Baked Pumpkin Donuts – Easy Fall Recipe

Baked Pumpkin Donuts are a delightful fall treat, perfect for cozy mornings or any time you want a delicious, spiced dessert. These soft, fluffy donuts are infused with pumpkin puree and warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, offering the perfect balance of flavor and comfort. Whether you’re looking for a healthier alternative to fried donuts or just craving that sweet pumpkin spice flavor, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Let’s dive into the details of how to make these delectable baked pumpkin donuts at home!

Why You’ll Love These Baked Pumpkin Donuts

These Baked Pumpkin Donuts are incredibly easy to make, and their flavor is unbeatable. They’re quick to prepare and bake in just under 30 minutes, making them an excellent choice for a quick snack or a treat for family and friends. Plus, they’re baked, not fried, so you can enjoy this fall favorite with fewer calories and less guilt. The cinnamon sugar coating adds an extra layer of sweetness, making them even more irresistible.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Baked Pumpkin Donuts:

For the Donuts:

• All-purpose flour: Adds structure and fluffiness to the donuts.
• Brown sugar: Provides sweetness and a slight molasses flavor.
• Granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness and helps with texture.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Help the donuts rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor typical of fall.
• Ground nutmeg: Provides a spicy, sweet taste.
• Ground ginger: Offers a touch of heat to complement the other spices.
• Ground cloves: Adds depth to the spiced flavor profile.
• Pumpkin puree: The star of the recipe, giving the donuts their signature flavor and texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the donuts moist and soft.
• Milk (or milk alternative): Adds liquid to the batter and contributes to the texture.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet note.

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating (Optional):

• Granulated sugar: For sweetness and texture.
• Ground cinnamon: A classic fall spice to coat the donuts.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps the cinnamon sugar stick to the donuts.

Ingredient Alternatives

If you’re looking for variations or substitutions, here are some ideas:

• Flour: You can substitute whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour for a healthier or gluten-free option.
• Milk: Almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk can be used as alternatives if you prefer dairy-free options.
• Eggs: For a vegan version, you can swap the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or an egg replacer.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan with non-stick spray or butter.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Ensure all the dry ingredients are well combined.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
4. Combine the Ingredients: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this could result in dense donuts.
5. Fill the Donut Pan: Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full. For easier filling, you can use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner cut off.
6. Bake the Donuts: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a donut; it should come out clean. Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Cinnamon Sugar Coating (Optional): While the donuts are still slightly warm, dip each one in melted butter and then roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
8. Serve: Enjoy your Baked Pumpkin Donuts warm with a cup of coffee or tea. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Tips & Tricks

• Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, stir until just incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts.
• Check Doneness: If you’re unsure whether the donuts are fully baked, insert a toothpick into the center of one. If it comes out clean, your donuts are ready.
• Storage: These donuts are best enjoyed within 3 days of baking. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

These Baked Pumpkin Donuts are perfect for pairing with a warm drink like a latte or a cup of spiced chai tea. For added variety, consider topping your donuts with a glaze or frosting, or sprinkle some chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips for extra crunch. For a more indulgent treat, drizzle them with caramel sauce or serve them with a dollop of whipped cream.

Health Benefits of Pumpkin

Pumpkin is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. It’s rich in vitamins A and C, which help support your immune system and promote healthy skin. The fiber in pumpkin can also help with digestion, making these Baked Pumpkin Donuts a more nutritious choice compared to traditional fried donuts.

Conclusion

These Baked Pumpkin Donuts are the perfect way to celebrate fall, offering a light and fluffy texture with the delicious flavors of pumpkin and warm spices. Whether you’re baking for a family breakfast, a fall gathering, or simply enjoying a cozy treat on your own, these donuts are sure to hit the spot. With easy-to-find ingredients and a quick prep time, you can enjoy a homemade, seasonal delight without any hassle. Try these donuts today and experience the comforting flavors of autumn in every bite!

FAQs

More Relevant Recipes

• Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies: These warm and comforting cookies are perfect for fall. With a blend of pumpkin and cinnamon, they offer the same sweet, spiced flavor as Baked Pumpkin Donuts. Enjoy them with a hot drink for a cozy treat.
• Pumpkin Coffee Cake Muffins: These muffins feature a light and fluffy texture with a sweet cinnamon swirl, making them a great complement to the rich, spiced flavor of pumpkin donuts. Perfect for breakfast or a snack with your favorite coffee or tea.
• Pumpkin Crumb Muffins: With a crumbly topping and moist pumpkin center, these muffins offer the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, much like the Baked Pumpkin Donuts. These treats are great for any fall gathering or morning treat.

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