Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

If you’re looking for a cozy treat to brighten up your mornings, then these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are just what you need! They’re soft, spiced, and perfectly sweetened — everything you want in a delightful autumn snack. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering, enjoying them on a busy weeknight, or simply indulging yourself on a lazy Sunday, these donuts are sure to become a favorite.

What makes this recipe even more special is how simple it is. With just a few wholesome ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a batch of these delicious donuts that will fill your kitchen with the warm aroma of fall spices. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll find it hard to resist going back for more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Make: In just 25 minutes, you can have fresh donuts ready to enjoy!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves the combination of pumpkin and cinnamon sugar; it’s a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make Ahead: These donuts store well — perfect for meal prep or snacks throughout the week.
• Deliciously Spiced: The warm flavors of pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon create that cozy comfort food feeling.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts require simple and wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need for this delicious treat!

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

One of the best things about these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts is how flexible the recipe is! Feel free to get creative and make them your own. Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in some dairy-free chocolate chips for a sweet twist that chocolate lovers will adore!
• Change Up the Spice: If you’re not a fan of pumpkin pie spice, try using gingerbread spice or even just cinnamon for a different flavor profile.
• Nutty Addition: Fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and nutty flavor.
• Glaze Instead of Coating: Instead of using the cinnamon sugar coating, drizzle a simple vanilla glaze over the top for an extra touch of sweetness.

How to Make Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first! Preheat your oven to 350ºF and spray your donut pan with non-stick cooking spray. This ensures that our donuts come out easily without sticking.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and milk until smooth. Combining these ingredients creates a moist base full of delicious pumpkin goodness.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mixing dry ingredients separately helps ensure even distribution when added to the wet mixture.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Use a spatula to fold them together gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our donuts light and fluffy!

Step 5: Fill The Donut Pan

Transfer the batter into a piping bag or ziplock bag with one corner cut off. Pipe it into each donut cavity evenly. This step helps create those lovely donut shapes we all love!

Step 6: Bake

Bake your donuts for 15-16 minutes or until they pass the toothpick test — if it comes out clean from the center, they’re done! Let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them onto a cooling rack.

Step 7: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While your donuts cool down, melt two tablespoons of butter in the microwave. Once cooled slightly but still warm enough for coating, brush each donut with melted butter or dip them quickly.

Step 8: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar with cinnamon. Dip each donut into this sugary mixture until fully coated on both sides. This final touch adds that irresistible sweetness!

Enjoy your delightful Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts as they bring warmth and happiness to your table!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Making these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts is a delightful experience, and with a few tips, you can ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use Fresh Pumpkin Puree: While canned pumpkin puree works well, using fresh pumpkin can enhance the flavor and moisture of your donuts, making them even more delicious.

• Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts instead of light and fluffy ones.

• Check Oven Temperature: Ovens can vary in temperature. Use an oven thermometer to ensure yours is accurate; this way, your donuts bake evenly and come out perfectly.

• Experiment with Spices: If you love spices, consider adding a pinch of ginger or cloves to the batter for an extra layer of flavor that will tantalize your taste buds.

• Let Them Cool Completely Before Coating: Allowing your donuts to cool completely before dipping them in butter and cinnamon sugar prevents the sugar from melting away and ensures a perfect coating.

How to Serve Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

These delightful pumpkin donuts are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy fall morning or a festive gathering. Here are some fun ideas on how to present them!

Garnishes

• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch and flavor that complements the soft texture of the donuts.

• Drizzle of Maple Syrup: A light drizzle of maple syrup enhances the sweetness and adds a beautiful touch to your presentation.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits like apples and pears provides a bright contrast to the rich flavors of the donuts.

• Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy side that balances the sweetness of the donuts while providing some healthy elements.

• Hot Chocolate: Serve with warm hot chocolate topped with whipped cream for an indulgent pairing that creates a cozy treat perfect for chilly days.

• Breakfast Smoothie: A smoothie made from bananas, spinach, and almond milk offers nutritional benefits while complementing the flavors of your pumpkin treats.

Now you’re ready to enjoy these scrumptious Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts alongside these delightful accompaniments! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are perfect for meal prep! You can whip them up in advance and enjoy them throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store your donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• If you prefer a longer shelf life, refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing

• To freeze, place the cooled donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen donuts to a freezer bag or container, ensuring they’re well sealed. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For fresh-tasting donuts, reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, warm them in a preheated oven at 350ºF for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Got questions? Here are some answers to help you out!

Can I make these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts gluten-free?

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

How can I enhance the flavor of my Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts?

You can add a splash of vanilla extract or even mix in some chocolate chips for extra sweetness!

What other toppings can I use besides cinnamon sugar?

You can try drizzling melted chocolate on top, sprinkling with chopped nuts, or coating them with powdered sugar.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts as much as I do! They capture all the cozy flavors of fall and are sure to bring warmth to your kitchen. Whether you’re serving them at breakfast or enjoying one as a snack with your coffee, these delightful treats are bound to brighten your day. Happy baking!