Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Doughnuts

Spice things up this fall with these Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Doughnuts. These delightful treats combine a fluffy pumpkin brioche dough with a rich pumpkin spice cheesecake filling, making them perfect for breakfast or dessert. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just indulging in a cozy day at home, these doughnuts are sure to impress with their unique flavors and festive appeal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and cheesecake creates a deliciously rich taste that embodies the essence of fall.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve these doughnuts at brunches, parties, or as an afternoon snack to wow your guests.
• Easy to Make: With clear instructions, even novice bakers can create these treats without hassle.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust the spices or fillings to suit your personal preferences.
• Festive Presentation: Dusted in pumpkin spice sugar, these doughnuts look as good as they taste!

Tools and Preparation

To create these delightful Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Doughnuts, you’ll need some essential tools and equipment. Preparing ahead helps streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer (or mixing bowl)
• Doughnut cutter
• Frying thermometer
• Deep pot or fryer
• Baking sheet
• Piping bag

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool helps achieve the perfect dough consistency while saving time and effort.
• Frying thermometer: Ensures oil is at the right temperature for frying, preventing greasy doughnuts.
• Piping bag: Ideal for filling your doughnuts with creamy cheesecake filling without mess.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make scrumptious Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Doughnuts:

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

For Frying and Filling

• Carlini Vegetable Oil or other neutral oil (for frying)
• 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 mixing together the bread flour, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, kosher salt, and pumpkin pie spice in your stand mixer bowl.

Step 2: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, warm the whole milk until lukewarm. Add the milk to the dry ingredients along with the large egg, egg yolk, canned pumpkin, and vanilla extract. Mix on low speed until combined.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Add softened butter to the mixture. Knead until smooth and elastic. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape the Doughnuts

Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface. Cut into doughnut shapes using a cutter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 5: Fry the Doughnuts

Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry each doughnut until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels.

Step 6: Prepare Filling and Coating

While the doughnuts cool, beat together cream cheese spread, powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and kosher salt until smooth.

Step 7: Fill and Coat

Use a piping bag to fill each cooled doughnut with the cheesecake mixture. Finally, toss in a blend of granulated sugar and pumpkin pie spice for coating.

Enjoy your 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. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With a Hot Beverage

• Coffee: Pair these doughnuts with a hot cup of coffee to balance the sweetness.
• Spiced Tea: A warm cup of spiced tea adds a cozy touch and complements the pumpkin flavor.
• Hot Chocolate: For a dessert-like pairing, serve with rich hot chocolate topped with whipped cream.

As Part of a Breakfast Spread

• Breakfast Platter: Include fruits like apples and pears alongside doughnuts for a colorful presentation.
• Yogurt Parfait: Serve with yogurt and granola for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the doughnuts.

For Special Occasions

• Brunch Gathering: These doughnuts make an excellent centerpiece for fall brunches or holiday gatherings.
• Dessert Table: Add them to a dessert table for parties, paired with other pumpkin-themed treats.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Doughnuts

Getting pumpkin spice cheesecake doughnuts just right requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your doughnuts turn out perfectly.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh spices and canned pumpkin for the best flavor.
• Knead Thoroughly: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic; this helps achieve the perfect texture.
• Monitor Oil Temperature: Ensure the oil is at 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying; too hot can burn them while too cool may make them greasy.
• Let Them Cool Properly: Allow fried doughnuts to cool on a wire rack; this prevents sogginess from steam buildup.
• Dust Generously: Don’t skimp on the pumpkin spice sugar coating—it’s essential for that fall flavor burst!
• Fill Just Before Serving: For optimal freshness, fill the doughnuts just before serving to keep them moist and delicious.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Doughnuts

These delectable doughnuts pair well with various side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Cinnamon Apples: Sautéed cinnamon apples bring warmth and sweetness, enhancing the fall flavors.
2. Maple Bacon: Crispy bacon drizzled with maple syrup offers a savory contrast to sweet doughnuts.
3. Nutty Granola: A bowl of nutty granola provides crunch and pairs well with coffee or tea served alongside.
4. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds freshness, balancing the richness of the cheesecake filling.
5. Cheese Board: Include soft cheeses like brie or cream cheese; they pair nicely with pumpkin flavors.
6. Whipped Cream Dip: A fluffy whipped cream dip makes for an indulgent side that guests will love.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making pumpkin spice cheesecake doughnuts, avoid these common pitfalls for the best results.

• Overmixing the dough: This can lead to dense doughnuts. Mix until just combined for a light texture.
• Using stale yeast: Old yeast will not rise properly. Always check expiration dates and store yeast correctly.
• Skipping the cooling step: Frying doughnuts while hot can make them greasy. Let them cool slightly before frying.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Incorrect measurements can ruin your recipe. Use a kitchen scale for precise amounts.
• Frying at the wrong temperature: Too hot or too cold oil affects cooking time and texture. Use a thermometer to maintain the right heat.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Doughnuts

• Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
• Layer with wax paper to keep them separate.

Reheating Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Doughnuts

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding pumpkin spice cheesecake doughnuts.

Can I use regular cream cheese instead of pumpkin spice cream cheese?

Yes, you can mix regular cream cheese with pumpkin pie spice to achieve a similar flavor.

Can I make these doughnuts ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead and refrigerate it overnight before frying.

How do I ensure my doughnuts are fluffy?

Make sure your yeast is fresh and allow the dough to rise fully before frying.

What if I don’t have bread flour?

You can substitute all-purpose flour, but the texture may be slightly different.

Can I customize the filling of my pumpkin spice cheesecake doughnuts?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different flavors, like vanilla or chocolate cream cheese.

Final Thoughts

These pumpkin spice cheesecake doughnuts are a delightful treat perfect for fall. Their fluffy texture combined with rich cream cheese filling makes them irresistible. Don’t hesitate to customize with your favorite spices or fillings!