As the air turns crisp and the leaves paint the ground in vibrant hues, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of fresh pumpkin spice wafting through your kitchen. I discovered this delightful 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Donuts recipe during a cozy afternoon spent experimenting with seasonal flavors, and I can confidently say it’s a game-changer! In less than 30 minutes, you can create soft, fluffy donuts that not only taste like fall but are also ridiculously easy to make.
Imagine biting into one of these delicious treats, the cozy blend of spices transporting you to a pumpkin patch on a brisk autumn day. Made with just a spice cake mix, pure pumpkin, and an egg, these donuts are perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, inviting everyone to gather and share. With their light texture and charming simplicity, you’ll find yourself making excuses to whip up another batch. So, put on your favorite sweater, grab your donut pan, and let’s bake some smiles together!
Why are 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Donuts so irresistible?
Simplicity at its finest: With just three ingredients, these donuts are perfect for both novice bakers and busy home chefs.
Cozy fall flavors: Infused with the warm spices of autumn, each bite evokes the comfort of the season.
Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, these donuts fit perfectly into any hectic morning.
Great for sharing: Whether at a brunch gathering or as a homemade gift, their charming appearance and delightful taste make them a crowd favorite.
Versatile options: Feel free to customize with toppings like glaze or sprinkles, or add chocolate chips for extra indulgence. Give them a try and discover your new go-to seasonal treat!
3 Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Donuts Ingredients
For the Batter
- Spice Cake Mix – Provides sweetness and structure; a 15.25 oz box works perfectly, but you can substitute with yellow cake mix and add 1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice for a flavorful twist.
- Canned Pumpkin – Must be 100% pure pumpkin; this adds moisture and a delicious flavor to your donuts – use a 15 oz can for best results.
- Egg – Binds the mixture and contributes to fluffiness; just one large egg is required to achieve the perfect texture.
Enjoy your homemade 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Donuts with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of glaze for an extra touch of joy!
How to Make 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Donuts
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan with nonstick spray to ensure easy removal later.
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the spice cake mix, canned pumpkin, and egg. Stir until the mixture is thoroughly blended, creating a smooth batter.
Fill the Pan: Using a spoon or piping bag, carefully fill each cavity of the prepared donut pan about ⅔ full with the batter, allowing space for the donuts to rise.
Bake Donuts: Place the donut pan in the oven and bake for 13–15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the donuts look golden.
Cool Completely: Let the donuts sit in the pan for about 5 minutes, then gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Optional Topping: Dust with powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or drizzle with a sweet glaze to transform your donuts into a festive treat!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Donuts
Donut Pan Essential: Using a donut pan ensures your donuts maintain their shape and texture; baking on a flat sheet will result in flatter shapes.
Mix Thoroughly: For best results, mix the batter until completely smooth to prevent any clumps, which could affect the lightness of your 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Donuts.
Baking Time: Keep an eye on your donuts as they bake; overbaking can make them dry, while underbaking can leave them gooey. A toothpick test is your best friend here!
Custom Variations: Feel free to get creative! Add chocolate chips for a delightful surprise or consider mixing in nuts for added texture in your donuts.
Storage Tips: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring they stay delicious!
What to Serve with 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Donuts?
As the seasons change, elevate your breakfast table with delightful pairings that perfectly complement these cozy donuts.
- Warm Apple Cider: The spiced apple flavor enhances the donuts’ pumpkin spice, creating a comforting autumn drink.
- Maple Syrup Drizzle: A sweet, rich addition that pairs beautifully with the warm spices, enhancing each bite.
- Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting: This luscious spread adds a creamy texture while echoing the warm spices of the donuts.
- Nutty Granola Parfait: Layers of crunchy granola and yogurt provide a delightful contrast to the soft donuts.
- Toasted Pecans: Their crunchy texture and buttery flavor lend an irresistible nutty contrast to the fluffy donuts.
- Pumpkin Soup: A warm, savory option that balances the sweetness for a delightful brunch spread.
- Chai Tea: The aromatic spices resonate with the pumpkin flavor, creating a cozy and inviting beverage.
- Whipped Cream: A light, airy topping that adds a touch of sweetness without overwhelming the donuts.
- Spicy Hot Chocolate: The richness and warmth of this drink bring a new level of comfort to your morning routine.
- Fruit Salad: Fresh, vibrant fruits provide a refreshing, juicy contrast to the spiced sweetness of the donuts.
Variations & Substitutions for 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Donuts
Get ready to make these delightful donuts uniquely yours with a few fun twists and replacements!
Dairy-Free: Substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use a dairy-free cake mix.
Nutty Surprise: Add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for a delicious crunch and extra flavor depth.
Pumpkin Pie Spice Boost: Enhance the pumpkin flavor by incorporating an additional teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice into your batter.
Chocolate Lovers: Mix in ½ cup of chocolate chips to turn your donuts into a delightful treat that balances the spices with chocolatey goodness.
Frosted Delight: After cooling, top your donuts with a simple cream cheese frosting for added creaminess and sweetness.
Zesty Twist: For a refreshing spin, add the zest of one orange to the batter, giving your donuts a citrusy kick that pairs beautifully with pumpkin spice.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free cake mix for an equally satisfying donut experience without the gluten.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter for a surprising spicy finish that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
Make Ahead Options
These 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Donuts are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the batter and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply mix together the spice cake mix, canned pumpkin, and egg, then store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, just give the batter a quick stir and fill your donut pan as instructed. Alternatively, you can bake a batch and store the cooled donuts in an airtight container for up to 3 days on the counter or freeze them for up to 2 months. To maintain quality, ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent drying out. Enjoy delicious homemade donuts with minimal morning fuss!
How to Store and Freeze 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Donuts
Room Temperature: Keep the donuts in an airtight container on the counter for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Fridge: If you prefer a chilled treat, store them in the fridge in an airtight container, where they will stay fresh for about 5 days.
Freezer: Wrap individual donuts tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing taste.
Reheating: To enjoy your donuts warm, simply microwave them for about 10-15 seconds; they’ll be delightful as if freshly baked!
3 Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Donuts Recipe FAQs
What type of cake mix should I use for the donuts?
Absolutely! A 15.25 oz box of spice cake mix works best for these donuts, as it adds the perfect sweetness and structure. If you can’t find spice cake mix, you can substitute it with yellow cake mix by adding 1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice to achieve that lovely autumn flavor.
How should I store leftover donuts?
To keep your 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 5 days, or wrap them individually in plastic and freeze for up to 2 months. Just remember to let them come back to room temperature before enjoying!
Can I freeze these donuts?
Very! To freeze your donuts, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can remain in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply remove one from the freezer and microwave it for about 10-15 seconds for that fresh-baked deliciousness.
What if my donut batter has lumps?
Mixing the batter thoroughly is key! If you notice lumps, it’s a sign that the ingredients weren’t fully combined. Make sure you stir well until the batter is completely smooth. If clumps persist after mixing, consider using an electric mixer on low speed for a bit to break them up gently; just avoid overmixing.
Are these donuts safe for everyone to eat?
Absolutely! With only three main ingredients, these 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Donuts are a simple treat. However, be mindful of any allergies. The primary ingredients (cake mix, pumpkin, and egg) typically contain gluten and allergens found in eggs. If you have dietary restrictions, consider using gluten-free cake mix and a flax egg as a substitute for the egg to make them vegan.
Deliciously Easy 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Donuts You’ll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan with nonstick spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the spice cake mix, canned pumpkin, and egg. Stir until smooth.
- Fill each cavity of the donut pan about ⅔ full with the batter.
- Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the donuts sit for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with glaze for extra joy!
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