Name: Pumpkin Donut Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-488587H33M
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 package yellow cake mix (15.25 oz.); 1 (15 oz.) can pumpkin puree; Caramel drizzle; Frosting of choice; Sprinkles; Powdered sugar

Jump to Recipe

If you have a soft spot for cozy autumn flavors and crave an easy treat that feels like a hug in every bite, then you’re going to adore this Pumpkin Donut Recipe. It’s a perfect balance of moist, tender donuts infused with pumpkin’s natural sweetness and warm spices, all whipped up from just a couple of simple ingredients. Whether you’re baking for a festive occasion or a comforting snack, these donuts bring pumpkin’s rich character straight to your kitchen with minimal effort but maximum flavor. Trust me, once you try this Pumpkin Donut Recipe, it’ll quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is delightfully straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect pumpkin-infused donut. The simplicity is part of what makes this Pumpkin Donut Recipe so inviting and accessible, especially for those who love quick but tasty baking projects.

Yellow cake mix: Acts as the fluffy base, providing structure and a subtle sweetness that complements the pumpkin beautifully.
Pumpkin puree: Brings moisture, that signature autumnal flavor, and a lovely orange hue to the donuts.

How to Make Pumpkin Donut Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring it reaches the right temperature so your donuts bake evenly and develop a perfect tender crumb. Don’t forget to grease your donut pan, which prevents sticking and helps your donuts keep their shape.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix with the can of pumpkin puree. This simple combination might seem too easy, but it’s the magic behind the moist, flavorful texture of your donuts. If you want to customize, consider a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg, but the base recipe stands strong on its own.

Step 3: Fill the Donut Pan

Because the batter is quite thick, transfer it into a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with one corner snipped off. This method helps you portion the batter neatly into each cavity of your greased donut pan, filling them about halfway to leave room for rising without overflow.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. The donuts are done when a gentle touch on the top springs back quickly—this is your cue that they’re light, fluffy, and ready to come out.

Step 5: Cool and Decorate

Allow your donuts to cool completely before adding any toppings like a luscious caramel drizzle, a dusting of powdered sugar, or colorful sprinkles. Decorating is the fun part where you can get creative or keep it simple.

Step 6: Storing (If Not Eating Immediately)

If you need to save some for later, keep your plain donuts in an airtight container for up to a day. Add frosting or toppings just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.

How to Serve Pumpkin Donut Recipe

Garnishes

Top these pumpkin donuts with a warm caramel drizzle, a light sprinkling of powdered sugar, or even a cinnamon sugar blend for an extra touch of warmth. Each garnish adds a different layer of flavor and appeal, making every bite feel special and festive.

Side Dishes

Pair these donuts with a steaming cup of spiced chai tea or rich coffee to complement the pumpkin’s cozy flavors. For brunch or breakfast, they’re lovely alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream to balance their sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Display your donuts on a rustic wooden board with autumn leaves scattered around for an inviting look. Alternatively, stack them in a tiered tray for parties or drizzle them with chocolate to add an indulgent twist that’ll wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, keep the plain donuts in an airtight container at room temperature and consume them within one day for the best texture. Avoid adding any glaze or powdered sugar before storing to prevent sogginess.

Freezing

You can freeze these donuts before decorating by wrapping them well in plastic wrap and placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature and add your favorite toppings fresh.

Reheating

To bring your frozen or stored donuts back to life, a quick warm-up in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds works wonders. This little heat burst revives their soft, moist texture and makes them taste freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I add spices to the Pumpkin Donut Recipe?

Absolutely! While the basic recipe is simple, adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger can enhance the warm pumpkin flavor and give your donuts a more traditional autumnal taste.

Do I need a special donut pan to make this recipe?

Using a donut pan helps shape the batter into classic donut forms, but if you don’t have one, you can bake the batter in muffin tins for a slightly different but equally delicious treat.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The traditional yellow cake mix contains gluten, but you can experiment by using a gluten-free cake mix to make this Pumpkin Donut Recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

Can I make these donuts vegan?

You can try substituting the yellow cake mix with a vegan-friendly mix and make sure your pumpkin puree is plain. However, double-check ingredient labels and test small batches for the best results.

How do I prevent the donuts from drying out?

The pumpkin puree helps keep these donuts moist, but to prevent drying out, don’t overbake them and store them properly in an airtight container. Adding frosting or glaze just before serving also helps maintain moisture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about making a homemade pumpkin treat that feels both indulgent and effortless, and this Pumpkin Donut Recipe hits that sweet spot every single time. It’s quick to make, irresistibly tasty, and perfect for sharing with friends or family. I’m so excited for you to try it and make it your own—because these donuts really are little bites of autumn joy!

Pumpkin Donut Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 26 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 12 donuts 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Deliciously moist and easy-to-make pumpkin donuts made with yellow cake mix and pumpkin puree. Perfect for a quick fall treat or any time you crave a flavorful, spiced donut without the fuss of making batter from scratch. These donuts bake quickly and can be topped with caramel drizzle, frosting, sprinkles, or powdered sugar for extra indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

1 package yellow cake mix (15.25 oz.)

Wet Ingredients

1 (15 oz.) can pumpkin puree

Optional Toppings

Caramel drizzle
Frosting of choice
Sprinkles
Powdered sugar

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for baking the donuts evenly.
Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the dry yellow cake mix and the can of pumpkin puree until just blended. You can add additional flavorings like cinnamon or nutmeg if you desire, but it’s not necessary.
Fill Donut Pan: To make filling easier, transfer the thick batter into a piping bag. Pipe the batter into a greased donut pan, filling each cavity about halfway full to allow room for rising during baking.
Bake Donuts: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Check for doneness by gently pressing on the top of a donut; if it springs back, they are ready.
Cool and Decorate: Let the donuts cool completely on a wire rack before applying any toppings like caramel drizzle, frosting, sprinkles, or powdered sugar.
Storage: Store any plain donuts in an airtight container for up to 1 day. Add toppings like caramel or powdered sugar only when you are ready to serve to keep them fresh.

Notes

Use a piping bag or zip-top bag with a corner cut off to easily fill the donut pan.
Donuts are best eaten the same day but can be stored plain for up to 24 hours.
Add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves to the batter for classic pumpkin flavor enhancement.
Ensure the donut pan is well greased to prevent sticking.
Do not overfill donut molds; filling halfway allows for proper rising without overflow.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American