Pumpkin Streusel Donuts Recipe

I absolutely love this Pumpkin Streusel Donuts Recipe because it hits all those cozy fall vibes with every bite—warm spices, pumpkin richness, and that irresistible crumbly streusel topping. When I first made these, I was blown away by how moist and flavorful they turned out, plus the streusel adds the perfect texture contrast that makes these donuts stand out from anything you’d buy at a shop.

This recipe works wonderfully for breakfast, brunch, or even an afternoon coffee break. You’ll find that it’s quick to whip up yet tastes like you spent hours baking something special. Trust me, once you try this Pumpkin Streusel Donuts Recipe, it’ll become your go-to for festive gatherings or just whenever you want a little seasonal indulgence at home.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients here work together to create that classic pumpkin flavor and wonderful streusel crunch. Keep an eye out for fresh spices for the best aroma and taste, and pure pumpkin puree—not pumpkin pie filling—to get authentic pumpkin goodness.

• Unsalted butter: Softened butter adds richness—using unsalted lets you control salt levels better.
• Granulated sugar: Provides the right sweetness in the batter.
• Large egg: Helps bind ingredients and gives the donuts structure.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
• Pure pumpkin puree: The star ingredient for moistness and pumpkin taste—ditch the pie filling!
• All-purpose flour: The base of the batter, creating tender donuts.
• Baking powder and baking soda: The leavening agents that give your donuts a light, fluffy texture.
• Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
• Ground cloves, nutmeg, ginger, and cinnamon: Classic pumpkin spice combo—freshly ground if possible for best flavor.
• Light brown sugar: Used in the streusel for a rich, caramel note.
• Powdered sugar: For the sweet, cinnamon-spiked glaze topping.
• Milk: To thin the glaze to just the right pourable consistency.

Variations

I often like to tweak this Pumpkin Streusel Donuts Recipe a bit depending on the season and who’s coming over. Don’t be afraid to make it your own—this recipe is super forgiving and easy to customize.

• Use Pumpkin Pie Spice: I swap all the individual spices for store-bought pumpkin pie spice when I’m in a hurry—it’s just as flavorful and simplifies measuring.
• Donut Holes: Make mini versions by using a mini muffin pan. They bake faster and are perfect bite-sized treats for parties.
• Gluten-Free Option: Try swapping the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend—you might need to adjust baking time slightly.
• Dairy-Free Glaze: Use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free version that still tastes fantastic.

How to Make Pumpkin Streusel Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Donut Pan and Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lightly spray your donut pan with baking spray—this keeps your donuts from sticking and helps that bottom crust crisp up just right. While the oven warms up, gather everything so you’re ready to mix up your batter.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar, Then Add Wet Ingredients

In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s fluffy and light—this makes a huge difference in the donut’s texture. Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then stir in the pure pumpkin puree to bring in that signature fall flavor and moisture.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix into Batter

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, and all those warm spices. Gradually add this dry mix into your pumpkin batter, beating just until well combined—you want a thick, spiced dough that holds its shape well.

Step 4: Fill Donut Pans and Add Streusel Topping

I’ve found the easiest way to get an even fill is to spoon the thick batter into a large resealable bag and snip off a corner to use it like a piping bag. Fill each donut cavity about halfway full. Next, generously sprinkle the streusel topping over each donut—you can gently press it down so it completely fills the cavity. That topping bakes into an irresistible crunchy layer that’s honestly the best part!

Step 5: Bake and Cool Your Donuts

Bake the donuts at 375°F for 13-15 minutes until they’re golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. It’s tempting to peek too much here, but try to keep the oven door closed for even baking. Let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely—this keeps them from getting soggy.

Step 6: Mix and Drizzle the Glaze

While the donuts cool, whisk together powdered sugar, a tablespoon of milk, and cinnamon to make the glaze. Add milk slowly, just enough so it’s pourable but not runny—you want it to nicely coat the donut without dripping off. Drizzle the glaze over cooled donuts and let set for about 5 minutes before digging in.

How to Serve Pumpkin Streusel Donuts Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle just a little extra cinnamon on top of the glaze for a pretty finishing touch. Sometimes, a dusting of powdered sugar works nicely if I’m skipping the glaze on a whim. Freshly chopped pecans or walnuts are also a fun garnish if you want to amp up the crunch and nuttiness.

Side Dishes

These donuts go great with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even apple cider for ultimate fall comfort. For a hearty breakfast, I’ll pair them with scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to arrange these Pumpkin Streusel Donuts on a rustic wooden platter lined with fall leaves and little decorative pumpkins. It instantly adds warmth to any table and makes the donuts look as inviting as they taste. I’ve also stacked mini donut holes in a tower with a drizzle of glaze for a fun party centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After baking and fully cooling, I store these donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want them softer, wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and seal inside a ziploc bag to keep moisture in overnight.

Freezing

I freeze leftover donuts by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, letting them freeze solid to prevent sticking, then transferring to freezer bags. They keep well for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge. This trick saved me during busy weeks when I wanted a quick treat!

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the donuts in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave them briefly (about 15 seconds) for that just-baked warmth. The glaze softens nicely but doesn’t melt off, and the streusel stays delightfully crisp.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Streusel Donuts Recipe is one of those treasures I keep coming back to every fall because it’s the perfect combo of easy, delicious, and impressively cozy. I genuinely love how the streusel topping bakes into such a beautiful crunchy layer while the donuts stay tender and pumpkin-spiced. Whether you’re making it for yourself or sharing with loved ones, these donuts never disappoint. I hope you try this recipe soon and enjoy every wonderful bite just like I do!

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