Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of autumn, you’ve come to the right place! These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are not only simple to make but also incredibly moist and spiced just right. They’re perfect for cozy mornings, family gatherings, or any time you want to bring a little warmth into your day. Trust me, once you try these donuts, they’ll become a staple in your kitchen!

What makes this recipe so special? It’s the combination of pumpkin puree and warm spices that creates a flavor explosion with every bite. Plus, they’re baked instead of fried, which means less mess and guilt! Your loved ones will be asking for seconds (or thirds), and you’ll love how easy they are to whip up on a busy weeknight.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe takes just 10 minutes of prep time! Perfect for those busy mornings when you need something delicious in a hurry.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves donuts, especially when they’re as tasty and wholesome as these! They’re great for kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Option: Whip up a batch over the weekend and have them ready for breakfast all week long. Just freeze them and warm them up!
• Delicious Flavor: The blend of pumpkin puree and spices creates a wonderfully cozy flavor that screams fall. You won’t be able to resist!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create these delightful donuts. You probably already have most of them in your pantry!

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

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are versatile enough to suit many tastes.

• Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in some dairy-free chocolate chips for an added sweetness that pairs perfectly with pumpkin.
• Glaze Instead of Coat: If you prefer a sweet glaze, mix powdered sugar with a bit of milk until smooth and drizzle it over the cooled donuts.
• Use Different Spices: Experiment with your favorite spices! Try adding ginger or allspice for an extra kick.
• Top with Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for a crunchy texture contrast.

How to Make Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first—preheat your oven to 350ºF. This ensures that your donuts bake evenly. While that’s heating up, spray your donut pan with non-stick cooking spray so the donuts slide out easily once baked.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and milk until smooth. This step is crucial because it blends the flavors together beautifully and helps keep your donuts moist.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients separately prevents clumps and ensures even distribution throughout your batter.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our donuts light and fluffy!

Step 5: Pipe the Batter

Transfer your batter into a piping bag or ziplock bag with the corner trimmed off. Pipe it into each donut cavity evenly—this helps ensure all your donuts are uniform in size.

Step 6: Bake!

Pop those filled donut pans into your preheated oven and bake for about 15-16 minutes. Keep an eye on them—when a toothpick inserted comes out clean, they’re done! Let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before flipping them onto a cooling rack.

Step 7: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While your donuts cool down, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the microwave. This will give our sugar coating that irresistible buttery flavor!

Step 8: Coat Your Donuts

Combine granulated sugar with cinnamon in a bowl. Brush or dip each cooled donut in melted butter before rolling them in this sweet mixture. The cinnamon sugar adds an extra layer of flavor that makes these treats truly special.

And there you have it—your very own batch of Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts! Enjoy every bite while sharing them with friends or keeping them all to yourself; I won’t tell!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and with these simple tips, your pumpkin donuts will be even more scrumptious!

• Use Fresh Pumpkin Puree: While canned pumpkin works great, using fresh pumpkin puree can enhance the flavor and moisture of your donuts, making them even more delicious.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Gently folding the dry ingredients into the wet mixture helps maintain a light, fluffy texture. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts that aren’t as enjoyable to eat.
• Cool Completely Before Coating: Allowing the donuts to cool completely ensures that the cinnamon sugar coating adheres properly. If they are too warm, the sugar may melt and create a sticky mess instead of a delightful crust.
• Experiment with Flavor Variations: Feel free to add different spices or even a splash of vanilla extract to customize your donuts. This allows you to create unique flavors that match your taste preferences!
• Store Properly for Freshness: Keep any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to a week. This way, you’ll always have a tasty treat on hand!

How to Serve Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Serving your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts is just as fun as making them! Here are some ideas that will make your delicious treat shine.

Garnishes

• Chopped Pecans: Sprinkle some chopped pecans on top for added crunch and nutty flavor.
• Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a creamy element that pairs beautifully with the spiced pumpkin flavor.

Side Dishes

• Coffee or Chai Latte: A warm cup of coffee or chai latte complements the flavors of pumpkin perfectly and makes for a cozy breakfast experience.
• Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad balances out the sweetness of the donuts and adds a refreshing touch to your meal.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and seasonal fruits for a wholesome side that provides protein and fiber while enhancing your brunch spread.
• Savory Breakfast Hash: Pairing with a savory breakfast hash made from sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and onions creates a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the donuts.

With these serving suggestions, you’ll not only enjoy these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts but also impress anyone lucky enough to share them with you! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are perfect for meal prep, making them a fantastic choice for those busy mornings or cozy weekend breakfasts. You can easily whip up a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week!

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• If you prefer them a bit fresher, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• To freeze, place the cooled donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat the donuts in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can pop them in a toaster oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delightful recipe!

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

Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that it’s suitable for baking to maintain the right texture.

How can I customize my Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts?

Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruit to the batter before baking. Experimenting with flavors like maple syrup or vanilla extract can also elevate your donuts!

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Yes! You can roast and puree fresh pumpkin to use in this recipe. Just make sure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture affecting the texture.

How do I know when my Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are done?

Your donuts are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. They should also bounce back slightly when gently pressed.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to make these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts! They capture all the cozy flavors of fall and are super simple to prepare. Whether enjoyed as part of breakfast or as an afternoon treat with coffee, these donuts are sure to bring joy to your table. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with warmth and delicious aromas!