Hello, fellow food enthusiasts! I’m Sarah from Whole and Heavenly Oven, where I love to share recipes that are mostly healthy but always satisfying for my undeniable sweet tooth. I’m absolutely thrilled to be a guest contributor for Amber today on her fantastic blog, bringing you a recipe that perfectly encapsulates the essence of fall.

Why We Obsess Over Pumpkin Spice and Cheesecake in Fall

As the leaves begin to turn vibrant shades of red and gold, and a crisp coolness fills the air, there’s an undeniable shift in our culinary desires. Fall brings with it a craving for comforting, spiced, and utterly decadent flavors. And what flavors reign supreme during this enchanting season? Without a doubt, it’s pumpkin spice and the creamy allure of cheesecake. I might be slightly embarrassed to admit it, but my anticipation for fall primarily revolves around getting my hands on some truly incredible pumpkin spice cheesecake. For me, cheesecake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a way of life, a comforting hug in food form.

Transforming Dessert into Breakfast Perfection

The dilemma often arises: you crave the rich, creamy goodness of cheesecake, but it’s still morning. The thought of indulging in such a treat for breakfast often comes with a side of guilt. But what if there was an ingenious way to enjoy all the luscious flavors of pumpkin spice cheesecake without any remorse? My simple solution transforms this beloved dessert into an acceptable, even encouraged, breakfast item:

If cheesecake + pumpkin spice = dessert, then…
Cheesecake + pumpkin spice + DONUT = breakfast!

It’s a mathematical equation that truly makes sense, especially when it involves the joyous combination of cheesecake and donuts! Who knew math could be so incredibly delicious and interesting? Forget algebra, let’s stick to these scrumptious calculations!

The Ultimate Fall Comfort Food: Baked Perfection

These Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Donuts perfectly encapsulate everything you adore about the fall season. They’re a masterful blend of decadent indulgence and heartwarming comfort food, yet surprisingly simple to create. We understand that breakfast time often coincides with “I’m absolutely starving” time, which calls for recipes that are quick, easy, and fuss-free. These donuts fit the bill perfectly, whipping up in 30 minutes or less!

Baked vs. Fried: A Healthier, Tastier Choice

Everyone knows that a morning coffee ritual isn’t complete without a delicious donut. But let’s be honest, homemade Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Donuts leave their fried counterparts from chain bakeries utterly in the dust. The secret to their superior taste and texture? They’re baked, not fried. This not only makes them a lighter option but also results in a super-soft, cake-like consistency that fried donuts simply can’t achieve. You might say I’m a bit of a donut connoisseur, and these baked beauties truly set a new standard.

Unveiling the Dreamy Flavors and Textures

Every single calorie in these Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Donuts is worth it, simply because they are so undeniably dreamy. The pumpkin donut itself is a masterpiece of moisture and perfectly balanced spices. It’s light, fluffy, and infused with the earthy sweetness of pumpkin and the warm embrace of cinnamon. But what truly elevates this treat is the cheesecake glaze. Oh, that glorious cheesecake glaze! It’s so rich, so creamy, and so perfectly tangy that you might just be tempted to grab a spoon and finish the bowl when no one’s looking. (Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me.)

A Match Made in Pumpkin Donut Heaven

Remember to save just a little bit of that divine glaze for the donuts, because the combination of the moist pumpkin donut and the velvety cheesecake glaze is a match made in pumpkin donut heaven. The slight tanginess of the cream cheese cuts through the sweetness of the donut, creating a harmonious flavor profile that will have your taste buds singing. It’s a symphony of fall flavors that you won’t soon forget.

Embrace Fall Early: Don’t Wait for Tuesday!

Technically, fall might not officially begin until Tuesday, but when it comes to Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Donuts, there’s no waiting around. These delectable treats are an instant ticket to autumn bliss, and your weekend absolutely needs them! Imagine waking up to the aroma of warm pumpkin and spices, then enjoying a tender, cake-like donut crowned with a luscious, tangy cheesecake glaze. It’s the perfect way to kick off the season, no matter what the calendar says.

