How do you make pumpkin spice cake mix donuts at home?

To make pumpkin spice cake mix donuts, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine one box of pumpkin spice cake mix, 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin, 2 eggs, 1/3 cup of vegetable oil, and 1/4 cup of water. Mix until smooth. Grease a donut pan and fill each cavity about 3/4 full with the batter. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the donuts cool before adding any glaze or toppings. This simple method yields moist, flavorful donuts with the warm spices of pumpkin pie.

Can I make pumpkin spice donuts without a donut pan?

Yes, you can make pumpkin spice cake mix donuts without a donut pan by using a muffin tin or baking the batter in a cake pan and cutting out donut shapes. For muffins, fill each cup 2/3 full and bake for 15-18 minutes. If making a cake, bake as directed and use a round cookie cutter to create donut shapes after cooling. Keep in mind that baked donuts without a donut pan won’t have the classic hole shape but will still be delicious and perfect for glazing or sprinkling with cinnamon sugar.

What toppings go well with pumpkin spice cake mix donuts?

Popular toppings for pumpkin spice cake mix donuts include a simple powdered sugar glaze, cream cheese frosting, or a cinnamon sugar coating. To make a glaze, mix powdered sugar with a splash of milk and vanilla extract until smooth, then drizzle over cooled donuts. For a richer option, spread cream cheese frosting and sprinkle with chopped pecans or crushed graham crackers. Cinnamon sugar adds a crunchy, sweet finish—just brush the donuts with melted butter and toss in a cinnamon-sugar mixture while still warm.

How can I store pumpkin spice cake mix donuts to keep them fresh?

Store pumpkin spice cake mix donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh longer, place donuts in a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 5 days, but allow them to come to room temperature before eating. You can also freeze the donuts by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or warm briefly in the microwave for a fresh taste.

Are pumpkin spice cake mix donuts a healthy snack option?

While pumpkin spice cake mix donuts provide the comforting flavors of fall, they are still a treat and should be enjoyed in moderation. They typically contain sugar, oil, and processed ingredients from the cake mix. However, adding canned pumpkin adds fiber and some nutrients, and you can reduce sugar or oil slightly in the recipe. For a healthier twist, consider using whole grain cake mix or topping with yogurt-based frosting. Remember, balance donuts with nutrient-dense meals and snacks throughout your day.

Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix Donuts Recipe for Easy Fall Treats

Name: Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix Donuts
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box spice cake mix (yellow or white cake mix can be substituted); 1 can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling); ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (optional); ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional); ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional); 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (for the frosting); ½ cup butter, softened (for the frosting); ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for the frosting); 1 ½ cups powdered sugar (for the frosting); Dash of cinnamon (for the frosting); Dash of nutmeg (for the frosting); Dash of pumpkin pie spice (for the frosting); 2 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk for thinner frosting)

Ingredients

Scale

1 box spice cake mix (yellow or white cake mix can be substituted)

1 can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)

¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (optional)

¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

8 ounces cream cheese, softened (for the frosting)

½ cup butter, softened (for the frosting)

½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for the frosting)

1 ½ cups powdered sugar (for the frosting)

Dash of cinnamon (for the frosting)

Dash of nutmeg (for the frosting)

Dash of pumpkin pie spice (for the frosting)

2 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk for thinner frosting)

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Instructions

1-First: preheat your oven to 425°F and spray your donut pans with non-stick baking spray to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, mix the cake mix with the pumpkin puree and any optional spices until everything is well combined this creates the base for that amazing pumpkin spice taste.

2-Next: fill a piping bag or a gallon freezer storage bag with the batter, cut off a corner, and pipe it into each cavity of the donut pan about two-thirds full. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the donuts spring back when lightly pressed, then let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

3-For the frosting: cream the butter and cream cheese until smooth, add the vanilla extract, and gradually mix in the powdered sugar. Stir in the heavy cream and spices, then spread it over the cooled donuts and add fall sprinkles if you like. The preparation time is about 10 minutes plus 10 to 12 minutes baking, totaling around 20 minutes, so it’s quick for busy schedules.

Notes

🎃 Use a piping bag for easy and neat donut batter distribution.
🍽️ Allow donuts to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
🍂 Add a dash of fall spices to frosting for enhanced flavor and aroma.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Contains dairy and gluten

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 donut
Calories: 401 kcal
Sugar: 37 g
Sodium: 414 mg
Fat: 21 g
Saturated Fat: 11 g
Carbohydrates: 51 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 4 g
Cholesterol: 45 mg