Baked Pumpkin Donuts

If you’re craving all the cozy fall flavors, these homemade Baked Pumpkin Donuts are just the treat. Baked (not fried!) and topped with a rich brown sugar icing, they’re soft, moist, perfectly spiced, and ready in under 45 minutes. The icing sets beautifully so the donuts are easy to stack, store, and even transport—making them just as practical as they are delicious! These donuts are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: Ready in under 45 minutes from start to finish.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for various occasions such as parties or cozy family gatherings.
• Delicious Flavor: Infused with warm spices like cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice for that classic autumn taste.
• Healthy Alternative: Baked instead of fried for a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.
• Easy to Customize: Can be transformed into mini donuts or muffins for different serving sizes.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience seamless, gather a few essential tools before starting your recipe.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Donut pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Silicone spatula or wooden spoon
• Medium saucepan

Importance of Each Tool

• Donut pan: This specialized pan shapes your donuts evenly while baking, ensuring the perfect texture.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining your dry and wet ingredients separately before mixing them together.
• Whisk: Helps incorporate air into the batter, making your donuts fluffy and light.
• Silicone spatula or wooden spoon: Ideal for gently folding ingredients without over-mixing.

Ingredients

For the Donuts

• 1 and 3/4 cups (219g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon store-bought or homemade pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil (or canola oil or melted coconut oil)
• 3/4 cup (150g) packed light or dark brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 cup (226g) fresh or canned pumpkin puree
• 1/3 cup (80ml) milk, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Icing

• 3/4 cup (150g) packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk (whole milk is best)
• 1 Tablespoon (14g) unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 and 1/2 cups (170g) sifted confectioners’ sugar
• pinch of salt, to taste
• optional topping: crushed walnuts (see Note for other options)

How to Make Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease donut pan(s) with nonstick spray. Set aside.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:
1. Flour
2. Baking powder
3. Baking soda
4. Salt
5. Cinnamon
6. Pumpkin pie spice

Set aside once combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:
1. Vegetable oil
2. Brown sugar
3. Eggs
4. Pumpkin puree
5. Milk
6. Vanilla extract

Once combined, pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients.

Step 4: Blend Together

Using a silicone spatula or wooden spoon, fold everything gently until no flour pockets remain.

Step 5: Fill Donut Pan

Spoon the batter into donut cavities. For easier filling:
– Transfer batter into a large zipped-top bag.
– Cut a corner off the bottom of the bag and pipe it into each cavity about halfway full.

Step 6: Bake Donuts

Bake for 10–11 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Test by poking; if it bounces back, they’re done!

Step 7: Cool Down

Cool donuts in the pan for 2 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Re-grease the pan to bake any remaining batter.

Step 8: Prepare Icing

In a medium saucepan over medium heat:
– Combine brown sugar, milk, and butter.
– Stir until melted and smooth; bring to a simmer for about a minute.
– Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla extract and sifted confectioners’ sugar until smooth.

Step 9: Dip Donuts

Dip tops of cooled donuts into warm icing. If it thickens too much while dipping:
– Whisk in more milk,
– Or warm it back up slightly.

Step 10: Set & Store

Place dipped donuts on a cooling rack over a baking sheet to let excess icing drip off. If desired, top with chopped nuts. Allow icing to set before storing leftovers tightly at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate them for up to one week.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Baked Pumpkin Donuts!

How to Serve Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Serving Baked Pumpkin Donuts is an enjoyable experience that can elevate any gathering or cozy morning. These donuts are versatile and can be paired with a variety of accompaniments to enhance their flavor.

With a Hot Beverage

• Coffee: Pairing these donuts with a hot cup of coffee creates a perfect morning or afternoon treat.
• Tea: Choose a spiced tea, like chai or pumpkin spice, to complement the flavors in the donuts.

As a Dessert

• With Whipped Cream: Top your donuts with whipped cream for a rich, indulgent dessert option.
• Ice Cream: Serve warm pumpkin donuts alongside vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.

At Breakfast or Brunch

• Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad balances out the sweetness and adds nutritional value to your meal.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and pumpkin donuts for a delicious brunch idea.

For Special Occasions

• Festive Platter: Arrange the donuts on a decorative platter with seasonal fruits and nuts for an eye-catching presentation.
• Gift Boxes: Package them in festive boxes as homemade gifts during fall celebrations.

How to Perfect Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Perfecting your Baked Pumpkin Donuts is all about attention to detail. Follow these tips for the best results:

• Boldly mix dry ingredients: Ensure even distribution of baking powder and spices by whisking dry ingredients thoroughly before combining.
• Boldly check doneness: Poke the tops of the donuts; they should bounce back when fully baked.
• Boldly control batter texture: Avoid overmixing when combining wet and dry ingredients to keep the donuts light and fluffy.
• Boldly adjust icing consistency: If your icing thickens too much, warm it up or add more milk to achieve the right texture for dipping.
• Boldly allow cooling time: Give the donuts enough time to cool before applying icing; this helps it set properly without melting away.

Best Side Dishes for Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Baked Pumpkin Donuts can be enhanced with complementary side dishes that bring balance and variety. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness that contrasts well with sweet donuts.
2. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and honey for added texture and protein.
3. Maple-Glazed Bacon Alternatives: Consider turkey bacon glazed with maple syrup for those who enjoy savory options alongside sweets.
4. Chia Seed Pudding: A nutritious pudding made from chia seeds soaked in almond milk, flavored with vanilla or cinnamon, pairs well as a light side dish.
5. Hot Chocolate Bar: Set up a DIY hot chocolate bar with toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, and spices perfect for dipping your donuts.
6. Savory Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese alongside fruit preserves for an interesting contrast to sweet flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Baked Pumpkin Donuts can be a delight, but certain mistakes can affect the outcome. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using cold ingredients: Make sure your eggs and milk are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother batter and better texture in your donuts.
• Overmixing the batter: Gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together. Overmixing leads to dense donuts instead of light and fluffy ones.
• Not greasing the pan properly: Always grease your donut pan well before adding the batter. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal after baking.
• Skipping the cooling step: Allow the donuts to cool slightly in the pan before transferring them to a rack. This step helps maintain their shape and texture.
• Ignoring baking time: Keep an eye on your donuts as they bake. Overbaking can lead to dry donuts, while underbaking may leave them gooey inside.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store baked pumpkin donuts in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Baked Pumpkin Donuts

• Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap or foil.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; they will last for up to 3 months.

Reheating Baked Pumpkin Donuts

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (177°C). Place donuts on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one donut at a time for about 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.
• Stovetop: Place donuts in a pan over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about Baked Pumpkin Donuts:

Can I make these Baked Pumpkin Donuts gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Adjust other ingredients as needed for best results.

How can I customize my Baked Pumpkin Donuts?

Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruits into the batter for extra flavor and texture!

What can I use instead of brown sugar?

You can use coconut sugar or white sugar if you prefer. The flavor will differ slightly but will still be delicious!

How do I store leftover Baked Pumpkin Donuts?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for up to a week.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just ensure it’s well-pureed and not too watery to avoid altering the batter’s consistency.

Final Thoughts

These Baked Pumpkin Donuts are not only easy to make but also bursting with fall flavors that everyone will love. Their soft texture paired with rich icing makes them a delightful treat any time of year. Feel free to customize with various toppings or spices for a unique twist!