Spiced Pumpkin Delight Donuts with Creamy Pumpkin Frosting
Indulge in the warm flavors of fall with these delightful Spiced Pumpkin Delight Donuts, perfectly complemented by a luscious Creamy Pumpkin Frosting. Made with a blend of aromatic spices and rich pumpkin puree, these homemade donuts are a seasonal treat that's great for sharing with family and friends. The frosting, infused with the zesty brightness of orange, adds a unique twist that elevates these soft and fluffy donuts. Whether enjoyed at breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or at a festive gathering, these donuts are sure to please any crowd and become a cherished autumn favorite.
24
Servings
N/A
Calories
23
Ingredients
Ingredients
Flour
3 1/2 cups (Sifted)
Baking Powder
4 teaspoons (N/A)
Salt
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Cinnamon
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Ground Ginger
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Baking Soda
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Ground Nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
Ground Cloves
1/8 teaspoon (N/A)
Sugar
1 cup (N/A)
Unsalted Butter
3 tablespoons (Room temperature)
Egg
1 (N/A)
Egg Yolks
2 (N/A)
Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Buttermilk
1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon (N/A)
Pumpkin Puree
1 cup (N/A)
Canola Oil
N/A (For frying)
Cream Cheese
8 ounces (Softened)
Pumpkin Puree (for frosting)
1/4 cup (N/A)
Butter (for frosting)
1/4 cup (Softened)
Orange Juice
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Grated Orange Zest
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Vanilla
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Confectioners' Sugar
4 cups (Sifted)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, baking soda, nutmeg, and cloves until well combined.
2
In another large bowl, beat the sugar and room temperature butter together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the egg, egg yolks, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
3
Gradually pour in the buttermilk, stirring until the mixture is smooth. Gently fold in the pumpkin puree, adding it in four batches to evenly combine.
4
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up.
5
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of 1/2 to 2/3 inch. Use a 2 1/2-inch round cutter to cut out dough rounds, then use a 1-inch round cutter to cut out the center of each round, forming donuts and holes. If preferred, shape the donuts by hand and use your thumb to poke out the center.
6
Prepare a cooling rack over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. Heat 1 1/2 inches of canola oil in a large deep skillet or deep fryer to a temperature of 365°F to 370°F. Fry the donut holes in batches for about 2 minutes, or until golden brown, stirring occasionally. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to the cooling rack.
7
Fry the donuts in batches, 2 or 3 at a time, until they are golden brown, approximately 1 minute on each side. Use the slotted spoon to remove them to the cooling rack and gently dab with a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
8
To make the frosting, soften the cream cheese in the microwave for about 30 seconds until creamy. In a mixing bowl, blend the cream cheese with the pumpkin puree, softened butter, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla until smooth.
9
Gradually add the sifted confectioners' sugar, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy. Spread generously over the cooled donuts, or dip the donuts and holes directly into the frosting for a delicious treat.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spiced Pumpkin Delight Donuts?
Spiced Pumpkin Delight Donuts are a seasonal fall treat made with aromatic spices and rich pumpkin puree, topped with a creamy pumpkin and orange-infused frosting.
What unique twist is added to the frosting?
The frosting features a unique twist with the addition of orange juice and grated orange zest, providing a zesty brightness to the creamy pumpkin base.
How many servings does this donut recipe make?
This recipe is designed to make 24 servings.
What spices are required for the donut dough?
The dough requires cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves.
How much flour is needed for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 1/2 cups of sifted flour.
Does the recipe use whole eggs or just yolks?
The recipe uses a combination of 1 whole egg and 2 egg yolks for the dough.
How much pumpkin puree is used in the donut dough?
One cup of pumpkin puree is folded into the donut dough.
How long should the donut dough be refrigerated?
The dough should be covered with plastic wrap and refrigerated for at least 3 hours.
Why is the dough refrigerated?
Refrigeration allows the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up, making it easier to handle and roll.
How thick should I roll the dough?
The chilled dough should be rolled out to a thickness of 1/2 to 2/3 inch.
What size cutter is used for the donuts?
Use a 2 1/2-inch round cutter for the donuts and a 1-inch round cutter for the centers.
Can I shape the donuts without a cutter?
Yes, you can shape the donuts by hand and use your thumb to poke out the center hole.
What is the ideal oil temperature for frying?
The canola oil should be heated to a temperature between 365°F and 370°F.
What type of oil is recommended for frying?
Canola oil is recommended for frying these pumpkin donuts.
How long do the donut holes take to fry?
Donut holes should be fried in batches for approximately 2 minutes until golden brown.
How long do the full-sized donuts take to fry?
The donuts should be fried for approximately 1 minute on each side.
How do I remove excess oil from the donuts?
Place them on a cooling rack over a baking sheet and gently dab them with a paper towel.
What ingredients are needed for the Creamy Pumpkin Frosting?
The frosting includes cream cheese, pumpkin puree, butter, orange juice, orange zest, vanilla, and confectioners' sugar.
How do I prepare the cream cheese for the frosting?
Soften the cream cheese in the microwave for about 30 seconds until it is creamy.
How much confectioners' sugar is in the frosting?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of sifted confectioners' sugar.
Should the pumpkin puree be added all at once to the dough?
No, the pumpkin puree should be folded in gently in four separate batches for even distribution.
What is the purpose of the buttermilk?
Buttermilk is added to the wet mixture to provide moisture and help create a smooth dough.
How should the frosting be applied?
The frosting can be spread generously over the cooled donuts or the donuts can be dipped directly into it.
What tools are used to drain the donuts?
A slotted spoon is used to remove them from the oil and a cooling rack is used for draining.
Can I use a deep fryer for this recipe?
Yes, either a large deep skillet or a deep fryer can be used.
What texture should the donuts have?
These donuts are designed to be soft and fluffy on the inside.
Is the orange zest essential for the frosting?
The orange zest is recommended as it adds a zesty brightness that elevates the pumpkin flavor.
What should I do with the butter before mixing the dough?
Ensure the butter is at room temperature so it can be beaten with the sugar until smooth and creamy.
How much vanilla is used in the frosting?
The frosting requires 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla.
When are these donuts best enjoyed?
They are a perfect seasonal treat for breakfast, afternoon snacks, or festive autumn gatherings.