Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

If you’re looking for a cozy fall treat that’s easy to whip up and oh-so-delicious, you’ve landed in the right spot! These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are a staple in my kitchen as soon as the leaves start to turn. There’s something so comforting about the warm spices and the soft, moist texture of these donuts. They make any morning feel special, whether it’s a busy weekday breakfast or a leisurely weekend brunch with family and friends.

What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to prepare. You can mix up the batter in no time and have fresh donuts ready to enjoy before you know it! Plus, they’re perfect for all occasions—just imagine serving these at holiday gatherings or enjoying them on a cozy afternoon with a cup of coffee.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you’ll have delicious donuts baking away in your oven.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love these sweet treats, making them perfect for family breakfasts or playdates.
• Make Ahead: Bake a batch ahead of time and store them for a quick snack or breakfast throughout the week!
• Delicious Flavor: The blend of pumpkin puree and warm spices creates a flavor that screams fall.
• Glazed Goodness: The cinnamon sugar coating adds an irresistible crunch that takes these donuts over the top!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts use simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Let’s gather what we need to create these delightful treats!

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 quite flexible, allowing you to put your own spin on these delightful donuts! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in some dairy-free chocolate chips into the batter for a sweet surprise in every bite.
• Switch Up the Spices: Experiment with different spices like ginger or allspice for a unique flavor twist.
• Try Different Glazes: Instead of cinnamon sugar, drizzle with a maple glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Make Them Mini: Use a mini donut pan for bite-sized treats that are perfect for parties or snacking!

How to Make Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat the oven to 350ºF and spray your donut pan with non-stick cooking spray. This ensures that your donuts will pop out easily once they’re baked.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and milk. This mixture brings moisture and sweetness to your donuts while adding that lovely pumpkin flavor.

Step 3: Whisk Together 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: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined; be careful not to overmix! This keeps your donuts light and fluffy.

Step 5: Fill Your Donut Pan

Transfer the batter into a piping bag or ziplock bag with one corner cut off. Pipe it into each donut cavity, filling them evenly. This method prevents spills and gives you perfectly shaped donuts.

Step 6: Bake

Pop those beauties in your preheated oven for 15-16 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted comes out clean! Let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before flipping them out onto a cooling rack.

Step 7: Coat with Butter

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the microwave. Brush each cooled donut with melted butter using a pastry brush—or if you’re feeling adventurous, dip each side quickly in the butter!

Step 8: Roll in Cinnamon Sugar

Combine granulated sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Roll each donut in this mixture until they are beautifully coated on both sides. This step adds that perfect crunchy sweetness we all crave!

Now you have an easy way to enjoy fall flavors with these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Baking these delightful donuts is a breeze, but a few tips can elevate them from good to absolutely amazing!

• Use Fresh Pumpkin Puree: If you have access to fresh pumpkin, it can enhance the flavor of your donuts significantly compared to canned puree. Just make sure it’s well-drained for the best texture.

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mixing just until combined helps keep your donuts light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts—nobody wants that!

• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Adding a pinch of ginger or cloves can bring an exciting twist to the traditional pumpkin flavor.

• Cool Completely Before Coating: Allowing the donuts to cool completely before dipping in butter and cinnamon sugar ensures that the coating adheres better and doesn’t melt away.

• Store Properly: Keep your baked donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the fridge for about a week. This helps maintain their moistness.

How to Serve Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

These baked pumpkin donuts are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy breakfast at home or a festive gathering with friends. Here are some ideas on how to present them beautifully!

Garnishes

• Chopped Pecans: Sprinkle some chopped pecans on top for an added crunch and nutty flavor that contrasts wonderfully with the soft donuts.
• Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds creaminess and a hint of sweetness that pairs nicely with the spiced flavors.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant fruit salad made with seasonal fruits like apples and pears provides a refreshing contrast and balances out the richness of the donuts.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layer some yogurt with granola and berries for a wholesome side that complements the sweetness of the donuts while adding protein.
• Hot Cider: Warm apple cider is a classic fall beverage that perfectly matches these pumpkin delights, enhancing their autumnal vibe.
• Coffee or Tea: Serve alongside your favorite brew; coffee’s boldness or tea’s warmth will create a comforting experience, perfect for chilly mornings.

Now you’re all set to enjoy these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts! Whether you’re sharing them with family or savoring them solo, they’re sure to bring joy to your autumn days. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

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

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer freshness, consider placing them in the fridge, where they will last about a week.

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. They can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can reheat them in an oven at 350ºF for about 5 minutes for a freshly baked taste.

FAQs

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

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

Yes! If you have fresh pumpkin, roast and puree it until smooth. It works wonderfully as a substitute for canned pumpkin puree.

How long do Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts last?

These donuts can stay fresh for up to 2 days at room temperature or about a week in the fridge. If you freeze them, they’ll last up to 3 months!

Can I add chocolate chips to the Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts?

Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips is a great idea if you’re looking to enhance the flavor. Just fold in a handful of mini chocolate chips into the batter before baking.

What can I use instead of brown sugar?

If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, you can substitute it with white sugar mixed with a little bit of molasses (1 tablespoon of molasses per cup of white sugar) to achieve that lovely caramel flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts! They capture the essence of fall and are an absolute delight whether enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Remember, baking is all about experimenting and having fun, so don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own. Enjoy every bite!