Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are a delightful autumn treat that captures the essence of fall. These moist, spiced donuts are perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack. With their warm flavors and sweet cinnamon sugar glaze, they bring comfort and joy to any occasion. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet day at home, these donuts are sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe requires minimal effort and time, making it perfect for busy mornings.
• Flavorful: The blend of pumpkin puree and spices creates a deliciously unique taste that everyone will love.
• Healthy Twist: Baked instead of fried, these donuts are lighter without compromising on flavor.
• Versatile: Enjoy them plain or with the cinnamon sugar coating for added sweetness.
• Perfect for Fall: Embrace the season with this classic fall treat that highlights the best flavors of autumn.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes baking easier and more enjoyable. Make sure you have everything you need before starting your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Donut pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Piping bag or ziplock bag
• Pastry brush

Why These Tools Matter

• Donut pan: Ensures your donuts maintain their shape while baking perfectly.
• Mixing bowls: Provide enough space to mix ingredients thoroughly without spills.
• Piping bag: Helps you fill donut cavities neatly, preventing messes.

Ingredients

Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts: Moist, spiced pumpkin donuts baked to perfection, glazed with cinnamon sugar for a delightful autumn treat!

Ingredients:
– 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

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 your donut pan with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside to prepare for filling.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the following until smooth:
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 a smaller 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 this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing carefully with a spatula until just combined.

Step 4: Fill the Donut Pan

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

Step 5: Bake the Donuts

Place the filled donut pan in the oven and bake for 15–16 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool Down

Once done, allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before flipping them onto a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the microwave. Using a pastry brush, coat each cooled donut with melted butter or quickly dip each side if you prefer.

Step 8: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

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

Dip each butter-coated donut in this mixture, making sure to coat both sides evenly.

Enjoy your delicious Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts as an ideal treat for any fall occasion!

How to Serve Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are perfect for any occasion, especially during the fall season. These delicious treats can be enjoyed in various ways to elevate your snacking experience.

With a Hot Beverage

• Coffee: Pair your donuts with a freshly brewed cup of coffee for a delightful morning treat.
• Tea: A warm cup of chai or herbal tea complements the spices in the donuts beautifully.
• Hot Chocolate: Enjoy these donuts alongside rich hot chocolate for a cozy dessert experience.

As a Breakfast Treat

• With Yogurt: Serve the donuts with a side of Greek yogurt for added protein and creaminess.
• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can balance the sweetness of the donuts and add some color to your plate.
• Scrambled Eggs: For a heartier breakfast, enjoy the donuts with scrambled eggs for a sweet and savory combination.

At Parties and Gatherings

• Dessert Platter: Arrange the donuts on a dessert platter alongside other baked goods for an inviting spread.
• Gift Boxes: Package them in decorative boxes as homemade gifts for friends and family during the holiday season.

How to Perfect Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

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

• Boldly measure ingredients: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the right texture and flavor. Use measuring cups and spoons for precision.
• Boldly preheat your oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking. This helps the donuts rise properly.
• Boldly avoid overmixing: Mix the batter until just combined to keep the donuts light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to dense results.
• Boldly cool properly: Allow the donuts to cool in the pan before transferring them to a rack. This prevents them from becoming soggy.
• Boldly customize toppings: Experiment with different toppings like sprinkles or glaze to suit your taste preferences.
• Boldly store correctly: Keep leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Pairing side dishes with your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts can create a more rounded meal or snack option. Here are some excellent choices:

1. Bold Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
2. Bold Scrambled Eggs – Fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein and make for a satisfying breakfast combo.
3. Bold Greek Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a nutritious side.
4. Bold Cheddar Biscuits – Savory biscuits complement sweet flavors perfectly, creating an interesting contrast.
5. Bold Nut Butter Toast – Spread almond or peanut butter on toast for added richness alongside your donuts.
6. Bold Oatmeal Bowl – A warm bowl of oatmeal topped with nuts and fruits pairs well with pumpkin flavors.
7. Bold Chia Seed Pudding – This creamy pudding offers healthy fats and fiber, balancing out the indulgence of the donuts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts can be simple, but small errors can affect the final product. Here are common mistakes to watch out for.

• Bold measurement errors: Always use precise measurements for ingredients. A little too much flour or sugar can change the texture and flavor.
• Bold neglecting to preheat: Preheating your oven is crucial. Skipping this step can result in uneven baking and denser donuts.
• Bold overmixing the batter: Mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough donuts instead of light and fluffy treats.
• Bold skipping the cooling time: Allowing donuts to cool properly before glazing helps the coating stick better and enhances their flavor.
• Bold using stale spices: Fresh spices make a big difference in flavor. Ensure your pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and nutmeg are fresh for the best taste.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your donuts in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator, keeping them moist.

Freezing Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

• Place cooled donuts in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing quality.

Reheating Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

• Oven: Preheat to 350ºF. Place donuts on a baking sheet for about 5-7 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat one donut at a time for about 10-15 seconds to avoid drying it out.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over medium heat. Warm each donut for 1-2 minutes on both sides.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts so special?

These donuts are moist and flavorful, combining pumpkin puree with warm spices, making them perfect for fall treats.

Can I customize Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts?

Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture, or switch up the spices according to your preference.

How do I know when my donuts are done baking?

A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, indicating they are fully baked.

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.

Conclusion

These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are not only delightful but also versatile. They’re perfect as a breakfast treat or an afternoon snack. Feel free to customize them with your favorite add-ins or toppings to suit your taste!

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