Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that screams autumn, you’ve come to the right place! These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are not only delightful but also packed with the warm spices we all love during this season. They are moist, fluffy, and finished with a sweet cinnamon sugar coating that makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re enjoying them on a busy weekday morning or sharing them at a family gathering, these donuts will surely bring smiles all around.

What makes these donuts extra special is how simple they are to whip up. You don’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. Just grab some pantry staples and you’ll be on your way to baking your new favorite fall treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you’ll have delicious donuts in no time!
• Perfect for Sharing: These donuts are great for breakfast with family or as a sweet snack at gatherings.
• Customizable Options: Feel free to add your twist with different spices or toppings!
• No Deep Frying Required: Baking means less mess and healthier donuts without sacrificing flavor.
• Fall Flavor in Every Bite: The combination of pumpkin and warm spices is the perfect way to celebrate the season.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! You’ll find that these are simple, wholesome items that you probably already have in your kitchen. It’s all about making something delicious without too much fuss.

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

One of the best things about these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts is how flexible they can be! Feel free to get creative and try out some fun variations.

• Add Chocolate Chips: Toss in some dairy-free chocolate chips for an extra sweet surprise.
• Include Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a lovely crunch and flavor.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
• Experiment with Spices: Try adding ginger or cloves for a different spice profile!

How to Make Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first—preheat your oven to 350ºF. This ensures that your donuts bake evenly. While it heats up, spray your donut pan with non-stick cooking spray so your treats pop right out later.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and milk until smooth. This mixture gives the donuts their moisture and sweetness. Trust me; it’s worth taking a moment to mix well!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients separately helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout your batter.

Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to bring everything together! Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; just stir until combined. We want those little bits of flour gone but still maintain some fluffiness!

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

Transfer your batter into a piping bag or ziplock bag with one corner cut off. Pipe it into each donut cavity evenly so they bake uniformly. It’s like frosting but way more fun!

Step 6: Bake Away!

Pop those bad boys in the oven for about 15-16 minutes. Check them by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, they’re ready! Let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before flipping them onto a cooling rack.

Step 7: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While they cool down a bit more, melt your butter in the microwave. This will help our cinnamon-sugar stick beautifully to each donut.

Step 8: Coat Your Donuts

Here comes the fun part! Use a pastry brush or dip each donut side into melted butter then roll them in cinnamon sugar until fully coated. This gives each bite that extra touch of sweetness we all crave!

And there you have it—delicious Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts ready to enjoy! Perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack when you need something comforting. Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Baking these delightful pumpkin donuts can be a breeze with just a few helpful tips!

• Use fresh ingredients: Ensure your baking powder and spices are fresh for the best flavor and rise. Old ingredients can result in flat donuts that lack the warm, comforting taste we all love.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Mix until just combined to keep your donuts light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough donuts that aren’t as enjoyable.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of pumpkin pie spice or add other spices like ginger or cloves for a unique twist. This customization can give your donuts a personal touch and enhance their autumn flavor.
• Let them cool completely before glazing: This step ensures that the glaze adheres better and doesn’t melt away. A well-cooled donut will provide a delightful crunch with every bite.
• Store properly: Keep your baked donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness. This helps maintain their moisture and flavor.

How to Serve Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are not only delicious but also visually appealing. Presenting them right can make them even more inviting!

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some finely chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the glaze for added crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the pumpkin perfectly.
• Drizzle of maple syrup: A light drizzle of pure maple syrup over the top adds a touch of sweetness and enhances the fall vibe of these treats.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, serve these donuts with a dollop of whipped coconut cream. It adds richness and balances out the spices beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A bowl of mixed seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and oranges provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the donuts.
• Yogurt parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and sliced bananas for a healthy, filling side that pairs well with sweet treats.
• Herbal tea: A warm cup of chamomile or mint tea complements the spiced flavors while offering a cozy beverage option.
• Pumpkin spice latte: For an indulgent pairing, whip up some homemade pumpkin spice lattes. The flavors will harmonize perfectly, making your brunch extra special.

Enjoy these easy baked pumpkin donuts as part of a delightful breakfast spread or as an afternoon snack—whatever way you choose to savor them!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are perfect for meal prep! You can whip them up in advance and enjoy their delightful flavors throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Allow donuts to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap each donut tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just ensure you label the bags with the date!

Reheating

• For the best taste, reheat donuts in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350ºF for about 5-7 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 10-15 seconds, but this may result in a softer texture.

FAQs

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

Can I make Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup to achieve similar results.

What should I do if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand, you can easily make your own by mixing equal parts cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. This will give you that warm, spiced flavor!

How long do Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts last?

These donuts typically last about 2 days at room temperature or up to a week if refrigerated. If you’d like them to last longer, consider freezing them as mentioned above.

Can these donuts be made vegan?

Yes! To make these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts vegan, simply use plant-based milk and substitute butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free alternative.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts as much as I do! Their moist texture and delightful spices truly capture the essence of fall. They’re not just fun to bake; they’re also fantastic to share with family and friends during cozy gatherings. Happy baking, and I can’t wait for you to indulge in these scrumptious treats!