When the leaves start to turn and the air carries that crisp autumn chill, I can’t help but crave something warm and comforting. That’s when I whip up a batch of Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts. The scent of pumpkin spice wafting through my kitchen feels like a cozy embrace, instantly lifting my spirits. These donuts are not just an indulgent treat; they’re a healthier alternative to the fried kind, making them perfect for breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack.
With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll create moist, soft donuts that will have friends and family asking for seconds. Plus, you can easily customize them to fit dietary needs—gluten-free or dairy-free options mean everyone can join in the deliciousness. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why this recipe is a must-have for your fall baking repertoire. Let’s dive into making these delightful treats!
Why are these Baked Pumpkin Donuts irresistible?
Warm, Cozy Flavors: These donuts are infused with the essence of fall, thanks to rich pumpkin and aromatic spices that create the ultimate comfort food experience.
Healthier Choice: Unlike traditional fried donuts, they offer a guilt-free treat that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
Easy to Make: This recipe is perfect for bakers of any skill level, requiring just a few simple steps to create a delicious batch.
Customizable Options: Whether you need gluten-free or dairy-free alternatives, you can easily swap ingredients to fit any dietary preference.
Mouthwatering Texture: Soft and moist, these baked delights achieve a bakery-style quality right in your own kitchen!
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Serve these at gatherings, and watch as they disappear—everyone will be asking for your secret recipe!
Baked Pumpkin Donuts Ingredients
For the Donuts
• Pumpkin Puree – Provides moisture and a rich pumpkin flavor; canned pumpkin works well too.
• Milk – Adds richness; consider almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
• Vegetable Oil – Keeps the donuts moist; swap for coconut oil or melted butter if desired.
• All-Purpose Flour – Forms the structure; for gluten-free, try a gluten-free flour blend.
• Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and depth; coconut sugar is a great substitution.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice – Offers warm spice flavors; you can substitute with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger mix.
• Baking Powder – Ensures donuts rise properly; always check that it’s fresh.
• Cinnamon – Enhances sweetness and spice; adjust based on your taste preference.
• Salt – Balances and enhances flavors.
• Nutmeg – Adds extra warmth and spice; use sparingly for best results.
For the Coating
• Granulated Sugar – Perfect for coating after baking; can be replaced with coconut sugar.
• Butter – Adds richness and helps the sugar stick; vegetable oil works as a substitute.
With these Baked Pumpkin Donuts ingredients at your fingertips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delightful autumn treat that everyone will love!
How to Make Baked Pumpkin Donuts
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Preheat your oven: Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your donuts will bake evenly, giving you that soft, moist texture. Lightly coat your donut pan with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
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Whisk wet ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and milk until well combined. This mixture should be creamy and smooth, creating a delightful base for your donuts.
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Mix dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk them together to ensure even distribution of flavors, giving your donuts that fantastic autumn essence.
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Combine mixtures: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix—this helps keep your donuts light and fluffy.
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Fill the donut pan: Transfer the batter into a piping bag and carefully fill each cavity of the donut pan about 2/3 full. This allows room for the donuts to rise beautifully without overflowing.
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Bake the donuts: Place the donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15-16 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean when they’re ready.
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Cool and coat: Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a rack for another 10 minutes. Once cooled, brush them lightly with melted butter and roll each donut in cinnamon sugar for a delightful finish.
Optional: Drizzle with a simple glaze for added sweetness!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are ideal for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt) up to 3 days in advance, storing them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Additionally, you can mix the wet ingredients (pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and milk) and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine the wet and dry mixtures, fill the donut pan, and bake your delicious Baked Pumpkin Donuts. This way, you’ll have warm, comforting treats ready in no time, perfect for morning schedules or cozy afternoons!
What to Serve with Baked Pumpkin Donuts?
As the warmth of pumpkin spice fills your home, it’s the perfect time to think about what treats will accompany these delightful donuts.
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Steaming Chai Latte:
A cup of spiced chai beautifully complements the flavors of your donuts, making it an ideal pairing for cozy mornings. The warm, creamy texture of the latte creates harmony with the soft donuts. -
Maple Glazed Coffee:
The sweetness of maple in your coffee enhances the pumpkin flavors. It’s perfect for those leisurely fall brunches with friends or family. -
Fresh Fruit Salad:
A colorful mix of seasonal fruits brightens up the plate. Apples, pears, and pomegranates add freshness and a pop of color alongside your baked treats. -
Cinnamon Sugar Yogurt Dip:
Serve some yogurt mixed with cinnamon sugar for dipping. This adds a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the donuts while keeping things fun and interactive! -
Homemade Whipped Cream:
A dollop of softly whipped cream takes these donuts to the next level! Its light, airy texture pairs perfectly with the moist richness of the donuts. -
Warm Apple Cider:
A cozy glass of spiced apple cider brings the essence of autumn into the mix. Sipping this alongside your donuts creates a delightful sensory experience. -
Chai Spiced Granola:
For a delightful crunch, serve a bowl of homemade chai spiced granola. Its nutty texture and spices complement the softness of the donuts beautifully.
