Name: Pumpkin Spice Cream-Filled Donuts Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 8 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup light brown sugar; 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 1/2 cups heavy cream; 3 large egg yolks; 3/4 cup pumpkin puree; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature; 2 tablespoons bourbon (optional); 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups whole milk; 2/3 cup granulated sugar; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature; 1 large egg, room temperature; 2 teaspoons instant yeast; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 2-4 cups vegetable oil (for frying); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (can substitute pumpkin pie spice)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 67 reviews

If you’re craving something that embodies the cozy essence of autumn in every bite, look no further than this Pumpkin Spice Cream-Filled Donuts Recipe. These donuts are a sublime marriage of fluffy, golden fried dough with a luscious, velvety pumpkin spice cream oozing from the center. The blend of warm spices, rich pumpkin, and creamy filling will have you daydreaming about crisp fall mornings and comforting cups of coffee. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it quickly becomes a favorite tradition you’ll want to make again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a shiny silver pan filled with thick, smooth, light brown sauce with visible small darker specks. A woman's hand is holding a silver whisk with thin wires, stirring the sauce, creating soft swirls on the surface. The pan rests on a white marbled surface, and some sauce is slightly dripped on the pan’s edge. The light reflects gently on the sauce, showing its creamy texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

You’ll find that this Pumpkin Spice Cream-Filled Donuts Recipe relies on simple, staple ingredients that each bring something special to the table—whether it’s the aromatic pumpkin pie spice that paints the flavors of fall or the yeast that creates that perfect fluffy texture. Each component is essential for creating the ideal balance of soft dough and creamy filling.

Light brown sugar: Adds subtle molasses notes and sweetness to the pumpkin cream.
Cornstarch: Thickens the pumpkin cream to the perfect custard-like consistency.
Pumpkin pie spice: The star seasoning that infuses the cream with warm autumn flavor.
Kosher salt: Enhances flavors and balances out sweetness in both dough and filling.
Heavy cream: Provides richness and creaminess to the pumpkin filling.
Egg yolks: Give the filling its silky texture and help thicken it.
Pumpkin puree: The heart of the filling that delivers that beloved pumpkin flavor.
Unsalted butter: Adds flavor and smoothness to the filling, plus richness to the dough.
Bourbon (optional): Adds a subtle depth and warmth to the cream filling.
Vanilla extract: A hint of sweet, fragrant vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile.
All-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, providing structure and tenderness.
Whole milk: Keeps the dough soft and moist.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and the cinnamon sugar coating.
Instant yeast: Makes the dough rise to fluffy perfection.
Vegetable oil: For frying, creates a golden, crispy exterior.
Cinnamon: Combined with sugar for that classic coating that makes every bite irresistible.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Cream-Filled Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin Cream

Start by whisking together your brown sugar, cornstarch, pumpkin pie spice, salt, heavy cream, and egg yolks in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. In just about a minute, you’ll see it thicken into a gorgeous custard. Remove it from heat and stir in the pumpkin puree, butter, bourbon (if using), and vanilla extract for that extra layer of flavor. Transfer this creamy masterpiece to a bowl, cover it tightly with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface, and chill for at least an hour. This prevents a skin from forming and lets those pumpkin spices fully meld.

Step 2: Make the Donut Dough

In your stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the flour, milk, sugar, butter, egg, yeast, vanilla, and salt. Knead this mixture on medium-low speed for about five minutes. You want the dough to come together into a soft, slightly sticky ball that pulls from the bowl sides but isn’t wet. If it’s too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches that perfect consistency. Pop the dough into a greased bowl, cover, and refrigerate overnight—this slow chill not only develops flavor but makes handling the dough easier.

Step 3: Shape and Cut the Donuts

The next morning, let your dough rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes to wake up the yeast. Punch it down gently and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about half an inch thick. Use a 3½-inch round cutter to cut out your donuts. Don’t toss those scraps! You can roll them again for donuts or cut smaller circles for donut holes. Lightly cover and let them rest while you heat the oil.

