These old-fashioned Pumpkin Donuts are the ultimate Fall treat, made with simple ingredients and the perfect amount of pumpkin spice, then covered in a delicious buttermilk glaze.
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Donut Recipe
I’m a big fan of donuts, so of course they’re a food I like to make from scratch on occasion. Pumpkin donuts in the fall are a big treat and you’ll absolutely love these Pumpkin Spice Donuts!
This pumpkin donut recipe has the perfect amount of warm fall spices and pumpkin flavoring, and it’s all covered in a buttermilk glaze with a glossy covering on the outside. This is a traditional fried donut recipe. If you want to bake donuts instead, try our baked pumpkin donut holes.
While you’re here, be sure to check out these other amazing pumpkin recipes: Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins | The Best Pumpkin Bars | Pumpkin Dump Cake | Pumpkin Monkey Bread
The Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make the Pumpkin Spice Buttermilk Donuts recipe (the exact measurements and full recipe instructions are below in the printable recipe card):
Donuts:
- Flour – all-purpose flour is needed.
- Sugar – you’ll need granulated sugar.
- Baking powder– this will give the donuts volume and a light texture.
- Salt
- Pumpkin pie spice
- Pumpkin puree – make sure your using puree and not pumpkin pie filling.
- Buttermilk – we highly recommend using buttermilk, but regular milk can also be used.
- Eggs – we also like to use large eggs at room temperature.
- Butter – use unsalted butter.
- Vanilla extract – this will give a nice flavor to the donuts.
- Vegetable oil – you’ll need this for frying and can also use canola oil.
Glaze:
- Powdered sugar
- Buttermilk
- Vanilla extract
How To Make Pumpkin Donuts
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
- In a separate medium mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry and mix until the dough is combined. (The batter will still be quite sticky.)
- Turn the dough out onto a well-floured surface and roll out to about 1/2 inch thickness. (The donuts will puff up while frying.) Use a donut cutter to cut out donuts and donut holes.
- Heat 3-inches of oil in a large skillet or pot over medium high heat. When the oil reaches 350F, carefully slide a few donuts into the oil, frying each side until lightly browned. Fry the donuts in small batches until they’re all cooked.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the ingredients for the glaze until smooth. Dip each warm donut into the glaze and place back on the wire cooling rack for excess glaze to drip off.
- Cool the donuts slightly on a wire rack.
Do I Need A Deep Fryer To Make Pumpkin Donuts?
A deep fryer is not essential for making donuts. I used a heavy pot on the stove and watched the temperature with a frying thermometer.
The benefit of using a deep fryer is that it is easier to control the temperature, so if you do have a fryer it would be a helpful appliance to use when making these donuts.
Can I bake pumpkin donuts instead of frying?
I would not recommend baking with this recipe. These pumpkin donuts are made with a dough that needs frying. A baked pumpkin donut has a different consistency.
Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice
You can make your own pumpkin pie spice to use in this recipe and have on hand for other uses. Just combine the following in a small bowl:3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
Store the pumpkin pie spice in a zip top bag or a small jar with a lid.
How to Store Pumpkin Spice Donuts
Keep the leftover pumpkin donuts in an airtight food storage container or a zip top bag. They will stay fresh at room temperature for up to three days.
Can I freeze homemade pumpkin donuts?Yes! Freeze them before you put the glaze on. Donuts will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Store them in a freezer safe container or zip-lock bag.
More Donut Recipes
- Boston Cream Donuts
- Baked Apple Donuts
- Vanilla Cream Donuts
- Easy Canned Biscuit Donuts
- Best Apple Fritters
Pumpkin Donuts
Ingredients
Donuts
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Vegetable or canola oil for frying
Buttermilk Glaze
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
- In a separate medium mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry and mix until the dough is combined. (The dough will still be quite sticky.)
- Turn the dough out onto a well-floured surface and roll out to about 1/2 inch thickness. (The donuts will puff up while frying.) Use a donut cutter to cut out donuts and donut holes.
- Heat 3-inches of oil in a large skillet or pot over medium high heat. When the oil reaches 350F, carefully slide a few donuts into the oil, frying each side until lightly browned. Fry the donuts in small batches until they’re all cooked.
- Cool the donuts slightly on a wire rack.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the ingredients for the glaze until smooth. Dip each warm donut into the glaze and place back on the wire cooling rack for excess glaze to drip off.
Last Step:
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