Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that embodies the spirit of autumn, you’ve come to the right place! These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are a delightful way to celebrate the season. They’re moist, spiced, and topped with a sweet cinnamon sugar coating that will make your kitchen smell heavenly. Whether it’s a busy weekday morning or a family gathering on the weekend, these donuts are perfect for any occasion. Plus, they’re simple enough to whip up in no time!

I love this recipe because it’s not only easy but also brings everyone together. Imagine serving these fresh from the oven, with a warm cup of coffee on the side. It’s such a comforting experience that leaves everyone smiling.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe takes just 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to bake, making it perfect for those busy mornings.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love these pumpkin donuts! They’re a fun way to get some seasonal flavors into their day.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can easily prepare these in advance and store them for later enjoyment—just reheat and glaze!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and warm spices creates an irresistible flavor that captures the essence of fall.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely have on hand. Let’s gather what we need for our Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts!

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 can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in some dairy-free chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
• Make it Glazed: Instead of cinnamon sugar, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled donuts.
• Pumpkin Spice Swirl: Swirl in some extra pumpkin pie spice into the batter for an even more robust flavor.
• Nutty Touch: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.

How to Make Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF. This ensures that your donuts bake evenly right from the start. While it warms up, spray your donut pan with non-stick cooking spray so they pop 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 smooth. This step is crucial as it combines all those yummy flavors and gives your donuts their moist texture.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another smaller bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into your wet ingredients. Use a spatula to combine gently—over-mixing can lead to dense donuts!

Step 4: Pipe the Batter

Transfer the batter into a piping bag or ziplock bag with one corner cut off. Pipe it into each cavity of your prepared donut pan. This method helps keep things neat and ensures each donut is perfectly shaped.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake your donuts for about 15-16 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before flipping them onto a cooling rack—this helps maintain their lovely shape.

Step 6: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

For that irresistible cinnamon sugar coating, melt your butter in the microwave. Brush each donut with melted butter or dip them quickly if you prefer! Then toss them in your cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.

Now you have delightful Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Baking these pumpkin donuts is a breeze, but a few insider tips can elevate your baking game even further!

• Use fresh pumpkin puree: If you can, opt for homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned. It adds a vibrant flavor and moisture that enhances the overall taste of your donuts.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to tough donuts. Mix until just combined for that light and fluffy texture we all love!

• Cool properly before glazing: Allowing your donuts to cool completely helps the glaze adhere better, ensuring each bite is perfectly sweet and satisfying.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. Adding a bit more cinnamon or a pinch of ginger can give your donuts a unique twist that suits your taste buds.

• Store in an airtight container: To keep your donuts fresh longer, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain their moistness and flavor.

How to Serve Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

These easy baked pumpkin donuts are not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some fun ideas to make them shine on your table!

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top for extra crunch and flavor.
• Drizzle of maple syrup: A light drizzle of maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness and pairs wonderfully with the pumpkin spice.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, serve with whipped coconut cream on the side for dipping. It’s creamy and complements the warm spices beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Apple slices with almond butter: Fresh apple slices dipped in almond butter provide a crisp and healthy contrast to the soft donuts.
• Yogurt parfait: A yogurt parfait layered with granola and fruit makes for a delightful breakfast alongside these donuts, adding protein and freshness.
• Hot cocoa or spiced chai tea: Pair these donuts with a cozy drink. Hot cocoa or spiced chai tea enhances those autumn flavors perfectly.
• Fruit salad: A vibrant fruit salad can lighten up the meal while balancing out the sweetness of the donuts.

Enjoy crafting this delightful autumn treat in your kitchen! Whether it’s for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, these easy baked pumpkin donuts are sure to bring smiles all around.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch in advance and enjoy them throughout the week, making breakfast or snack time effortless.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you live in a humid area, consider refrigerating them to maintain freshness.

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 and store for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, simply pop the frozen donuts in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds.
• For a crispier texture, warm them in a toaster oven at 350ºF for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

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

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

Absolutely! Just make sure to cook and thoroughly puree the fresh pumpkin before using it as a substitute. It will add a lovely fresh flavor to your donuts.

How can I adjust the sweetness in my Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts?

If you prefer your donuts less sweet, you can reduce the brown sugar by up to half. You can also experiment with adding spices like ginger or cloves for added flavor without more sweetness.

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

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

What’s the best way to coat my Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts in cinnamon sugar?

After baking, brush each donut with melted butter (or dip briefly) before rolling them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. This ensures an even coating!

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe for Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts brings warmth and joy to your kitchen! They’re not just delicious but also incredibly easy to make—perfect for autumn mornings or cozy get-togethers. Enjoy every bite and don’t hesitate to share your creations with family and friends. Happy baking!