2 Ingredient Pumpkin Pie Donut Holes Recipe

If you love fall flavors and crave a quick, delightful treat, you are going to adore this 2 Ingredient Pumpkin Pie Donut Holes Recipe. These little bites burst with the cozy taste of pumpkin pie and have the perfect balance of soft, pillowy dough and a crispy, cinnamon-sugar coating that makes them utterly irresistible. Whether you want a fun breakfast, a snack to keep you energized during the day, or a simple dessert that feels just a little indulgent, these donut holes come together in no time and deliver big on flavor and satisfaction.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the simplicity fool you! These ingredients might be few, but each one plays a crucial role in making these donut holes light, flavorful, and perfectly textured. Let’s break down how they come together:

• 1 cup self-rising flour: This gives the donut holes a tender crumb and a natural lift without extra baking powder or salt.
• ½ cup canned pumpkin pie mix: The star of the show, it adds moisture, that unmistakable pumpkin pie spice flavor, and a lovely orange hue.
• Canola or vegetable oil for frying: Essential for creating the golden, crispy exterior that contrasts wonderfully with the soft inside.
• Optional: Cinnamon sugar coating (½ cup sugar + ½ tsp cinnamon): This creates a sweet, crunchy shell that adds a little extra warmth and texture to every bite.

How to Make 2 Ingredient Pumpkin Pie Donut Holes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by stirring the self-rising flour and pumpkin pie mix together in a bowl until a slightly sticky, cohesive dough forms. It’s simple and fast, but make sure the mixture comes together without any dry pockets or too much wetness. This dough is the foundation for those tender, donut-hole bites you’re about to fry up.

Step 2: Shape the Donut Holes

Using a 1-tablespoon scoop or your hands, scoop small portions of dough and gently roll them into smooth balls. Lightly flour or oil your hands to prevent sticking. This step shapes your treat and ensures even cooking, so take a moment to make those donut holes nice and round.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

Pour enough canola or vegetable oil into a deep skillet or saucepan to get about 2 inches deep. Heat it to a temperature between 335 and 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Getting the oil hot enough is key—too cool and the donut holes will absorb too much oil; too hot and they might burn before cooking through.

Step 4: Fry to Perfection

Carefully drop the dough balls into the hot oil in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry each batch for 2 to 3 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. They’re ready when they puff up and turn a beautiful golden brown. Then, use a slotted spoon to lift them out and place them on a towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While the donut holes are still warm but cool enough to handle, roll them in your cinnamon sugar mixture for a sweet, crunchy finish. This step is optional, but it really elevates the flavor and adds that classic fall touch everyone will love.

How to Serve 2 Ingredient Pumpkin Pie Donut Holes Recipe

Garnishes

A dusting of powdered sugar or an extra sprinkle of cinnamon sugar can transform your donut holes into a café-style treat. For an extra special touch, drizzle a little warm maple glaze or cream cheese frosting to complement the pumpkin spice flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair these with a steaming cup of coffee, chai latte, or spiced hot cocoa to amp up the cozy vibes. They also make a fantastic accompaniment to a creamy yogurt parfait or a fresh fruit salad for a balanced, colorful breakfast plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your pumpkin pie donut holes on a festive platter lined with fall leaves or parchment paper sprinkled lightly with cinnamon sugar. You can stack them in a rustic wooden bowl or even thread a few on skewers for a fun, shareable centerpiece at your next brunch or gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover donut holes (though you might not!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them from drying out while maintaining their soft texture and gentle sweetness.

Freezing

For longer storage, flash freeze the donut holes on a parchment-lined tray, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze well for up to a month and can be pulled out anytime you want a quick pumpkin-flavored treat.

Reheating

To bring back that just-fried crispiness, warm leftover donut holes in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which can make them soggy. Reheat just until warm and delightfully soft inside with a touch of crisp outside.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of self-rising flour?

You can substitute regular flour, but you’ll need to add baking powder and a pinch of salt to mimic the leavening and seasoning found in self-rising flour. Using self-rising flour keeps the recipe super simple and foolproof.

Is canned pumpkin pie mix the same as plain pumpkin puree?

Not quite. Pumpkin pie mix is sweetened and spiced, which helps these donut holes get that classic pumpkin pie flavor without extra effort. Plain pumpkin puree is not seasoned, so if you use it, you would need to add sugar and spices yourself.

What oil is best for frying these donut holes?

Use neutral oils with a high smoke point like canola, vegetable, or light sunflower oil. They won’t overpower the delicate pumpkin flavor and will ensure an even golden crust.

Can I bake these donut holes instead of frying?

While this recipe is designed for frying to achieve that perfect crispy exterior, you could try baking them at 375 degrees Fahrenheit on a greased sheet for about 12-15 minutes. The texture will be softer and less crunchy, but still tasty.

Are these donut holes gluten-free?

This recipe isn’t gluten-free as written since it uses self-rising flour, which contains wheat. However, you could experiment with a gluten-free self-rising flour blend, keeping in mind that results may vary slightly.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about a simple recipe that brings so much joy and warmth, and this 2 Ingredient Pumpkin Pie Donut Holes Recipe does just that. Easy to whip up, utterly delicious, and perfectly seasonal, these donut holes are destined to become a favorite for year-round snacking and special fall breakfasts. I can’t wait for you to dive in, share with loved ones, and experience the cozy magic for yourself!

“`

Print