The soothing aroma of spiced pumpkin wafts through my kitchen, and just like that, I’m transported to cozy autumn days. Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Coating. These delightful treats not only capture the essence of fall but also come together in no time, making them perfect for busy home chefs like us. No frying required here—these baked beauties are a healthier alternative that won’t sacrifice the mouthwatering comfort we crave. Whether you’re brewing a warm cup of coffee or hosting friends for an afternoon of fun, these donuts are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Curious about simple twists to personalize your batch? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why Choose Baked Pumpkin Donuts?
Healthier Alternative: These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are a guilt-free indulgence that brings all the cozy flavors of fall without the extra calories of frying.
Quick Prep: With a short bake time, you’ll have these delicious treats ready in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy mornings or surprise guests.
Versatile Flavors: Feel free to get creative! You can experiment by adding chocolate chips, or try variations like my Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins for a different twist.
Perfectly Textured: Expect soft, moist donuts with a golden-brown finish and a delightful crunch from the cinnamon sugar coating that brings a nostalgic donut shop experience to your kitchen.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re gathering with friends or enjoying a quiet moment with coffee, these donuts are bound to impress everyone, making them a must-have for any autumn get-together.
Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts Ingredients
• Here’s what you need to create those delightful Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts!
For the Donuts
- Pumpkin Puree – Provides moisture and pumpkin flavor; using canned pumpkin ensures ease and convenience!
- Milk – Adds richness and moisture; feel free to substitute with almond milk or any reputable non-dairy alternative.
- Vegetable Oil – Keeps the donuts tender and moist; melted coconut oil is a great replacement for those looking to go dairy-free.
- All-Purpose Flour – Gives structure to the donuts; a gluten-free flour mix works as a solid substitute if needed.
- Brown Sugar – Adds a depth of flavor and sweetness; coconut sugar offers a less processed option if preferred.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice – Infuses those quintessential fall flavors into the donuts; mix cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger for a homemade version.
- Baking Powder – The key leavening agent for fluffy donuts; make sure it’s fresh to get the best rise!
- Cinnamon – Enhances the warm, comforting flavors in each bite.
- Salt – Balances out the sweetness and brings the flavors to life.
- Nutmeg – Complements the warm pumpkin and cinnamon notes beautifully.
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and a delightful crunch to the outside.
- Butter (Melted) – Helps the sugar adhere; use a non-dairy butter alternative if you prefer.
- Cinnamon – Elevates the flavor profile of the cinnamon sugar coating, ensuring each bite is packed with warmth!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a donut pan with non-stick cooking spray. This will ensure your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts release effortlessly after baking. As the oven warms, gather your ingredients so you’re ready to create these delightful treats without delay.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and milk. Whisk the mixture together until it’s smooth and well-blended. You should achieve a velvety consistency that promises moist donuts. This flavorful base sets the stage for the vibrant autumn taste of your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This dry mixture is essential for giving structure and flavor to your donuts. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to over-mix, which could result in dense donuts. Just mix until barely combined.
Step 4: Fill the Donut Pan
Transfer the batter into a piping bag or a ziplock bag with a corner cut off for easy filling. Carefully pipe the batter into each cavity of the donut pan, filling them about two-thirds full. This ensures the donuts will rise beautifully and maintain a perfect shape while baking.
Step 5: Bake the Donuts
Place the filled donut pan in the preheated oven and let the donuts bake for 15-16 minutes. They’re done when they are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The delightful aroma wafting from your oven confirms that fall is here!
Step 6: Cool the Donuts
Once baked, remove the donut pan from the oven and allow the donuts to cool for about 10 minutes in the pan. After this, gently flip them onto a cooling rack. Let them cool for an additional 10 minutes to ensure they’re not too warm for the next steps.
Step 7: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
For the finishing touch, melt some butter in a small bowl. Brush the cooled donuts generously with the melted butter, ensuring every surface is coated. In another bowl, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon, then roll each donut in this mixture until evenly coated. The sweet crunch of the cinnamon sugar coating perfectly complements the moist cake of your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts.
What to Serve with Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts
Enjoy your delightful autumn treats with these satisfying pairings that elevate your snacking experience.
- Fresh Brewed Coffee: The warmth and rich flavors of coffee complement the sweet, spiced notes of the donuts, creating a classic pairing that’s hard to resist.
- Spiced Apple Cider: This cozy drink adds a hint of warmth and nostalgia, inviting the essence of fall right into your kitchen.
- Creamy Yogurt: A dollop of vanilla or cinnamon yogurt offers a refreshing tang that balances the sweetness of pumpkin donuts, making for a delightful contrast.
- Maple Drizzle: A drizzle of pure maple syrup enhances the natural sweetness and adds a luxurious touch to each bite, encouraging a symphony of flavors.
- Roasted Root Vegetables: Their earthy flavors bring a crunchy texture alongside the soft donuts, making your autumn brunch feel wholesome and hearty.
- Pecans or Walnuts: Chopped nuts add a delightful crunch and nutty richness, enhancing each mouthful of the moist donuts and offering an extra layer of flavor.
