As the leaves turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, and a gentle chill fills the air, it’s a clear sign that autumn has arrived. With this season comes an array of delectable treats that celebrate the flavors and aromas unique to this time of year. Among the most beloved autumn delights are pumpkin donuts—soft, fluffy, and bursting with the warm essence of pumpkin spice. These delightful treats offer a taste of comfort and a perfect way to embrace the spirit of fall.
How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Donuts
Ingredients
For the donuts:
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 1/4 cups flour, plus more for rolling and cutting
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2 egg yolks
- 2/3 cup sour cream or fresh cream
- 2 tablespoons lard or vegetable shortening or butter
- Canola, vegetable or lard oil; to fry
for the glaze
- 2 teaspoons light corn syrup
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.5 cup of hot water
- 0.25 teaspoon fine sea salt
Directions
- Instructions:
- Combine the glaze ingredients and set aside.
- In a small bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until well combined (the texture will be gritty).
- Add the egg yolks and mix well.
- Add the dry ingredients in three batches, alternating with the sour cream and ending with the flour.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for 1 hour.
- While the dough is chilling, prepare the frosting by mixing all the ingredients together in a large shallow bowl.
- Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2-inch thick.
- Use a donut cutter (or two round cookie cutters) to cut out as many donuts as possible, aiming for around 12.
- Pour approximately 2 inches of canola oil into a heavy-bottomed pot and heat it to 325°F.
- Fry the donuts in batches of 2-3 at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pot.
- Fry each side for about 2 minutes, making sure not to let them burn. Remove the fried donuts and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess grease.
- Place a wire cooling rack on a sheet pan. Dip the donuts in the glaze, coating each side, and place them on the rack. Allow them to sit for 15-20 minutes until the frosting sets.
- The donuts are best served immediately, but you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days.
How to freeze a banana cake:
When it comes to frosting a pound cake, my preferred tool of choice is a pastry bag equipped with a coupler. Unlike traditional piping tips, I opt not to use one when icing the cake. Instead, the coupler serves as a convenient attachment for frosting the cake smoothly and effortlessly
If you find yourself without a pastry bag for frosting your cake, there’s a simple alternative. Grab a ziplock bag and fill it with your desired frosting. Then, snip a small hole in one corner of the bag. This makeshift piping bag allows for easy frosting application and is particularly useful when freezing a bundt cake.
To frost your pound cake, begin at the outer edge of the cake and draw a line of frosting upwards and over the top, towards the center hole. Continue this process around the entire cake, creating a consistent layer of frosting. By following this technique, you’ll achieve a beautifully frosted pound cake with a professional touch.
Frequently Asked Questions :
- Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree? Absolutely! Fresh pumpkin can be used to make pumpkin puree for your donuts. Simply roast a small pumpkin until it’s soft and scoop out the flesh. Blend the flesh until smooth, and you’ll have homemade pumpkin puree ready to use in your recipe.
- Can I freeze pumpkin donuts? Yes, you can freeze pumpkin donuts for future enjoyment. Allow the donuts to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the donuts at room temperature or heat them in the oven for a few minutes.
- Can I make pumpkin donuts without eggs? Certainly! For an egg-free version, you can use egg substitutes such as applesauce, mashed banana, or flaxseed meal mixed with water. These alternatives can help bind the ingredients together and maintain moisture in the donuts. Adjust the quantity based on the recipe’s recommended number of eggs.
- Can I bake the donuts instead of frying them? Absolutely! Baking is a healthier alternative to frying. Simply spoon the prepared batter into a greased donut pan or shape the dough into donut shapes and place them on a lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at the recommended temperature and duration specified in the recipe.
- How long do pumpkin donuts stay fresh? Pumpkin donuts are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are made. However, if properly stored, they can stay fresh for 1-2 days at room temperature in an airtight container. After this period, the texture and flavor may start to deteriorate.
- Can I make gluten-free or vegan pumpkin donuts? Yes! Gluten-free pumpkin donuts can be made by using a gluten-free flour blend or alternative flours such as almond flour or oat flour. For vegan donuts, replace eggs with substitutes like applesauce, mashed banana, or flaxseed meal mixed with water. Use non-dairy milk and replace butter with vegan-friendly alternatives, such as coconut oil or plant-based margarine.
- How can I make my pumpkin donuts healthier? To make pumpkin donuts healthier, you can make a few modifications. Use whole wheat flour or a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour to increase fiber content. Replace some or all of the sugar with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey. Use healthier oils like coconut oil or avocado oil instead of vegetable oil. You can also reduce the amount of sugar and oil in the recipe for a lighter version.
- Can I add other spices to my pumpkin donuts? Certainly! While pumpkin spice is the classic choice, feel free to experiment with other spices to enhance the flavor profile of your donuts. Consider adding a pinch of ginger, allspice, or cardamom for a unique twist. Adjust the amount according to your taste preferences.
- Can I make mini pumpkin donuts? Absolutely! Mini pumpkin donuts are a great option for bite-sized treats. Use a mini donut pan or shape smaller dough portions and adjust the baking or frying time accordingly. Keep in mind that the cooking time may be shorter for mini donuts, so keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking.
- How can I prevent my donuts from becoming greasy? To prevent greasy donuts, ensure that the oil used for frying is at the proper temperature before adding the donuts. If the oil is too cool, the donuts will absorb more oil, resulting in greasiness. Use a deep-fry or candy thermometer to monitor the oil temperature throughout the frying process. Additionally, place the fried donuts on a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to drain excess oil before serving.
Remember, these answers serve as general guidelines, and it’s always best to refer to a specific recipe for precise instructions. Enjoy your pumpkin donut baking and savor the delightful autumn flavors!
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