Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are a delightful Fall treat that everyone will love! With their moist texture and warm spices, they make the perfect accompaniment for your morning coffee or an afternoon snack. These donuts are not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy breakfast with family or a festive gathering with friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Simple: This recipe comes together in just about 25 minutes, perfect for busy mornings.
• Deliciously Spiced: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger gives these donuts a warm, cozy flavor that embodies the spirit of Fall.
• Perfectly Moist Texture: Unlike traditional baked donuts, these have a denser texture that keeps them moist and satisfying.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them warm with a cup of tea, or serve at parties as a sweet treat for guests.
• Kid-Friendly: The fun shape and delicious taste make these donuts a hit with children and adults alike!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts, gather your tools! Having everything ready will ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Donut pans
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Donut pans: These special pans shape your donuts perfectly, giving them that classic look.
• Mixing bowls: Using separate bowls helps prevent cross-contamination of dry and wet ingredients.
• Whisk: A good whisk ensures all ingredients are combined thoroughly for a uniform batter.

Ingredients

To make these scrumptious Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts, you will need the following ingredients:

Dry Ingredients

• 210 g (1¾ cups) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg (freshly ground preferred)
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp ground allspice
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• ½ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

• 240 g (1 cup) canned pumpkin puree (Libby’s preferred)
• 57 g (½ stick/4 Tbsp) salted butter, melted
• 60 ml (¼ cup) vegetable oil
• 100 g (½ cup) granulated sugar
• 100 g (½ cup) light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 60 ml (¼ cup) whole milk, room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Topping Ingredients

• 56 g (½ stick/4 Tbsp) unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract
• 100 g (½ cup) granulated sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg (freshly ground preferred)
• ½ tsp ground ginger

How to Make Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease two or three 6-count donut pans to prepare for the batter.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl:
1. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, cloves, and salt.
2. Set aside this mixture for later use.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl:
1. Whisk together the pumpkin puree, melted butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract vigorously for about 1 minute until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture:
1. Whisk together until just combined. The batter should thicken slightly but remain smooth.

Step 5: Fill Donut Pans

Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pans:
1. Fill each cavity about ¾ full using a #24 cookie scoop (3 Tbsp).
2. For larger pans, you may need up to ¼ cup (#16 cookie scoop / 4 Tbsp).

Step 6: Tap to Even Out Batter

Tap the pans on a towel-lined counter about 10 times to settle the batter evenly.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for:
1. 10-14 minutes or until golden brown.
2. Use a toothpick to check if it comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 8: Cool the Donuts

Let the donuts cool in the pans for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 9: Prepare Topping

In a small bowl:
1. Melt the unsalted butter and stir in additional vanilla extract.
In another bowl:
1. Combine granulated sugar with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

Step 10: Coat Donuts

While still warm:
1. Lightly brush or dip each donut in melted vanilla-butter.
2. Roll in the sugar-spice mixture until fully coated. Recoat if necessary.

Step 11: Serve

Enjoy your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts warm or at room temperature! They reheat beautifully in the microwave too!

How to Serve Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just treating yourself, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With a Hot Beverage

• Coffee: Pair your donuts with freshly brewed coffee for a classic combination.
• Chai Latte: The spices in chai complement the pumpkin flavor beautifully.
• Hot Chocolate: A rich hot chocolate adds indulgence to your snack time.

As a Breakfast Item

• With Yogurt: Serve the donuts alongside yogurt for a balanced breakfast.
• Fruit Salad: Fresh fruit adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the donuts.
• Oatmeal: Crumble the donuts over oatmeal for added texture and flavor.

For Dessert

• Ice Cream: Top warm donuts with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream enhances their cozy charm.
• Caramel Sauce: Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra sweet touch.

How to Perfect Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

To achieve the best results when making these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices will elevate the flavor profile of your donuts significantly.
• Bold ensure room temperature ingredients: Using eggs and milk at room temperature helps create a smoother batter for better texture.
• Bold don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the donuts tender and avoid toughness.
• Bold adjust baking time based on your oven: Keep an eye on the donuts as they bake since all ovens can differ in temperature accuracy.
• Bold use quality pumpkin puree: Opt for high-quality canned pumpkin puree like Libby’s for a richer taste.
• Bold experiment with toppings: Try different toppings such as powdered sugar or chopped nuts to give variety.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Enjoying these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts is even better when paired with complementary side dishes. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
2. Granola Parfait: Layered yogurt and granola provide texture and crunch alongside the soft donuts.
3. Maple Syrup Oatmeal: Sweeten oatmeal with maple syrup that echoes the flavors in your donuts.
4. Cheese Platter: Offer mild cheeses that contrast well with the spiced flavors of pumpkin.
5. Chia Seed Pudding: This creamy pudding makes for a healthy and nutritious side dish option.
6. Nut Butter Toasts: Whole grain toast spread with almond or peanut butter complements the donuts’ sweetness while adding protein.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make mistakes when preparing Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.

• Using cold ingredients: Always use room temperature eggs and milk. Cold ingredients can lead to a dense and uneven batter.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in tough donuts instead of the soft, moist texture you desire.
• Not measuring flour accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method for measuring flour. This prevents using too much flour, which can make the donuts dry.
• Skipping the greasing step: Grease your donut pans well to avoid sticking. Unstuck donuts will come out easily and maintain their shape.
• Ignoring baking time: Keep an eye on your donuts as they bake. Overbaking can lead to dry donuts, while underbaking may leave them gooey inside.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

• Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.
• Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a container.

Reheating Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

• Oven: Reheat at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Warm for 10-15 seconds per donut until heated through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts.

Can I make Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure it has xanthan gum for better texture.

How do I customize my Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts?

You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to the batter for extra flavor and texture.

What if I don’t have pumpkin puree?

You can use applesauce or mashed bananas as a substitute, though it will alter the flavor slightly.

How do I store leftover donuts?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Final Thoughts

These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them fresh out of the oven or customize them with different toppings. We encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own!