- Mini Pumpkin Pies: For dessert lovers, serving mini pumpkin pies alongside the donuts creates a festive touch that’s perfect for gatherings.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of ice cream melts beautifully into the warm donuts, turning an already delicious treat into an indulgent dessert.
- Mulled Wine: This warm drink with spices not only pairs beautifully with pumpkin notes but also adds an elegant touch to your fall gatherings.
Expert Tips for Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts
- Avoid Overmixing: To maintain the fluffy texture, mix the batter just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts.
- Check Baking Powder Freshness: Always ensure your baking powder is fresh for proper leavening. An expired powder may result in flat donuts.
- Cooling Before Coating: Allow the donuts to cool completely before applying the butter and rolling in cinnamon sugar. This helps the coating adhere better without melting.
- Flavor Additions: Don’t hesitate to add chocolate chips or nuts to the batter for a delightful twist. Just remember to adjust baking time slightly if adding extras.
- Creative Coatings: Consider glazing your donuts with a simple powdered sugar glaze instead of cinnamon sugar for a new take on flavors!
Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts Variations
Embrace your inner creativity and transform these donuts into your own personal masterpiece with just a few simple tweaks!
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Spice It Up: Add a pinch of ginger or cloves to the batter for a warm, aromatic twist. This gives your donuts a deeper, spiced profile that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
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Nutty Crunch: Fold in a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch that elevates the donut’s texture. The nutty flavor complements the pumpkin perfectly.
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Chocolatey Delight: Consider mixing in a cup of chocolate chips for a sweet surprise in every bite. Who can resist the combo of pumpkin and chocolate?
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Glazed Finish: Opt for a simple powdered sugar glaze instead of the cinnamon coating. Just mix powdered sugar with a splash of milk and drizzle for a sweet, shiny finish.
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Zesty Citrus: Grate some orange or lemon zest into the batter to add a hint of brightness. The citrus notes will enhance the fall flavors in a refreshing way.
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Extra Sweetener: Swap out brown sugar for maple syrup for a rich, maple-infused sweetness. Drizzling a little maple syrup on top will take it to the next level.
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Pumpkin Spice Latte Pairing: Serve these donuts alongside a homemade Pumpkin Coffee Creamer for a complete fall experience that’s perfect for cozy mornings.
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Fun Shapes: Use a different donut pan or even a muffin tin to switch things up! Mini pumpkin muffins or unique-shaped donuts can be just as delicious and fun to eat.
With these variations, you can unleash your culinary creativity and make these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts your own!
Make Ahead Options
These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are perfect for meal prep, making your busy mornings a breeze! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance; simply cover the mixing bowl and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. If you’re looking to save even more time, you can also bake the donuts and let them cool completely, storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To maintain quality, avoid coating them with cinnamon sugar until just before serving to keep that crunchy texture. When ready, simply reheat the donuts lightly in the oven for 5-7 minutes at 350°F before coating them, ensuring you enjoy the same delightful flavors as fresh!
How to Store and Freeze Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts
Room Temperature: Store the donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep them in a cool, dry place to maintain their freshness.
Fridge: If you want to keep them a bit longer, you can refrigerate the donuts in an airtight container for up to 5 days. However, they may lose some of their delightful texture.
Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze the donuts individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating: To serve, gently reheat the frozen Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts in a microwave or oven until warm. For a crispy coating, pop them in the oven for a few minutes!
Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best pumpkin for my donuts?
Absolutely! When choosing pumpkin puree, it’s best to opt for canned puree labeled as 100% pumpkin. Avoid pumpkin pie filling as it contains added sugars and spices. If using fresh pumpkin, select one that feels heavy for its size with a deep orange color and no dark spots—this indicates ripeness and robust flavor!
How should I store leftover baked pumpkin donuts?
Very important! To keep your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place them in the fridge where they can last for about 5 days, though they may lose some moisture. Use a cool, dry place to help maintain their texture.
Can I freeze my donuts, and what’s the best way to do it?
Yes! Freezing is a wonderful option to keep your homemade treats. Begin by allowing the donuts to cool completely. Then, wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw them at room temperature or reheat gently in the microwave or oven to restore that delightful warmth!
What should I do if my donuts are dense or tough?
If your donuts come out denser than expected, it may be a sign of overmixing the batter. To avoid this, mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined—don’t be afraid to leave a few lumps. Another tip is to always check that your baking powder is fresh; expired baking powder can lead to flat, dense donuts.
Are these donuts suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
The Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts can easily be modified! For dairy-free options, use almond milk and a non-dairy butter alternative. For gluten-free needs, swap in a gluten-free flour mix. However, always check packaging labels for allergies, as cross-contamination can occur in processing facilities. If cooking for pets, it’s best to avoid giving any donuts as they may contain ingredients like cinnamon which can be harmful in large amounts.
Deliciously Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts for Fall Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and milk. Whisk together until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually fold into the wet mixture.
- Transfer the batter into a piping bag and pipe into the donut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full.
- Bake for 15-16 minutes until lightly golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then flip them onto a cooling rack and cool for an additional 10 minutes.
- Melt the butter in a small bowl. Brush the cooled donuts with melted butter, then roll in a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon.
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