Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

If you’re looking for a cozy fall treat that’s both easy to make and delicious, you’ve come to the right place! These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are not only a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of autumn, but they also fill your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma. Imagine biting into a soft, spiced donut that’s perfectly glazed with cinnamon sugar—what could be better?

This recipe is one of my all-time favorites because it’s simple enough for busy weeknights but special enough for family gatherings or weekend brunches. Plus, who can resist a warm donut dusted in sugar? Let’s dive into this yummy treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Simple: This recipe takes just 25 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for those last-minute cravings.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves donuts! These pumpkin delights are sure to please kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the batter ahead of time and bake them fresh in the morning for an easy breakfast.
• Deliciously Spiced Flavor: The combination of pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon brings out the best flavors of fall.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are made with simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Gather these items, and let’s get baking!

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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ideas to mix things up:

• Add chocolate chips: Stir in a handful of chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet surprise!
• Use different spices: Experiment with ginger or cloves instead of pumpkin pie spice for a unique flavor twist.
• Try different coatings: Instead of cinnamon sugar, drizzle with maple syrup or melted dark chocolate for a decadent treat.
• Make mini donuts: Use a mini donut pan to create bite-sized versions that are perfect for sharing.

How to Make Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat the oven to 350ºF and spray your donut pan with non-stick cooking spray. This step ensures your donuts come out easily after baking, so don’t skip it!

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and milk. Mixing these ingredients first helps incorporate air into the batter, giving your donuts that lovely light texture.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Be careful not to over-mix; we want just combined batter for fluffy donuts!

Step 4: Fill the Donut Pan

Transfer your batter into a piping bag or ziplock bag with one corner cut off. Pipe the batter into each donut cavity evenly. This method makes filling easier and more precise—no messy spoons here!

Step 5: Bake Your Donuts

Bake in preheated oven for about 15-16 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Letting them cool in the pan for 10 minutes allows them to set properly.

Step 6: Cool on a Rack

Flip your donut pan upside down over a cooling rack to release your donuts. Allow them to cool completely; this is key before adding any coating.

Step 7: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Melt your butter in the microwave. Using a pastry brush or dipping method, coat each cooled donut with melted butter so that it clings well to our sugary goodness.

Step 8: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

Combine granulated sugar and cinnamon in a bowl before placing each donut inside. Flip them around gently until coated on both sides—now they’re ready to be devoured!

Enjoy every bite of these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts! They truly capture the essence of fall and make any day feel special. Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Making these delightful pumpkin donuts is a breeze, but a few extra tips can elevate them even more!

• Use fresh pumpkin puree: If possible, opt for homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned. This can enhance the flavor and freshness of your donuts.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts instead of light and airy ones.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Adding a pinch of ginger or cloves can give your donuts an extra kick!
• Cool completely before glazing: Make sure your donuts are completely cool before applying the cinnamon sugar coating. This helps the sugar adhere better and prevents it from melting away.

How to Serve Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying as a personal treat. Here are some fun ways to serve them!

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some finely chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and a nutty flavor.
• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a creamy texture that balances out the spiced sweetness of the donuts.
• Chocolate drizzle: For chocolate lovers, a light drizzle of melted dairy-free chocolate adds a rich contrast that’s hard to resist.

Side Dishes

• Hot apple cider: A warm cup of apple cider complements the flavors of pumpkin beautifully, making it an excellent choice for fall gatherings.
• Fruit salad: Fresh fruit salad provides a refreshing side that contrasts nicely with the rich, spiced flavors of the donuts.
• Yogurt parfait: Layered with dairy-free yogurt and granola, this parfait offers creamy and crunchy textures that make for a filling breakfast option.
• Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea pairs perfectly with these donuts, enhancing their cozy vibe while providing a comforting beverage option.

These serving suggestions will not only enhance your donut experience but also create delightful moments worth sharing! Enjoy your baking adventure!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are perfect for meal prep, making them a delightful treat you can enjoy throughout the week! With proper storage, you can keep their deliciousness intact and have them ready for breakfast or a sweet snack anytime.

Storing Leftovers

• Keep the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer them chilled, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• To maintain freshness, avoid layering the donuts if possible.

Freezing

• Allow the donuts to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen donuts to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat frozen donuts in the oven at 350ºF for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• You can also microwave them for about 15-20 seconds if you’re short on time. Just be cautious not to overheat!

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts:

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

Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. This will ensure that everyone can enjoy this delicious treat without any worries.

How do I know when my Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are done?

Your donuts are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This usually takes about 15-16 minutes of baking time.

What can I use instead of pumpkin pie spice?

If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand, you can create your own blend using equal parts cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice. This will give your donuts that warm autumn flavor!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts as much as I do! They’re not only simple to whip up but also filled with that comforting fall flavor we all love. Whether it’s for breakfast or an afternoon treat, they’re sure to brighten your day. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share your own experiences with this recipe—happy baking!