Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Doughnuts

Spice things up this fall with these Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Doughnuts. They’re a delightful blend of fluffy pumpkin brioche, dusted in pumpkin spice sugar, and filled with a creamy pumpkin spice cheesecake filling. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these doughnuts are sure to impress friends and family at any gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor – The combination of pumpkin spice and cream cheese creates a rich, comforting taste that embodies the essence of fall.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a cozy brunch, a festive gathering, or just a sweet treat on a chilly day, these doughnuts fit right in.
• Easy to Make – With clear instructions and accessible ingredients, baking these doughnuts is simple enough for all skill levels.
• Versatile Treat – Enjoy them warm right out of the fryer or let them cool for a delightful afternoon snack; they’re delicious either way!
• Impressive Presentation – These doughnuts not only taste great but also look stunning with their spiced sugar coating and creamy filling.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth, gather the necessary tools and prepare your workspace. A little organization goes a long way in ensuring your pumpkin spice cheesecake doughnuts turn out perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin
• Doughnut cutter or cookie cutter
• Frying pot or deep skillet
• Slotted spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer – Ensures even mixing and kneading, making it easier to achieve the perfect dough texture.
• Doughnut cutter – Helps create uniform shapes for consistent frying results.
• Frying pot – Provides an ideal size for deep-frying without splattering oil everywhere.

Ingredients

For the Doughnut Base

• 3 cups (375 grams) bread flour
• 1 cup (125 grams) Baker’s Corner All-Purpose Flour
• 1/3 cup (67 grams) Baker’s Corner Granulated Sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (7 grams) instant yeast
• 1 1/4 teaspoons (7 grams) kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon Stonemill Pumpkin Pie Spice
• 3/4 cup (180 grams) whole milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 egg yolk
• 1/2 cup (122 grams) Baker’s Corner 100% Pure Canned Pumpkin
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) vanilla extract
• 6 tablespoons (85 grams) Countryside Creamery Unsalted Butter, softened and cubed
• Carlini Vegetable Oil or other neutral oil for frying

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 2 8-oz packages Happy Farms Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Spread
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) Baker’s Corner Powdered Sugar, sifted
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon Stonemill Vanilla Extract
• 1/2 teaspoon Stonemill Pumpkin Pie Spice
• 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

For Coating

• 1/2 cup (100 grams) Baker’s Corner Granulated Sugar
• 2 teaspoons Stonemill Pumpkin Pie Spice

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Doughnuts

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Begin by combining the bread flour, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, kosher salt, and pumpkin pie spice in your stand mixer bowl. Mix until well blended. In another bowl, whisk together warm milk, egg, egg yolk, canned pumpkin, and vanilla extract. Gradually add this mixture to the dry ingredients while mixing on low speed until combined.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

Once combined, add the softened butter cubes. Increase the mixer speed to medium and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic. This should take about 5–7 minutes.

Step 3: Let It Rise

Transfer the dough into a greased bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size—about 1 hour.

Step 4: Shape the Doughnuts

After rising, punch down the dough. Roll it out on a floured surface to about ½ inch thickness. Use your doughnut cutter to cut out shapes. Place them on parchment paper-lined trays.

Step 5: Frying Time

Heat vegetable oil in your frying pot over medium heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop in several doughnuts at once—do not overcrowd! Fry for about 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Step 6: Prepare the Filling

In a mixing bowl, beat together pumpkin spice cream cheese spread with sifted powdered sugar until smooth. In another bowl, whip heavy cream with vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Gently fold this whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated.

Step 7: Fill Your Doughnuts

Once cooled slightly, use a piping bag to fill each doughnut with the cheesecake filling through one side.

Step 8: Coat with Spiced Sugar

Mix granulated sugar with remaining pumpkin pie spice in a shallow dish. Roll each filled doughnut in this mixture until thoroughly coated.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Doughnuts!

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Doughnuts

Pumpkin spice cheesecake doughnuts are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or enjoying a quiet afternoon at home, these doughnuts add a festive touch to any occasion.

For Breakfast

• Coffee Pairing: Serve these doughnuts with a warm cup of coffee for a perfect morning boost.
• Fresh Fruit: Add a side of seasonal fruits like apples or pears to balance the sweetness.

As a Dessert

• Whipped Cream: Top with freshly whipped cream for an extra layer of indulgence.
• Chocolate Drizzle: A drizzle of melted chocolate can elevate the flavor and presentation.

At Gatherings

• Doughnut Bar: Create a fun doughnut bar where guests can choose their favorite toppings.
• Gift Boxes: Package them in decorative boxes as sweet gifts for friends and family.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Doughnuts

Making pumpkin spice cheesecake doughnuts is easy, but perfecting them requires some tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure your doughnuts turn out perfectly every time.

• Flour Choice: Use high-quality bread flour for the best texture and rise.
• Temperature Control: Make sure your milk is warm (not hot) when adding yeast; this helps activate it properly.
• Consistent Frying: Maintain oil temperature while frying for even cooking—ideally around 350°F (175°C).
• Sifting Ingredients: Sift powdered sugar before using it to avoid lumps in your glaze.
• Cool Down Properly: Allow doughnuts to cool slightly after frying before filling them to prevent the filling from melting.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Doughnuts

These pumpkin spice cheesecake doughnuts can be complemented by various side dishes. Here are some ideas to enhance your fall gathering.

1. Apple Cider: Warm spiced apple cider pairs wonderfully with these doughnuts, bringing out their pumpkin flavor.
2. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds creaminess and contrasts nicely with the spiced doughnut.
3. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy side that balances sweetness.
4. Maple Syrup Dipping Sauce: A small bowl of warm maple syrup makes for an excellent dipping option.
5. Savory Bacon Strips: Crispy bacon adds a savory crunch that complements the sweetness of the doughnuts.
6. Pumpkin Soup: For an autumn twist, serve alongside a warm bowl of creamy pumpkin soup for a complete meal experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making pumpkin spice cheesecake doughnuts, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of.

• Skipping the yeast activation: Failing to properly activate the yeast can lead to dense doughnuts. Always dissolve the yeast in warm milk first.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can make your dough tough. Mix just until combined for light, fluffy doughnuts.
• Incorrect frying temperature: Frying at too high or too low temperatures can ruin your doughnuts. Use a thermometer to maintain a steady 350°F (175°C).
• Not letting the dough rise: Skipping the rising time results in flat doughnuts. Allow the dough to double in size for best results.
• Filling too soon: Filling your doughnuts before they cool can lead to melted filling. Wait until they are completely cooled.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store pumpkin spice cheesecake doughnuts in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Doughnuts

• Wrap each doughnut individually in plastic wrap.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; they will stay fresh for up to 2 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Doughnuts

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5-10 minutes for best texture.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to overdo it.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make pumpkin spice cheesecake filling?

To create the filling, combine Happy Farms Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Spread with powdered sugar, heavy cream, and spices until smooth.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. Just ensure it’s well-pureed and not too watery for best results.

Are these donuts suitable for freezing?

Absolutely! These pumpkin spice cheesecake doughnuts freeze well. Just wrap them properly before placing them in the freezer.

How long do pumpkin spice cheesecake doughnuts last?

When stored correctly, they last up to three days in the fridge or two months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

Pumpkin spice cheesecake doughnuts are an irresistible treat that combines comfort and joy during fall baking. Their fluffy texture and creamy filling make them perfect for breakfast or dessert. Feel free to customize with different spices or fillings for a unique twist!