Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are the perfect autumn treat! These moist, spiced donuts not only capture the essence of fall but are also incredibly simple to make. Ideal for breakfast or as a delightful snack, they come together quickly and are topped with a mouthwatering cinnamon sugar glaze. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or simply indulging yourself, these donuts will surely impress everyone.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it a hassle-free option for busy mornings.
- Flavorful Delight: With pumpkin puree and warm spices, these donuts offer a rich flavor that embodies the spirit of fall.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, they fit seamlessly into any occasion.
- Baked Not Fried: Enjoy the deliciousness without the guilt of frying; these baked donuts are lighter yet equally satisfying.
- Kid-Friendly: Get your little ones involved in the kitchen! They’ll love helping to mix and decorate these tasty treats.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools on hand makes baking much smoother. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Donut pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Piping bag or ziplock bag
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Donut pan: This specialized pan shapes your donuts perfectly, ensuring they rise nicely while baking.
- Mixing bowls: Using multiple bowls helps keep wet and dry ingredients separate until it’s time to combine them for optimal texture.
- Piping bag or ziplock bag: These tools make it easy to fill the donut cavities without mess, ensuring each donut is evenly shaped.
Ingredients
Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts: Moist, spiced pumpkin donuts baked to perfection, glazed with cinnamon sugar for a delightful autumn treat!
For the Donuts
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
How to Make Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Spray your donut pan with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl:
Whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and milk until well combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate smaller bowl:
Combine the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients.
Mix gently with a spatula until just combined; avoid overmixing.
Step 4: Fill the Donut Pan
Transfer the batter into a piping bag or ziplock bag with one corner cut off:
Pipe the batter into each donut cavity evenly, filling them about three-quarters full.
Step 5: Bake
Place the filled donut pan in the oven:
Bake for 15–16 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
Step 6: Cool Down
Flip the pan upside down over a cooling rack:
Release each donut onto the rack and allow them to cool for at least another 10 minutes.
Step 7: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the microwave:
Use a pastry brush to coat each cooled donut with melted butter. Alternatively, dip each side quickly into melted butter if you prefer.
Step 8: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
In a bowl, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon:
Place each donut in this mixture, flipping them to ensure both sides are well coated.
Enjoy your delightful Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts! These treats will make any autumn day feel special.
How to Serve Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts
These delightful Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are perfect for any autumn gathering or cozy breakfast at home. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.
Pair with Coffee
- A warm cup of coffee complements the spiced flavors of the donuts beautifully. Choose a medium roast for a balanced taste.
Add Whipped Cream
- A dollop of whipped cream on top can add a creamy texture that pairs well with the softness of the donuts.
Serve with Maple Syrup
- Drizzling maple syrup over your donuts creates a sweet and rich flavor that is hard to resist.
Enjoy with Fresh Fruit
- Fresh apple slices or pears provide a refreshing contrast to the rich pumpkin flavor, making for a colorful plate.
Top with Nuts
- Chopped pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that enhances each bite.
How to Perfect Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts
To achieve the best results when making your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts, follow these helpful tips.
Use Fresh Pumpkin Puree – Fresh puree delivers a richer flavor than canned options, enhancing the overall taste of your donuts.
Don’t Overmix – Gently mixing the batter until just combined ensures light and fluffy donuts, avoiding dense textures.
Check Oven Temperature – Make sure your oven is calibrated correctly; an incorrect temperature can lead to unevenly baked donuts.
Cool Before Glazing – Allowing donuts to cool completely before glazing prevents the coating from melting off and creates a better texture.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts
These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts can be paired with various side dishes to create a more satisfying meal. Here are some great options:
Greek Yogurt – This adds protein and creaminess to your meal. You can serve it plain or with honey for extra sweetness.
Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits brings freshness and balances the richness of the donuts.
Oatmeal – A warm bowl of oatmeal topped with nuts and fruit makes for a hearty breakfast alongside the donuts.
Cinnamon Apples – Sautéed cinnamon apples offer a warm, spiced companion that echoes the donut flavors perfectly.
Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses adds savory notes that contrast nicely with sweet pumpkin flavors.
Spiced Chai Latte – The aromatic spices in chai elevate the deliciousness of your pumpkin treats even more.
Granola Bars – For those on-the-go, granola bars provide energy and a crunchy texture that pairs well with soft donuts.
Pumpkin Soup – For a unique twist, serve alongside creamy pumpkin soup for an all-pumpkin experience!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts can be a fun experience, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch for.
- Incorrect Ingredient Measurements: Always use precise measurements when baking. A small mistake can change the texture and taste of your donuts.
- Not Preheating the Oven: Skipping this step can lead to uneven baking. Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 350ºF before placing the donuts inside.
- Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can result in dense donuts. Stir until just combined for a light and fluffy texture.
- Skipping Cooling Time: Allowing donuts to cool properly helps them set up correctly. Don’t rush this step; it’s important for achieving the perfect donut.
- Ignoring Donut Pan Preparation: Ensure your pan is well-greased to prevent sticking. Use non-stick cooking spray generously.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover donuts in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep them in a cool place to maintain freshness.
Freezing Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts
- Place cooled donuts in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts
- Oven: Preheat to 350ºF and warm donuts for about 5-7 minutes for the best texture.
- Microwave: Heat one donut at a time for about 10-15 seconds, but this may make them softer.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet on low heat for 2-3 minutes, flipping occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of puree?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Just make sure it’s cooked and blended until smooth to match the consistency of canned pumpkin puree.
How do I make these donuts gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup.
What are some variations I can try?
You can experiment by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even a cream cheese filling for different flavor profiles.
How long do these donuts stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container, they will stay fresh for about three days at room temperature or longer if refrigerated or frozen.
Final Thoughts
These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are not only delicious but also versatile. Perfect as a breakfast treat or an afternoon snack, they offer various customization options like toppings and flavors. Give them a try this fall; you won’t be disappointed!
Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts
Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts. These moist, spiced donuts are a delightful treat that captures the essence of autumn and can be made in just 25 minutes. Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert, they are topped with a delightful cinnamon sugar glaze that adds a sweet crunch. Whether you’re sharing them at a family gathering or enjoying them solo with your morning coffee, these baked beauties will surely impress.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 8 donuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- For the coating: ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF and spray a donut pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and milk until smooth.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually mix this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Fill each donut cavity about three-quarters full using a piping bag or ziplock bag.
- Bake for 15–16 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool for about 10 minutes in the pan before transferring to a cooling rack.
- Brush each cooled donut with melted butter and coat in a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut (40g)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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