Donut Monday! Is that a thing? No? Well, I’m making it a thing—because honestly, donuts are always a good idea, even on Mondays. Especially when they’re homemade, pumpkin-spiced, and topped with a sweet crumble and glaze.

This is only the second pumpkin recipe I’ve posted this season, but trust me, there are plenty more coming. Fall has been here for about a month, and while I usually love everything about it, I just haven’t been feeling the autumn spirit this year. Maybe it’s the colder weather sneaking in, or maybe I just wasn’t ready to say goodbye to summer.

But after coming back from vacation last week, something shifted. Suddenly, I’m all about cozy baking days and pumpkin-flavored everything. My kitchen has turned into a pumpkin spice wonderland, and my neighbors are definitely reaping the benefits. (Pro tip: always hand the treats to the adults, or the kids might just devour them before anyone else gets a bite—ask me how I know!)

When I first bought a donut pan, I had big plans for homemade donuts, but it sat in the cabinet for a year before I finally put it to use. Now, it’s a regular in my baking rotation, and these Pumpkin Spice Crumble Donuts might just be my new favorite—right behind the red velvet ones, of course.

They’re light, packed with pumpkin and spice, start with a cake mix (because why not?), and get topped with a buttery streusel crumble and a sweet glaze. Perfect for fall mornings with a hot cup of coffee or tea, or for sharing with friends and neighbors—if you can resist eating them all yourself!

What are Pumpkin Spice Crumble Donuts?

Pumpkin Spice Crumble Donuts are soft, baked cake donuts bursting with pumpkin flavor and cozy fall spices. Made with a shortcut—spice cake mix and pumpkin purée—these donuts are incredibly easy to whip up, but taste like you spent all morning baking from scratch.

Each donut is topped with a buttery, brown sugar streusel that bakes up crisp and crumbly, adding the perfect sweet crunch to every bite. And just when you think they couldn’t get any better, a simple powdered sugar glaze is drizzled over the top for that classic donut shop finish.

They’re the ultimate fall treat—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up with your favorite coffee or tea.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

• Super Easy: Starts with a box of spice cake mix and a few pantry staples—no fancy equipment or complicated steps required.
• Packed with Fall Flavor: Pumpkin purée and pumpkin pie spice make every bite taste like autumn.
• Perfect Texture: Light, fluffy baked donuts with a buttery, crumbly streusel topping for a little crunch.
• Sweet Glaze Finish: A simple powdered sugar glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness and that classic donut shop look.
• Great for Sharing: These donuts are perfect for gifting to friends, neighbors, or coworkers (just make sure the adults get them first!).
• Kid-Approved: The crumble topping and sweet glaze make these a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Versatile: Enjoy them for breakfast, brunch, or as a cozy afternoon treat with coffee or tea.

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

• Spice Cake Mix (1 box, 16.25 oz): The shortcut base that brings all the warm spices you need.
• Pumpkin Purée (1 cup): Adds moisture, color, and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor.
• Large Eggs (2): Bind everything together and give the donuts a light, cakey texture.
• Unsalted Butter (3 Tbsp, melted): Adds richness and helps keep the donuts tender.

For the Crumble Topping:

• Light Brown Sugar (½ cup, packed): Sweetens the crumble and adds a hint of molasses flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour (½ cup): Gives the topping its signature crumbly texture.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice (1 tsp): Doubles down on the cozy fall flavor.
• Unsalted Butter (2 Tbsp, melted): Binds the crumble and helps it bake up golden and crisp.

For the Glaze:

• Powdered Sugar (1 cup): The base for a classic, sweet donut glaze.
• Milk (1½ Tbsp): Thins the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency.

