Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are a delightful treat perfect for cozy mornings or festive gatherings. With their warm flavors and easy preparation, these donuts are an ideal choice for breakfast, snacks, or holiday celebrations. Their unique dense texture and moistness set them apart from traditional fluffy donuts, making them a standout option for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Make: These donuts come together in just 25 minutes, making them perfect for busy mornings.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and spices creates a rich, comforting flavor that embodies the essence of fall.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as a breakfast item or a sweet snack throughout the day.
• Family-Friendly: Perfect for all ages, these donuts can be made with little hands helping out in the kitchen.
• Great for Sharing: Bake a batch to share at gatherings or parties; they are sure to impress!

Tools and Preparation

To whip up these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts, you’ll need some essential tools. Gathering everything beforehand will ensure your baking process runs smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Donut pans: These specialized pans help create the classic donut shape while allowing even baking.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes is handy for separating wet and dry ingredients and avoiding mess.
• Whisk: A good whisk ensures all your ingredients are well combined, resulting in a smooth batter.

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Ingredients

To make these delectable Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts, gather the following ingredients:

For the Donuts:

• 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
• 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

For the Coating:

• 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 six-count donut pans to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl:
* Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, cloves, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

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

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture:
* Whisk until combined. The batter should thicken slightly.

Step 5: Fill the Pans

Use a spoon or piping bag to fill each donut cavity:
* Fill each cavity about three-fourths full using a #24 cookie scoop (3 tablespoons). Some pans may require up to a quarter cup (#16 scoop / four tablespoons).

Step 6: Even Out Batter

To ensure even baking:
* Tap the pans on a towel-lined counter ten times.

Step 7: Bake the Donuts

Place in preheated oven:
* Bake for about ten to fourteen minutes. They should be golden brown when done. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 8: Cool Down

Let your donuts rest:
* Allow them to cool in the pans for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 9: Prepare Coating Mixture

In a small bowl:
* Melt butter and stir in vanilla.
In another bowl:
* Combine granulated sugar with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

Step 10: Coat the Donuts

While donuts are still warm:
* Lightly brush or dip them in melted vanilla-butter.
* Roll in sugar-spice mixture until fully coated. Recoat if necessary.

Step 11: Serve

Enjoy these delicious treats warm or at room temperature! They also reheat well in the microwave if you want seconds later!

How to Serve Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are perfect for any occasion. Whether you want a sweet treat for breakfast or afternoon snacks, there are many delightful ways to serve them.

With Coffee or Tea

• Pair these warm donuts with a cup of your favorite coffee or tea to enhance their flavor.

Chilled Milk

• Enjoy the donuts with a glass of cold milk for a classic combination that kids will love.

Ice Cream

• Serve the pumpkin donuts warm with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for an indulgent dessert option.

Fresh Fruits

• Complement the donuts with seasonal fruits like apples or pears for a refreshing contrast.

Whipped Cream

• Dress up your donuts with a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra richness and sweetness.

Nut Butter Spread

• Spread almond or peanut butter over the donuts for added protein and nutty flavor.

How to Perfect Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

To ensure your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing ingredients like eggs and milk to room temperature helps create a smoother batter, ensuring even baking.

• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off instead of scooping directly from the bag to avoid dense donuts.

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough donuts instead of light and fluffy ones.

• Check Doneness Carefully: Use a toothpick to check if the donuts are done; they should come out with only a few moist crumbs attached.

• Cool in Pans: Let the donuts cool in the pans briefly before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them maintain their shape.

• Flavor Variations: Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits into the batter for different flavors and textures.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Adding side dishes can elevate your experience with these delicious Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts. Here are some great options:

1. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a wholesome breakfast side that pairs well with donuts.

2. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the donuts beautifully.

3. Oatmeal: A bowl of warm oatmeal topped with cinnamon complements the flavors of pumpkin in the donuts.

4. Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses like cream cheese or goat cheese alongside crackers for a savory contrast.

5. Savory Scones: Serve savory scones with herbs that can balance out the sweetness of the pumpkin treats.

6. Cinnamon Toast: Crunchy cinnamon toast is an excellent side that echoes the spices used in the donuts.

7. Nutty Granola Bars: These make for an easy grab-and-go side, adding crunch and nutrition alongside your sweet treat.

8. Hot Chocolate: For cooler days, serving hot chocolate makes for a cozy pairing that enhances any fall gathering.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, especially when making Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Skipping the measurements: Accurate measurements are crucial in baking. Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precise results.
• Not using room temperature ingredients: Cold ingredients can cause the batter to not mix properly. Make sure eggs and milk are at room temperature before mixing.
• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to dense donuts. Mix just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.
• Ignoring the cooling time: Allow donuts to cool slightly before rolling in sugar. This helps the sugar adhere better and enhances flavor.
• Not greasing the pans well enough: To prevent sticking, ensure your donut pans are well-greased, or use silicone molds for easy removal.

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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 in an airtight container or zip-top freezer bag for up to 2 months.
• Label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individually on high for 15-20 seconds, watching closely to avoid drying out.
• Stovetop: Warm on low heat in a non-stick pan, turning occasionally for even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts that might help you:

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup.

How do I add more pumpkin spice flavor?

Consider increasing the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg, or add pumpkin pie spice for extra depth.

What can I use instead of eggs in this recipe?

You can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tbsp flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water).

Can I bake these donuts in other shapes?

Absolutely! Use different shaped pans like muffin tins or mini bundt pans if you don’t have donut pans.

Final Thoughts

These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are a delightful treat perfect for autumn gatherings or cozy breakfasts. Their moist texture and warm spices make them irresistible. Feel free to customize with toppings like nuts or chocolate drizzle, and enjoy experimenting with flavors!