As the leaves turn and the air gets crisper, I find myself craving the comforting embrace of a delicious fall treat—enter my Super Soft Fried Pumpkin Donuts. These delightful little gems not only look like pumpkins but are incredibly fluffy and coated in a warm dusting of cinnamon sugar, making them the ultimate holiday indulgence. With a creamy spiced pumpkin filling hiding inside, they offer a surprising twist that transforms a classic dessert into something truly spectacular. The best part? They’re quick to whip up and perfect for sharing, ensuring you have a crowd-pleaser for all your autumn gatherings. So, are you ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into the cozy world of homemade goodness? Let’s get started!

Why Are These Pumpkin Donuts Irresistible?

Festive Flair: These donuts are shaped like pumpkins, bringing an adorable twist to your fall festivities.

Fluffy Goodness: Expect a super soft texture that melts in your mouth, making every bite a delightful experience.

Spiced Surprise: The creamy spiced pumpkin filling adds a rich depth of flavor that’s simply unforgettable.

Quick & Easy: Even busy bakers can whip these up in no time, perfect for impromptu gatherings.

Sharing is Caring: Ideal for parties, these treats are sure to impress friends and family alike. Want more festive recipes? Check out my cozy autumn favorites for more delicious options!

Pumpkin Donut Ingredients

For the Dough

Milk – Warm (between 95-105°F) to activate the yeast; non-dairy alternatives like almond milk work well too.
Active Dry Yeast – Essential for rising; substitute with instant yeast for simpler activation.
All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; be sure to fluff and spoon for accurate measurement. For gluten-free, consider a baking blend (not tested).
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the dough; coconut sugar can be a healthier substitution.
Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor; essential for a well-rounded taste.
Pumpkin Spice – Adds that signature fall flavor; homemade blends are easy to make!

For the Filling

Pumpkin Puree – The base flavor; ensure it’s pure pumpkin, not pie filling. Both canned and fresh work beautifully.
Egg – Provides stability and moisture; use a flax egg for a vegan alternative.
Unsalted Butter – Infuses richness; a non-dairy butter can substitute for dairy-free needs.
Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the filling; consider a sugar alternative like powdered monk fruit if desired.
Heavy Cream – Makes the filling luscious; swap it for coconut cream for a dairy-free option.

For the Coating

Ground Cinnamon – For that warm, comforting cinnamon sugar coating; feel free to adjust the amount to your taste.
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture – Quickly mixed to toss the donuts in after frying for that extra flavor boost.

Indulge in the delightful magic of Pumpkin Donuts this fall!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Pumpkin Donuts

Step 1: Activate Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm milk (between 95-105°F) and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 3-5 minutes until it becomes frothy; this indicates that your yeast is activated and ready to help your pumpkin donuts rise beautifully.

Step 2: Make Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, salt, and pumpkin spice. Pour in the activated yeast mixture, along with pumpkin puree and the egg. Mix until a sticky dough forms, then knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, passing the window pane test.

Step 3: Incorporate Butter
Once your dough is smooth, add in the softened unsalted butter. Knead it into the dough for another 5 minutes until fully absorbed; the dough should feel soft and pliable. This step contributes to the rich flavor and fluffy texture of your pumpkin donuts.

Step 4: First Proof
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and set it in a warm area for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This is crucial for achieving that light and airy texture in your pumpkin donuts.

Step 5: Shape
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and shape each into a ball. For a festive twist, wrap each ball with twine to create a segmented look reminiscent of pumpkins.

Step 6: Second Proof
Place the shaped donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet, covering them loosely with a kitchen towel. Allow them to proof again in a warm area for 45 minutes to 1 hour until they are puffy and nearly doubled in size. This step is vital to achieve that fluffy quality in your pumpkin donuts.

Step 7: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar
While the donuts are proofing, mix together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. This will create a delicious coating that enhances the flavor of your pumpkin donuts once they are fried and still warm.

Step 8: Make Filling
In a mixing bowl, whip together cream cheese, pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, powdered sugar, and heavy cream until thick and creamy. Refrigerate the filling until needed so it firms up, giving your pumpkin donuts that delightful surprise once you bite into them.

Step 9: Fry Donuts
Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 325°F. Carefully fry the donuts in batches, about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and crisp. Use a slotted spoon to drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil before coating them in cinnamon sugar.

Step 10: Fill (if desired)
Allow the fried pumpkin donuts to cool slightly, then use a piping bag fitted with a round tip to pipe the spiced cream filling into each donut. Fill them generously for an extra creamy experience that complements the delightful flavors of pumpkin.

Make Ahead Options

These Pumpkin Donuts are a fantastic choice for meal prep, ensuring that you can enjoy a delightful treat with minimal effort during those busy days. You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the first proofing step, then refrigerate it to slow down the rising process. The spiced cream filling can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days—just remember to cover it tightly to maintain its freshness. When you’re ready to serve, simply shape and fry the donuts right before your event for that warm, freshly-made taste. With these tips, you’ll have delicious, homemade Pumpkin Donuts just waiting to impress!

What to Serve with Super Soft Fried Pumpkin Donuts?

Enjoy these cozy donuts with delightful accompaniments for a fulfilling autumn experience.

