Soft and spiced Pumpkin Coffee Cake Donuts with a crumbly coffee cake topping. A delicious fall treat for breakfast or a cozy snack!
Pumpkin Coffee Cake Donuts are the perfect blend of soft, spiced pumpkin and crumbly coffee cake topping, making them a must-try fall treat. These donuts are baked to perfection, offering a light and fluffy texture that pairs beautifully with the buttery, cinnamon-infused topping. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, these donuts are a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of the season.
INGREDIENTS
- All-purpose flour: 1 ½ cups, for structure in the donuts
- Sugar: 1 cup, for sweetness in the donuts
- Baking powder: 1 tsp, helps the donuts rise
- Baking soda: ½ tsp, ensures a light and fluffy texture
- Salt: ½ tsp, balances the flavors
- Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp, adds warmth and spice
- Ground nutmeg: ½ tsp, enhances the fall flavors
- Canned pumpkin puree: ½ cup, adds moisture and pumpkin flavor
- Large eggs: 2, to bind the ingredients
- Vegetable oil: ¼ cup, for moisture
- Milk: ¼ cup, to create a smooth batter
- All-purpose flour (for topping): ¼ cup, helps create the crumbly topping
- Sugar (for topping): ¼ cup, adds sweetness to the topping
- Packed brown sugar (for topping): ¼ cup, adds a rich flavor to the topping
- Cold butter (for topping): ¼ cup, cubed, adds richness and creates a crumbly texture
- Ground cinnamon (for topping): 1 tsp, adds warm spice to the topping
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan or spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Step 3:
- In another bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, and milk.
- Step 4:
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Step 5 (Topping):
- In a small bowl, mix the flour, sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the topping. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or fork until crumbly.
- Step 6:
- Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut pan, filling each mold about ¾ full.
- Step 7:
- Sprinkle the coffee cake topping evenly over the batter.
- Step 8:
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 9:
- Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving and Storage Tips
- These donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the donuts in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature or reheat before serving.
Helpful Notes
- For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle a vanilla glaze over the donuts once they have cooled.
- If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin, adjusting the baking time slightly.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- For a crispier topping, sprinkle a bit of coarse sugar on top before baking.
How to Make the Perfect Pumpkin Donuts
The key to perfect pumpkin donuts is not overmixing the batter. Combine the wet and dry ingredients just until mixed to ensure a light, tender texture. Using cold butter in the topping helps create that classic crumbly coffee cake texture.
Creative Variations for Pumpkin Coffee Cake Donuts
Try adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the coffee cake topping for added crunch and flavor. You can also experiment with a maple glaze or a cream cheese drizzle to take these donuts to the next level.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree, but be sure to drain any excess moisture for a similar consistency to canned pumpkin.
Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. The texture may vary slightly, but they will still be delicious.
How do I prevent the coffee cake topping from sinking into the donuts?
Make sure the butter is cold and cut into small cubes. This helps the topping stay crumbly and sit on top of the batter while baking.
Can I fry these donuts instead of baking?
This recipe is designed for baked donuts, but you could try frying the dough, though the texture and flavor may be different.
Summary
Pumpkin Coffee Cake Donuts are the ultimate fall treat, combining the warm, spiced flavors of pumpkin with the crumbly, buttery goodness of coffee cake. These donuts are baked, not fried, making them a lighter option that's perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack. The coffee cake topping adds a delightful crunch and sweetness, while the soft, moist pumpkin donut base makes each bite irresistible. Whether you're enjoying them with a cup of coffee or serving them at a fall gathering, these donuts are sure to be a hit!