Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of fall. These moist, spiced donuts are baked to perfection and coated with a delightful cinnamon sugar glaze. Ideal for breakfast or an afternoon snack, they bring warmth and comfort to any occasion. Plus, they’re simple to make and sure to impress your family and friends!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have these delicious donuts ready in no time.
• Moist and Flavorful: The combination of pumpkin puree and spices creates a rich flavor that’s perfect for the season.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them for breakfast, as a midday snack, or even as a dessert!
• Baked, Not Fried: These donuts are healthier compared to traditional fried options, making them a guilt-free indulgence.
• Customizable Toppings: Feel free to experiment with different glazes or toppings to suit your taste preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Donut pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Piping bag or ziplock bag

Importance of Each Tool

• Donut pan: Essential for shaping the donuts perfectly while baking.
• Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining ingredients efficiently without mess.
• Piping bag or ziplock bag: Helps in easily filling the donut cavities without spilling.

Ingredients

For these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts, you’ll need the following ingredients:

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

How to Make Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and spray your donut pan with non-stick cooking spray. Set it aside.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the following:
1. ½ cup pumpkin puree
2. ½ cup brown sugar
3. ¼ cup vegetable oil
4. ¼ cup milk

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate smaller bowl, mix together:
1. 1 cup all purpose flour
2. 1 teaspoon baking powder
3. 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
4. ½ teaspoon cinnamon
5. ¼ teaspoon salt
6. ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently with a spatula until just combined.

Step 4: Fill the Donut Pan

Transfer the batter into a piping bag or a ziplock bag with one corner cut off. Pipe the batter into each cavity of the donut pan evenly until filled.

Step 5: Bake the Donuts

Bake in your preheated oven for 15–16 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow them to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.

Step 6: Cool and Release

Flip the pan upside down over a cooling rack to release the donuts and let them cool for an additional 10 minutes.

Step 7: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While cooling, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the microwave. Use a pastry brush to coat each cooled donut with melted butter or dip each side quickly if you don’t have a brush.

Step 8: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

In a bowl, combine:
1. ⅓ cup granulated sugar
2. 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Dip each donut into this mixture, flipping to coat both sides thoroughly.

Enjoy your delightful Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts!

How to Serve Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are a delightful treat perfect for any autumn gathering. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

Pair with Coffee

• Enjoy your donuts with a warm cup of coffee. The rich flavor of coffee complements the spices in the donuts beautifully.

Serve with Whipped Cream

• Top your donuts with a dollop of whipped cream for added richness and a festive touch that will impress guests.

Create a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the donuts on a platter alongside other fall treats like apple cider donuts or mini pumpkin pies for an enticing dessert spread.

Add a Side of Fruit

• Fresh fruit, such as sliced apples or pears, adds a refreshing contrast to the sweet and spiced donuts.

Drizzle with Maple Syrup

• For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle pure maple syrup over the donuts before serving. This adds sweetness and enhances their autumn flavor.

Garnish with Nuts

• Sprinkle some chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, on top of the glazed donuts for added texture and crunch.

How to Perfect Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

To ensure your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts turn out perfectly every time, follow these tips.

• Use fresh pumpkin puree: Fresh puree yields better flavor than canned options. If you can, roast your own pumpkin for this recipe.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mix until just combined to keep the donuts light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts.

• Fill donut cavities evenly: Use a piping bag or ziplock bag to fill each cavity uniformly for even baking.

• Check doneness carefully: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when they’re done baking. This prevents undercooked centers.

• Cool before coating: Let the donuts cool completely before dipping in melted butter and cinnamon sugar so they don’t become soggy.

• Experiment with toppings: Try different glazes or toppings, like chocolate glaze or sprinkles, to customize your pumpkin donuts.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Pairing side dishes can elevate your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts into a complete meal or snack experience. Here are some great options.

1. Pumpkin Spice Latte – A creamy coffee beverage flavored with pumpkin spice that pairs perfectly with your donuts.

2. Apple Cider – A warm or cold drink that offers refreshing acidity and complements the sweetness of the donuts.

3. Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and seasonal fruits for a healthy contrast that balances sweetness.

4. Cheese Platter – Include soft cheeses like brie alongside crackers; this provides savory notes that pair well with sweet flavors.

5. Autumn Salad – A salad filled with leafy greens, dried cranberries, and nuts adds freshness and balances the richness of the donuts.

6. Granola Bars – Chewy granola bars make for an easy snack option that kids will love alongside their pumpkin treats.

7. Spiced Nuts – A bowl of spiced nuts offers crunchy textures and savory flavors complementing the sweetness of the baked goods.

8. Hot Chocolate – A cozy drink option that appeals to both kids and adults while enhancing the comforting nature of pumpkin desserts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for.

• Using too much flour: Over-measuring flour can lead to dry donuts. Use a kitchen scale or spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
• Skipping the cooling time: Cutting into donuts too soon can result in a gummy texture. Allow them to cool adequately to set properly.
• Not measuring spices correctly: Too much or too little spice can alter the flavor. Always use measuring spoons for precision.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can make donuts dense. Stir just until combined for light and fluffy treats.
• Ignoring baking time: Every oven is different. Always check your donuts a minute or two before the suggested baking time to prevent overbaking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep at room temperature for best texture, but refrigerate if you live in a humid climate.

Freezing Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

• Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Reheating Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

• Oven: Preheat to 350ºF and bake for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat one donut at a time for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat as they can become tough.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I substitute pumpkin puree with fresh pumpkin?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Just ensure it’s pureed smoothly before adding it to the recipe.

How do I store leftover donuts?

Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze them for longer storage.

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.

What should I do if my donuts come out dry?

If your donuts are dry, consider reducing the baking time slightly next time, or ensure you’re measuring ingredients accurately.

Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in chocolate chips or nuts for added flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are perfect for any fall gathering or breakfast treat. They are moist, flavorful, and customizable with various toppings and mix-ins. Try adding nuts or drizzling chocolate on top for extra indulgence! Enjoy making this delightful recipe at home.