Last Updated on July 25, 2025 by recipeinspire
Table of Contents
3-Ingredient Pumpkin Donuts: Your New Fall Favorite Recipe!
As the crisp autumn air settles in, are you craving a simple sweet treat? The answer lies in these delightful 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Donuts? These donuts are not only quick and easy to whip up but also capture the essence of fall in every bite. Imagine indulging in warm, fluffy donuts made from just a handful of ingredients. Let’s dive into this cozy recipe that’s perfect for any quick dessert fix!
Ingredients List

To create these mouthwatering donuts, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree: Fresh or canned, this will be the star of your donuts.
- 1 cup self-rising flour: Gives the donuts their fluffiness without the need for additional leavening agents.
- 1/2 cup sugar: Perfect for that hint of sweetness and caramelization.
Substitutions:
- Pumpkin puree: Try using applesauce for a slightly different taste and a lower-calorie option.
- Self-rising flour: If you only have all-purpose flour, simply add 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder for every cup of flour.
- Sugar: Substitute with maple syrup or honey for a natural sweetener.
Timing
Preparing these delightful treats takes remarkably little time. Here’s a breakdown:
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Did you know? This is about 30% quicker than the average baking recipe, making it perfect for busy fall afternoons when you’re balancing pumpkin spice lattes and leaf-peeping adventures!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your donuts will bake evenly and come out perfectly fluffy.
Step 2: Mix your ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 1 cup of self-rising flour, and 1/2 cup of sugar. Stir until just combined. The batter should be thick yet smooth. Avoid over-mixing to keep your donuts tender.
Step 3: Prepare your donut pan
Lightly grease your donut pan with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can use silicone molds for easy release.
Step 4: Fill the donut pan
Spoon the batter into the molds, filling each about 3/4 full. This allows room for them to rise without overflowing.
Step 5: Bake
Place the donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy!
Allow the donuts to cool for a few minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy as-is, or dust with powdered sugar or cinnamon for extra flair.
Nutritional Information
These 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Donuts are not only a delectable treat but also pack some nutritional benefits:
- Calories per donut: Approximately 120
- Total Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Sugar: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
This makes them a guilt-free indulgence, especially when compared to traditional donuts that are often loaded with excess sugar and fat.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Looking to enhance the nutritional profile of your donuts? Consider these modifications:
- Use whole wheat flour instead of self-rising flour for added fiber.
- Replace sugar with stevia for a lower-calorie option, adjusting to taste.
- Add spices: Incorporate cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a flavor boost and antioxidant benefits.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your donut experience with these creative serving suggestions:
- Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a decadent twist.
- Pair with coffee or chai tea for a perfect autumn afternoon treat.
- Create a delightful brunch platter: Include your donuts alongside fresh fruits, yogurt, and nut butter for a wholesome meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even a simple recipe like this can come with pitfalls. Here’s what to watch for:
- Overmixing the batter: This can lead to dense donuts, so mix just until combined.
- Not greasing the pan adequately: Prevent frustration by ensuring your molds are well greased, especially if using a non-silicone pan.
- Overbaking: Keep an eye on your donuts as oven times may vary; overbaking can lead to dryness.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
To keep your donuts fresh, follow these simple storage tips:
- Room Temperature: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: For extended freshness, place them in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freezer: Freeze individual donuts, wrapped in plastic wrap, for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for 5-10 minutes for the best texture.

3-Ingredient Pumpkin Donuts: Your New Fall Favorite Recipe!
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 donuts 1x
Description
These 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Donuts are fluffy, flavorful, and unbelievably easy to make. Just one bowl, one pan, and the magic of pumpkin spice—perfect for fall mornings or lazy weekend treats!
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) spice cake mix
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/4 cup water or milk (for smoother batter)
- Optional for coating: Cinnamon sugar or glaze
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together the cake mix, pumpkin puree, and water until fully combined and smooth.
- Fill and bake: Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut pan cavities, filling each about 3/4 full. Bake for 13–15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and coat: Let donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack. Roll in cinnamon sugar or drizzle with glaze if desired.
Notes
No donut pan? Use a muffin tin! These are best eaten fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Try adding chocolate chips or a maple glaze for variation.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: pumpkin donuts, easy pumpkin recipe, 3-ingredient donuts, fall baking, cake mix donuts
Conclusion
These delightful 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Donuts are the perfect cozy treat to satisfy your fall cravings. With their simple preparation and rich flavors, you can enjoy them in no time. So why not whip up a batch today? Don’t forget to share your experience and let us know how they turned out!
FAQs
How do I make these donuts gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum to mimic the texture of traditional flour.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just ensure to puree the pumpkin and drain any excess moisture for the best results.
How long do these donuts last?
They can last for 3 days at room temperature and up to a week in the refrigerator.
Can I bake these in a regular muffin pan?
Yes! You can pour the batter into muffin tins; just adjust the baking time to about 20-25 minutes.
With this easy recipe, you’ll surely create a fall favorite that everyone will love! Grab your ingredients and embark on your pumpkin donut adventure today!