Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

If you’re looking for a cozy treat to brighten up your day, these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are just what you need! With the warm flavors of autumn spices and the delightful sweetness of pumpkin, they’re like a hug in donut form. I love making these with my family, especially during those crisp fall mornings or when we have friends over for coffee. They’re perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings, and trust me, they disappear fast!

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You can whip up a batch in just 25 minutes, making it easy to enjoy homemade goodness without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, there’s something so special about baking together—these donuts are sure to become a new family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Make: These donuts come together in just 10 minutes of prep time and bake in 15 minutes!
• Deliciously Spiced: The combination of pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon creates a warm flavor that’s perfect for fall.
• Family-Friendly Fun: Kids will love helping with the mixing and glazing—baking is always more fun when you do it together!
• Make Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the batter ahead of time and bake fresh donuts whenever the craving strikes.
• Satisfying Sweetness: Glazed with cinnamon sugar, these donuts offer just the right amount of sweetness without being overwhelming.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts use simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s gather our goodies!

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 donuts is how flexible they are! Feel free to get creative based on your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add Chocolate Chips: Toss some dairy-free chocolate chips into the batter for an extra sweet surprise.
• Try Different Spices: Experiment with your favorite spices like ginger or cardamom for a unique flavor twist.
• Make Mini Donuts: Use a mini donut pan instead for bite-sized treats that are perfect for sharing!
• Top with Icing: Instead of cinnamon sugar, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the top.

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 once they’re baked.

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 where all that delicious moisture comes from—pumpkin is such a wonderful ingredient!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients while stirring gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our donuts light and fluffy!

Step 4: Fill the Pan

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

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 15-16 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow them to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes—this helps them set before transferring.

Step 6: Cool Completely

Carefully flip the pan upside down over a cooling rack to release your donuts. Let them cool completely for at least another 10 minutes so they can absorb that delicious coating later!

Step 7: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Melt your butter in the microwave and use a pastry brush to coat each cooled donut generously—or take a shortcut by quickly dipping each side into melted butter if you prefer.

Step 8: Coat with Sugar

In a bowl, mix together granulated sugar and cinnamon. Roll each buttered donut in this mixture until fully coated—this is where they become irresistibly sweet!

Now you’re ready to enjoy these delightful Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts! They’re perfect as breakfast treats or an afternoon snack paired with your favorite beverage. Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Making these donuts is a breeze, but with a few extra tips, you’ll elevate them to perfection!

• Use fresh pumpkin puree: While canned pumpkin works great, making your own puree can enhance the flavor and give your donuts a richer taste.
• Don’t overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts rather than light and fluffy ones.
• Check for doneness: Ovens can vary in temperature, so start checking your donuts a minute or two before the recommended time to avoid overbaking.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your preference. Adding ginger or cloves can give your donuts an extra warm kick that’s perfect for fall.
• Store properly: To keep your donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or freeze them for longer storage.

How to Serve Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

These delightful baked pumpkin donuts are perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re serving them at breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack, you can make them look even more inviting.

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and flavor.
• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a light and airy touch that complements the spiced pumpkin perfectly.
• Chocolate drizzle: For a fun twist, drizzle some melted dairy-free chocolate on top of the donuts for an indulgent treat.

Side Dishes

• Apple cider: Warm apple cider pairs beautifully with these donuts, enhancing the cozy autumn vibe.
• Yogurt parfait: A simple yogurt parfait layered with granola and fresh fruit offers a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the donuts.
• Fresh fruit salad: A colorful fruit salad with seasonal fruits like pears and apples provides a light and healthy balance to the meal.
• Coffee or chai latte: Enjoying these donuts with a cup of coffee or chai latte creates the perfect pairing for a cozy morning or afternoon treat.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll be ready to impress family and friends with your delicious Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time, making them an ideal treat for busy mornings or cozy afternoons.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

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

Reheating

• To reheat, simply pop the donuts in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Alternatively, you can place them in a preheated oven at 350ºF for about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

If you have any questions about making these delightful treats, I’ve got you covered!

Can I make Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it’s a one-to-one ratio for best results.

How can I add more flavor to my Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts?

Feel free to experiment by adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruits like cranberries for added texture and flavor!

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Absolutely! If you’re using fresh pumpkin, make sure to cook and puree it until smooth. This will give your donuts a lovely homemade touch.

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

Insert a toothpick into the center of a donut; if it comes out clean, they are done. This usually takes about 15-16 minutes of baking time.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts as much as I do! They are not only delicious but also incredibly simple to prepare. Perfect for sharing during chilly autumn days or savoring yourself with a warm cup of coffee. Happy baking!