Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Doughnuts

Spice things up this fall with these Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Doughnuts. These delightful treats combine a fluffy pumpkin brioche with a creamy pumpkin spice cheesecake filling, making them perfect for breakfast or dessert. Ideal for gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply indulging yourself, these doughnuts are sure to impress with their unique flavors and festive flair.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and spice creates a warm, inviting taste that captures the essence of fall.
• Perfect for Celebrations: These doughnuts are great for parties, brunches, or cozy family gatherings.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip these up even if you’re a beginner baker.
• Customizable Filling: Feel free to experiment with different flavors in your cheesecake filling!
• Beautiful Presentation: Dusted with pumpkin spice sugar, these doughnuts look as good as they taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather the essential tools before you start.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Rolling pin
• Doughnut cutter or round cookie cutters
• Frying pan or deep fryer
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This makes mixing the dough easier and ensures it gets enough air for that perfect rise.
• Doughnut cutter: Using the right shape helps create evenly sized doughnuts that fry perfectly.
• Cooling rack: Essential for letting your doughnuts cool without getting soggy.

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-ounce 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 Topping

• 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

Start by combining all dry ingredients in your stand mixer. This includes bread flour, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, kosher salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Mix well.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Next, add whole milk, egg, egg yolk, canned pumpkin, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Mix on low speed until combined. Gradually add softened butter and increase speed until a smooth dough forms.

Step 3: Let It Rise

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

Step 4: Shape the Doughnuts

Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface to about ½ inch thickness. Use your doughnut cutter to cut out shapes.

Step 5: Fry the Doughnuts

Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry each doughnut until golden brown on both sides. Transfer them to a cooling rack after frying.

Step 6: Prepare the Filling

In another bowl, beat together pumpkin spice cream cheese spread with powdered sugar until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold whipped cream into the cheesecake mixture.

Step 7: Fill the Doughnuts

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

Step 8: Dust with Sugar

Combine granulated sugar and pumpkin pie spice in a small bowl. Roll each filled doughnut in this mixture for an added touch of sweetness.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your homemade Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Doughnuts! Perfectly fluffy with an irresistible creamy center!

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Doughnuts

Serving pumpkin spice cheesecake doughnuts can elevate your fall gatherings or cozy breakfasts. These delightful treats pair wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments that enhance their flavor and charm.

With Hot Beverages

• Coffee – A warm cup of coffee complements the sweetness and spice of the doughnuts beautifully.
• Chai Tea – The spiced flavors of chai tea resonate well with the pumpkin spice, creating a comforting combination.
• Cider – Warm apple cider adds a fruity note that balances the rich cheesecake filling.

As a Dessert Platter

• Assorted Fruits – Fresh apples, pears, or berries provide a refreshing contrast to the rich doughnuts.
• Whipped Cream – A dollop of homemade whipped cream adds lightness and creaminess to each bite.
• Chocolate Sauce – Drizzling chocolate sauce over the doughnuts introduces an indulgent twist.

For Brunch Buffets

• Yogurt Parfait – Layered yogurt with granola and fruit offers a healthy and colorful option alongside the doughnuts.
• Savory Quiche – A slice of quiche provides a savory balance to the sweet treats, making for a diverse brunch menu.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Doughnuts

To achieve the ideal texture and flavor in your pumpkin spice cheesecake doughnuts, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients – Ensure your spices and baking supplies are fresh for the best flavor.
• Let the dough rise properly – Allow enough time for the dough to rise; this will result in lighter and fluffier doughnuts.
• Monitor frying temperature – Maintain an oil temperature of 350°F (175°C) for perfectly cooked doughnuts that are golden brown outside and soft inside.
• Fill them while warm – Filling the doughnuts right after frying helps retain warmth and ensures the filling is at its best.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Doughnuts

Pairing side dishes with pumpkin spice cheesecake doughnuts enhances your meal experience. Here are some delightful options to consider.

1. Apple Crisp – A warm apple crisp adds a crunchy texture that complements the soft doughnuts.
2. Pumpkin Soup – This creamy soup pairs perfectly with pumpkin flavors, creating a cohesive fall-inspired meal.
3. Pecan Pie – The nutty sweetness of pecan pie makes for an indulgent dessert alongside your doughnuts.
4. Cheese Platter – An assortment of cheeses balances out sweetness with savory flavors, perfect for sharing.
5. Maple Bacon Scones – The sweet and salty combination works well together, making breakfast even more delightful.
6. Caramelized Pears – These sweet fruits bring out autumn flavors that align nicely with pumpkin spice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making pumpkin spice cheesecake doughnuts, it’s easy to overlook certain details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.

• Skipping the yeast proofing: Always proof your yeast before adding it to the dough. This ensures that it’s active and helps your doughnuts rise properly.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Use the scoop-and-level method for measuring flour. Too much flour can lead to dense doughnuts instead of fluffy ones.
• Overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough doughnuts that lose their light texture.
• Using cold ingredients: Make sure your milk and butter are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can prevent proper mixing and affect the rise.
• Frying at the wrong temperature: Check your oil temperature before frying. Too hot or too cold oil can result in undercooked or burnt doughnuts.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep them in a single layer to avoid squishing.

Freezing Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Doughnuts

• Wrap each doughnut in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Doughnuts

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Warm on a baking sheet for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one doughnut at a time for about 10-15 seconds, just until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat for about 2-3 minutes per side until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about pumpkin spice cheesecake doughnuts.

Can I make Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Doughnuts ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the fridge overnight before frying.

What can I substitute for canned pumpkin?

You can use homemade pumpkin puree or applesauce as a substitute, though it may alter the flavor slightly.

How do I achieve a crispy exterior?

Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying; this will give your doughnuts a crispy texture while keeping them soft inside.

Are there variations of Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Doughnuts?

Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips or swap out spices for variations that suit your taste.

Final Thoughts

These pumpkin spice cheesecake doughnuts are perfect for fall gatherings or cozy mornings at home. Their rich flavors and delightful texture make them irresistible. Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings or fillings!