Name: Baked Pumpkin Donuts: Easy Indulgence for Autumn Mornings
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 36 min
Ingredients: 1.75 cups all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled); 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (store-bought or homemade); 0.5 cups vegetable oil (canola oil or melted coconut oil alternative); 0.75 cups brown sugar (packed light or dark); 2 large eggs (at room temperature); 1 cups pumpkin puree (fresh or canned); 0.33 cups milk (at room temperature); 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 0.75 cups brown sugar (packed light or dark); 0.25 cups milk (whole milk is best); 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1.5 cups confectioners’ sugar (sifted); pinch of salt (to taste); crushed walnuts (optional topping)

Introduction to Baked Pumpkin Donuts

When it comes to delightful homemade treats, baked pumpkin donuts have carved out a special place in our hearts (and taste buds). They are not only simple to make, but they also capture the cozy essence of fall all year round. Imagine the warm scent of cinnamon and nutmeg enveloping your kitchen as you whip up a batch of these soft, moist donuts. Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert, they impress both your friends and family with their festive flair.

But why choose baked over fried? Well, baked donuts bring a lightness to each bite, making them a guilt-free indulgence. Plus, they are easier to prepare and cleaner to serve. Gone are the days of deep frying! In just under 30 minutes, you can enjoy these delicious treats without the mess.

Want to explore further? Check out this article about the aeration process that makes baking fantastic. The delightful combination of pumpkin puree and warming spices not only elevates their flavor profile but also adds a touch of nutrition, making them the perfect choice for those looking to satisfy their sweet cravings responsibly. Ready to dive into the recipe? Let’s get baking!

Ingredients for Baked Pumpkin Donuts

To whip up a batch of delectable baked pumpkin donuts, let’s gather some essential ingredients that will bring warmth and flavor to your kitchen.

Essential ingredients for the donuts

All-purpose flour: 1 and ¾ cups (219g)
Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
Baking soda: 1 teaspoon
Salt: ½ teaspoon
Ground cinnamon: 1 and ½ teaspoons, adding that warm spice flavor
Pumpkin pie spice: 1 teaspoon (store-bought or homemade)
Vegetable oil: ½ cup (120ml), or you can substitute with canola or melted coconut oil
Brown sugar: ¾ cup (150g), packed to add a touch of sweetness
Eggs: 2 large, at room temperature for the perfect texture
Pumpkin puree: 1 cup (226g), fresh or canned for that rich, fall flavor
Milk: ⅓ cup (80ml), at room temperature
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, to round out the flavors

Ingredients for the brown sugar icing

Now, to elevate your baked pumpkin donuts even further, we'll need a delightful brown sugar icing:

Brown sugar: ¾ cup (150g), packed for that caramel-like touch
Milk: ¼ cup (60ml), whole milk works best for creaminess
Unsalted butter: 1 tablespoon (14g), for that smooth texture
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, enhancing the icing's flavor
Confectioners’ sugar: 1 and ½ cups (170g), sifted to ensure smoothness
Pinch of salt: to balance the sweetness
Optional topping: crushed walnuts for that added crunch

Gathering these ingredients is the first exciting step towards baking up some irresistible baked pumpkin donuts. Why not visit Sally’s Baking Addiction for more baking tips and tricks? Happy baking!

Step-by-step Preparation for Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Creating delicious baked pumpkin donuts is a delightful way to celebrate the season and enjoy a scrumptious treat. Follow these straightforward steps, and you'll be savoring soft, flavorful donuts in no time!

Gather your ingredients

Before you start, it's essential to ensure you have everything you need on hand. Your shopping list includes:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Ground cinnamon
Pumpkin pie spice
Vegetable oil (or your preferred oil)
Brown sugar
Eggs
Pumpkin puree
Milk
Pure vanilla extract

For our creamy brown sugar icing, don’t forget to grab additional brown sugar, milk, unsalted butter, and confectioners’ sugar. Having everything ready makes the process feel seamless and fun!

Prepare the dry ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice until well combined. This foundational step sets the flavor profile for your baked pumpkin donuts, ensuring even seasoning throughout. You can find useful tips on measuring baking ingredients here.

Mix the wet ingredients

Now, in a separate medium bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin puree, milk, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and blended well. Incorporating these ingredients carefully is key to achieving that moist, tender texture we all love in donuts.

Combine wet and dry ingredients

Gently pour your wet mixture into the flour mixture. Using a silicone spatula or wooden spoon, fold everything together until just combined, taking care not to overmix. It’s perfectly fine if there are a few small lumps—this ensures your baked pumpkin donuts remain light and airy.

Fill the donut pan

Prep your donut pan by greasing it with some nonstick spray. Spoon the batter into each donut cavity, filling them about halfway. For a less messy option, transfer the batter to a zipped-top bag, cut a small corner, and pipe it into the cavities.

Bake the donuts

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and bake the donuts for about 10–11 minutes, or until the tops spring back when gently pressed. Keep an eye on them; you want just a hint of golden brown on the edges.

