Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

If you’re looking for a cozy treat to brighten your day, these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are just the ticket! They are soft, spiced, and oh-so-delicious, making them a perfect addition to your fall recipe collection. I love how easy they are to whip up, whether you want a special breakfast for your family or a sweet snack for a gathering with friends. Plus, the warm aroma of pumpkin and spices wafting through your kitchen is like a big hug.

These donuts are not only simple to make but also incredibly satisfying. They bring all the comforting flavors of autumn right to your table. Trust me; once you try them, they will become a beloved recipe in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have these delicious donuts ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Kids will love helping out and indulging in these sweet treats!
• Delicious Spices: The combination of pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon gives these donuts a delightful flavor that screams fall.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake them in advance and enjoy them fresh throughout the week.
• Glazed Perfection: A simple cinnamon sugar coating takes these baked donuts to the next level!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients for our Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts! These staples are likely already in your pantry or easy to find at the store.

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 flexible and fun! Feel free to experiment with some variations to suit your taste.

• Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in some dairy-free chocolate chips for an extra indulgent treat!
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these donuts gluten-free.
• Nutty Flavor: Try adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Frosting Fun: Instead of cinnamon sugar, top with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and plant-based milk.

How to Make Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat the oven to 350ºF and spray a donut pan with non-stick cooking spray. This step is crucial as it ensures that your donuts come 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 well combined. This mixture forms the flavorful base of our donuts!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mixing these ingredients separately helps ensure that everything is evenly distributed before combining them with the wet ingredients.

Step 4: Blend It All Together

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

Step 5: Pipe into Donut Pan

Transfer the batter into a piping bag or ziplock bag with one corner cut off. Pipe it into each donut cavity evenly. This makes sure each donut has that perfect shape!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 15-16 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Letting them cool slightly in the pan before transferring them helps maintain their shape.

Step 7: Coat in Butter

Once cooled for about 10 minutes, flip the pan upside down to release those beautiful donuts onto a cooling rack. Brush or dip each donut in melted butter—this is what makes them extra delicious!

Step 8: Sugar Coating Time!

Combine granulated sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Roll each butter-coated donut in this mixture until fully coated on both sides. This step adds that irresistible sweetness we all love!

And there you have it—your own batch of Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts! Enjoy them warm with friends or save some for later; they’re sure to be devoured quickly!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Baking is all about having fun, and these tips will help you create the best easy baked pumpkin donuts you’ll ever taste!

• Use fresh pumpkin puree – If you have the time, consider using homemade pumpkin puree. It enhances the flavor and gives your donuts an extra moist texture that’s hard to beat.
• Don’t overmix the batter – Mixing too much can lead to dense donuts. Stir until everything is just combined for light and fluffy results.
• Experiment with spices – Feel free to tweak the spice blend according to your preference! Adding a pinch of ginger or cloves can give your donuts a unique twist that’s sure to impress.
• Cool before glazing – Allowing the donuts to cool completely ensures that the glaze adheres better. This way, you get a delicious cinnamon sugar coating without it melting away!
• Store properly – To keep your donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for a few days—or you can freeze them for longer storage!

How to Serve Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Serving these delightful pumpkin donuts is as much about presentation as it is about taste! Here are some ideas to elevate your experience.

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the glazed donuts for added crunch and flavor.
• Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar can add a touch of sweetness and visual appeal that makes these treats look even more irresistible.

Side Dishes

• Coffee or chai latte: A warm beverage complements the spices in the donuts perfectly, making them an ideal breakfast or snack pairing.
• Fruit salad: Fresh fruit adds a refreshing contrast to the sweet, spiced flavors of the donuts. Consider mixing seasonal fruits like apples or pears.
• Yogurt parfait: Layering yogurt with granola and fruit creates a delicious side that balances the sweetness of the donuts while adding a creamy texture.
• Oatmeal: A simple bowl of oatmeal topped with maple syrup and nuts can round out your breakfast table beautifully, providing warmth and heartiness alongside your pumpkin treats.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re well on your way to enjoying a cozy autumn treat that’s perfect for any occasion!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can whip them up ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week, making breakfast or snacks a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer them fresh, keep them in the fridge for up to a week. Just be sure to let them come back to room temperature before enjoying!

Freezing

• Place the completely cooled donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen donuts to a freezer-safe bag or container, labeling with the date. They will keep well for about 2 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warmed through.
• For a slightly crispy texture, you can place them in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making these delightful donuts!

Can I make Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour. Enjoy your gluten-free pumpkin treats!

What can I use instead of pumpkin puree for Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts?

If you don’t have pumpkin puree, you can substitute it with applesauce or mashed banana. Both options will still deliver a moist and flavorful donut!

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

Insert a toothpick into the center of a donut; if it comes out clean, they are ready! Keep an eye on them as they bake to avoid overcooking.

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

Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips is a fantastic way to enhance these donuts. Just fold in about ½ cup of mini chocolate chips into the batter before piping.

Final Thoughts

These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are truly a special treat that captures the essence of autumn with every bite. I hope you find joy in making this recipe as much as I do! Whether you’re sharing them with friends or keeping them all to yourself, they’re sure to bring warmth and delight. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations!