The Warm Embrace of Autumn in a Donut
These Caramel Pumpkin Spice Donuts capture the heart of autumn. The rich smell of pumpkin and spice will fill your kitchen, bringing back happy childhood memories. They are the perfect comfort treat for the fall season.
Why You’ll Love These Caramel Pumpkin Spice Donuts
These donuts are more than just a sweet treat; they are a seasonal feeling. They have the perfect mix of sweet and warm spices. They are easy to make, and everyone will be impressed when you share them. Plus, making them at home makes them a feel-good indulgence. They are the ultimate fall treat for any event.
How to Make Caramel Pumpkin Spice Donuts
Making these delicious donuts is simple. You will mix dry ingredients, then wet ingredients, and then gently combine them. After baking, you will glaze them with a sweet caramel topping.
Ingredients of Caramel Pumpkin Spice Donuts
- For the Donuts:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¾ cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup milk
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- For the Irresistible Caramel Glaze:
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup store-bought or homemade caramel sauce
- Optional: Pinch of flaky sea salt
Directions of Caramel Pumpkin Spice Donuts
- Prepare Your Donut Batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, milk, egg, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and melted butter.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix them gently with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Bake Your Fluffy Donuts:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan.
- Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut pan cavities, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean.
- Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- The Grand Finale: Glazing Your Caramel Pumpkin Spice Donuts:
- While the donuts cool, make the caramel glaze. In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Warm the caramel sauce slightly if it is too thick to drizzle easily.
- Dip the top of each cooled donut into the powdered sugar glaze, letting any excess drip off.
- Place the glazed donuts back on the wire rack. Drizzle generously with the warm caramel sauce.
- If you like, sprinkle a tiny bit of flaky sea salt over the caramel for extra flavor.
How to Serve Caramel Pumpkin Spice Donuts
Serve these donuts with a warm cup of coffee or tea. They make a great addition to brunch or a delightful dessert with a scoop of ice cream. They are also perfect for holiday parties and potlucks.
How to Store Caramel Pumpkin Spice Donuts
Store leftover Caramel Pumpkin Spice Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. The glaze may soften slightly over time.
Tips to Make Caramel Pumpkin Spice Donuts
- Donut Consistency Matters: The batter should be thick but easy to spoon or pipe. If it is too thin, add a little more flour. If it is too thick, add a tiny bit more milk.
- Do Not Overmix! Overmixing the batter will make your donuts tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- The Importance of a Good Donut Pan: A non-stick donut pan works best for easy removal. Grease it well even if it is non-stick.
- Cooling Properly for Optimal Glaze Adherence: Make sure the donuts are completely cool before glazing. This helps the glaze set properly and not melt off.
Creative Variations: Customizing Your Caramel Pumpkin Spice Donuts
- Add-ins for Extra Texture: Fold in a ½ cup of chocolate chips or chopped pecans into the batter for more flavor and crunch.
- Alternative Glaze Flavors: Try a cream cheese glaze (cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk) or a maple glaze (maple syrup, powdered sugar, milk) instead of the powdered sugar glaze.
- Using Different Spices for a Unique Twist: Experiment with a pinch of allspice or extra ginger for a different spice profile.
- Gluten-Free or Dairy-Free Adaptations: You can use gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the donuts. For dairy-free, use a non-dairy milk and butter alternative.
FAQs
Can I make these Caramel Pumpkin Spice Donuts ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the donuts a day ahead. Store them unglazed in an airtight container. Glaze them just before serving for the best results.
What kind of pumpkin puree should I use for my Caramel Pumpkin Spice Donuts?
Use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling has added sweeteners and spices.
How do I store leftover Caramel Pumpkin Spice Donuts?
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
Classic Caramel Pumpkin Spice Donuts
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Medium bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Oven
- Donut pan
- Wire rack
Ingredients
For the Donuts
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¾ cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup milk
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
For the Irresistible Caramel Glaze
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup store-bought or homemade caramel sauce
- flaky sea salt Optional: Pinch of
Instructions
Prepare Your Donut Batter
- Whisk dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves) in a large bowl. In a separate medium bowl, whisk wet ingredients (pumpkin puree, milk, egg, brown sugar, vanilla extract, melted butter). Gently combine the wet and dry mixtures with a spatula until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Bake Your Fluffy Donuts
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan. Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut pan cavities, filling each about two-thirds full, then bake for 10-12 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
The Grand Finale: Glazing Your Caramel Pumpkin Spice Donuts
- While donuts cool, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl for the glaze, and warm the caramel sauce slightly if needed. Dip the top of each cooled donut into the powdered sugar glaze, let excess drip off, then place back on the wire rack and drizzle generously with warm caramel sauce, optionally sprinkling with flaky sea salt.