Cool and prepare the icing

Once baked, let the donuts cool in their pan for a couple of minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. For the icing, combine brown sugar, milk, and butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Allow the mixture to simmer for a minute, then whisk in the vanilla and sifted confectioners' sugar until smooth.

Ice the donuts

Once your baked pumpkin donuts have cooled a bit, dip their tops in the warm icing. If the icing thickens, add a dash of milk to keep it at the right consistency for dipping. You can feel the excitement building!

Store the leftovers

Leftover donuts? No problem! Store them tightly covered at room temperature for 1–2 days, or pop them in the fridge for up to a week to enjoy later. They’ll still taste fantastic, and you’ll have a little piece of fall to brighten your day.

In these simple steps, you’ll have a batch of warm, spiced baked pumpkin donuts that scream autumn! Enjoy the process and, most importantly, the delicious results!

Variations on Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Adding spices for a flavor twist

Enhance your baked pumpkin donuts by experimenting with different spices! Beyond classic cinnamon, try adding a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or even cardamom for an unexpected zing. These spices not only amplify flavors but create aromas that delight the senses. Feel free to adjust based on your preferences; the beauty of baking is in the experimentation!

Making mini pumpkin donuts

Craving a bite-sized treat? Consider making mini baked pumpkin donuts. Just use a mini donut pan and reduce the baking time to about 8–9 minutes. These little morsels are perfect for parties or a sweet afternoon snack. Plus, you can decorate them differently, like drizzling maple glaze or rolling them in cinnamon sugar for an extra touch! Enjoy the fun of creating your perfect baked pumpkin donuts with these variations!

Baking Tips and Notes for Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Perfecting the Baking Time

Achieving the ideal baked pumpkin donuts means perfecting your baking time. Start by checking them around the 10-minute mark. Everyone's oven can vary, so look for lightly browned edges and a springy texture. If you poke a donut and it bounces back, it's ready to come out! Be patient—underbaking could lead to donuts that are too moist in the center.

Storage Tips for Freshness

To keep your baked pumpkin donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. When you're ready to enjoy them, you can gently warm them in the microwave for a few seconds to regain that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste!

Serving Suggestions for Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Pairing with Coffee or Tea

There’s nothing quite like enjoying your baked pumpkin donuts alongside a cozy cup of coffee or tea. The rich, spiced flavors of the donuts beautifully complement a smooth latte or a warm chai. If you're looking for a caffeine kick, a bold espresso will also elevate the experience.

Creative Toppings to Try

While the brown sugar icing is divine, feel free to get creative with toppings! Consider adding:

Cinnamon sugar for an extra spice hit
Chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
Drizzles of caramel sauce for a sweet touch
A sprinkle of pumpkin seeds for a seasonal crunch

Feel free to mix and match! You can even combine toppings for added texture and flavor. A little innovation goes a long way in elevating your baked pumpkin donuts to a whole new level. Happy baking!

Time Breakdown for Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Preparation time
Get ready for some pumpkin goodness! You'll need about 15 minutes to gather your ingredients and mix the batter. If you’re a multitasker, you might even breeze through it faster.

Baking time
Once your batter is ready, it’s time to bake those delicious baked pumpkin donuts! Toss them in the oven for 10-11 minutes, and make sure to keep an eye on them until they're golden brown.

Total time
From start to finish, you’re looking at about 30 minutes to enjoy these scrumptious treats. Perfect for a quick weekend brunch or a cozy weekday snack!

Nutritional Facts for Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Calories per donut

Each delightful baked pumpkin donut contains approximately 160 calories, making them a satisfying treat without overindulging.

Sugar content

With around 10 grams of sugar per donut, these treats balance sweetness and flavor nicely, perfect for a cozy breakfast or dessert.

Key vitamins and minerals

Packed with nutrients, they're enriched with vitamin A from the pumpkin, plus potassium and fiber, contributing to a wholesome snack option. If you're curious about more benefits of pumpkin, check out this guide on pumpkin nutrition to dive deeper!

FAQs about Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Can I substitute fresh pumpkin for canned?
Absolutely! You can use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned, but make sure to cook and mash the pumpkin until it’s smooth. The texture might vary slightly, but your baked pumpkin donuts will still taste delicious! If you’re looking for a guide on how to prepare fresh pumpkin, check out this step-by-step tutorial.

How do I make these donuts without oil?
If you want to skip the oil, try using unsweetened applesauce or a ripe mashed banana instead. Both options will keep the donuts moist while adding a nice hint of flavor. You might want to reduce the sugar slightly to balance the sweetness!

Can I freeze baked pumpkin donuts?
Yes, you can! After they’ve cooled completely, wrap the donuts tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a quick warm-up!

Conclusion on Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Making baked pumpkin donuts at home is an experience you won't want to miss! They're easy to prepare, healthier than traditional fried options, and can be customized with your favorite toppings. Enjoy the delightful flavors of fall any time of year with this scrumptious treat. Give it a try!