Then, this afternoon I was watching the Food Network and Alton Brown was doing an episode on doughnuts. I just couldn't resist trying a batch myself. Since I am impatient, I went with a cake doughnut instead of yeast. I just searched for a pumpkin doughnut recipe online and found mine at the Presto (deep fryer) website.
Pumpkin Doughnuts with Spiced Brown Butter Glaze
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 3/4 cup canned solid pack pumpkin
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 eggs plus 1 egg yolk
- Vegetable oil for frying
Sift 1 cup flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and spices into mixing bowl. In separate bowl, stir together pumpkin, butter, and eggs. Add to dry ingredients and mix on medium speed until smooth, about 30 seconds. Add remaining 2 1/2 cups flour and mix on low speed until just combined, about 30 seconds.
Turn out onto floured surface and let sit 15 minutes. Roll out to 1/2-inch thickness with floured rolling pin, or pat out with floured hands. Cut out doughnuts and holes with floured cutter. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Brush off excess flour. Let sit 15 minutes.
Meanwhile preheat oil in Presto® electric deep fryer. (I don't have an electric deep fryer, so I heated oil to 375 degrees in a deep pot). Fry 1 to 2 doughnuts at a time until golden, about 1 minute per side. Drain on paper towels.
Spiced Brown Butter Glaze
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup confectioners' sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- Pinch salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 or 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup walnuts, lightly toasted, and chopped
Melt butter in small saucepan over low heat. When melted, continue to heat butter over moderate heat until it begins to brown. Watch carefully. Remove from heat as soon as butter reaches a golden brown color. It will move quickly from golden to black (burnt) if not watched. Let cool.
In small bowl, sift together sugar and spices. Gradually mix in cooled butter, vanilla, and enough milk for desired consistency.
Dip warm doughnuts in glaze. Transfer to rack or tray until set. Sprinkle chopped walnuts over glazed doughnuts (I left out the walnuts).
