Baked Pumpkin Donuts – 5 Sweet Reasons They’re a Fall Obsession
Nothing quite says "fall" like the warm spices and rich, comforting flavor of pumpkin. These Baked Pumpkin Donuts are the quintessential treat to embrace that seasonal spirit, offering an indulgent experience that hugs your taste buds with every bite. Soft, fluffy, and brimming with the delightful spices of cinnamon and nutmeg, these donuts are quick to make and impossibly satisfying. Whether you’re reminiscing about cozy autumn afternoons spent with family or seeking a delicious weekend breakfast treat, this recipe promises to evoke nostalgia and joy while keeping your kitchen filled with a heavenly aroma. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, these pumpkin donuts will quickly become your go-to fall obsession!
Can you resist the allure of homemade donuts?
Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, freshly baked pumpkin donut, its soft texture melting in your mouth while a swirl of cinnamon sugar coats your fingertips. Or perhaps you can picture serving these delightful circular confections at a gathering, sparking smiles and joyful chatter among friends and family. Does the mere thought of these baked beauties bring a happy sigh to your lips? Trust us, you won’t be able to resist their charm!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Baked Pumpkin Donuts are so much more than just a seasonal sweet treat; they are a radiant spotlight in your autumn baking repertoire.
Easy Prep: With minimal ingredients and quick steps, you can whip them up in no time.
Crowd-Pleaser: Their delightful flavor and fluffy texture make them irresistible to both kids and adults.
Nostalgic Flavors: Enjoy the comforting spices that evoke memories of cozy fall days.
Healthier Baked Good: Skip the fryer and dive into a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor.
Versatility: Great for breakfast, snacks, or dessert!
Ingredients
To achieve that delicious flavor and dreamy texture, you’ll need the following simple ingredients:
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves or allspice
- ¾ cup (150 g) packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 cups (425 g or one 15 oz can) pumpkin puree
- ⅔ cup (133 g) granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 6 tbsp (85 g) melted unsalted butter
Each of these ingredients plays a vital role in creating the perfect donut. The aromatic spices invite warmth and comfort, while the creamy pumpkin puree ensures that each bite is decadently moist.
Timing
These baked beauties are not only delicious but also a quick and effortless baking project. In approximately 30 minutes, you’ll transition from gathering ingredients to savoring perfectly baked pumpkin donuts. Don’t have much time but crave something sweet? This recipe offers indulgence without the wait. On the other hand, if you have a leisurely afternoon at home, treat yourself to a cozy baking session creating these mouthwatering treats.
Step-by-Step
Ready to bake? Follow these simple steps and savor the sweet scent of autumn wafting through your home:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan with nonstick spray to ensure easy removal.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and melted butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Add the eggs to the sugar mixture and whisk until everything is perfectly blended. Stir in the pumpkin puree to create that signature fall flavor.
Gently combine the wet and dry ingredients, mixing until no flour pockets remain. Be careful not to overmix for the fluffiest donuts.
Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
Bake for 12-14 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the baked donuts cool in the pan for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar together. Brush the warm donuts with melted butter and roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mix for that extra sweet touch.
Serve warm or allow to cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
As every bite captures the essence of fall, you’ll be left dreaming about your next donut!
Nutritional Information
Indulging in these baked pumpkin donuts can make your heart and taste buds sing! Each donut contains approximately 190 calories, a delightful treat that offers a moment of sweetness in your day. While they might be a tad indulgent, remember that enjoying these treats in moderation can bring joy to your culinary experiences!
Healthier Alternatives
Looking to lighten things up a bit? Don’t worry; there are plenty of delicious swaps you can make without compromising on flavor:
Replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index.
Use unsweetened applesauce in place of some butter for a fruitier twist.
Opt for almond milk or oat milk versions to substitute the dairy in the recipe.
Try gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of these delightful donuts!
Serving Suggestions
These Baked Pumpkin Donuts are perfect for a variety of occasions!
Share them with friends over a cozy coffee date.
Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Imagine hosting a fall-themed gathering and placing a beautiful platter of these donuts at the centerpiece—pure bliss!
Enjoy them as a sweet breakfast option, paired perfectly with a warm cup of pumpkin spice latte!
Common Mistakes
Even with a simple recipe, a few common pitfalls can arise:
Overbaking: Keep an eye on the time! Overbaking can lead to dry donuts, so stick to the recommended bake time.
Texture Issues: Overmixing the batter can lead to dense doughnuts. Mix until just combined for that fluffy texture.
Messes: Be prepared with your mixing bowls and measurements handy; a little prep goes a long way!
Storing Tips
Want to savor those delightful donuts later? Here’s how to store them to maintain their deliciousness:
Freezing Portions: Place cooled donuts in an airtight container separated by parchment paper for easy access. They freeze beautifully!
Reheating Instructions: When you’re ready to enjoy, simply warm the frozen donuts in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that fresh-baked feel.
Tempted to bake it ASAP?
There you have it! These Baked Pumpkin Donuts are not just a seasonal novelty; they are a must-try treat that will leave you longing for more. Why not grab your ingredients and get started? Delight not just your taste buds, but all those around you with the mouthwatering aroma of baked pumpkin donuts. Remember, this fall—happiness is just a donut away!
FAQs
Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?
- Absolutely! Just ensure that it’s well-drained for the right consistency.
How long do these donuts last?
- They can last up to 3 days at room temperature and about 3 months in the freezer.
Can I make these donuts dairy-free?
- Yes! Substitute the butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free equivalent.
What should I do if my donuts are too dense?
- Ensure you’ve measured your flour correctly and avoid overmixing the batter.
Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?
- Definitely! Add in your favorite mix-ins for a personalized twist on these delightful donuts.
Baked Pumpkin Donuts
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Baked Pumpkin Donuts are the quintessential fall treat, soft and fluffy with warm spices and rich pumpkin flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves or allspice
- ¾ cup (150 g) packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 cups (425 g or one 15 oz can) pumpkin puree
- ⅔ cup (133 g) granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 6 tbsp (85 g) melted unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan with nonstick spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and melted butter until smooth.
- Add the eggs to the sugar mixture and whisk until blended. Stir in the pumpkin puree.
- Gently combine the wet and dry ingredients, mixing until no flour pockets remain.
- Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 2-3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Mix cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl. Brush warm donuts with melted butter and roll in the cinnamon-sugar mix.
- Serve warm or store in an airtight container.
Notes
To lighten the recipe, consider using coconut sugar, unsweetened applesauce, or gluten-free flour as alternatives.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
