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There is something truly magical about the Indulgent Brown Butter Sweet Potato Donuts for Fall Bliss Recipe that captures the very essence of crisp autumn mornings and cozy evenings. These donuts are a perfect balance of soft, tender sweet potato-infused dough, kissed by the nutty richness of browned butter and warming spices like cinnamon. They are irresistibly moist and subtly sweet, making every bite a reminder of fall’s comforting flavors wrapped up in a treat you’ll want to enjoy again and again throughout the season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Whipping up these delightful donuts requires simple, wholesome ingredients that work harmoniously to create that perfect fall flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a crucial role—from the sweet potato providing natural sweetness and moisture, to the brown butter lending a deep, toasty aroma and richness that elevates this recipe beyond ordinary baked goods.
- 1 cup mashed sweet potato: This is the star ingredient, delivering moisture, natural sweetness, and a beautiful orange hue that screams fall.
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the donuts, offering structure and a tender crumb; whole wheat pastry flour or a gluten-free blend can be swapped in.
- 0.75 cups brown sugar: Adds sweetness with a hint of molasses flavor that complements the spices perfectly; coconut or maple sugar also work well.
- 0.5 cups unsalted butter: Best if browned beforehand to deepen the flavor, but plant-based butter works if you want dairy-free.
- 0.5 cups milk: Provides the necessary liquid to keep the batter smooth; almond or oat milk make great non-dairy alternatives.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together while helping the donuts rise; flax eggs are a great vegan substitute.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Essential for that light, fluffy texture.
- 0.5 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet and savory notes in the batter.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses the donuts with that classic warm fall spice flavor.
- 0.5 cups brown butter: A golden, nutty glaze is made from this, so take care not to burn it!
- 1 cup powdered sugar: For the glaze’s sweetness and smooth texture.
- 2-4 tablespoons milk: Adjusted to get the perfect glazing consistency; non-dairy milk works fine here too.
How to Make Indulgent Brown Butter Sweet Potato Donuts for Fall Bliss Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potato and Brown Butter
Start by mashing your cooked sweet potato until it’s silky smooth—this ensures your donuts stay soft and moist. While that cools, gently melt your butter over medium heat, swirling it occasionally until it turns a gorgeous amber and fills the kitchen with its irresistible nutty aroma. This brown butter is the secret ingredient that takes these donuts to a new level of indulgence.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and brown sugar. This dry mix brings the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, while laying the foundation for those light, fluffy donuts you’re dreaming of.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the milk and mashed sweet potato until fully incorporated. Slowly stream in the cooled brown butter, folding it in gently to preserve all that rich flavor.
Step 4: Create the Donut Batter
Add the wet ingredients to the dry mix and stir just until combined. The batter should be thick but smooth—that’s exactly what you want to achieve the tender donut texture that makes this Indulgent Brown Butter Sweet Potato Donuts for Fall Bliss Recipe such a treat.
Step 5: Bake the Donuts
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan. Spoon the batter evenly into each cavity, filling about 3/4 full. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let them cool slightly before removing from the pan—the smell alone will already have you reaching for one!
Step 6: Prepare the Brown Butter Glaze
Whisk together your cooled brown butter with powdered sugar and 2 to 4 tablespoons of milk until smooth and glossy. Dip each donut into the glaze or drizzle it over the top for that perfect, crave-worthy finish.
How to Serve Indulgent Brown Butter Sweet Potato Donuts for Fall Bliss Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of cinnamon sugar or a sprinkle of toasted pecans adds wonderful texture and flair. You could also top your donuts with a handful of mini chocolate chips or a drizzle of maple syrup to intensify that warm fall vibe.
Side Dishes
Pair your donuts with a steaming cup of chai tea, spiced latte, or even a creamy hot chocolate. The comforting warmth of these drinks complements the soft, rich donuts beautifully, creating a fall-themed snack or breakfast that’s simply unforgettable.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these donuts stacked on a rustic wooden board adorned with fall leaves or sprigs of rosemary for a charming centerpiece. You can also cut a few in half and serve them with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent autumn dessert experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your leftover Indulgent Brown Butter Sweet Potato Donuts for Fall Bliss Recipe can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator, making sure they’re well sealed to retain their soft texture.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these donuts later, they freeze beautifully. Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap or foil, place them in an airtight freezer bag, and freeze for up to three months. This way, you can have your fall bliss anytime you want!
