These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are a delightful treat perfect for the fall season! With their warm spices and rich pumpkin flavor, they make a cozy breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack. The dense texture of these donuts is unique, offering a satisfying bite compared to fluffy alternatives. Whether for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving gatherings, or simply to indulge in autumn vibes, these donuts are sure to please everyone!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These donuts come together fast with simple steps, making them perfect for busy mornings.
- Moist and Flavorful: The use of pumpkin puree ensures a moist texture, while the blend of spices delivers an aromatic experience.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy them warm for breakfast or at room temperature as a sweet snack throughout the day.
- Healthier Option: Baked instead of fried, these donuts provide a lighter alternative to traditional sweets.
- Fun for Everyone: Involve friends or family in the baking process for a fun-filled activity.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your donuts, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your baking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Donut pans (6-count)
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cookie scoop (optional)
- Wire rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Donut pans: Essential for achieving that classic donut shape without frying.
- Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining dry and wet ingredients separately before mixing.
- Whisk: Helps evenly incorporate ingredients to achieve a smooth batter with no lumps.
Ingredients
For the Donuts
- 210 g (1¾ cups) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg (freshly ground preferred)
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground allspice
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp salt
- 240 g (1 cup) canned pumpkin puree (Libby’s preferred)
- 57 g (½ stick/4 Tbsp) salted butter, melted
- 60 ml (¼ cup) vegetable oil
- 100 g (½ cup) granulated sugar
- 100 g (½ cup) light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 60 ml (¼ cup) whole milk, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Coating
- 56 g (½ stick/4 Tbsp) unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- 100 g (½ cup) granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg (freshly ground preferred)
- ½ tsp ground ginger
How to Make Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease two or three 6-count donut pans so that the donuts easily release after baking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl:
1. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, cloves, and salt.
2. Set this mixture aside for later use.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl:
1. Whisk together the pumpkin puree, melted butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract vigorously for about 1 minute until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in the large bowl.
- Whisk until combined; the batter should thicken slightly but remain smooth.
Step 5: Fill Donut Pans
Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut pans:
1. Fill each cavity about ¾ full using a #24 cookie scoop (3 Tbsp).
2. Some pans may require up to ¼ cup (#16 cookie scoop / 4 Tbsp).
Step 6: Bake
Tap the pans on a towel-lined counter about 10 times to even out the batter.
Bake in your preheated oven for 10-14 minutes until golden brown:
– A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs attached.
Step 7: Cool and Coat
- Let the donuts cool in the pans for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- In a small bowl, melt some unsalted butter and stir in additional vanilla extract.
- In another bowl combine granulated sugar with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
Step 8: Finish Off Your Donuts
While still warm:
1. Lightly brush or dip each donut into the melted vanilla-butter mixture.
2. Roll them in the sugar-spice mixture until fully coated; recoat if you desire extra sweetness.
Enjoy your homemade Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts warm or at room temperature! They also reheat beautifully in the microwave if you have leftovers!
How to Serve Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts
These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Pair them with different toppings, drinks, or sides for a perfect autumn experience.
With Coffee or Tea
- Enjoy your donuts with a warm cup of coffee or tea. The spices in the donuts complement the flavors of both beverages beautifully.
Cream Cheese Frosting
- Spread a light layer of cream cheese frosting on top of each donut for an extra creamy and tangy flavor that pairs well with pumpkin.
Drizzled with Chocolate
- Drizzle some melted dark or milk chocolate over your donuts for a deliciously rich twist. This makes them even more indulgent!
Fresh Fruit Slices
- Serve alongside fresh apple or pear slices. The crispness of the fruit balances the dense texture of the donuts perfectly.
Whipped Cream Topping
- Top your donuts with whipped cream for a light and airy contrast. You can even add a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flavor.
How to Perfect Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts
To ensure your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts come out perfectly every time, consider these tips:
Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing eggs and milk to room temperature helps create a smoother batter, leading to denser and moister donuts.
Don’t overmix the batter: Gently combine wet and dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough donuts instead of soft and fluffy ones.