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Substitutions & Additions

• Cake Mix: If you don’t have spice cake mix, use yellow or vanilla cake mix and add 2–3 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon for that classic fall flavor.
• Pumpkin Purée: Homemade pumpkin purée works just as well as canned—just make sure it’s not too watery.
• Butter: Salted butter can be used in place of unsalted; just reduce or omit any added salt in the recipe.
• Milk for Glaze: Any milk will work—dairy or non-dairy (like almond, oat, or soy) to make the glaze.
• Add-ins: Stir in a handful of mini chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or walnuts to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
• Topping Twist: Swap the crumble for a cinnamon-sugar coating or add a sprinkle of chopped nuts to the streusel before baking.
• Glaze Flavors: Add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to the glaze for even more fall flavor.
• Egg-Free: Try using a flax egg (1 Tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 Tbsp water per egg) as a substitute for eggs if needed.

How to Make this Recipe

Prep the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray your donut pan generously with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

Mix the Donut Batter: In a large bowl, combine the spice cake mix, pumpkin purée, eggs, and melted butter. Stir until everything is well combined and smooth.

Fill the Donut Pan: Transfer the batter to a gallon-sized zip-top bag and snip off one corner. Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about halfway.

Make the Crumble Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, flour, pumpkin pie spice, and melted butter until the mixture is crumbly and combined.

Top the Donuts: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the crumble topping onto each donut, gently pressing it in so it sticks.

Bake: Bake the donuts at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, or until they spring back lightly when touched. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled donuts in a zig-zag pattern, or as desired.

Serve: Enjoy immediately with a hot cup of coffee or tea—or share with friends and neighbors for a sweet fall treat!

Cooking Tips & Tricks

• Don’t Overfill the Pan: Fill each donut cavity only about halfway—this helps the donuts bake evenly and keeps the crumble from spilling over.
• Use a Piping Bag: Transferring the batter to a zip-top bag or piping bag makes it much easier (and less messy) to fill the donut pan.
• Press the Crumble Gently: Lightly press the crumble topping into the batter so it sticks during baking and doesn’t fall off when you remove the donuts.
• Check for Doneness: Donuts are done when they spring back lightly to the touch or a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
• Cool Before Glazing: Let the donuts cool completely before adding the glaze so it sets nicely and doesn’t melt off.
• Customize the Glaze: For extra flavor, add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of pumpkin pie spice to the glaze.
• Fresh is Best: These donuts are best enjoyed the day they’re made, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Serving Suggestions

• With Coffee or Tea: These donuts are perfect for a cozy breakfast or afternoon treat alongside your favorite hot drink.
• Brunch Spread: Add them to a fall brunch table with fruit, yogurt, and other baked goodies for a festive touch.
• Gift to Neighbors: Package a few donuts in a cute box or bag and share with friends, neighbors, or coworkers—they make a sweet homemade gift!
• Dessert: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy fall dessert.
• Party Treat: Arrange on a platter for a fall party or holiday gathering—watch them disappear fast!

Storage Suggestions

Room Temperature: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The crumble topping is best the day they’re made but will still taste great after.

Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep donuts in the fridge for up to 4 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving, or warm briefly in the microwave.

Freezer: Freeze unglazed donuts in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and glaze just before serving for best texture.

Keep Glaze Fresh: If storing glazed donuts, place parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Recipe FAQ

Can I make these donuts without a donut pan? Yes! You can use a muffin tin instead—just adjust the baking time as needed. The shape will be different, but the flavor and texture will still be delicious.

Can I use homemade pumpkin purée? Absolutely. Just make sure it’s not too watery—if it is, blot with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Can I freeze these donuts? Yes, but for best results, freeze them unglazed. Thaw at room temperature and add the glaze just before serving.

How do I keep the crumble topping from falling off? Gently press the crumble into the batter before baking so it sticks. Let the donuts cool before removing from the pan.

Can I make these donuts gluten-free? You can try using a gluten-free cake mix and flour for the crumble. The texture may be slightly different, but they’ll still taste great.

How long do these donuts stay fresh? They’re best the day they’re made, but will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Pumpkin Spice Crumble Donuts are the ultimate fall treat—soft, spiced, and topped with a buttery crumble and sweet glaze. They’re easy to make, perfect for sharing, and guaranteed to bring a little extra coziness to your kitchen.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, treating your neighbors, or just want something sweet with your morning coffee, these donuts are sure to become a seasonal favorite. Give them a try and enjoy every pumpkin-spiced bite!