Reheating
Quickly revive frozen or stored donuts by warming them in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-8 minutes. This helps to bring back their soft crumb and warm, buttery flavors. Avoid microwaving for too long as it can make the texture rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin instead of sweet potato?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin or even mashed butternut squash work perfectly as substitutes and will give your donuts similarly moist texture and lovely fall flavors.
Is it possible to make these donuts vegan?
Yes! Swap the eggs for flax eggs and use plant-based butter and milk alternatives. You might notice a slight difference in texture, but the flavors will still shine through beautifully.
Do I need a special donut pan to make these?
While a donut pan helps you get that classic shape, you can also bake the batter in a muffin tin and then hollow out the centers if you want to get creative.
How do I know when the brown butter is done?
Keep an eye on the butter as it melts—it will foam first, then start to turn golden with small brown specks forming. Once it smells nutty and has that golden color, immediately remove it from heat to prevent burning.
Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
Yes, using a gluten-free flour blend will work well. Just make sure the blend you choose is suitable for baking to preserve the soft, tender texture of the donuts.
Final Thoughts
Embracing the season’s flavors with the Indulgent Brown Butter Sweet Potato Donuts for Fall Bliss Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket of pure delight. These donuts are a celebration of fall’s best tastes, melting gently in your mouth and filling your home with inspiring aromas. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a treasured favorite to share with loved ones time and time again.
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Indulgent Brown Butter Sweet Potato Donuts for Fall Bliss Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Indulgent Brown Butter Sweet Potato Donuts capture the essence of fall with their rich, nutty flavor from brown butter and natural sweetness from mashed sweet potatoes. Soft, moist, and lightly spiced with cinnamon, these donuts offer a comforting treat perfect for breakfast or dessert, adaptable to various dietary preferences with easy substitutions.
Ingredients
Donut Batter
- 1 cup mashed sweet potato (can be replaced with pumpkin puree or mashed butternut squash)
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour (can substitute with whole wheat pastry flour or a gluten-free blend)
- 0.75 cups brown sugar (coconut sugar or maple sugar can work as alternatives)
- 0.5 cups unsalted butter (use brown butter for enhanced flavor or plant-based butter for dairy-free version)
- 0.5 cups milk (non-dairy options like almond or oat milk are great substitutes)
- 2 large eggs (can use flax eggs for vegan approach (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg))
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Brown Butter Glaze
- 0.5 cups brown butter (be careful to brown it just until golden to avoid burning)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–4 tablespoons milk (can be replaced with non-dairy alternatives if needed)
Instructions
- Prepare the Donut Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potato with brown sugar and softened unsalted butter. Mix until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs (or flax eggs) one at a time, blending well after each addition to incorporate fully.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients, to create a smooth batter without overmixing.
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan to prevent sticking. Spoon or pipe the batter evenly into the donut cavities, filling each about three-quarters full.
- Bake the Donuts: Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the donuts comes out clean and the edges begin to turn golden.
- Brown the Butter for Glaze: While the donuts are baking, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Continue cooking, swirling occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma. Remove from heat immediately to avoid burning.
- Make the Brown Butter Glaze: In a medium bowl, mix the browned butter with powdered sugar and gradually add 2 to 4 tablespoons of milk until the glaze reaches a pourable consistency.
- Cool and Glaze the Donuts: Allow the baked donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. While still slightly warm, dip or brush the donuts with the brown butter glaze, letting any excess drip off.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving. These donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Notes
- For a vegan version, use flax eggs and plant-based butter and milk substitutes.
- Be careful not to burn the brown butter; remove from heat as soon as it turns golden and emits a nutty aroma.
- Substituting sweet potato with pumpkin or butternut squash will impart a slightly different but delicious flavor.
- The donuts are best consumed within 2 days for optimal freshness.
- You can sprinkle additional cinnamon or chopped nuts on the glaze for extra texture and flavor.
