Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Doughnuts

Spice things up this fall with these Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Doughnuts. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these delightful treats combine a fluffy pumpkin brioche dough with a creamy pumpkin spice cheesecake filling. Whether it’s a cozy family brunch or a festive gathering, these doughnuts are sure to impress everyone with their delicious flavor and charming appearance. Dive into the season with every bite of this autumn-inspired delight!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin spice and creamy cheesecake creates a rich taste that celebrates fall.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These doughnuts are great for breakfast, dessert, or holiday gatherings.
• Easy to Make: While they may look fancy, the recipe is straightforward and perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Fluffy Texture: The pumpkin brioche dough ensures each bite is light and airy, making them irresistible.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the spices or fillings to suit your preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the task smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin
• Frying thermometer
• Baking sheet

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool makes incorporating ingredients easy and ensures a well-mixed dough.
• Frying thermometer: It helps maintain the right oil temperature for frying, ensuring perfect doughnuts every time.

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 Filling

• 2 packages (8 oz each) Happy Farms Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Spread

For the Topping

• 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
• 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

To begin making your Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Doughnuts, follow these instructions:
1. In a stand mixer bowl, combine the bread flour, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, yeast, kosher salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together whole milk, egg, egg yolk, canned pumpkin, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture in the stand mixer. Mix until combined.
4. Add softened butter in cubes to the dough mixture and knead on medium speed until smooth.

Step 2: Let It Rise

Once mixed:
1. Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl.
2. Cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
3. Allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours until doubled in size.

Step 3: Shape the Doughnuts

After rising:
1. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about ½ inch thick.
2. Use a doughnut cutter to cut out shapes from the rolled dough.
3. Place formed doughnuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 4: Frying the Doughnuts

Next:
1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to about 350°F (175°C).
2. Carefully drop in several doughnuts at once without overcrowding.
3. Fry until golden brown on both sides; this takes about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Create Filling & Topping

While cooling:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine pumpkin spice cream cheese spread with powdered sugar and heavy cream until smooth.
2. In another bowl, whisk heavy cream with vanilla extract until peaks form.

Step 6: Assemble Doughnuts

Finally:
1. Once cooled, use a piping bag to fill each doughnut with cheesecake filling.
2. Dust filled doughnuts with granulated sugar mixed with pumpkin pie spice before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Doughnuts! They are sure to be a favorite this fall season!

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Doughnuts

Serving pumpkin spice cheesecake doughnuts can elevate your fall gatherings or cozy mornings. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy these sweet treats.

Pair with Coffee

• A warm cup of coffee perfectly complements the rich flavors of pumpkin spice. The bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness of the doughnuts.

Add Whipped Cream

• Topping your doughnut with a dollop of whipped cream adds a creamy texture and enhances the dessert experience. You can also sprinkle a bit of pumpkin pie spice on top for extra flavor.

Serve with Ice Cream

• For an indulgent treat, serve your doughnuts warmed up with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. The melting ice cream creates a delicious contrast to the fluffy doughnut.

Enjoy with Hot Chocolate

• Fall is synonymous with hot chocolate. Pairing these doughnuts with a steaming mug makes for a cozy afternoon snack that everyone will love.

Create a Dessert Platter

• Arrange your pumpkin spice cheesecake doughnuts alongside other seasonal sweets like caramel apples or pecan pie bars for a festive dessert spread.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Doughnuts

Creating perfect pumpkin spice cheesecake doughnuts involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your doughnuts turn out amazing every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh yeast and spices make a significant difference in flavor. Always check expiration dates before baking.

• Knead Properly: Kneading the dough until it’s smooth and elastic helps create that fluffy texture we all love in doughnuts.

• Let It Rise: Allowing the dough to rise adequately is crucial. This step ensures that your doughnuts are light and airy after frying.

• Monitor Oil Temperature: Keeping the frying oil at the right temperature (around 350°F) prevents greasy doughnuts and ensures they cook evenly.

• Sift Powdered Sugar: Sifting powdered sugar before dusting adds a nice even coating and avoids clumps, making for a prettier presentation.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Doughnuts

Pumpkin spice cheesecake doughnuts can be enjoyed alongside various side dishes that enhance their flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Spiced Apple Cider
   A warm spiced apple cider brings out the fall flavors, making it an ideal drink pairing alongside your doughnuts.

2. Maple Bacon
   Crispy bacon drizzled with maple syrup adds savory notes that complement the sweetness of the doughnuts nicely.

3. Cinnamon Roll Casserole
   This baked dish offers another level of cinnamon goodness and is great for sharing at brunch gatherings.

4. Fruit Salad
   A fresh fruit salad brightens up your meal, providing a refreshing balance to the rich flavors of pumpkin spice.

5. Cheese Plate
   A selection of cheeses, particularly creamy options like brie or goat cheese, pairs well with sweet treats and can be an elegant addition to your table.

6. Pumpkin Soup
   A smooth pumpkin soup serves as an excellent appetizer, setting the stage for more pumpkin-themed delights like our cheesecakes!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making pumpkin spice cheesecake doughnuts, it’s easy to overlook a few key aspects. Here are some common mistakes you should avoid.

• Skipping the yeast proofing: Always activate your yeast with warm milk before mixing. This ensures your doughnuts rise properly.
• Using cold ingredients: Cold butter or milk can affect the dough consistency. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
• Overmixing the dough: Mix until just combined to keep your doughnuts light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to dense dough.
• Frying at the wrong temperature: Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature between 350°F to 375°F. Too low will make them greasy, while too high can burn them.
• Not allowing the dough to rest: Be sure to let the dough rise adequately. This step is crucial for achieving that fluffy texture.

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 for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.
• Wrap each doughnut individually in plastic wrap before placing them in the container.

Reheating Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Doughnuts

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one doughnut at a time on medium power for 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for about 1-2 minutes per side.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What makes Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Doughnuts so special?

These doughnuts combine the flavors of pumpkin spice and creamy cheesecake, creating a delightful treat perfect for fall.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. Just make sure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture in your batter.

How do I customize my Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Doughnuts?

Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips into the batter, or top with different glazes for added flavor.

Are these doughnuts suitable for freezing?

Absolutely! These pumpkin spice cheesecake doughnuts freeze well. Just wrap each one individually before storing them in a freezer-safe container.

Final Thoughts

Pumpkin spice cheesecake doughnuts are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them with various toppings or fillings based on your preferences. Try this comforting recipe this fall and share it with family and friends!