My Favorite Way to Make Pumpkin Yeast Donuts With Filling
Hello baes! If you’re looking for a cozy fall treat that combines the flavors of pumpkin and spices with a soft, fluffy texture, you’ve come to the right place.
I’m so excited to share my recipe today for Pumpkin Yeast Donuts with Filling—a delicious twist on classic yeast donuts that are perfect for pumpkin season.
These donuts are made with simple ingredients like yeast, pumpkin puree, and spices, and the magic of yeast is what gives them that pillowy texture we all love.
Plus, they’re versatile. Means you can fry or bake them, and fill them with creamy fillings like vanilla cream, spiced pumpkin butter, or even a dollop of homemade jam.
Let’s dive right in, and I’ll guide you through every step to make these deliciously soft donuts at home, along with a few baking tips to ensure you get them perfectly light and fluffy every time!
Pumpkin Yeast Donuts with Filling
15 mins
20 mins
35 mins
Dessert
American
12 donuts
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Instant yeast | 2 teaspoons |
| Pumpkin puree | 1/2 cup |
| Milk (slightly warm) | 1/4 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Pumpkin spice (optional) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Butter, melted | 2 tablespoons |
| Large egg | 1 |
| Filling of choice | Vanilla cream, whipped cream, spiced pumpkin butter, or jam |
Calories: 200 per donut
Protein: 4 grams
Fat: 8 grams
Carbs: 30 grams
Fiber: 2 grams
Cooking Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Mix flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and pumpkin spice in a large bowl. Add pumpkin puree, milk, butter, and egg. Knead to form a smooth dough.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until doubled in size.
Step 3: Shape and Fry the Donuts
Roll the dough and cut out donut shapes. Fry in oil until golden brown.
Step 4: Add Filling
Once cooled, inject your choice of filling (e.g., vanilla cream or pumpkin butter) into each donut.
Why Yeast is Essential for Fluffy Pumpkin Donuts
If you’re wondering why yeast is so important for these donuts, it’s all about texture. Using yeast helps the dough rise, giving it a light, airy structure.
Yeast adds a slight tang and makes the donuts wonderfully soft on the inside with a perfect golden crust on the outside.
In short, yeast is essential for that classic donut texture that melts in your mouth with each bite.
Now, let’s get started on our yeast pumpkin donuts recipe!
Step-by-Step Guide: Making the Dough
Here’s a friendly guide to making the dough, and I promise it’s easier than it might seem at first glance.
Follow along, and you’ll have amazing pumpkin yeast donuts ready in no time.
- Activate the Yeast: First, combine the warm milk and sugar in a small bowl, then sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it starts to foam. This is how you know your yeast is active and ready to go!
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and pumpkin spice. In a separate bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, melted butter, and egg. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients along with the activated yeast mixture. Stir until it forms a soft dough.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic. Don’t rush this step; kneading helps develop the gluten, which gives the donuts their structure.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Shaping and Filling the Donuts
Once the dough has risen, it’s time to shape the donuts. Here’s where the fun begins!
- Roll Out the Dough: Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness.
- Cut Out Donuts: Use a donut cutter or a round cutter to cut out your donut shapes. If you want filled donuts, skip the hole in the center and cut out rounds instead.
- Second Rise: Place the donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover them again, and let them rise for another 30 minutes. This second rise helps make the donuts extra fluffy.
Cooking Options: Fried and Baked Pumpkin Yeast Donuts
Now, let’s talk about the different ways you can cook these donuts. Each method gives a unique flavor and texture, so you can choose what suits you best.
Pumpkin Yeast Donuts Fried (Deep Fried Pumpkin Yeast Doughnuts)
For the traditional method, deep frying is the way to go. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat the Oil: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the Donuts: Carefully place a few donuts at a time into the hot oil. Fry them for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown.
- Drain and Cool: Remove the donuts with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Let them cool slightly before filling.
Pumpkin Yeast Donuts Baked
If you prefer a lighter option, baking is an excellent alternative. Here’s how:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the Donuts: Place the donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re golden on the edges and cooked through.
- Cool and Fill: Let the baked donuts cool slightly before adding your desired filling.
Filling Your Pumpkin Donuts
Once your donuts are cooled, it’s time to add the filling! Here are some of my favorite ideas for a tasty twist.
- Classic Vanilla Cream: Fill a piping bag with vanilla cream and pipe it into the center of each donut for a classic, sweet surprise.
- Spiced Pumpkin Butter: For an extra pumpkin kick, use a pumpkin butter filling spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of ginger.
- Homemade Jam: A dollop of jam, like apricot or raspberry, is perfect for a fruity balance to the pumpkin flavor.
Creative Filling Ideas for Pumpkin Lovers
For those of us who can’t get enough pumpkin flavor, here are a few creative filling ideas to try:
- Maple Cream Cheese: Mix a little cream cheese with maple syrup for a tangy-sweet filling that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
- Chocolate Hazelnut Spread: Add a hint of chocolate for a rich, indulgent treat.
- Apple Cinnamon Jam: For an autumn-inspired filling, try apple cinnamon jam for a warm, fruity twist.
Bonus Tips for Working with Yeast Dough
Making homemade pumpkin donuts from scratch can be a little intimidating, but with these tips, you’ll have bakery-quality donuts every time.
- Be Patient with Rising Times: Yeast dough needs time to develop. Don’t rush it, and give the dough enough time to rise properly. This will make your donuts extra fluffy.
- Use Warm Ingredients: Cold milk and butter can slow down the yeast, so make sure they’re at room temperature or slightly warm.
- Don’t Overfill: If you’re using a filling, go easy on the amount. Too much filling can cause the donuts to burst open during frying or baking.
Serving and Storing Your Donuts
These homemade pumpkin donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them for later if needed.
- Serving: Serve the donuts warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of glaze. They’re perfect with a cup of coffee or hot apple cider.
- Storing: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Tell me How Its Taste In The Comments Below!
There you have it—a complete guide to making Pumpkin Yeast Donuts with Filling. Let me know if you face any difficulties to make it and how its taste.
With that light, fluffy texture and rich pumpkin taste, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering or just as a treat for yourself.
Happy baking, and enjoy every bite!
