Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that perfectly captures the essence of fall, then these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are your answer! They are moist, spiced, and baked to perfection, making them an ideal choice for breakfast or a delightful afternoon snack. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet morning at home or hosting a family gathering, these donuts will bring smiles all around. Plus, they are so simple to whip up that even the busiest weeknights can accommodate them!

What truly makes this recipe special is not just the fantastic flavor but also how easy it is to prepare. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you can create a delicious autumn-inspired treat that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Make: In just 25 minutes, you’ll have warm donuts fresh from the oven.
• Family-Friendly: These donuts are perfect for kids and adults alike—everyone loves pumpkin spice!
• Make-Ahead Option: Bake them ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week.
• Deliciously Spiced: The combo of pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon creates a cozy flavor that’s hard to resist.
• Perfectly Glazed: The cinnamon sugar coating adds an extra touch of sweetness that elevates these donuts.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to make our Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts. Most of these should be pantry staples, so you might just be a few steps away from enjoying this delightful treat!

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

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! There are plenty of ways to switch things up while still keeping that delicious pumpkin flavor.

• Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in some dairy-free chocolate chips for a sweet surprise in every bite.
• Experiment with Frosting: Try topping your donuts with cream cheese frosting for an indulgent twist.
• Swap the Spices: Use apple pie spice or even gingerbread spice if you’re feeling adventurous!
• Make Them Mini: Use a mini donut pan to create bite-sized treats perfect for sharing.

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 and come out perfectly fluffy. While the oven heats up, spray your donut pan with non-stick cooking spray so they don’t stick!

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together your pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and milk until smooth. This step is crucial because it combines the flavors and moisture that keeps the donuts tender.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into your wet ingredients using a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want those donuts light and fluffy!

Step 4: Pipe the Batter

Transfer your batter into a piping bag or ziplock bag (with one corner snipped off), and fill each donut cavity evenly. This method helps ensure that each donut is uniform in shape—not only great for presentation but also for even baking!

Step 5: Bake Away

Pop those filled donut pans into your preheated oven and bake for about 15-16 minutes. They’re done when a toothpick inserted comes out clean! Let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before flipping them onto a cooling rack.

Step 6: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While your donuts cool completely on the rack, melt your butter in the microwave. You can use a pastry brush or simply dip each donut in the melted butter to get it ready for coating.

Step 7: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar and cinnamon. Roll each donut in this mixture until fully coated on both sides—this adds that sweet crunch we all love on our baked treats.

And there you have it! Your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are ready to enjoy. Perfect with coffee or as an after-school snack—these little delights will surely become a family favorite!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Baking these donuts can be a delightful and rewarding experience, especially when you have a few handy tips up your sleeve!

• Use fresh pumpkin puree: While canned pumpkin works well, making your own puree from fresh pumpkins can enhance the flavor and texture of your donuts.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined helps keep the donuts light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts that aren’t as enjoyable.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to customize the spices according to your taste. Adding a pinch of ginger or cloves can provide an extra depth of flavor.
• Check for doneness: Ovens can vary, so it’s wise to start checking your donuts a minute or two before the recommended bake time to avoid overcooking.
• Cool completely before glazing: Allowing the donuts to cool fully ensures that the glaze adheres properly, enhancing both flavor and presentation.

How to Serve Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

These delightful pumpkin donuts are not only delicious but also versatile in how you can serve them. Here are some fun ideas to make your presentation pop!

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and flavor.
• Whipped cream: A dollop of dairy-free whipped cream on the side can turn these into a more decadent treat.
• Chocolate drizzle: Drizzling some melted dairy-free chocolate over the top adds a rich touch that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and berries complements the sweetness of the donuts while adding freshness.
• Yogurt parfait: Layered dairy-free yogurt with granola and fruit creates a balanced breakfast option alongside your pumpkin treats.
• Hot apple cider: The warm spices from apple cider enhance the autumnal spirit, making it a perfect drink pairing for these donuts.
• Oatmeal: A warm bowl of oatmeal topped with nuts and dried fruits offers a hearty contrast to the soft texture of the baked donuts.

Enjoy serving up these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts at your next gathering or cozy morning at home!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are not just delicious; they’re also perfect for meal prep! You can make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow donuts to cool completely before storing.
• Place the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer freshness, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• To freeze, ensure the donuts are completely cooled.
• Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, allow the donuts to thaw at room temperature or microwave them for about 10-15 seconds.
• For a warm, fresh taste, you can pop them in a toaster oven for a few minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about these delightful donuts:

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

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin! Just ensure it’s cooked and pureed until smooth before measuring it out.

How long do Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts stay fresh?

When stored properly, these donuts can last up to 2 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge.

Can I substitute the all-purpose flour in Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts?

Absolutely! You can use whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blends as alternatives.

What can I use instead of butter for the cinnamon sugar coating?

You may substitute melted coconut oil or a dairy-free spread if you prefer a non-dairy option.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts?

Definitely! Feel free to mix in walnuts, pecans, or even chocolate chips to customize your donuts.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts as much as I do! They’re not just treats; they capture the essence of fall with every bite. Whether you’re sharing them with family or savoring them on your own, these donuts are sure to bring warmth and sweetness into your day. Enjoy baking!