Fresh Milled Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Cake Donuts

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If you’re on the hunt for a cozy treat that feels like autumn wrapped up in a bite, this pumpkin donut recipe might just steal the show. The best part about these warm donuts is that they’re made with fresh milled flour, lending a nutty, wholesome depth that you won’t find in typical store-bought mixes. Imagine biting into a soft, spiced cake donut that’s perfectly coated in a sweet and warm cinnamon sugar blend—it’s the kind of comfort food that makes your kitchen smell like a dream. Whether you’re enjoying them on a crisp morning or as a cozy evening dessert, these homemade donuts’ delightful texture and spice-coated sweetness offer a little moment of magic for pumpkin season or any time of year. Let’s dive into this easy recipe and what makes these pumpkin cake donuts such a delightful treat.

What Makes This Recipe Great

Fresh milled flour magic.
Using freshly milled flour adds a rustic nuttiness and a fresher, more vibrant flavor to these homemade pumpkin donuts. It’s a subtle upgrade that add nutritional value and lifts the texture and taste beyond the standard all-purpose flour.

Perfect pumpkin spice flavor.
The blend of pumpkin with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg creates an inviting aroma and a balanced sweetness. It’s the kind of flavor combo that makes these delicious donuts feel like a celebration of fall in every bite.

Cinnamon sugar coating delight.
Instead of just powdered sugar or glaze, coating donuts in cinnamon sugar adds a lovely crunch and extra sweetness. It’s a simple finishing touch that makes every bite a little more indulgent and visually appealing.

Be sure to try out these Freshly Milled Apple Cinnamon Streusel Muffins or our Twisted Apple Cinnamon Loaf for more warm and cozy recipes!

Overview of Ingredients

Fresh Milled Flour
Fresh milled flour is the star ingredient here, bringing a unique texture and flavor that feels wholesome and homey. 

Pumpkin
Canned pumpkin puree works beautifully in this recipe, providing moisture and that unmistakable autumn taste. Fresh pumpkin puree is a great alternative too if you happen to have a pumpkin handy.

Cinnamon and Sugar
The classic combo for coating is simple but crucial for the final flavor punch. If cinnamon isn’t your favorite spice, you could experiment with pumpkin pie spice or even a mix of cinnamon and sugar substitutes like coconut sugar.

Baking Powder and Baking Soda
These leavening agents help the donuts rise to the perfect light and fluffy texture. If you don’t have baking powder, you can use baking soda with a bit of added acidity like lemon juice or vinegar to activate it.

Eggs
Eggs bind everything together and add richness. For egg-free options, try applesauce or mashed banana as a binding substitute.

Tips for Success

#1 Use room temperature ingredients
This helps the batter come together more smoothly and ensures even mixing without overworking the flour, which keeps your baked donuts tender instead of tough.

#2 Don’t overmix the batter
Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing develops gluten in the flour and can lead to dense, chewy donuts rather than light and fluffy donuts.

#4 Cool donuts slightly before coating
Let your donuts cool just enough so they aren’t piping hot—otherwise, the cinnamon sugar won’t stick well, but don’t let them get cold or they’ll lose that warm, fresh-crumbly texture.

#5 Experiment with spice blends
If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of ginger or cloves to your cinnamon sugar coating for an extra depth of flavor that’s still true to fall vibes.

Helpful Tools & Supplies

Whether you’re just dipping your toes into the world of fresh milled flour or you’re a seasoned home baker, I’ve taken the guesswork out of what you truly need. All of these tools and resources are available in my shop, designed to help your journey be smooth and nourishing:

Grain Mills

• NutriMill Classic Grain Mill – My go-to for fine, consistent milling; perfect for sandwich breads and everyday baking.
• NutriMill Harvest Grain Mill – Stone-ground elegance: this model delivers whole-grain flavor with a beautiful appearance.

Mixers

• Ankarsrum Mixer – A powerhouse kitchen companion with multiple speeds and attachments—ideal for kneading bread dough effortlessly.

Baking & Bread Tools

• Bread Bow Knife – Artisan-made with a high-carbon steel blade and cherry wood handle—this knife slices loaves with ease.
• Sourdough Essentials Kit With Starter – Complete starter kit that includes dehydrated sourdough starter, banneton baskets, a dough whisk, scoring lame, and more.

Cookbooks & eBook Bundles

• Everyday Whole Grains Vol. 1 & 2 (printed & digital) – Packed with 70+ recipes built around fresh milled flour, from breads to snacks and desserts.
• The Fresh Breads Bundle – A comprehensive set including eBooks like The Perfect Loaf, the Cookie Jar, bulk baking guides, and a sourdough mini‑course—all centered on fresh milled flour.
• Freshly Milled Made Simple Guide – A video-based guide that walks you through milling and baking basics, making the process feel easy and approachable.

Specialty Items

• Dehydrated Sourdough Starter – Just add water and flour to rehydrate this starter—perfect for bakers without an active sourdough culture.
• I Knead Fresh Flour Mug – A charming, handmade 12 oz ceramic mug—great for coffee breaks during dough rising!

Why These Are Worth It

Every tool in this collection has been personally vetted to support you in baking with fresh milled flour. From the grain mills that make your flour, to mixers that knead dough, to resources that teach you every step—it’s all here to make sure your homemade bread journey is joyful, nourishing, and successful.

➡️ Explore all of these items and more in the Generation Acres Farm Shop — your one-stop spot for fresh milled flour baking essentials.

