Fall is in the air, and with it comes the irresistible aroma of pumpkin spice that fills our kitchens and hearts with warmth. If you’re a lover of all things pumpkin, then you absolutely need to try these Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Doughnuts. They combine the flavors of creamy cheesecake and the seasonal favorite, pumpkin spice, into a delightful doughnut that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a delightful snack. Whether you’re hosting a cozy brunch or simply indulging in a sweet treat for yourself, these doughnuts are sure to impress!
Imagine biting into a soft, fluffy doughnut with a warm pumpkin spice flavor, only to discover a luscious cream cheese filling that takes it to a whole new level. Topped with a sweet cinnamon sugar coating, these doughnuts will quickly become a fall favorite in your household. Plus, they’re baked, not fried, making them a slightly healthier option to satisfy your sweet tooth. Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe and make your autumn mornings a little brighter!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are several reasons why these Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Doughnuts will be your new go-to fall treat.
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The marriage of pumpkin spice and creamy cheesecake is a match made in heaven. The spices cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger add a warm, aromatic quality that makes every bite irresistible.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and perfect for bakers of all levels. You don’t need to be a pastry chef to whip up these delightful treats in your kitchen.
- Healthier Option: Baked instead of fried, these doughnuts are a guilt-free indulgence. They are made with wholesome ingredients like pumpkin puree and buttermilk, ensuring you get some nutritional benefits too.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy morning at home, a festive brunch, or a gathering with friends, these doughnuts fit any occasion and are sure to delight everyone.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the doughnuts in advance and store them in an airtight container, making them the perfect treat for meal prep or last-minute guests.
With all these reasons, it’s hard to resist making a batch (or two) of these delicious doughnuts. They not only taste amazing but also fill your kitchen with the enchanting scents of fall, making it a memorable experience.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
If you’re still on the fence about making these Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Doughnuts, let’s explore some additional great reasons to give it a try!
- Impress Your Guests: Serve these doughnuts at your next gathering, and watch as everyone raves about them. They’re unique, flavorful, and beautifully presented, making them a standout dish.
- Customization: Feel free to experiment with the filling or toppings! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even a drizzle of caramel for an extra touch of indulgence.
- Family Fun: Get the kids involved in the baking process. They’ll love helping to fill the doughnuts with cream cheese and rolling them in cinnamon sugar.
- Seasonal Delight: There’s something special about enjoying pumpkin-flavored treats in the fall. It’s a great way to celebrate the season and enjoy the harvest.
- Versatile Recipe: This recipe can easily be adapted for other flavors. Try substituting the pumpkin with apple or sweet potato for a fun twist!
These reasons, combined with the delightful taste, make it a must-try recipe for anyone who enjoys baking or simply loves delicious sweets. You won’t regret adding these doughnuts to your fall baking list!
Ingredients and Necessary Utensils
To make the perfect Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Doughnuts, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Ingredients
- For the Doughnuts:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Recommended Tools or Utensils
- Doughnut pan (non-stick)
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Piping bag or small knife for filling
- Cooling rack
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Having the right tools will ensure your doughnuts come out perfectly every time. The doughnut pan is especially important as it helps maintain the shape of your baked treats.
Detailed Recipe Steps
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making these delicious Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Doughnuts. Follow these steps carefully for the best results!
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your doughnuts bake evenly. Grease your doughnut pan with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until well combined. This step is crucial for evenly distributing the leavening agents and spices.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, buttermilk, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth. Make sure the butter isn’t too hot to avoid cooking the egg.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense doughnuts.
- Fill the Doughnut Pan: Spoon the batter into the prepared doughnut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full. This allows room for the doughnuts to rise without overflowing.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the doughnuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This filling is what makes these doughnuts extra special!
- Fill the Doughnuts: Once the doughnuts have cooled completely, use a piping bag or a small knife to create a hole in the side of each doughnut. Fill each one with the cream cheese mixture.
- Make the Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon. This mixture will give your doughnuts a deliciously sweet and spicy coating.
- Coat the Doughnuts: Roll each filled doughnut in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. This adds an extra layer of flavor and sweetness that pairs perfectly with the pumpkin spice.
- Serve: Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Doughnuts fresh, or store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. They’re best enjoyed the same day, but they can still be delicious the next day!
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Just make sure to cook and puree it until smooth, ensuring it’s not too watery for the doughnut batter.
How do I store leftover doughnuts?
Store your leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them.
Can I make these doughnuts gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a delicious gluten-free version of these doughnuts.
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by combining 1/4 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes before using.
Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?
Yes! Adding chocolate chips enhances the flavor profile and gives a delightful surprise in each bite. Just fold them into the batter before filling the doughnut pan.
Conclusion
These Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Doughnuts are not just a treat; they’re a celebration of fall flavors wrapped in a delicious doughnut form. With their warm spices, creamy filling, and sweet topping, they are sure to become a household favorite. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and indulge in these delightful treats. Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below, and feel free to share this recipe with friends and family. Happy baking!
For more delicious recipes, check out our collection at Ovia Recipes, or get inspired on Pinterest here.
