why make this recipe
Fried Pumpkin Donuts are a delightful treat that brings the warm, cozy flavors of fall right to your kitchen. Perfectly spiced and slightly sweet, these donuts are a wonderful way to enjoy pumpkin outside of the usual pies and lattes. They have a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior, making them irresistible. Whether it’s for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, these donuts will surely satisfy your cravings.
how to make Fried Pumpkin Donuts
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Oil for frying
- Cinnamon sugar for dusting
Directions:
- In a bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, milk, melted butter, and egg.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until well combined.
- Heat the oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Pipe or scoop the batter into pumpkin-shaped molds or fry directly in the oil, cooking each donut for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove donuts from oil and let drain on paper towels.
- Toss warm donuts in cinnamon sugar before serving. Optionally, fill with spiced pumpkin cream filling if desired.

how to serve Fried Pumpkin Donuts
Serve these donuts warm, ideally right after they have been coated in cinnamon sugar. You can enjoy them as is, or you can pair them with coffee or hot chocolate for a perfect afternoon snack. If you wish, you can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of icing on top for an extra special treat.
how to store Fried Pumpkin Donuts
These donuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze the donuts for up to three months. Just make sure to let them cool completely before placing them in a freezer bag.
tips to make Fried Pumpkin Donuts
- Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature before frying to get a nice golden brown color on your donuts.
- Don’t overcrowd the fryer; fry a few donuts at a time to maintain the oil temperature.
- If you prefer a lighter donut, you can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with cake flour.
variation
You can make these donuts even more exciting by adding chocolate chips or nuts to the batter. If you want a different flavor profile, consider using different spices such as ginger or cardamom. For a festive touch, you can drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled donuts.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin?
Yes, canned pumpkin puree works great for this recipe and saves time.
What type of oil is best for frying?
Any neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable or canola oil, is ideal for frying.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
While frying gives them a unique texture, you can bake these donuts at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes. They will be less crispy but still delicious!

Fried Pumpkin Donuts
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, milk, melted butter, and egg.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until well combined.
- Heat the oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Pipe or scoop the batter into pumpkin-shaped molds or fry directly in the oil, cooking each donut for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove donuts from oil and let drain on paper towels.
- Toss warm donuts in cinnamon sugar before serving.