As the leaves start to drift and the air turns crisp, it’s the perfect time to embrace the magic of fall baking. I love welcoming the season with a batch of Baked Pumpkin Donuts that fill my kitchen with warmth and spice. With the comforting embrace of real pumpkin puree and just the right amount of cinnamon and nutmeg, these donuts are not only delightful but also incredibly easy to whip up—no frying mess required! Topped with a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating, they make for a heavenly breakfast treat or a cozy afternoon snack. So, are you ready to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of these seasonal delights? Let’s dive into this simple yet fulfilling recipe together!
Why are Baked Pumpkin Donuts a must-try?
Fall Flavor: These Baked Pumpkin Donuts encapsulate the essence of autumn in every bite, thanks to warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
No-Fry Convenience: Say goodbye to frying! This simple baking method means less mess and healthier treats without sacrificing flavor.
Versatile Pairing: Enjoy them for breakfast, brunch, or as a cozy snack with your favorite warm drink, like a classic pumpkin spice latte or hot chai tea.
Quick and Easy: With straightforward ingredients and minimal prep time, these donuts are perfect for both baking novices and experienced chefs alike!
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: These donuts are sure to impress family and friends, making them ideal for gatherings, or even a fun fall-themed breakfast!
Perfect to enjoy them fresh from the oven, these treats are best served warm, and they can easily be stored for later enjoyment.
Baked Pumpkin Donuts Ingredients
• Get ready for a delightful baking experience!
For the Donuts
- Pumpkin Puree – Provides moisture and a rich pumpkin flavor; use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
- Brown Sugar – Adds depth of sweetness and moisture; substitute with coconut sugar for a healthier option.
- Granulated Sugar – Offers sweetness and contributes to the texture; can replace with a sugar alternative for low-calorie versions.
- Eggs – Acts as a binder and contributes to fluffiness; for a vegan option, use flax eggs or applesauce.
- Vegetable Oil – Adds moisture and helps achieve a tender texture; can substitute with melted coconut oil.
- Milk – Provides moisture; almond or oat milk can be used for dairy-free alternatives.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances overall flavor; for a bolder taste, consider using bourbon vanilla.
- All-Purpose Flour – Forms the structure of the donuts; consider using gluten-free flour blends if needed.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda – Leavening agents that ensure the donuts rise.
- Cinnamon – Adds warm spice flavor; increase for a spicier taste.
- Nutmeg & Ground Ginger – Enhances the autumn flavor profile; adjust based on personal spice preference.
- Salt – Balances sweetness; essential for flavor enhancement.
For the Coating
- Granulated Sugar (for coating) – Used for creating the cinnamon-sugar rolling mixture.
- Cinnamon (for coating) – Complements the sweetness of the sugar and brings forth that cozy spice aroma.
Dive into the joy of baking these Baked Pumpkin Donuts—they’re easy to make and will fill your home with the warm scent of fall!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Baked Pumpkin Donuts
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, take a moment to grease a donut pan thoroughly with non-stick spray or butter, ensuring each cavity is well-coated for easy release after baking. This will help your Baked Pumpkin Donuts come out perfectly shaped and intact.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of pumpkin puree, ½ cup of brown sugar, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, 2 eggs, ⅓ cup of vegetable oil, ¼ cup of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining. These wet ingredients will form the flavorful base of your donuts.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the dry mix, which contributes to the delicious flavor profile of the Baked Pumpkin Donuts.
Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in your first bowl, using a spatula or wooden spoon to stir gently. Be careful not to overmix—just combine until you see no more dry flour. This will help maintain the light and fluffy texture that’s characteristic of great donuts.
Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan
Spoon or pipe the batter evenly into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full. This allows enough room for the donuts to rise beautifully as they bake. Using a piping bag can help achieve neat and even filling, creating uniform Baked Pumpkin Donuts.
Step 6: Bake the Donuts
Place the filled donut pan into the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the donuts spring back slightly when pressed and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This step is crucial for achieving that soft and fluffy texture you’ll love.
Step 7: Cool and Transfer
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the donuts to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step allows them to set perfectly without becoming soggy, ensuring you enjoy your Baked Pumpkin Donuts to the fullest.
Step 8: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
While the donuts are still warm, brush each one with melted butter, allowing it to soak in slightly. Then, roll each donut in a mixture of ¼ cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, coating them generously. This final touch not only adds sweetness but also a delightful spiced crunch to your delectable treats!
Baked Pumpkin Donuts Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to make these delightful donuts your own with a sprinkle of creativity and some lovely substitutions!
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Apple Cider Twist: Substitute half the pumpkin puree with apple cider for a fruity variation that captures autumn vibes beautifully.
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Chocolate Delight: Fold in mini chocolate chips into the batter for a decadent twist. The melted chocolate adds a wonderful richness to each bite.
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Nutty Crunch: Add ½ cup of finely chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful nutty texture that complements the soft donuts perfectly.