Measure flour accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour correctly. Too much flour can make donuts dry and dense.
Check doneness with care: Insert a toothpick into the center of the donut; it should come out with just a few moist crumbs for perfect doneness.
Cool before coating: Allow your donuts to cool slightly before rolling them in sugar-spice mixture, so they adhere better without melting.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts
Pairing side dishes with your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts enhances their deliciousness. Here are some great options:
Apple Cider
A classic fall beverage, apple cider offers sweet and spicy notes that match perfectly with pumpkin flavors.Maple Syrup
Serve a small dish of maple syrup on the side for dipping. Its natural sweetness complements the spices in the donuts beautifully.Yogurt Parfait
Layer yogurt with granola and seasonal fruits like berries or bananas for a refreshing side that adds crunch.Cheese Platter
A selection of mild cheeses provides a savory balance to the sweet pumpkin donuts, making for an interesting contrast.Roasted Nuts
Offer a mix of roasted almonds or pecans as a crunchy snack alongside your soft donuts; they add texture and flavor variety.Pumpkin Soup
A warm bowl of pumpkin soup serves as an excellent pairing, enhancing the overall pumpkin theme while adding comforting warmth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts can be a delightful experience, but a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
Using Cold Ingredients: Starting with cold ingredients can lead to uneven mixing. Always use room-temperature eggs and milk for a smoother batter.
Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can make donuts tough instead of light and fluffy. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated for best results.
Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science, so measuring flour and other ingredients precisely is crucial. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups.
Skipping the Tapping Step: Not tapping the pans after filling can cause uneven baking. Always tap the pans on the counter to remove air bubbles.
Ignoring Bake Time: Baking too long or too short can ruin your donuts. Keep an eye on them and perform the toothpick test.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts
- Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
- They can be stored frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, then warm donuts for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat one donut at a time for about 15-20 seconds for quick reheating.
- Stovetop: Heat on low in a skillet, flipping occasionally until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about our Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts:
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. Just ensure it’s well-cooked and blended smoothly.
How do I make these donuts gluten-free?
Substituting all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends will work well. Just ensure it has a binding agent included.
Can I customize the spices in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to adjust spices according to your taste preference. Adding nutmeg or cardamom can enhance flavor.
How can I make these donuts healthier?
You can reduce sugar or substitute it with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey. Also, consider using whole wheat flour for added nutrition.
What toppings work best with these donuts?
These donuts pair wonderfully with powdered sugar, chocolate glaze, or even a simple maple syrup drizzle!
Final Thoughts
These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion! You can customize them by adding different spices or toppings, making them perfect for fall festivities or cozy breakfasts. We encourage you to try this recipe and add your own twist!
Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts
Indulge in the warmth of autumn with these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts. Perfectly spiced and delightfully moist, these donuts are a fantastic way to embrace the season. Made with pumpkin puree and a medley of aromatic spices, they create a satisfying treat that’s ideal for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or festive gatherings. Baked instead of fried, these donuts offer a lighter option without sacrificing flavor. Pair them with your favorite hot beverage or get creative with toppings for an extra special touch.
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 12 donuts 1x
Ingredients
- 210 g (1¾ cups) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground allspice
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp salt
- 240 g (1 cup) canned pumpkin puree
- 57 g (½ stick) salted butter, melted
- 60 ml (¼ cup) vegetable oil
- 100 g (½ cup) granulated sugar
- 100 g (½ cup) light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 60 ml (¼ cup) whole milk, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 56 g (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted (for coating)
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract (for coating)
- 100 g (½ cup) granulated sugar (for coating)
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon (for coating)
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg (for coating)
- ½ tsp ground ginger (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease donut pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.
- In a large bowl, mix pumpkin puree, melted butter, oils, sugars, eggs, milk, and vanilla until combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; mix until just combined.
- Fill each donut cavity about ¾ full with batter.
- Bake for 10-14 minutes until golden; cool slightly before coating in sugar-spice mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut (50g)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend. Experiment with additional spices like cardamom for unique flavors.