Spiced Chai Latte: The warm spices of chai complement the pumpkin perfectly, creating a harmonious taste that warms the soul.
Apple Cider: Crisp, refreshing, and slightly sweet, apple cider is the quintessential fall drink that pairs beautifully with pumpkin treats.
Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, spiced donuts for a comforting combination.
Maple Drizzle: A touch of maple syrup enhances the natural sweetness of the donuts, adding another layer of fall flavor that feels indulgent.
Candied Pecans: Their crunch and caramelized sweetness provide a delightful texture contrast to the fluffy donuts, elevating the entire dessert experience.
Fresh Fruit Salad: Vibrant seasonal fruits like apples and pears provide freshness and balance, making for a lighter and colorful plate alongside the rich donuts.
Pumpkin Spice Latte: Enhance the pumpkin experience by pairing these donuts with a warm, spiced latte—like a perfect flavor duet on a cozy fall afternoon.
Sweetened Cream Cheese Dip: A smooth and creamy dip made with cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of vanilla creates a luscious complement for dipping your donuts.
Hot Chocolate: Rich and chocolatey hot cocoa provides a decadent pairing that makes each bite of pumpkin donut extra special during chilly evenings.

Storage Tips for Pumpkin Donuts

Room Temperature: Store unfilled pumpkin donuts in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and softness.

Refrigerator: If filled with spiced cream, these donuts are best enjoyed the same day. However, you can refrigerate leftovers for up to a day to preserve the filling.

Freezer: Freeze uncoated pumpkin donuts in a single layer, then transfer to an airtight freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.

Filling Storage: For the spiced cream filling, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week or freeze for later use, ensuring a delightful surprise in your freshly baked pumpkin donuts!

Pumpkin Donuts Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to tailor these pumpkin donuts to suit your taste buds or dietary needs, adding your own creative twist!

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free baking blend instead of all-purpose flour for a delightful gluten-free version.
Experiment with different blends to find the one that gives you the fluffiest texture.
Dairy-Free: Swap unsalted butter for a dairy-free butter alternative and use coconut cream in your filling.
These simple changes will keep the rich taste while making it accessible for vegan friends!
Flavor Boost: Try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract into the dough for an extra depth of flavor.
This can elevate the overall aroma and create a delightful surprise with each bite.
Sugar Alternatives: If you’re looking for a healthier option, substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar or use a sugar alternative in the filling.
It maintains sweetness while making your donuts a bit guilt-free!
Spice Variation: Switch out pumpkin spice for apple pie spice or chai spice for a different seasonal vibe.
Each blend brings its unique charm to your donuts, inviting delightful variations every autumn!
Filling Change: For a fun twist, try filling donuts with different flavors like chocolate ganache or creamy maple frosting.
These delicious options can keep your family and friends guessing for what’s inside!
Baking Option: For a healthier take, bake the donuts instead of frying them. Simply shape as usual and bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes.
They might be less indulgent but are still a wonderful fall treat!

Want more festive ideas? Check out my cozy autumn favorites for more delicious options that celebrate the season!

Expert Tips for Pumpkin Donuts

Yeast Activation: Ensure your yeast is frothy before use. If it doesn’t foam, start over with fresh yeast to avoid dense donuts.
Temperature Matters: Take care to maintain the oil temperature at 325°F. A thermometer is your best friend for even, perfectly fried pumpkin donuts.
Don’t Rush the Proofing: Allow the dough to double in size during both proofs. Rushed dough leads to dense, chewy donuts instead of fluffy delights.
Window Pane Test: Knead until your dough passes the window pane test, stretching thin without tearing. This creates the perfect structure for your pumpkin donuts.
Serve Fresh: Although you can freeze uncoated donuts, they taste best fresh. Enjoy them warm for that heavenly texture everyone loves!
Filling Tips: For even filling, use a piping bag and twist the donut slightly while filling. This ensures each bite is loaded with that creamy pumpkin goodness!

Pumpkin Donuts Recipe FAQs

What type of pumpkin puree should I use?
Absolutely! For the best results in your pumpkin donuts, use pure pumpkin puree—either canned or homemade. Avoid pumpkin pie filling, as it contains added sugars and spices that could alter the flavor and texture of your donuts.

How should I store leftover pumpkin donuts?
For unfilled pumpkin donuts, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them fresh. If you have filled donuts, enjoy them the same day; however, you can refrigerate them for up to a day if needed.

Can I freeze pumpkin donuts?
Yes, you can freeze uncoated pumpkin donuts! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to an airtight freezer bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake them at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until warmed through.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
No worries! If your dough is too sticky to handle, it’s likely a matter of flour measurement. Add flour a tablespoon at a time while kneading until it becomes workable. Keep in mind that the dough should still be slightly tacky to ensure that your donuts are fluffy and light.

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
Certainly! While I haven’t tested specific gluten-free alternatives, I recommend using a gluten-free baking blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour. Ensure it contains xanthan gum for the best structure. Don’t forget to adjust the liquid content if needed!

Are there any allergens in pumpkin donuts?
Yes, pumpkin donuts contain common allergens like eggs, milk, and gluten from the flour. For a dairy-free option, use non-dairy milk and butter substitutes, and for vegans, consider a flax egg instead of regular eggs. Always check ingredient labels to avoid hidden allergens!