Tips for Baking Perfect Pumpkin Spice Donuts

Achieving perfect baked donuts is simpler than you think! Here are a few pointers to ensure your Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Donuts turn out flawlessly every time:

• **Donut Pan Selection:** Invest in a good quality non-stick donut pan. Lightly greasing it, even if it’s non-stick, helps ensure easy release and perfectly shaped donuts.
• **Mixing the Batter:** Overmixing is the enemy of tender baked goods. Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. A few lumps are perfectly fine and often lead to a lighter texture.
• **Piping for Perfection:** Using a resealable plastic bag with a snipped corner for piping the batter into the donut pan makes the process incredibly neat and efficient. It also helps create uniform donuts.
• **Don’t Overbake:** Baked donuts cook quickly. Keep an eye on them; they are done when a toothpick inserted into the thickest part comes out clean. Overbaking can lead to dry donuts.
• **Cooling Properly:** Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up slightly and prevents them from breaking.

Mastering the Dreamy Cheesecake Glaze

The cheesecake glaze is the crowning glory of these Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Donuts. Here’s how to make it impeccably:

• **Softened Cream Cheese is Key:** Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature and well-softened. This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, creamy glaze.
• **Adjusting Consistency:** The amount of milk needed for the glaze can vary slightly. Start with the lower amount and add more, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach a thick, pourable, yet clingy consistency. You want it thick enough to coat the donuts generously without running off too quickly.
• **Flavor Boost:** Don’t skip the vanilla extract in the glaze! It enhances the creaminess and complements the pumpkin spice perfectly.
• **Glazing Technique:** Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze. Cooling the donuts completely is crucial; otherwise, the glaze will melt and soak into the donut instead of forming a beautiful, creamy layer.
• **Optional Cinnamon Sprinkle:** A light dusting of ground cinnamon over the freshly glazed donuts adds an extra touch of spice and a beautiful visual appeal.

Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Donuts

Created by
Amber Brady

4.50 from 4 ratings

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9
donuts

Ingredients

DONUTS

• ▢ ½ cup (122 g) pumpkin puree
• ▢ ½ cup (100 g) coconut sugar or brown sugar
• ▢ ¼ cup (59 ml) vegetable oil
• ▢ ¼ cup (59 ml) milk
• ▢ 1 large egg
• ▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ▢ 1 cup (120 g) white whole wheat flour, (stir, spoon & level)
• ▢ 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ▢ 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon salt

CHEESECAKE GLAZE

• ▢ 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
• ▢ ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• ▢ ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ▢ 2 to 3 Tablespoons milk
• ▢ Cinnamon for sprinkling, optional

Instructions

 

• Prepare the donuts: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a donut-pan. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, whisk pumpkin, sugar, oil, milk, egg, and vanilla until smooth. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Gently fold flour mixture into liquid mixture until just combined.
• Place batter in a resealable plastic bag and snip off a corner. Pipe batter into prepared donut pan.
• Bake donuts for 10 to 11 minutes, or until a toothpick tests done. Cool donuts in pan 5 minutes, then remove to a wire cooling rack.
• Make the cheesecake glaze: Place softened cream cheese in a medium bowl. With an electric mixer, beat on medium speed until creamy. Beat in sugar, vanilla and enough milk to achieve a thick glaze-consistency.
• Dip cooled donuts into cheesecake glaze and sprinkle with cinnamon if desired.

Notes

Store donuts in refrigerator up to 3 days.

Recipe from Sarah at Whole and Heavenly Oven

Disclaimer: Nutritional values were calculated using a third-party tool and are provided as an estimation only.

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More Fall Recipes to Savor

If you enjoyed these Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Donuts, here are a few similar fall recipes you might also love to try. They are perfect for extending the flavors of the season!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Apple Pie Ricotta Pancakes

Everything Caramel Apples