Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

If you’re looking for a cozy and delicious treat to enjoy this fall, you’ve come to the right place! These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are a personal favorite of mine and always bring a smile to my face. They are moist, perfectly spiced, and topped with cinnamon sugar—just the kind of comfort you want during those crisp autumn days. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast or sharing them at family gatherings, these donuts are sure to delight everyone.

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to whip up. Even on busy weeknights, you can have these delightful donuts ready in just 25 minutes! Let’s dive into why this recipe has become a staple in my kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 10 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love helping out in the kitchen, especially when it involves piping batter and coating donuts in sugar!
• Wholesome Ingredients: Made with simple pantry staples like pumpkin puree and warm spices, these donuts are both delicious and comforting.
• Make Ahead: You can bake these donuts ahead of time and store them for an easy snack or breakfast throughout the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create these delicious donuts. You probably already have many of these 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

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are a few fun variations that you can try:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in some dairy-free chocolate chips for a sweet surprise inside your donuts.
• Nutty Twist: Fold in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
• Glaze Instead of Sugar: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and almond milk over the cooled donuts for a different flavor profile.
• Pumpkin Spice Swap: If you’re feeling adventurous, swap out the pumpkin puree for sweet potato puree for a unique twist on flavor!

How to Make Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and spray your donut pan with non-stick cooking spray. This step ensures that your donuts will easily pop out after baking.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and milk. This mixture is where all the moisture comes from, making your donuts soft and fluffy.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Use a spatula to gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our donuts light and airy!

Step 5: Fill the Pan

Transfer the batter into a piping bag or ziplock bag with one corner cut off. Pipe the batter into each cavity of your donut pan. Filling them evenly will help ensure consistent baking.

Step 6: Bake!

Bake for 15-16 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible!

Step 7: Cool Down

Allow your donuts to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then flip them onto a cooling rack to cool completely. This step is key; letting them cool helps maintain their texture.

Step 8: Add Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Melt your butter in the microwave. Using a pastry brush or dipping method, coat each cooled donut in melted butter before rolling them in cinnamon sugar. This adds that lovely sweet crunch that takes these donuts over the top!

And there you have it! A batch of Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts ready to be enjoyed by family and friends. Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

These delightful donuts are a breeze to make, and with a few helpful tips, you’ll ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use fresh pumpkin puree: While canned pumpkin works well, using freshly made puree can enhance the flavor and moisture of your donuts.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined keeps your donuts light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough donuts.

• Cool before glazing: Allowing the donuts to cool completely before coating them in the cinnamon sugar prevents the sugar from melting and helps it stick better.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spices in your recipe! If you love nutmeg or clove, add a pinch more for a personalized flavor twist.

• Store properly: To keep your donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them and reheat when desired!

How to Serve Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

These easy baked pumpkin donuts not only taste amazing but also look appealing on any table. Here are some fun ways to present them!

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: A sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts adds crunch and complements the pumpkin flavor beautifully.
• Drizzle of icing: A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk can give these donuts an extra sweet touch without overpowering their natural flavors.

Side Dishes

• Hot coffee: The warm, comforting flavors of coffee pair perfectly with pumpkin donuts, making for a delightful breakfast or snack.
• Spiced chai tea: This fragrant tea brings out the spices in the donuts while offering a cozy drink option for fall.
• Fresh fruit salad: A light fruit salad adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the donuts, making it a balanced meal.
• Yogurt parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and fresh berries complement the rich flavors of pumpkin while adding creaminess and crunch.

Enjoy sharing these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts with friends and family while savoring their delightful warmth and spice!

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 snack time a breeze. Here’s how to store and keep them fresh.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the donuts to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, consider refrigerating them in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, ensure the donuts are fully cooled.
• Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped donuts in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat frozen donuts in the oven at 350ºF for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• If using a microwave, heat each donut for about 15-20 seconds but be cautious not to dry them out.

FAQs

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

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly for this recipe and saves you time. Just ensure it’s pure pumpkin without any additives.

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

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Ensure it contains xanthan gum for best results!

What can I use instead of vegetable oil in this recipe?

If you’re looking for an alternative, melted coconut oil or applesauce can work well as substitutes for vegetable oil.

How long do Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, they stay fresh for about 2 days at room temperature or up to 5 days in the fridge.

Final Thoughts

I hope you love making these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts as much as I do! They’re a delightful way to celebrate the flavors of fall with family and friends. Enjoy the moistness and spiced goodness that these treats bring into your home. Don’t hesitate to share your baking adventures—I can’t wait to hear how they turn out for you!