Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are the perfect treat for any occasion, especially during those crisp autumn days. These delightful donuts are moist, spiced, and baked to perfection, making them a healthier alternative to fried options. With a sweet cinnamon sugar glaze, they’re sure to impress family and friends alike. Whether for breakfast, a cozy brunch, or a festive gathering, these donuts stand out with their rich pumpkin flavor and inviting aroma.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: You can whip up these donuts in just 25 minutes from start to finish.
• Perfectly Spiced: The combination of pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon gives these donuts an irresistible flavor.
• Baked, Not Fried: Enjoy a lighter version of your favorite treat without the extra oil from frying.
• Versatile Treat: These donuts are great for breakfast, snacks, or dessert—perfect for any occasion!
• Kid-Friendly: Fun to make with children; piping the batter into the donut pan is an enjoyable activity.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools for easy preparation. Having everything ready will streamline your baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Donut pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Piping bag or ziplock bag
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Donut pan: Essential for creating that classic donut shape and ensuring even baking.
• Mixing bowls: Helps keep ingredients organized while mixing wet and dry components separately.
• Piping bag or ziplock bag: Makes it easy to fill the donut cavities without making a mess.

Ingredients

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

How to Make Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Spray a donut pan with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:
1. ½ cup pumpkin puree
2. ½ cup brown sugar
3. ¼ cup vegetable oil
4. ¼ cup milk

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together:
1. 1 cup all purpose flour
2. 1 teaspoon baking powder
3. 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
4. ½ teaspoon cinnamon
5. ¼ teaspoon salt
6. ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.

Step 4: Fill the Donut Pan

Transfer the batter into a piping bag or a ziplock bag with one corner cut off. Pipe the batter into each cavity of the donut pan evenly among six donuts.

Step 5: Bake the Donuts

Bake for 15–16 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow them to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.

Step 6: Cool and Glaze

Flip the pan upside down onto a cooling rack to release the donuts completely and let them cool for another 10 minutes.

Step 7: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the microwave. Use a pastry brush to coat each cooled donut with melted butter or dip each side quickly if you don’t have a brush.

Step 8: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

In a bowl, combine:
1. ⅓ cup granulated sugar
2. 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Place each donut in this mixture and flip to coat both sides thoroughly.

Enjoy your delicious Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts as a delightful addition to any fall gathering!

How to Serve Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

These moist and spiced Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are perfect for a cozy breakfast or a delightful snack. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your enjoyment of these autumn treats.

Pair with Coffee

• A warm cup of coffee complements the sweet flavors of the donuts beautifully.

Serve with Whipped Cream

• Top the donuts with fresh whipped cream for an indulgent touch.

Add a Scoop of Ice Cream

• For a unique dessert, serve the donuts warm alongside your favorite ice cream flavor.

Drizzle with Maple Syrup

• A light drizzle of maple syrup enhances the pumpkin flavor and adds sweetness.

Enjoy with Fresh Fruit

• Pairing with sliced apples or pears provides a refreshing contrast to the rich donuts.

Dust with Extra Cinnamon Sugar

• For those who love extra sweetness, dust more cinnamon sugar on top before serving.

How to Perfect Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

To ensure your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use fresh pumpkin puree: Fresh puree adds richer flavor compared to canned options.
• Measure accurately: Use proper measuring cups and spoons for precise ingredient amounts to achieve the right texture.
• Don’t overmix: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mix; overmixing can make the donuts dense.
• Check doneness: Use a toothpick to test if they’re fully baked; it should come out clean when done.
• Let them cool before glazing: Allowing them to cool helps the glaze adhere better and prevents it from melting away.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust spices like nutmeg or add cloves for a personalized flavor profile.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

While these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are delicious on their own, pairing them with side dishes can create a delightful meal or snack experience. Here are some great options:

1. Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai tea complement the pumpkin flavors wonderfully.
2. Greek Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt adds creaminess and protein, balancing the sweetness.
3. Granola: Crunchy granola provides texture and can be sprinkled on top for added flavor.
4. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits offers freshness and brightness alongside the rich donuts.
5. Nut Butter: Spread almond or peanut butter on top for a nutty contrast that enhances each bite.
6. Oatmeal: A warm bowl of oatmeal makes for a hearty breakfast option that pairs well with donuts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can help ensure your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts turn out perfectly every time.

• Bold mixing technique: Overmixing the batter can lead to tough donuts. Mix until just combined for a light texture.
• Bold measuring ingredients: Using inaccurate measurements can ruin your donuts. Always use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for precision.
• Bold oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can cause uneven baking. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate settings.
• Bold cooling time: Not allowing the donuts to cool properly can affect the icing adherence. Let them cool completely before glazing.
• Bold donut pan preparation: Skipping non-stick spray may result in sticking. Always spray your donut pan to easily release them after baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag.
• Keep frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350ºF and warm the donuts for about 5 minutes for optimal freshness.
• Microwave: Heat each donut for 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to overheat as this may dry them out.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally for about 2-3 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

You can use fresh pumpkin puree, but make sure it’s blended smooth and well-drained for best results.

How can I customize my Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts?

Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit into the batter for added flavor and texture.

What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

You can make your own by combining cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice in equal parts.

How long do these donuts last?

When stored properly, they last up to three days in the fridge or two months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall. Their moist texture and spiced flavor make them perfect for breakfast or dessert. You can easily customize them with various toppings or mix-ins. Give this recipe a try and enjoy these delicious donuts with family and friends!