I’ll never forget the first time I tasted the PERFECT pumpkin spice donuts. It was at a tiny bakery in Little Havana, and I was completely blown away. The warm spices, the moist texture…it was a flavor explosion! That moment made me realize pumpkin spice donuts could be so much more than a basic fall treat. Now, I’m obsessed with making my own version at home, and I’m about to share the recipe that will turn you into a donut-making rockstar!

For me, this pumpkin spice donuts recipe isn’t just about following steps. It’s about capturing that initial feeling of surprise and pure joy in every single bite. And let me tell you, these donuts deliver! This pumpkin spice donuts creation embodies the Cuba Queen philosophy: bold flavors, no compromises.

Get ready to transform your kitchen into a flavor fiesta! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you. Let’s make some magic with these pumpkin spice donuts!

INGREDIENTS You Need for This:

This pumpkin spice donuts ingredient list is SHORT but mighty! Don’t let the simplicity fool you – each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the ultimate fall donut experience.

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of our donut dreams. Make sure it’s fresh for the best rise.
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: This is what gives our baked donuts that light, airy texture. Don’t skimp!
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works in tandem with the baking powder for extra lift and a beautiful crumb.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: The star of the show! You can find this pre-mixed or make your own blend.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness and a little bit of moisture.
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar: Adds a caramelly depth and keeps the donuts super moist.
1/2 cup pumpkin puree: Not pumpkin pie filling! Pure pumpkin puree is the key.
1/4 cup milk: Adds moisture and helps bind everything together.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and a tender crumb.
1 large egg: Provides structure and richness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors.

The secret to epic pumpkin spice donuts is using pumpkin puree instead of pumpkin pie filling. Trust me; it makes a world of difference! For the best pumpkin pie spice, you’ll find a great selection at spice shops and some well-stocked supermarkets. Splurge on good quality vanilla extract – trust me on this. It’s a game-changer!

For a budget-friendly alternative, you can make your own pumpkin pie spice blend using cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Be sure to store your ingredients in airtight containers to keep them fresh. Fresh ingredients mean better pumpkin spice donuts!

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Ready to dive in? These step-by-step instructions will guide you to pumpkin spice donuts perfection. Don’t stress – your pumpkin spice donuts is going to be incredible!

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan or spray it with non-stick cooking spray. This ensures your donuts release easily.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Make sure everything is evenly distributed. This step is crucial for even baking.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Combine until smooth. The aroma will already be making your mouth water!
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. A few lumps are okay.
Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a large ziplock bag. If using a ziplock bag, snip off one corner. This makes filling the donut pan a breeze.
Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full. Avoid overfilling; the donuts will rise as they bake.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. In my kitchen, this pumpkin spice donuts recipe takes exactly 11 minutes to bake to perfection. This is where your pumpkin spice donuts transforms into pure magic.
Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from sticking and breaking.
While the donuts are cooling, prepare your glaze (optional). A simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk works wonders.
Dip the cooled donuts in the glaze and sprinkle with extra pumpkin pie spice (optional). This adds a touch of elegance and extra flavor.

Pro tip for pumpkin spice donuts perfection: Don’t overbake! Slightly underbaked donuts are always better than dry, overbaked ones. While your pumpkin spice donuts is working its magic, grab your camera – this is Instagram gold! Your pumpkin spice donuts should look golden brown and spring back lightly when touched.

Here’s where most people mess up their pumpkin spice donuts – but not you! Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results. Trust me; it makes a difference.

PRESENTATION:

Presentation is key to making these pumpkin spice donuts truly unforgettable. People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this pumpkin spice donuts at brunch parties. Here are a few ideas to make your donuts shine:

Glaze: A simple powdered sugar glaze is classic, but you can also get creative with cream cheese frosting or maple glaze.
Sprinkles: Pumpkin spice sprinkles, chopped nuts, or even a dusting of cocoa powder add visual appeal and flavor.
Stack them high: Arrange the donuts in a beautiful stack on a platter for a stunning centerpiece.
Pair with coffee: Serve these donuts with a warm cup of coffee or a pumpkin spice latte for the ultimate fall treat.
Mini donut skewers: Thread mini pumpkin spice donuts onto skewers for a fun and festive presentation.

This pumpkin spice donuts absolutely slays at fall-themed dessert tables! For bold pairing suggestions, try serving these donuts with spiced apple cider or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Perfect occasions for this pumpkin spice donuts include Thanksgiving brunch, Halloween parties, or just a cozy weekend morning. For creative leftover transformations, crumble the donuts and use them as a topping for yogurt or ice cream.

