Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

If you’re looking for a cozy, delicious treat to embrace the flavors of fall, these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are just what you need! They are moist, spiced, and baked to perfection, making them a delightful addition to your breakfast or snack time. This recipe has become a family favorite for many reasons—it’s simple enough to whip up on busy weeknights and perfect for gatherings with friends. Plus, there’s nothing quite like sharing fresh-baked donuts with loved ones on a crisp autumn morning.

Whether you’re enjoying them with a warm cup of coffee or serving them at a festive brunch, these donuts will not disappoint. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe even more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you’ll have these delicious donuts ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves pumpkin-flavored treats! These donuts are sure to please kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week—perfect for busy mornings!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin puree and warm spices creates a comforting flavor that captures the essence of fall.
• Fun Coating: The cinnamon sugar coating adds an extra touch of sweetness that makes each bite irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts, you’ll find that we use simple and wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. 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

Cinnamon Sugar Coating

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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add Chocolate Chips: For an indulgent twist, fold in some chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
• Pumpkin Spice Glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled donuts for extra sweetness.
• Nutty Crunch: Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
• Different Spices: Experiment with other spices like ginger or cardamom to customize the flavor profile even more!

How to Make Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat the oven to 350ºF and spray your donut pan with non-stick cooking spray. This step ensures that your donuts don’t stick and come out perfectly shaped every time.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and milk until fully combined. Mixing these wet ingredients first creates a smooth base for your donut batter.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another smaller bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This is an important step because mixing dry ingredients separately helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout your batter.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture using a spatula. Mix until just combined—over-mixing can lead to dense donuts instead of fluffy ones.

Step 5: Pipe into Donut Pan

Transfer your batter into a piping bag or ziplock bag with one corner cut off. Pipe the batter into each donut cavity evenly. This method helps create uniform shapes which makes for beautiful looking donuts.

Step 6: Bake the Donuts

Bake for 15-16 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allowing them to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes will help them set perfectly before transferring.

Step 7: Cool Completely

Flip your donut pan upside down over a cooling rack to release those gorgeous donuts. Let them cool for at least another 10 minutes so they’re easier to handle when coating.

Step 8: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

Melt your butter in the microwave and use it to brush each cooled donut lightly. Then combine granulated sugar and cinnamon in a bowl and coat each donut on both sides. This sweet coating adds that final touch of yumminess!

Enjoy sharing these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts with friends and family! They’re sure to bring smiles all around.

Pro Tips for Making Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and these tips will help ensure your pumpkin donuts turn out perfectly every time!

• Use Fresh Pumpkin Puree: If possible, opt for fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned. It enhances the flavor and gives your donuts a lovely, vibrant color.

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix until just combined to avoid dense donuts. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tough textures instead of fluffy goodness.

• Check Oven Temperature: Ovens can vary in temperature. Consider using an oven thermometer to ensure you’re baking at the right temperature for perfect results.

• Experiment with Spices: While pumpkin pie spice is a classic, feel free to add your own twist by including ginger or allspice for an extra layer of warmth and flavor.

• Make Ahead for Convenience: These donuts freeze well! Bake a batch and freeze extras for a quick breakfast option on busy mornings.

How to Serve Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

These delightful pumpkin donuts are perfect for any occasion, from cozy family breakfasts to festive gatherings. Here are some fun ways to present them!

Garnishes

• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and nutty flavor.
• Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a luscious, creamy touch that complements the spices beautifully.
• Drizzle of Maple Syrup: A light drizzle of maple syrup over the donuts will provide a sweet finish that pairs wonderfully with pumpkin.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits like apples and pears offers a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the donuts.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a nutritious side that balances out the sweetness of the donuts.
• Coffee or Tea: Brewed coffee or herbal tea makes an excellent beverage pairing, enhancing the warm spices in your donuts.
• Cinnamon Oatmeal: Serve alongside a small bowl of cinnamon oatmeal for a comforting breakfast spread that complements the flavors perfectly.

Enjoy making and sharing these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts! They’re sure to become a fall favorite in your home.

Make Ahead and Storage

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

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you want to keep them fresh longer, place them in the fridge for up to a week.

Freezing

• To freeze, allow the donuts to cool completely.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, keeping them separated with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat frozen donuts in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds.
• Alternatively, you can warm them in the oven at 350ºF for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts that might help you out!

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of pumpkin puree?

Absolutely! Just make sure to cook and puree your pumpkin until smooth before measuring it for this recipe.

How do I make Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just check that your baking powder is also gluten-free!

Can I add chocolate chips to these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts?

Yes! Feel free to fold in some chocolate chips into the batter before piping it into the donut pan for an extra treat.

What’s the best way to store Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for up to one week.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts as much as I do! They bring warmth and joy with every bite and are perfect for sharing on cozy autumn mornings. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; it’s sure to become a fall favorite in your home. Happy baking!