Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that captures the essence of autumn, you’ve come to the right place! These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are not only delicious, but they also fill your kitchen with the warm, spiced scents of fall. This recipe is a favorite in my home because it’s so simple and quick to whip up—perfect for those busy weeknights or family gatherings where everyone will be reaching for seconds (or thirds!).

Plus, who can resist a freshly baked donut glazed in cinnamon sugar? It’s an instant pick-me-up that brightens any day. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast or as an afternoon snack with coffee, these donuts are sure to delight!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Make: With just 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes in the oven, you’ll have warm donuts in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids love helping out in the kitchen, and these donuts are a fun way to get everyone involved.
• Make-Ahead Option: Bake a batch on Sunday and enjoy them throughout the week—just store them in an airtight container!
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of pumpkin puree and spices creates a cozy flavor that screams fall.
• Healthier Choice: Baked instead of fried, these donuts are a lighter treat you can feel good about indulging in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering ingredients should be a joyful part of cooking! For these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts, you’ll need simple, wholesome items that you might already have at home. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

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 this recipe is its flexibility! Here are some fun variations you can try to mix things up:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in some dairy-free chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
• Nutty Addition: Toss in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
• Spiced Up: Increase the amount of cinnamon or nutmeg if you love those warm flavors.
• Glaze It Up: Instead of cinnamon sugar, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and almond milk.

How to Make Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF. This step ensures your donuts will bake evenly and come out perfectly fluffy. Don’t forget to spray your donut pan with non-stick cooking spray!

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and milk until smooth. This mixture is key; it provides moisture and sweetness while keeping your donuts deliciously tender.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisking these dry ingredients helps distribute the leavening agents evenly so your donuts rise beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture using a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our donuts light and airy!

Step 5: Pipe into Donut Pan

Transfer the batter into a piping bag or ziplock bag with one corner cut off. Pipe it into each cavity of your donut pan evenly. This method avoids messy spooning and ensures uniform shapes.

Step 6: Bake Your Donuts

Bake for 15-16 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Baking allows those wonderful flavors to meld together while creating that perfect texture.

Step 7: Cool Down

Once baked, let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before flipping them onto a cooling rack. Cooling helps set their shape while maintaining that delightful softness inside.

Step 8: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

Melt your butter in the microwave and use it to coat each cooled donut. Then roll them in your cinnamon sugar mixture for that irresistible finish! The warm butter helps the sugar stick while adding extra flavor.

And there you have it—your very own batch of Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts! Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or save some for later (if they last that long!).

Pro Tips for Making Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Making these delightful donuts is a breeze, especially with a few insider tips!

• Use fresh pumpkin puree: While canned pumpkin works well, using homemade pumpkin puree can enhance the flavor and moisture of your donuts, making them irresistibly soft.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined helps keep the donuts light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to dense, heavy treats that aren’t as enjoyable.

• Ensure your oven temperature is accurate: An oven thermometer can help you verify that your oven is at the right temperature. This ensures even baking for perfectly cooked donuts.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spices based on your taste preference! Adding a pinch of ginger or cloves can give your donuts an extra autumn kick.

• Store properly: Keep your donuts in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for a few days, but you can also freeze them for longer storage!

How to Serve Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Serving these baked pumpkin donuts can be just as fun as making them! Here are some delightful ways to present this warm autumn treat.

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: A sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts adds a nice crunch and pairs beautifully with the soft texture of the donuts.
• Drizzle of maple syrup: A light drizzle of maple syrup over each donut adds an extra layer of sweetness and complements the pumpkin flavor perfectly.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, serve with whipped coconut cream for a luscious topping that enhances the overall experience.

Side Dishes

• Apple cider: A warm cup of apple cider makes a cozy pairing with your pumpkin donuts, enhancing those fall flavors.
• Yogurt parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and seasonal fruits like apples or pears for a refreshing side that balances sweetness with creaminess.
• Fall fruit salad: Combine diced apples, pears, and pomegranate seeds for a colorful fruit salad that brings brightness alongside your delicious donuts.
• Coffee or chai latte: A hot drink like coffee or chai latte not only warms you up but also complements the spices in the donuts beautifully.

These serving suggestions will elevate your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts from mere treats to an unforgettable autumn experience! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch in advance, making them a delightful treat to enjoy throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, place parchment paper between layers of donuts to prevent them from sticking together.

Freezing

• Allow the donuts to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap each donut tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will last for up to 2 months.
• Label the bag with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating

• To reheat, remove the desired number of donuts from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• For a warm treat, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in an oven set to 350ºF for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about these delicious treats!

Can I make Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts without dairy?

Absolutely! Substitute the milk with a non-dairy alternative like almond milk or oat milk. The donuts will still be moist and tasty!

How do I store Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts?

Store your donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them!

Can I add chocolate chips to my Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts?

Yes! Feel free to fold in some chocolate chips into the batter before baking for a delicious twist on the classic recipe.

What can I use instead of pumpkin puree?

If you don’t have pumpkin puree, you can use applesauce as a substitute, which will offer a similar moisture level while adding a hint of sweetness.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts! They’re not just a treat; they encapsulate the cozy flavors of autumn that we all love. Making these donuts is simple and rewarding—perfect for sharing with friends or savoring during quiet moments at home. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to experiment with your own variations! Happy baking!