Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall, you’ve come to the right place! These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are a cozy way to celebrate the season. They are moist, spiced just right, and topped with a sweet cinnamon sugar glaze that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether it’s a busy weekday morning or a family gathering, these donuts are perfect for any occasion!

What makes this recipe special is its simplicity. You don’t need to be a baking expert to whip these up. With just a few wholesome ingredients, you’ll have a batch of delicious donuts ready in no time. Plus, they’re sure to become a favorite in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you’ll have fresh donuts in about 25 minutes!
• Family-Friendly: Kids love them! These donuts make for a fun breakfast or snack that everyone will enjoy.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake them ahead of time, and they’ll stay tasty for days—perfect for busy mornings!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and warm spices creates a comforting flavor that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are made from simple and wholesome ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:

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

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to make it your own with these fun variations:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in some dairy-free chocolate chips to the batter for an extra treat.
• Try Different Spices: Swap out pumpkin pie spice with ginger or allspice for a new twist on flavor.
• Glaze Instead of Coat: Instead of cinnamon sugar coating, drizzle a simple glaze over the top for a sweet finish.
• Make Mini Donuts: Use a mini donut pan for bite-sized versions that are perfect for sharing!

How to Make Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350ºF and spray your donut pan with non-stick cooking spray. This step ensures your donuts will pop out easily after baking.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and milk until smooth. This mixture forms the base of your batter and adds moisture—key for those soft donuts!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients. Gently fold it together with a spatula until just combined; overmixing can lead to dense donuts.

Step 4: Fill the Pan

Transfer your batter into a piping bag or ziplock bag with one corner snipped off. Pipe the batter into each donut cavity evenly so they bake uniformly. This makes for perfectly shaped donuts every time!

Step 5: Bake Them Up

Bake the donuts in your preheated oven for about 15-16 minutes until they spring back when touched or a toothpick comes out clean. Letting them cool slightly in the pan helps them set before transferring.

Step 6: Cool and Coat

Once cooled for about 10 minutes in the pan, flip it upside down onto a cooling rack. After they cool further for another 10 minutes, it’s time to coat them! Brush each donut with melted butter or dip quickly into it.

Step 7: Cinnamon Sugar Time

In another bowl, mix together granulated sugar and cinnamon. Roll each donut in this mixture until fully coated—this is where they transform into sweet bites of joy!

Now you’re ready to enjoy these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts! They pair beautifully with coffee or tea and are sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Baking these delightful pumpkin donuts is a breeze, and a few simple tips can elevate your baking game!

• Use fresh pumpkin puree: While canned pumpkin works just fine, fresh pumpkin puree can enhance the flavor and texture of your donuts, bringing out that vibrant autumn taste.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing until just combined ensures your donuts stay light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to denser donuts that aren’t as enjoyable.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spice levels according to your preference. Adding more cinnamon or nutmeg can give your donuts a personal touch and enhance their warm flavors.

• Cool before glazing: Allowing the donuts to cool slightly before applying the cinnamon sugar coating helps it stick better. Plus, you’ll avoid burning your fingers!

• Store properly: To keep your donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for a couple of days—if they last that long!

How to Serve Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Serving up these baked pumpkin donuts can be just as fun as making them! Here are some ideas to present them beautifully.

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some finely chopped walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch and flavor.
• Drizzle of maple syrup: A light drizzle of maple syrup over the top can complement the pumpkin flavor beautifully, adding a touch of sweetness.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, serve with a dollop of whipped coconut cream on the side for extra indulgence.

Side Dishes

• Hot apple cider: A warm cup of spiced apple cider pairs perfectly with these donuts, enhancing the cozy fall vibe.
• Fruit salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad balances the rich flavors of the donuts while adding a pop of color to your plate.
• Yogurt parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and seasonal fruits makes for a delightful breakfast spread alongside these sweet treats.
• Coffee or tea: A hot beverage like coffee or chai tea complements the flavors beautifully, making it an ideal pairing for breakfast or brunch.

Enjoying these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts is not just about eating; it’s about creating beautiful moments around food. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are perfect for meal prep! You can whip them up in advance for a quick breakfast or snack throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• If you prefer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.
• To maintain freshness, consider placing parchment paper between layers if stacking them.

Freezing

• Allow the donuts to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just remember to label the bag with the date!

Reheating

• To reheat, simply place a donut in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or until warmed through.
• For a crispier texture, reheat in a toaster oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about these delightful donuts!

Can I make Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum for best results.

How do I store Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate them for up to one week. Check out the storage tips above!

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Absolutely! Make sure to cook and puree your fresh pumpkin until smooth before measuring out the amount needed for this recipe.

What can I use instead of vegetable oil in this recipe?

You can replace vegetable oil with melted coconut oil or applesauce for a healthier option that still keeps the donuts moist.

How long do these donuts last after baking?

These donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to a week.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts as much as I do! They’re not only easy to prepare but also bring that cozy autumn feeling into your kitchen. Gather your ingredients, put on some music, and let the delightful scents fill your home. Happy baking!