Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that captures the essence of fall, I’ve got just the thing for you! These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are not only simple to whip up but also incredibly delicious. Imagine warm, spiced donuts fresh from the oven, coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture. They’re perfect for a leisurely weekend breakfast or a delightful snack after school. Trust me, once you try these, they will quickly become a favorite in your home!

These donuts are great for any occasion. Whether it’s a family gathering or just a busy weekday morning, they are sure to bring smiles all around. Plus, they’re baked, so you can enjoy them guilt-free!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have fresh donuts in no time!
• Family-approved flavor: The warm spices and pumpkin goodness make these donuts irresistible to kids and adults alike.
• Perfect for meal prep: Make them ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week for breakfast or snacks.
• Guilt-free indulgence: Baked rather than fried means less oil and more wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create these delightful Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients. Each one contributes to that rich flavor we love about pumpkin treats!

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 play around with flavors and ingredients:

• Add chocolate chips: Toss in some dairy-free chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
• Try different spices: Experiment with ginger or allspice if you want to change up the flavor profile.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend.
• Top with glaze: Instead of cinnamon sugar, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk on top.

How to Make Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF. This step is essential because it ensures your donuts bake evenly. While that’s heating up, spray your donut pan with non-stick cooking spray; this will help release your donuts easily once they’re baked.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients Together

In a medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and milk until smooth. This mixture brings moisture and richness to your donuts. The pumpkin adds not only flavor but also makes them super soft!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another smaller bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients separately helps ensure an even distribution of flavors when combined with the wet mix.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula until just combined. Don’t overmix—this keeps your donuts light and fluffy! Transfer this batter into a piping bag (or ziplock bag with one corner snipped off) for easy filling.

Step 5: Fill Your Donut Pan

Pipe the batter into each donut cavity evenly until they’re about three-quarters full. This way they’ll have room to rise without overflowing during baking.

Step 6: Bake Your Donuts

Pop those beauties in the oven for about 15-16 minutes! You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow them to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before flipping them onto a cooling rack.

Step 7: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While your donuts cool down, melt two tablespoons of butter in the microwave. Once cooled slightly, use either a pastry brush or dip each donut into the melted butter—this will help our cinnamon sugar stick beautifully.

Step 8: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

In a bowl, mix together granulated sugar and cinnamon. Take each donut and coat it thoroughly in this sweet mixture—both sides if you can! This step is what truly takes these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts over the top!

And there you have it! A batch of scrumptious pumpkin donuts ready to be enjoyed. Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Making these delightful donuts is a breeze, but a few tips can take your baking to the next level!

• Use fresh pumpkin puree: While canned pumpkin works great, using fresh puree enhances the flavor and texture of your donuts. It gives them a homemade touch that will impress your friends and family.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined ensures that your donuts remain light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to dense and tough donuts—no one wants that!
• Let them cool completely: Allowing your donuts to cool before coating them in cinnamon sugar helps the sugar adhere better. Plus, it prevents you from burning your fingers on a hot donut!
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste! Adding a pinch of allspice or cloves can give your donuts an extra layer of warmth and complexity.
• Store properly: If you have leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the fridge for up to a week. This keeps them moist and delicious!

How to Serve Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Serving these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts is all about making them look as tempting as they taste! Here are some fun ideas to present this autumnal treat.

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkling chopped pecans or walnuts adds a delightful crunch and complements the pumpkin flavor beautifully.
• Drizzled maple syrup: A light drizzle of maple syrup not only adds sweetness but also enhances the fall vibe of your dish.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a creamy finish, serve with whipped coconut cream on top. It’s dairy-free and incredibly fluffy!

Side Dishes

• Apple cider: A warm cup of apple cider makes an excellent companion for these donuts. The sweet and spiced notes pair perfectly with pumpkin.
• Yogurt parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and seasonal fruits offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the donuts, making it a wholesome breakfast option.
• Fresh fruit salad: A colorful mix of sliced apples, pears, and berries provides brightness and balances out the flavors beautifully.
• Coffee or tea: A cozy cup of coffee or spiced chai will complement your donuts perfectly while adding warmth to your morning routine.

Now that you’re armed with these tips and serving ideas, get ready to enjoy these delightful Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts with family and friends! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch and enjoy them throughout the week, making your mornings just a little sweeter.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Allow the donuts to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen donuts to a ziplock bag or airtight container; they will last for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm donuts, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, you can reheat them in an oven at 350ºF for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts!

Can I make these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it’s suitable for baking!

How do I store Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts?

Store your donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate them for up to a week to maintain their freshness.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin! Just roast and puree it until smooth before using it in the recipe.

What can I use instead of vegetable oil?

You may substitute vegetable oil with melted coconut oil or applesauce for a healthier alternative without compromising texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find as much joy in making these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts as I do! They’re not only delightful but also incredibly easy to prepare. Whether it’s for breakfast or a sweet treat during your day, these donuts are sure to please. Enjoy every bite and feel free to share your experiences—I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out!