Our 3-ingredient pumpkin donuts combine a box of spice cake mix, heavy cream, and canned pumpkin puree to make a fall dessert filled with the warmth of autumn spices and the smooth creaminess of pumpkin. Easy to make and even easier to devour.
This pumpkin donut recipe is perfect for a quick breakfast treat, a gathering with friends, or to satisfy your midnight sugar craving.
These cake donuts require just 3 ingredients and are tasty as is but if you want a little more sweetness, you can make the maple glaze that also just requires 3 ingredients!
With as easy as these homemade donuts are to make, you can make them anytime of the year (not just during pumpkin season).
So, prepare to be whisked away into a realm where simplicity doesn’t compromise on decadence, and baking becomes as easy as 1, 2, 3!
Looking for more pumpkin recipes? You can’t go wrong with these Pumpkin Crepes for breakfast or if you want a no bake sweet treat, try this No Bake Pumpkin Pie that is perfect for a crowd.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are pumpkin donuts?
Pumpkin donuts are a variety of donuts made using pumpkin puree. They are popular for their moist texture and unique flavor profile, often enriched with autumnal spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Are pumpkin donuts healthy?
Like all treats, pumpkin donuts should be enjoyed in moderation. While they do contain nutrients from the pumpkin, such as Vitamin A and fiber, they also contain sugar and fat.
What spices go well with pumpkin donuts?
Traditional pumpkin pie spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves complement the flavor of pumpkin beautifully. Allspice and cardamom can also be added for an extra flavor punch.
Can I make vegan pumpkin donuts?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular ingredients with vegan alternatives. For example, almond milk can be used instead of regular milk, flax egg instead of an egg, and coconut oil instead of butter.
How do I store pumpkin donuts?
To store your pumpkin donuts, you should first ensure they are completely cooled to room temperature. Then, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you want to keep them for longer, you can also freeze them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. To thaw frozen donuts, simply leave them at room temperature for several hours or overnight. If the glazed pumpkin donuts are stored for some time, the glaze may become a bit more moist or soft due to the moisture in the donuts. The glaze may also start to absorb into the donuts, causing the top of the donuts to become slightly sticky. However, this should not affect the taste of the donuts, and they should still be delicious to eat. If you want to maintain the texture and appearance of the glaze, you can store the glazed donuts in a single layer on a plate or tray and cover them loosely with plastic wrap. This will help to prevent them from sticking together and preserve the texture of the glaze, but the donuts will dry out more quickly.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree for my pumpkin donuts?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. You will need to cook and puree it first. However, canned pumpkin puree is often smoother and has a more consistent flavor, making it a favorite choice for many bakers.
Are pumpkin donuts gluten-free?
Pumpkin donuts can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free flour or in this case, gluten-free spiced cake. Make sure to check the other ingredients as well to ensure they’re gluten-free. Remember, not all pumpkin donuts are gluten-free, so always check the ingredients if you’re following a strict gluten-free diet.
Things to Note:
- I highly recommend using a piping bag, or zip-top bag with a corner snipped off to easily fill the donut pan with batter. If you try to scoop it in with a spoon it will be difficult to get level and even donuts.
- Don’t overfill the donut wells with batter, as the donuts will rise and expand during baking.
- Be sure not to overcook the donuts or they will dry out. To check if the donuts are done, insert a toothpick into the center of one of the donuts. If it comes out clean, the donuts are ready. You can also tap them gently with your finger and, if they bounce back, they are finished. If they remain indented they need a few more minutes.
- Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes before turning them out onto a cooling rack to cool completely. This will prevent them from breaking or sticking to the pan.
- When making the glaze, start with less cream and gradually add more until you reach the desired consistency. If the glaze is too thin, add more powdered sugar. If it’s too thick, add more cream.
- For a more pronounced pumpkin flavor, add a teaspoon or two of pumpkin pie spice to the donut batter. You can also add a sprinkle or two of pumpkin pie spice to the top of the donuts after they have been glazed.
- To add more to these donuts, add some chopped nuts to the batter, such as pecans or walnuts, or sprinkle them on top of the glaze for added texture and flavor. You can omit the glaze and dip the donuts in melted butter and a pumpkin pie spice/sugar mixture for a different finish.
Ingredients Needed to Make 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Donuts
For The Pumpkin Donuts:
- Spice cake mix
- Pumpkin puree
- Heavy whipping cream
For The Maple Glaze (optional):
- Powdered sugar
- Maple syrup
- Heavy cream
Tools Needed:
- Donut pan(s)
- Baking spray
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand or stand mixer
- Measuring tools
- Mixing tools
- Medium mixing bowl
- Piping bag
How to Make 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Donuts
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a doughnut pan with cooking spray.
Mix together the cake mix, pumpkin puree, and heavy cream in a large mixing bowl with a hand or stand mixer until combined. The batter will be thick.
Using a piping bag, pipe batter into each donut well, filling it about ½ full of batter.
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean and the top of the donuts bounce back if gently tapped.
Remove the donuts from the oven and allow them to cool for 3-5 minutes before turning them out onto a cooling rack.
Allow the donuts to cool completely, and then make the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and maple syrup in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
Gradually pour in the heavy cream, 1 Tablespoon at a time, until you reach a thick, spreadable consistency.
Spread frosting onto the top of each donut.
Serve and enjoy!
Reasons Why We Love This Recipe:
- These are easy baked pumpkin donuts
- The donuts are made with real pumpkin
- These homemade pumpkin donuts are perfect for fall season
- It has simple ingredients
3-Ingredient Pumpkin Donuts
Equipment
Ingredients
For The Pumpkin Donuts:
- 1 box spice cake mix 15.25 oz.
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
For The Maple Glaze:
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 Tablespoons maple syrup
- 4-6 Tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a doughnut pan with cooking spray.
- Mix together the cake mix, pumpkin puree, and heavy cream in a large mixing bowl with a hand or stand mixer until combined. The batter will be thick.
- Using a piping bag, pipe batter into each donut well, filling it about ½ full of batter.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean and the top of the donuts bounce back if gently tapped.
- Remove the donuts from the oven and allow them to cool for 3-5 minutes before turning them out onto a cooling rack.
- Allow the donuts to cool completely, and then make the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and maple syrup in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
- Gradually pour in the heavy cream, 1 Tablespoon at a time, until you reach a thick, spreadable consistency.
- Spread frosting onto the top of each donut.
- Serve and enjoy!
NUTRITION
Nutrition information is a rough estimate only; actual values will vary based on the exact ingredients used and amount of recipe prepared.