Pumpkin Spice Donuts with Maple Cream Cheese

Did you know that pumpkin spice flavors have seen a staggering 300% increase in popularity over the last decade? As autumn rolls in, the craving for cozy, comforting treats intensifies. One such delightful creation is Pumpkin Spice Donuts with Maple Cream Cheese. But what makes these donuts so irresistible? Could it be the perfect balance of spices, the moist texture, or the luscious cream cheese frosting? In this blog post, we’ll explore how to make these delectable donuts and why they should be your go-to fall treat.

Ingredients List

To create these mouthwatering Pumpkin Spice Donuts with Maple Cream Cheese, gather the following ingredients:

For the Donuts:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree (fresh or canned)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Maple Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Substitution Suggestions:

• For a healthier option, substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a lighter frosting.
• Replace sugar with maple syrup or honey for a natural sweetener.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your donuts bake evenly and achieve that perfect fluffy texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Donut Pan

Grease your donut pan with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking. This step is crucial for easy removal.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense donuts.

Step 6: Fill the Donut Pan

Using a piping bag or spoon, fill each donut cavity about two-thirds full. This allows space for rising without overflowing.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool for a few minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 8: Prepare the Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Step 9: Frost the Donuts

Once the donuts are completely cool, generously spread or dip the tops in the maple cream cheese frosting. For an added touch, sprinkle with chopped nuts or a dash of cinnamon.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick glance at the nutritional breakdown for one donut (without frosting):

• Calories: 150
• Total Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 25g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 10g
• Protein: 2g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient substitutions.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

If you’re looking to make these donuts a bit healthier, consider the following options:

• Flour: Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour for a gluten-free option.
• Sweeteners: Use stevia or erythritol as low-calorie sweeteners.
• Fats: Replace vegetable oil with applesauce to reduce fat content while keeping moisture.

Serving Suggestions

These Pumpkin Spice Donuts with Maple Cream Cheese are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:

• Serve them warm with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai.
• Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Create a festive platter by adding other seasonal treats like caramel apples or pecan pie.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overmixing the Batter: This can lead to tough donuts. Mix until just combined.
2. Not Preheating the Oven: Always preheat to ensure even baking.
3. Skipping the Cooling Step: Frosting warm donuts can cause the frosting to melt and lose its shape.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

To keep your donuts fresh:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted donuts in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw before frosting.

Conclusion

In summary, these Pumpkin Spice Donuts with Maple Cream Cheese are a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall. With easy preparation and delicious results, they are sure to impress. Try this recipe today, and don’t forget to share your feedback in the comments! Subscribe for more delicious updates and recipes.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh pumpkin works well; just ensure it’s pureed and well-drained.

How can I make these donuts vegan?

You can substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and use plant-based milk and yogurt.

Can I bake these donuts without a special pan?

Yes, you can use a muffin tin, but baking time may vary. Check for doneness with a toothpick.

Pumpkin Spice Donuts with Maple Cream Cheese

Print

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup pumpkin puree (fresh or canned)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• For the Maple Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your donuts bake evenly and achieve that perfect fluffy texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Donut Pan
Grease your donut pan with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking. This step is crucial for easy removal.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense donuts.
Step 6: Fill the Donut Pan
Using a piping bag or spoon, fill each donut cavity about two-thirds full. This allows space for rising without overflowing.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool for a few minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 8: Prepare the Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Step 9: Frost the Donuts
Once the donuts are completely cool, generously spread or dip the tops in the maple cream cheese frosting. For an added touch, sprinkle with chopped nuts or a dash of cinnamon.