Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe

There is something irresistibly cozy about autumn, and these Baked Pumpkin Donuts capture that feeling perfectly. Soft, moist, and bursting with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, they offer a delightful twist on classic donuts without the fuss of frying. Not only do they fill your kitchen with the aroma of fall, but their light texture and subtly sweet pumpkin flavor make them a perfect treat any time of day, whether for breakfast, a snack, or dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these Baked Pumpkin Donuts lies in their simple, wholesome ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and moisture, resulting in donuts that are tender yet hold their shape beautifully.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure to the donuts, keeping them light but sturdy.
• Baking soda and baking powder: These leavening agents help the donuts rise and get that light, fluffy crumb.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves: A warm, fragrant blend of spices that define the classic pumpkin spice flavor.
• Light brown sugar and granulated sugar: A combination that adds depth and balanced sweetness.
• Unsalted butter: Melted for richness and moist texture, with control over salt levels.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help with rising.
• Pumpkin puree: The star of the show, contributing moistness, flavor, and that lovely autumn color.

How to Make Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Donut Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease your donut pan with nonstick spray to ensure your donuts release easily without sticking, which makes the finish smooth and keeps their shape intact.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and the blend of warm spices—cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. This step is crucial because it evenly distributes the leavening agents and spices, ensuring every bite is perfectly spiced and rises beautifully.

Step 3: Mix Sugars and Butter

In a separate bowl, combine the light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Whisking these together smooths out any lumps and begins creating the rich, sweet base for your donuts.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Pumpkin Puree

Next, add the eggs to the sugar-butter mixture and whisk until smooth and lightly fluffy. Incorporate the pumpkin puree, blending everything together to infuse the batter with that signature moistness and flavor.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients and gently stir until you no longer see pockets of flour. The key here is to mix just until combined—overmixing can make donuts tough instead of tender.

Step 6: Fill the Donut Pan

Using a spoon or a piping bag, fill each cavity of your donut pan about three-quarters full. This helps the donuts bake up to the perfect height without spilling over.

Step 7: Bake Until Perfect

Bake the donuts for 12 to 14 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes to avoid overbaking, which can dry them out.

Step 8: Cool and Prepare for Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Let the donuts cool in the pan for 2 to 3 minutes so they firm up slightly, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack. This is the perfect time to prepare your cinnamon sugar coating.

Step 9: Brush with Butter and Roll in Cinnamon Sugar

Mix together cinnamon and granulated sugar in a bowl. Brush the warm donuts with melted butter, then roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated. This extra step adds a sweet, crunchy layer that’s absolutely addictive.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Baked Pumpkin Donuts warm for the best experience, or cool completely if you’re planning to store them. Either way, these donuts will be a bright spot in your day—rich with autumnal flavor and perfect little bites of joy.

How to Serve Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Garnishes

While the cinnamon sugar coating is a classic choice, you can get creative by dusting the donuts lightly with powdered sugar or drizzling a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a dash of milk or maple syrup. Adding chopped pecans or a sprinkle of toasted coconut on top can bring delightful texture and extra flavor dimensions.

Side Dishes

These donuts pair wonderfully with a hot cup of spiced coffee, chai tea, or even warm apple cider to enhance their cozy, fall-inspired flavors. For an indulgent brunch, serve alongside creamy yogurt topped with granola and fresh fruit, balancing sweetness with freshness and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Baked Pumpkin Donuts into a charming autumn-themed centerpiece by arranging them on a rustic wooden board surrounded by small pumpkins, cinnamon sticks, and seasonal leaves. You might also stack them like a mini cake and drizzle with caramel or cream cheese frosting for a festive touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store your donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their soft texture. For longer keeping, refrigeration is an option, though you might notice a slight change in freshness.

Freezing

To freeze, individually wrap donuts in plastic wrap, then place in a resealable freezer bag. They keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw at room temperature or gently warm them in the oven or microwave.

Reheating

Reheat Baked Pumpkin Donuts by microwaving for 15 to 20 seconds or warming in an oven at 300°F for 5 to 7 minutes. This refreshes their softness and returns that freshly baked warmth, making them ready to enjoy all over again.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for these donuts?

Absolutely! In fact, canned pumpkin puree is the perfect choice for this recipe, providing consistent moisture and flavor that fresh pumpkin might vary on depending on the variety and preparation.

Are these donuts gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you could experiment with gluten-free flour blends designed for baking to make a gluten-free version, but be aware that texture and rise may vary.

Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

If you don’t have a donut pan, you can try baking the batter in a muffin tin for pumpkin muffins instead. The taste will be just as delicious though the shape and texture will differ slightly.

How long will Baked Pumpkin Donuts stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay fresh for about two days. Beyond that, refrigeration or freezing are your best options to preserve flavor and texture.

Can I substitute the spices in this recipe?

Yes! While the traditional spice mix creates that classic pumpkin flavor, feel free to adjust ratios or add extra cinnamon or even pumpkin pie spice blends to suit your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with these Baked Pumpkin Donuts. They strike the perfect balance of cozy spices, moist pumpkin goodness, and just the right amount of sweetness. Homemade and straightforward, they are destined to become a favorite treat for every autumn and beyond. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be delighted with every bite!

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