Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe

If you’re searching for a delightful treat that perfectly captures the cozy, warm flavors of fall, look no further than these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts. Imagine tender, fluffy donuts infused with real pumpkin and aromatic spices, baked to perfection, then coated in buttery cinnamon sugar that melts in your mouth. They strike the perfect balance between indulgence and wholesome comfort, making them a must-make for breakfast, snack time, or sharing with friends over coffee. Plus, they’re baked, not fried, so you get all the joy with less guilt!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the moist texture, warm spice blend, and gorgeous golden color that make these donuts shine. Here’s what you’ll gather to bring this autumn-inspired recipe to life:

• ½ cup pumpkin puree: The star ingredient that adds moisture, natural sweetness, and that irresistible fall flavor.
• ¼ cup milk: Helps create a smooth, tender batter by balancing the wet and dry ingredients.
• ¼ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the donuts soft and moist without overpowering the pumpkin flavor.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping the donuts light and fluffy.
• ½ cup brown sugar: Adds natural sweetness with a hint of molasses that enhances the autumnal spices.
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: A fragrant blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that defines the seasonal taste.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives the donuts a wonderful rise and airy crumb.
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon: Deepens the warm spice notes and pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances all the flavors perfectly.
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg: Adds a subtle hint of nutty warmth and complexity.
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar (for coating): Coats the donuts with sweet crunch and extra cinnamon goodness.
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (for coating): Helps the cinnamon sugar stick and adds richness to the finish.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for coating): Ensures the coating echoes the pumpkin spice inside.

How to Make Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF to get it nice and hot while you prep. Spray your donut pan with a non-stick cooking spray so the donuts pop out easily after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and milk until smooth and well combined. This mixture forms the flavorful and moist base for your donuts.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. These spices and leaveners will give your donuts that perfect rise and irresistible flavor.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently with a spatula. Be careful not to overmix—the batter should be just combined to keep your donuts tender and soft.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

Transfer the batter into a piping bag or a ziplock bag with one corner snipped off. This makes it super easy to evenly pipe the batter into each of the six donut cavities in the pan.

Step 6: Bake the Donuts

Bake for 15 to 16 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let the donuts sit in the pan for 10 minutes to firm up slightly before unmolding.

Step 7: Cool Completely

Flip the pan upside down onto a rack to release the donuts, then let them cool for at least 10 more minutes. This step is key so the coating sticks without melting off.

Step 8: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

To finish, melt the butter and brush it over each donut or quickly dip them for full coverage. Mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together and coat the warm donuts fully on both sides. This delicious coating adds the perfect sweet crunch and spicy kick.

How to Serve Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top for added sparkle, or if you’re feeling fancy, dust the donuts with powdered sugar. A drizzle of cream cheese glaze can also amp up the cozy flavor and turn these donuts into a real crowd-pleaser.

Side Dishes

Serve these donuts alongside a steaming cup of spiced latte, chai tea, or hot apple cider. Fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream can provide a light, creamy contrast that balances the warm spices beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Display the donuts stacked on a rustic wooden board surrounded by mini pumpkins and autumn leaves for a festive vibe. Or place them in wax-paper-lined baskets for a charming brunch spread that’s sure to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cool, store any leftover Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them soft and moist, ready for your next snack attack.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze the donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months and can be thawed overnight before enjoying.

Reheating

Warm your leftover donuts gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a toaster oven for a couple of minutes. This refreshes their softness and revives the buttery cinnamon sugar coating as if freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin for these donuts?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly in Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts, providing consistent moisture and flavor every time.

What if I don’t have a donut pan?

You can use a muffin tin, but the shape won’t be as classic donut-like. Just fill the cavities less than halfway and bake a few minutes longer, checking doneness with a toothpick.

Is there a way to make these gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a good-quality gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to maintain texture.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Definitely! Fold in chopped walnuts, pecans, or mini chocolate chips before piping the batter to add extra texture and flavor.

How spicy are these donuts?

They offer a gentle warmth from the cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spice without being overpowering, making them perfect for everyone including kids.

Final Thoughts

If you love the taste of fall in every bite, these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are going to become one of your favorite treats to bake and share. They’re simple to make, satisfying to eat, and bring just the right amount of spice and sweetness to your day. So go ahead, preheat your oven, and indulge in a batch—you won’t regret it!

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