Equipment:

Donut pan
Large mixing bowl
Cooling rack
Small bowl for cinnamon sugar coating

How to Make the Most Delicious Pumpkin Cake Donuts

Ingredients

Donut Batter:

• ¾ cup pumpkin puree (196 grams)
• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup avocado oil (27 grams)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• ⅔ cup brown sugar or sugar (55 grams)
• 1 ½ cups freshly milled soft white wheat flour, finely milled (173 grams)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• 5 tablespoons sugar
• 3 teaspoons cinnamon

​Directions:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. and grease a donut pan.

• In a large bowl, combine the the pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, and vanilla.

• Add the sugar and stir until fully incorporated.

• Add the flour, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice and mix until combined.

• Pour the donut batter about t ¾ of the way in the donut pan and bake for 12-16 minutes until golden brown.

• Allow the donuts to cool for 5-10 minutes.

• Combine the cinnamon and sugar together in a medium bowl.

•  Dip both sides of the donuts in the cinnamon sugar mixture. If it isn’t sticking to the donut, lightly spray them with oil or brush with melted butter, then dip them in it.

Recipe Variations

Glaze Instead of Cinnamon Sugar:
Try a simple maple glaze or vanilla glaze instead of coating with cinnamon sugar for a less crunchy, more melt-in-your-mouth finish.

Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips:
Mix in chopped pecans, walnuts, or mini chocolate chips directly into the batter for extra texture and flavor.

Spice it Up:
Add cardamom or a touch of cayenne to the spice mix for an unexpected but delightful twist.

Vegan Pumpkin Donuts:
Use flax eggs and non-dairy milk to make these donuts vegan-friendly without sacrificing taste or texture.

Flavor Boosters

Brown Butter Pumpkin
Swap the oil for browned butter in the batter to add a nutty, deeper flavor that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.

Vanilla Bean Finish
Add a splash of vanilla bean paste or extract both in the batter and in your cinnamon sugar mix for a fragrant, sweet note that enhances all the spices.

Toasted Pumpkin Seeds Topping
Sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds on the donuts after coating for a crunchy contrast that’s pleasing to the palate and eye.

Maple Sugar Dusting
Mix maple sugar into your cinnamon sugar coating for a subtle hint of maple sweetness that feels uniquely autumnal.

Sea Salt Sprinkle
A tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top balances the sweetness and highlights the pumpkin spice flavors in the donuts.

What To Serve With Pumpkin Cake Donuts

Warm Apple Cider
A hot cup of spiced apple cider complements the flavors and adds to the cozy, autumn vibe.

​Cup of Coffee

A warm pumpkin spice latte or hot cup or coffee pairs perfectly with these pumpkin cinnamon sugar donuts.

Whipped Cream or Mascarpone
A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or mascarpone cheese on the side adds a creamy contrast to the spiced donuts.

Chai Tea
The warming spices in chai tea pair beautifully with the cinnamon and pumpkin in the donuts, making for a perfect afternoon treat.

Fresh Fruit
Serve with sliced pear, apple, or figs to add a fresh, juicy element alongside the sweet, doughy donuts.

Troubleshooting Common Problems with this Recipe

Donuts Too Dense
Make sure not to overmix the batter and use fresh baking powder for proper rise.

Cinnamon Sugar Doesn’t Stick
If donuts are too cool, the cinnamon sugar won’t adhere properly. Try brushing the donuts lightly with melted butter before tossing in the cinnamon sugar.

Dry Donuts
Be mindful not to overbake the donuts. Overcooking will dry them out. Also, incorporating the pumpkin puree helps give them that moist crumb.

Freezing & Storing Leftovers

Freezing:
For longer storage, cool the donuts completely before freezing to prevent sogginess. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and they will keep well for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in a low oven.

Storing:
Donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be kept in an airtight container or ziplock bag at room temperature for 2-3 days. Avoid refrigerating as it tends to dry them out.

How To Reheat

Oven Method
Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Place the donuts on a baking sheet and warm for about 5-7 minutes until just heated through, which helps maintain their crisp coating.

Microwave Method
For a quick option, microwave the donut on a microwave-safe plate for 15-20 seconds. This softens the donut but can make the sugar coating less crunchy.

Toaster Oven Method
Heat the donuts in a toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes. This method revives some crispness in the cinnamon sugar coating without drying the donut.

Skillet Method
Warm a non-stick skillet over medium heat and heat the donut for a minute on each side. This approach crisps the outside nicely if you want to avoid the oven.

Ways to Use Leftovers

Pumpkin Donut French Toast
Slice leftover donuts and use them to make a decadent French toast breakfast or brunch, soaking them in egg batter for an extra treat.

Pumpkin Donut Trifle
Layer chunks of donuts with whipped cream and spiced apple compote for a quick and delicious trifle dessert.

Donut Bread Pudding
Cubed donuts make a rich base for a pumpkin-spiced bread pudding that’s perfect for fall gatherings.

Pumpkin Donut Milkshake
Blend leftover donuts with vanilla ice cream and milk for a seasonal milkshake that’s both creative and indulgent.

Crumbled Topping
Use crumbled donuts as a crunchy topping for yogurt, oatmeal, or even pumpkin pie.

Extra FAQs

Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely, you can prepare the batter a day ahead and keep it covered with plastic wrap in the fridge. Just give it a gentle stir before frying or baking to keep the texture fresh.

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Yes, just substitute your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Just note that the texture may be slightly different.

How long do these donuts keep fresh?
They are best eaten within 2-3 days for optimal freshness. Refrigeration can dry them out, so it’s best to store at room temperature.

Can I add frosting instead of cinnamon sugar?
Sure, a cream cheese or maple glaze works wonderfully as a frosting alternative, adding a different but equally delightful finish.