Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe

If you’re searching for a cozy, delightful treat that brings all the autumn vibes in one bite, look no further than these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts. They brilliantly combine the warm spices of pumpkin pie with a tender, cakey texture that’s not only delicious but also incredibly simple to whip up at home. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, these donuts offer a perfect way to enjoy pumpkin season without the fuss of frying or complicated techniques.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts lies in their straightforward yet flavorful ingredients. Each component plays a vital role, from the moist pumpkin puree adding rich color and natural sweetness, to the blend of spices that creates that irresistible fall aroma and taste.

• ½ cup pumpkin puree: This provides moisture and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor that’s the heart of the recipe.
• ¼ cup milk: Helps to create a smooth batter and tender crumb.
• ¼ cup vegetable oil: Adds softness and keeps the donuts wonderfully moist without greasiness.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base that gives the donuts their structure.
• ½ cup brown sugar: Offers deep caramel notes and enhances the donut’s moistness.
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: A signature spice blend that delivers warmth and complexity.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Essential for making the donuts rise to light, fluffy perfection.
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon: Adds a classic spicy sweetness to balance the pumpkin.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the flavors.
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg: Provides a subtle nutty and slightly sweet aroma to the spice mix.
• Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Made from ⅓ cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon, it creates a crackling, sweet outer layer that’s utterly irresistible.

How to Make Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by heating your oven to 350ºF and giving your donut pan a generous spray with non-stick cooking spray. This simple prep ensures your donuts bake evenly and come out perfectly without sticking, setting the stage for your fall-inspired treat.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and milk until the mixture is smooth and uniform. This blend forms the flavorful, moist base for your donuts and the brown sugar adds just the right touch of sweetness.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mixing these dry spices thoroughly with the flour helps distribute those signature autumn flavors evenly through every bite.

Step 4: Bring Batter Together

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet pumpkin mixture, folding gently with a spatula just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps will keep the donuts tender and light instead of dense.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

Pour your batter into a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the corner snipped off—this makes filling the donut cavities easier and less messy. Divide the batter evenly among the six donut molds, filling each about ¾ full to leave room for rising.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake your donuts for about 15 to 16 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes to firm up, then invert the pan onto a rack and allow them to cool completely for at least another 10 minutes.

Step 7: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

To achieve that irresistible cinnamon sugar glaze, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and brush it liberally over each cooled donut. Then dip both sides of each donut into a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon until well coated. This step transforms your baked pumpkin donuts into a crisp, sweet delight that’s tough to resist.

How to Serve Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Garnishes

While the cinnamon sugar coating is classic, you can also sprinkle chopped toasted walnuts or pecans on top for a buttery crunch. For an indulgent touch, drizzle a thin glaze of cream cheese frosting or a light dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness and visual charm.

Side Dishes

Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts pair wonderfully with warm drinks like spiced chai, rich coffee, or even a light vanilla latte. For an afternoon snack, consider serving alongside fresh fruit like crisp apples or juicy pears, which add a fresh contrast to the sweet and spiced donuts.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn these donuts into the star of a breakfast board by arranging them with seasonal fruits, nuts, and a small pot of honey or maple syrup. You can also stack them in a pretty pile tied with rustic twine to present at gatherings where they’re sure to wow guests with their inviting aroma and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any of these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts left over, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keeping them sealed well prevents them from drying out while preserving their tender texture and warm spices.

Freezing

To keep your donuts fresh longer, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze beautifully for up to three months. When you’re ready for a tasty treat, simply thaw at room temperature or gently warm them up.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked feel, heat your donut in the microwave for about 15 seconds or pop it in a preheated oven at 300ºF for 5 minutes. This quick reheating revives the soft interior and makes the cinnamon sugar coating shimmer once again.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly in Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts and provides consistent texture and flavor, making your baking experience even easier.

Can I substitute the vegetable oil with another oil?

Yes, you can swap vegetable oil for canola or light olive oil if you prefer. Just avoid strong-flavored oils like extra virgin olive oil to keep the donut’s flavor balanced and delicate.

What if I don’t have a donut pan?

If you don’t have a donut pan, you can bake the batter in a muffin tin to make pumpkin muffins, or try using silicone molds shaped like donuts for a similar effect. Just adjust baking time slightly if needed.

How do I make the donuts gluten-free?

For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure the blend you choose contains xanthan gum for proper texture.

Are these donuts healthy?

While these pumpkin donuts are baked rather than fried and include wholesome pumpkin puree, they still contain sugar and oil, so enjoy them as a delightful treat rather than an everyday health food.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to make these easy, fluffy, warmly spiced Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts, you’re all set to bring some cozy autumn magic into your kitchen. They’re quick to prepare, perfect for sharing, and absolutely delicious. I can’t wait for you to try them and make them a new seasonal favorite in your home!

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