Best Homemade Pumpkin Doughnut Recipe for Fall

As the cool breeze of fall sweeps in, there's nothing quite like the warm, comforting taste of a homemade pumpkin doughnut. This pumpkin doughnut recipe is……

As the cool breeze of fall sweeps in, there's nothing quite like the warm, comforting taste of a homemade pumpkin doughnut. This pumpkin doughnut recipe is perfect for cozy mornings, afternoon treats, and even holiday gatherings. With a blend of aromatic spices and the rich flavor of pumpkin, these doughnuts are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Let's dive into the details of creating the best homemade pumpkin doughnuts that will make your fall season even more delightful.

### Ingredients:

To start with, you'll need the following ingredients to create these delicious pumpkin doughnuts:

- 2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 cup granulated sugar

- 1 teaspoon baking powder

- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree

- 1/2 cup vegetable oil

- 2 large eggs

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- 1/4 cup milk

### Instructions:

#### Preparing the Dough:

1. **Combine Dry Ingredients**: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. This blend of spices is what gives the doughnuts their signature fall flavor.

2. **Mix Wet Ingredients**: In another bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well blended.

3. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients**: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the doughnuts tough.

#### Shaping and Frying the Doughnuts:

4. **Heat the Oil**: In a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain the temperature.

5. **Shape the Doughnuts**: Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe the dough into doughnut shapes onto parchment paper. If you don't have a piping bag, you can also use a spoon to drop the dough into the oil, forming free-form doughnuts.

6. **Fry the Doughnuts**: Carefully slide the doughnuts into the hot oil. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove the doughnuts from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

#### Finishing Touches:

7. **Coat the Doughnuts**: While the doughnuts are still warm, you can coat them in a cinnamon-sugar mixture for an extra layer of sweetness. Simply mix together 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, then roll each doughnut in the mixture until well coated.

8. **Serve and Enjoy**: Your homemade pumpkin doughnuts are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them warm with a cup of coffee or hot cider for the perfect fall treat.

### Tips for the Perfect Doughnut:

- **Pumpkin Puree**: Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.

- **Temperature Control**: Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial for achieving doughnuts that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Too hot, and they’ll burn; too cool, and they’ll absorb too much oil.

- **Storage**: These doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

This pumpkin doughnut recipe brings together the best flavors of fall in a delightful, homemade treat. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to enjoy on a lazy Sunday morning, these doughnuts are sure to become a seasonal favorite. Happy baking!