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Maple Infusion: Swap a portion of the granulated sugar with pure maple syrup for a delightful, earthy sweetness that enhances the seasonal flavor.
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Spiced Up: Increase the cinnamon and nutmeg by an extra teaspoon for those who crave a bit more spice in their life. This little adjustment brings out the warm, cozy flavors of fall!
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Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these donuts suitable for those avoiding gluten. You won’t skip out on any of the magic!
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Vegan Delight: Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) for a plant-based option that still delivers on fluffiness.
These delicious variations will help you enjoy the essence of the season, much like Pumpkin Sugar Cookies or even a comforting cup of Maple Pumpkin Coffee. Whichever way you choose to customize, let your kitchen be filled with enchanting aromas this fall!
What to Serve with Baked Pumpkin Donuts
These delightful treats bring a warm, cozy spirit to your kitchen, making any mealtime feel special.
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Pumpkin Spice Latte: This classic fall drink enhances the pumpkin flavors, creating a comforting pairing that warms your soul.
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Chai Tea: A spiced chai complements the warm spices of the donuts, offering a rich and aromatic experience with every sip.
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Creamy Yogurt: A side of creamy yogurt provides a cool, smooth contrast to the donuts’ sweetness, balancing flavors beautifully.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright, juicy fruits like apples and pears bring freshness and a touch of tartness, enhancing the richness of the pumpkin donuts.
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Maple Syrup Drizzle: A drizzle of warm maple syrup adds an irresistible sweetness, perfect for those who crave even more indulgence.
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Warm Cinnamon Apple Compote: Serve these donuts alongside a warm apple compote for a cozy, dessert-like experience that feels like a hug in a bowl.
This diverse selection allows for a delightful mishmash of tastes, textures, and flavors you and your loved ones will cherish.
Expert Tips for Baked Pumpkin Donuts
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Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter just until combined to keep your Baked Pumpkin Donuts fluffy; overmixing can lead to dense donuts.
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Proper Cooling: Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to avoid gummy bottoms.
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Warm is Best: For optimal flavor, serve your donuts warm or quickly reheat in the microwave for about 10 seconds before serving.
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Precision in Filling: Fill each donut cavity about ¾ full to ensure even rising without spilling over, leading to perfect shapes.
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Fresh Ingredients: Use freshly opened spices and ingredients for the best flavor; older spices can lose their potency, affecting the taste.
How to Store and Freeze Baked Pumpkin Donuts
Airtight Container: Store your Baked Pumpkin Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their freshness and texture.
Refrigeration: If you need a bit longer, these donuts can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. Just ensure they’re well-wrapped to prevent drying out.
Freezing: To freeze, omit the cinnamon sugar coating before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and coat in cinnamon sugar just before serving for that fresh-baked taste.
Reheating: For the best experience, reheat the donuts in the microwave for about 10 seconds to bring back their warm, soft texture before enjoying!
Make Ahead Options
These Baked Pumpkin Donuts are a fantastic option for meal prep enthusiasts! You can mix the wet ingredients (pumpkin puree, sugars, eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla) and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Additionally, combine the dry ingredients in a separate bowl and keep them covered at room temperature. This ensures everything is ready to go when it’s time to bake! When you’re set to enjoy these delicious treats, just combine the wet and dry mixtures, fill the donut pan, bake for 10-12 minutes, and finish with the cinnamon-sugar coating. Trust me, they’ll taste just as delightful and fresh!
Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! When selecting pumpkin puree, be sure to choose pure pumpkin puree, which should be a vibrant orange and smooth in consistency. Avoid pumpkin pie filling as it contains added sugars and spices that can alter your donut’s taste.
What’s the best way to store leftover donuts?
You can store your Baked Pumpkin Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days for optimal freshness. If you prefer to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to 4 days. Just make sure they’re wrapped well to retain their moist texture!
Can I freeze Baked Pumpkin Donuts?
Absolutely! To freeze, simply omit the cinnamon-sugar coating and place your donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature and roll in cinnamon sugar just before serving!
What if my donuts turn out dense?
Very! If your donuts come out dense, it’s often due to overmixing the batter. Be gentle when combining the wet and dry ingredients, and stir until just combined. Also, ensure you’re using the right measurements for your ingredients—especially the flour—as packing it down can lead to excess.
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Definitely! If you have dietary restrictions, there are some wonderful options. For a dairy-free version, substitute regular milk with almond or oat milk. You can also use flax eggs in place of traditional eggs for a vegan alternative. Just keep an eye on any allergies related to the ingredients used, such as gluten in the flour, and opt for a gluten-free flour blend if needed.
Irresistibly Soft Baked Pumpkin Donuts for Fall Fun
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan thoroughly with non-stick spray or butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground ginger, and salt. Mix thoroughly.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
- Spoon or pipe the batter evenly into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
- Place the filled donut pan into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until donuts spring back when pressed and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- While still warm, brush each donut with melted butter and roll in a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon.
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