Step 4: Fry the Donuts and Donut Holes

Heat 2 to 4 cups of vegetable oil in a heavy pot to 375°F. Fry the donuts in batches, about three or four at a time, for one minute on each side until they turn a deep golden brown. Place them on a cooling rack to drain excess oil. Fry the donut holes as well—they cook quickly and are just as addictive. Toss all the warm donuts in a cinnamon-sugar mixture right after frying. This coating is what gives the outside that irresistible, gently spiced crunch.

Step 5: Fill the Donuts

Fill a piping bag fitted with a large bismark tip with your chilled pumpkin cream. Gently poke a hole in the side of each donut with a chopstick or the piping tip itself. Pipe in a generous amount of custard, watching the creamy filling nearly burst out. This final step is what transforms these from ordinary fried treats to extraordinary mouthfuls of autumnal joy.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Cream-Filled Donuts Recipe

Five sugar-coated doughnuts are placed inside a small rectangular metal tray lined with white parchment paper, each doughnut topped with a dollop of thick light brown cream. Next to the tray, a single doughnut with the same cream sits on the white marbled surface. In the top right, there's a small metal cup filled with round sugar-coated doughnut holes, with a few scattered on the surface nearby. Two small metal measuring cups are placed in the lower left; one contains a smooth light brown spread sprinkled with a fine powder on top, and the other holds a white granular substance. A soft beige cloth is folded in the bottom right corner, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of maple glaze can add an extra touch of elegance and sweetness on top. You can also sprinkle some crushed toasted pecans or a pinch of extra pumpkin pie spice for a rustic, flavorful twist. These garnishes not only enhance the appearance but elevate each bite’s complexity.

Side Dishes

Serve these donuts alongside a rich, hot cup of spiced latte, chai tea, or even a creamy hot chocolate for the ultimate cozy experience. Fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears makes a refreshing complement, balancing the richness and offering a perfect palate cleanser between bites.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the donuts on a wooden tray lined with fresh autumn leaves or a checked cloth to highlight their seasonal charm. For a fun brunch twist, create a donut tower or serve them in individual glass jars with layers of whipped cream and cinnamon. These presentation ideas turn your Pumpkin Spice Cream-Filled Donuts Recipe into the star attraction of any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover donuts (not likely!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge to keep the filling fresh and the dough soft. They’re best enjoyed within 24 hours, as the delicate cream inside can start to break down, and the dough can lose its fluffiness over time.

Freezing

For freezing, it’s best to keep the donuts unfrosted and unfilled. Freeze the plain donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready, thaw completely and fill with fresh pumpkin spice cream to maintain that fresh custard texture.

Reheating

Warm your donuts gently in a 300°F oven for just a few minutes to revive their softness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the dough rubbery. If already filled, reheat carefully so the cream doesn’t melt or leak out—room temperature is often your safest bet here.

FAQs

Can I make the pumpkin cream without bourbon?

Absolutely! The bourbon is optional and adds a subtle warmth, but you’ll still have an incredibly flavorful and delicious pumpkin cream without it.

What’s the best way to know when the donuts are cooked through?

They should be a deep golden brown and spring back slightly when touched. Frying a test donut first and cutting into it helps gauge if the inside is cooked properly before cooking the entire batch.

Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?

You can bake them to reduce oil use, but the texture will be different. Fried donuts have that crisp exterior and fluffy interior that baking doesn’t replicate perfectly. Still, baked donuts with this filling would be delicious!

How long does the pumpkin cream filling last?

The pumpkin cream filling can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Always keep it covered well to prevent a skin from forming.

What’s the secret to getting the filling perfectly inside the donut?

Using a piping bag with a large bismark tip and gently poking a hole with a chopstick makes injecting the filling easy and neat. Don’t overfill to avoid spilling, and pipe slowly for best results.

Final Thoughts

Making the Pumpkin Spice Cream-Filled Donuts Recipe is like inviting the spirit of fall right into your kitchen—every step infused with excitement and anticipation for that first blissful bite. The joy of homemade donuts filled with creamy, spiced pumpkin custard is truly unmatched, and once you take that first taste, you’ll understand why it’s such a cherished treat. So don’t hesitate—grab your ingredients, get cozy, and indulge in a batch of these warm, dreamy autumn delights!