Pumpkin Sour Cream Donuts
With fall in the air, and that crisp chilly wind rattling my windows, I’m in full autumn mode.
Yes winter feels just around the corner here in Chicago, but I’m still holding on to pumpkin-y fall flavors as long as possible.
Two weeks ago was my street’s block party, and as has become tradition, I made 50+ donuts for all my neighbors. (Last year I made these Apple Cider Donuts!) The end result was just too good not to share with you, so here it is!
These donuts are fried not baked, which in my opinion is what makes it a real donut. I just cant get behind baked donuts…aren’t they just cake??
For the first time, I used a deep fryer to make these and man oh man was it a game changer. I have successfully made donuts just using a a pot of oil and a thermometer, but having all that guesswork taken out was really helpful. I borrowed a neighbor’s for this, but can see myself investing in one of these, even if it’s just for making donuts a couple times a year!
The donuts themselves are full of sugar and spice, with lots of pumpkin to yield a perfect texture. They are coated in two different toppings: A spiced sugar with cinnamon and nutmeg, and a glossy maple glaze.
Both varieties were devoured so quickly, it’s hard to decide which was more popular. I loved them both so much!
It’s important to note that a deep fryer isn’t needed for this recipe. I’ve made donuts several times on my stovetop with a thermometer to gage temperature and it’s been fine. The deep fryer took out the need to adjust the heat throughout, but you can totally do it!
Pumpkin Sour Cream Donuts
Ingredients
For the Donuts:
- 3 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 large egg
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon sour cream
- 1 cup canned pumpkin
- Flavorless oil like canola (or I used avocado,) for frying
Spiced sugar:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
Maple Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1-2 teaspoons heavy cream or milk
Instructions
For the toppings:
Mix up the ingredients for the spiced sugar, set aside.
For the glaze, mix the powdered sugar and maple syrup together with a fork, and then add the heavy cream or milk in, a teaspoon at a time, until the glaze is smooth and at your desired thickness.
For the donuts:
In a medium sized mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and spices. Set aside
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer and combine the brown sugar and butter, creaming until well combined.
Add the egg and yolks, one at a time, and mix until smooth.
Add the vanilla, sour cream and pumpkin, folding in until well incorporated.
Mix the dry ingredients in on low speed until just combined. Don't overmix!
Cover the batter and chill in the fridge for 3 hours or more, or you can speed this up in the freezer for about an hour, stirring the dough a little bit halfway though.
When dough is ready, roll it out on a well-floured surface to about 3/4 inches thick. Use a donut cutter, or a biscuit cutter with a pastry tip to cut your donuts out. (I find it helpful to flour the cutters between cuts to help the donut release easily.
For frying:
Heat oil to between 365F and 375F. Test one donut first, frying for one minute, flipping and then one minute more. Check to see if this is your desired texture, and then adjust your timing as needed. I found that depending on how thick I cut them, I needed between 45 seconds and 1 minute per side.
Continue to fry the donuts, and then the donut holes ( about 30/45 seconds per side.)
Place freshly fried donuts on a paper-towel lined plate.
Toss half the donuts in the sugar, and dip the other half in the glaze. Enjoy!
Notes
Recipe adapted from Epicurious
Now you’re making me think I need a deep fryer…it would be so perfect for frying tofu, falafel…and of course DONUTS. These look amazing! I’m so impressed that you made FIFTY.
I made these yesterday and oh my goodness they are good! Not only are they delicious the day I made them, the next day they are equally as good. I also have to thank you for detailed directions, they are easy to make. Thanks so much I have a feeling they will be a family favorite!
These donuts are amazing! First time making them and love them. The dough was easy to work with. Perfect amount of flavor. This recipe is definitely a keeper.
Yay! Thank you so much! I love them too!
These look and sound amazing, as do your apple cider donuts. Have to test these for the fall holidays. Thanks, Tom
Can these be baked instead?
Probably but I honestly haven’t tried!
Can you make the batter the night before?
Yes I suggest you do! The donuts are easier to form when the dough is cold.
These look wonderful but I have a question: What should I fry them in? A regular frying pan, a skillet, a pot of oil…?
I used a deep fryer but I have also used a dutch oven- you want something deep so oil doesn’t splash!
Hi! I was wondering if you have tried a substitute for the eggs in this recipe or what you would recommend. I have a few things I would try but wondered if youve had success with this particular recipe.
Thanks!