I’ve also tested a few seasonal variations, like adding chocolate chips or cranberries to the batter. This pumpkin spice donuts variation gets the biggest reactions! These Instagram-worthy plating techniques will make your donuts the talk of the town.

FAQs:

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common challenges and solutions for making the best pumpkin spice donuts.

Can I make this pumpkin spice donuts spicier? Absolutely! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter for a little kick. In my pumpkin spice donuts testing, a little cayenne made all the difference!
What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice? You can make your own blend by combining cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. I always have a batch of my homemade spice blend on hand.
Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree? No, pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices that will throw off the recipe. Pure pumpkin puree is the way to go for this pumpkin spice donuts recipe.
How do I know when my pumpkin spice donuts are perfectly done? A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. Also, the donuts should spring back lightly when touched. Don’t overbake!
Can I make these donuts ahead of time? Yes, you can bake the donuts a day ahead and store them in an airtight container. Glaze them just before serving.
What if I don’t have a donut pan? You can bake the batter in a muffin tin instead. Adjust the baking time accordingly. The pumpkin spice donuts will still be amazing!
Can I freeze these donuts? Yes, you can freeze baked donuts for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag.
My donuts are dry. What did I do wrong? You may have overbaked them or used too much flour. Be sure to measure your ingredients accurately and don’t overbake!

If you’re short on time, don’t be afraid to prep the dry and wet ingredients separately ahead of time. This hack saves a ton of time when making pumpkin spice donuts. Community feedback on my pumpkin spice donuts recipe has been overwhelmingly positive! Flavor adventurers love how easy and delicious these donuts are to make.

Don’t be intimidated by baking! With a little practice, you’ll be a pumpkin spice donuts master in no time. This recipe is your key to unlocking donut perfection.

CONCLUSION:

This pumpkin spice donuts recipe represents everything Cuba Queen stands for: bold flavors, accessible recipes, and unforgettable experiences. I’m confident you’ll wow your friends and family with these delightful treats.

Here are a few of my Pumpkin Spice Donuts Power Tips:

Use fresh spices: They make a HUGE difference in flavor.
Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing leads to tough donuts.
Cool completely before glazing: This prevents the glaze from melting.

Here are a few pumpkin spice donuts variations I’ve created and loved:

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Spice Donuts: Add chocolate chips to the batter for a decadent twist.
Maple Glazed Pumpkin Spice Donuts: Use maple syrup in the glaze for a warm, comforting flavor.
Nutella Swirl Pumpkin Spice Donuts: Swirl Nutella into the batter for a chocolate-hazelnut dream.

The Maple Glazed Pumpkin Spice Donuts version always gets the biggest reactions! I encourage you to make this pumpkin spice donuts your signature dish. Experiment with different flavors and toppings to create your own unique masterpiece.

I have no doubt that you’ll create amazing pumpkin spice donuts memories. Share your results with me and the Cuba Queen community! I can’t wait to see what flavor adventures you come up with.

These pumpkin spice donuts will soon be a fall favorite!

For more bold flavor adventures, check out Spiced Shrimp with Roasted Honeynut Squash. If this recipe rocks your world, you NEED to try Baked Pumpkin Donuts (Easy Recipe) – Sally’s Baking. This pumpkin spice donuts reminds me of another flavor explosion – Pumpkin Spice Donuts – Good Things Baking Co. For a different take on fall flavors, check out Baked Pumpkin Donuts – If You Give a Blonde a Kitchen. You’ll find another amazing donut recipe here Baked Pumpkin Donuts. This reminds me of my favourite fall spiced donut recipes.

pumpkin spice donuts

Print Recipe

These baked pumpkin spice donuts are a delightful fall treat! Warm spices and pumpkin puree create a moist and flavorful donut, perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.

Author: Quinn
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 12 donuts
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup packed light brown sugar
½ cup pumpkin puree
¼ cup milk
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
2 cups powdered sugar
¼ cup milk
½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
Transfer batter to a large zip-top bag and cut off one corner, or use a piping bag. Pipe batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about ⅔ full.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth.
Dip each donut into the glaze and place back on the wire rack to let the glaze set.

Notes

For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of molasses to the batter. You can also top the donuts with chopped pecans or walnuts.