Much Desserts

Let’s make a chewy sesame pumpkin donut! This is not your usual fluffy, fat donut. Yet it is chewy, soft, and a melting pumpkin donut with sesame seeds that makes your mouth drool! Try this healthy version and gluten-free donut!

Try these chewy sesame pumpkin donuts! crispy sesame crust, soft pumpkin inside, and irresistibly snackable. Perfect for fall or anytime!

Pumpkin season is here, and there’s no better way to embrace the cozy fall vibes than by making a batch of chewy pumpkin donuts. These Chewy Sesame Pumpkin Donuts are inspired by Indonesia’s famous donat pisang wijen Ci Mehong and given a seasonal pumpkin twist. With a crisp sesame crust and soft chewy pumpkin center, they’re the perfect snack to enjoy warm with tea or coffee.

The Inspiration: Donat Pisang Wijen Ci Mehong

If you’ve ever heard of or tasted Donat Pisang Wijen Ci Mehong, you’ll know why it’s such a beloved street snack in Indonesia. These chewy banana donuts, coated generously in sesame seeds, are famous for their unique texture: crispy on the outside, soft and chewy inside, and not overly sweet. They’re often sold warm, making them an irresistible afternoon snack to pair with tea. But the minus is so too expensive for a donut, that’s why I make them

For this recipe, I wanted to capture the same chewy magic but with a seasonal twist. Instead of banana, I used pumpkin, which gives the donuts a subtle earthy sweetness and beautiful golden color. The sesame seeds still play their role, adding crunch and nutty aroma, while the glutinous rice flour keeps that signature chewy bite. inside, and never too sweet.

The result? A donut that feels both familiar and new, bringing together Indonesian nostalgia and cozy fall comfort in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Chewy & soft – not your typical cakey donut, these have a delightful chew inspired by Indonesian sesame donuts.
• Pumpkin flavor – adds natural sweetness and a subtle fall aroma.
• Sesame crunch – the nutty crust makes every bite extra special.
• Snack or dessert – perfect with tea, coffee, or as a festive holiday treat
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This Chewy Sesame Pumpkin Donut recipe is my way of making a healthy version of a donut but keeping the chewy and filling part. These pumpkin donuts will win your heart with every chewy, nutty bite.

Ingredients  of Chewy Sesame Pumpkin Donut

• Steamed Pumpkin: The star of the recipe! Pumpkin purée adds natural moisture and a rich flavor while keeping the donuts soft and chewy. You can use homemade pumpkin purée from freshly steamed pumpkin or store-bought canned pumpkin. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin without added sugar or spices.
• Sugar sweetens the donuts and balances the earthy pumpkin flavor. You can use regular white sugar, but a little brown sugar adds extra moisture and a subtle caramel-like depth.
• Vanilla Powder/Extract: This adds a gentle, sweet aroma that pairs beautifully with pumpkin. Vanilla rounds out the flavors and makes the donuts taste warm and comforting.
• Salt: A small pinch of salt may seem simple, but it enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness so the donuts don’t taste flat.

• Baking Powder Double Active: This is the leavening agent that helps the donuts puff slightly while frying, giving them a light, tender bite instead of being too dense.
• Glutinous Rice Flour: The secret ingredient for that irresistible chew! Unlike regular rice flour, glutinous rice flour (sometimes called sticky rice flour or “mochiko”) gives the donuts their bouncy, chewy texture. This is what makes them different from cake donuts.
• Sesame Seeds: Rolled on the outside of each donut, sesame seeds create a crisp, nutty coating that turns golden as the donuts fry. They add crunch, flavor, and that classic donat wijen look.
• Oil for Frying: Neutral oil (like canola, sunflower, or peanut oil) works best for deep-frying. It ensures an even, golden crust without overpowering the sesame aroma.

How to Make Chewy Sesame Pumpkin Donut

First, place the smooth mashed pumpkin in a large mixing bowl. Add sugar, vanilla powder (or extract), salt, and baking powder. Mix with your hands or a spatula until everything is evenly combined.

Second, gradually add the glutinous rice flour to the mixture. Knead with your hands until a smooth dough forms. The dough should feel soft and pliable, but not sticky.

Then, divide the dough into equal portions, about 60 g each. Roll each piece into a ball, then gently press your thumb through the center to form a donut shape. Smooth and widen the hole slightly so it keeps its shape while frying.
Next, lightly dampen the surface of each donut (this helps the seeds stick), then roll generously in sesame seeds until fully coated.

Now, heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Fry the donuts in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until both sides are golden brown and crisp, flipping once for even cooking. Remove and drain on a paper towel.
Finally, serve the chewy sesame pumpkin donuts warm for the best chewy texture. Pair with hot tea or coffee for the perfect snack!

Serve and enjoy!

I’m delighted to find an easy and delectable menu like this! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

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Try my other donut recipes!