Baked Pumpkin Donuts Variations
Explore these delightful twists on your Baked Pumpkin Donuts for an even more personalized touch!
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Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, ensuring everyone can indulge in this fall favorite. Gluten-free baking can also yield surprisingly tender results when done right.
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Dairy-Free: Use almond, soy, or oat milk instead of regular milk, and replace butter with coconut oil for a creamy richness without the dairy.
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Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for a delightful crunchy texture, giving each bite an extra layer of flavor and satisfaction.
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Spiced Pumpkin: Enhance the spice level by incorporating extra cinnamon, ginger, or even a dash of cayenne for those who love a little heat in their treats!
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Chocolate Chip Bliss: Add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the batter for a rich, sweet surprise in every donut, making your recipe a chocolate lover’s dream.
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Maple Glaze: Drizzle a homemade maple glaze over the cooled donuts for a sweet, autumnal finish that pairs perfectly with the pumpkin flavor.
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Coconut Coating: Instead of traditional cinnamon sugar, roll your donuts in toasted coconut flakes for tropical flair that’s both delicious and visually appealing.
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Fruit Infusion: Mix in some shredded apple or pear for a fruity twist, creating a moist donut that bursts with flavor and brings a hint of orchard sweetness.
Each variation offers a wonderful opportunity to experiment and find your perfect fall flavor combination! Enjoy the process while filling your kitchen with delightful scents.
How to Store and Freeze Baked Pumpkin Donuts
Room Temperature: Store completely cooled baked pumpkin donuts in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain moisture and flavor.
Fridge: If you want to keep them fresh longer, refrigerate the donuts for up to a week. Make sure they’re in an airtight container to prevent drying out.
Freezer: For extended storage, wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. This way, you can enjoy your delicious treats anytime!
Reheating: To enjoy donuts warm, reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. They’ll taste like they just came out of the oven!
Expert Tips for Baked Pumpkin Donuts
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Mix Gently: Avoid dense donuts by folding the wet and dry ingredients together gently; over-mixing activates gluten, which can toughen the texture.
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Fresh Ingredients: Always ensure your baking powder is fresh for optimal rising; expired baking powder can lead to flat donuts that lack fluffiness.
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Proper Cooling: Let the donuts cool completely before storing them; sealing warm donuts can trap steam and make them soggy, impacting the delightful texture.
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Customize Wisely: When swapping ingredients for gluten-free or dairy-free options in your baked pumpkin donuts, make sure the substitutions are compatible for best results.
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Check Doneness: Use a toothpick to test for doneness; it should come out clean from the center of the donut. If it’s still wet, give them a few extra minutes in the oven.
Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best pumpkin puree for my donuts?
Absolutely! Look for 100% pure pumpkin puree without added sugars or spices for the best flavor. Canned pumpkin works perfectly for this recipe, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you can also roast and puree fresh pumpkins. Just make sure the pumpkin is smooth and has a vibrant color for that rich taste you’ll love!
What’s the best way to store leftover baked pumpkin donuts?
Very simple! Once completely cooled, store your baked pumpkin donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This will keep them fresh and moist. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, but remember to seal them properly to avoid drying out.
Can I freeze these baked pumpkin donuts? If yes, how?
Absolutely! To freeze your donuts, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and place them in a resealable freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a donut, simply remove it from the freezer and reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that fresh-baked taste!
What should I do if my donuts turn out dense?
Oh no! If that happens, the likely culprit is over-mixing the batter. Remember, once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, gently fold them until just combined. This helps keep the donuts light and fluffy. Additionally, ensure your baking powder is fresh, as stale baking powder can also lead to denser donuts.
Are these baked pumpkin donuts suitable for those with allergies?
Yes, these donuts can easily accommodate various dietary needs! If someone is allergic to gluten, simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free options, use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk, and replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative, like coconut oil. I often make substitutions when baking to ensure everyone can indulge!
Can I make these donuts without pumpkin pie spice?
Certainly! If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand, you can mix together your own blend using 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of ginger. The more the merrier—feel free to adjust according to your taste preferences!
Irresistible Baked Pumpkin Donuts for a Cozy Fall Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat your donut pan with non-stick spray.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and milk until well combined.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Transfer the batter into a piping bag and fill each cavity of the donut pan about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 15-16 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
- Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a rack.
- Brush with melted butter and roll each donut in cinnamon sugar.