a whisk, blend until the batter is smooth and no dry streaks remain. If desired, stir in the pumpkin pie spice to enhance the flavor.
- Fill Donut Pan: Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner cut off. Pipe the batter evenly into the donut wells, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising without overflow.
- Bake Donuts: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The donuts are ready when they spring back lightly to the touch and the tops are no longer wet. Begin checking for doneness at 12 minutes as oven temperatures vary.
- Cool and Glaze: Allow the donuts to rest in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool slightly. Meanwhile, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and cinnamon until smooth. Dip each donut into the glaze or drizzle the glaze over them before serving.
Notes
- You can omit the pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Make sure not to overfill the donut wells to prevent batter from spilling over while baking.
- Store donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- For a dairy-free glaze, substitute the milk with almond milk or another plant-based milk.
- Use fresh pumpkin puree or canned pumpkin for best results; avoid pumpkin pie filling which contains added sugar and spices.
Keywords: pumpkin donuts, easy pumpkin recipe, baked donuts, fall desserts, spiced cake donuts
