Frosted pumpkin doughnuts are a delightful treat that combines the warm flavors of fall with a sweet, creamy frosting. They are soft, fluffy, and perfect for any autumn day. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven, or savor them with a cup of your favorite hot beverage. These doughnuts are easy to make and are sure to impress your friends and family!
Why Make This Recipe
Making frosted pumpkin doughnuts is a great way to bring the flavors of the season right into your kitchen. They are not only delicious but also perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a fun dessert. Plus, they are simple enough for any skill level. With just a few ingredients, you can create something special that everyone will love!
How to Make Frosted Pumpkin Doughnuts
Making delicious frosted pumpkin doughnuts is easy! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of homemade treats in no time.
Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (plus more if needed)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: food coloring, cinnamon
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cavity doughnut pan or lightly spray with cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared doughnut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the doughnuts spring back when lightly touched and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let the doughnuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, if the frosting is too thick.
- Dip the top of each cooled doughnut into the frosting and let the excess drip off. Place the frosted doughnuts on a wire rack and let the frosting set for a few minutes. Optionally, sprinkle with cinnamon or use food coloring for festive decorations.
- Enjoy these Frosted Pumpkin Doughnuts with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot cider for the ultimate fall treat!
How to Serve Frosted Pumpkin Doughnuts
Serve these frosted pumpkin doughnuts warm or at room temperature. They pair wonderfully with coffee, tea, or hot apple cider. You can also serve them on a platter as a sweet treat for brunch or a dessert table.
How to Store Frosted Pumpkin Doughnuts
Store any leftover frosted pumpkin doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, place them in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the doughnuts before frosting them. Just thaw them before frosting and serving.
Tips to Make Frosted Pumpkin Doughnuts
- Be careful not to overmix the batter; this will keep your doughnuts light and fluffy.
- Ensure your doughnut pan is well-greased to prevent sticking.
- For a fun twist, you can add chocolate chips or nuts to the batter for added texture.
Variation
You can customize your frosted pumpkin doughnuts by adding different spices or extracts, such as allspice or almond extract. You can also decorate them with different colored frosting or toppings.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin, but make sure it’s pureed and cooked down to remove excess moisture.What if I don’t have a doughnut pan?
You can use a muffin tin instead, but the baking time may vary. Check for doneness with a toothpick.Can I make the doughnut batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter a few hours in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
Enjoy creating these tasty frosted pumpkin doughnuts and celebrate the flavors of fall!
Frosted Pumpkin Doughnuts
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (plus more if needed)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Ingredients
- food coloring for decoration
- cinnamon for optional sprinkling
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cavity doughnut pan or lightly spray with cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared doughnut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
Baking
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the doughnuts spring back when lightly touched and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let the doughnuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frosting
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, if the frosting is too thick.
- Dip the top of each cooled doughnut into the frosting and let the excess drip off. Place the frosted doughnuts on a wire rack and let the frosting set for a few minutes. Optionally, sprinkle with cinnamon or use food coloring for festive decorations.