Baked Pumpkin Donuts
Baked pumpkin donuts are a delicious and cozy treat, perfect for autumn or any time you crave something sweet and comforting. These fluffy donuts capture the essence of fall with warm spices and rich pumpkin flavor. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, as a snack, or with your afternoon coffee, these treats are sure to delight!
Why make this recipe?
You’ll want to make these baked pumpkin donuts for several reasons! First, they are easy to prepare and bake up quickly—no frying necessary! This means they’re a healthier alternative compared to traditional donuts, and you can even customize them with your favorite toppings. Plus, the combination of pumpkin and spices creates a delightful aroma in your kitchen that will have everyone eagerly awaiting a taste!
How to prepare Baked Pumpkin Donuts
Ingredients:
- 🎃 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 🍬 1/2 cup sugar
- 🍂 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 🛢️ 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 🥚 2 large eggs
- 🌱 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 🍞 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 🥣 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 🥤 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 🌶️ 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ✨ 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 🍯 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 🧂 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 🍩 1 cup powdered sugar
- 🍁 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 🌰 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (for glaze)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, mix the pumpkin puree 🎃, sugar 🍬, brown sugar 🍂, vegetable oil 🛢️, eggs 🥚, and vanilla extract 🌱 until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour 🍞, baking powder 🥣, baking soda 🥤, ground cinnamon 🌶️, nutmeg ✨, ginger 🍯, and salt 🧂.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t overmix!
- Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each mold about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts spring back when touched and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the glaze, mix the powdered sugar 🍩, maple syrup 🍁, and cinnamon 🌰 in a bowl until smooth. Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze or drizzle it on top.
How to serve Baked Pumpkin Donuts
Serve these delightful baked pumpkin donuts on a cozy fall morning with a warm cup of coffee or tea. They can be enjoyed plain or glazed, and adding a sprinkle of extra cinnamon on top makes for an inviting presentation. You can also pair them with whipped cream or your favorite nut butter for a delicious twist!
How to store Baked Pumpkin Donuts
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them for longer, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week. To enjoy the donuts fresh again, simply warm them in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Tips for preparing Baked Pumpkin Donuts
- Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree for the best flavor—avoid pumpkin pie filling.
- Keep the batter mixture light when folding the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients to ensure fluffy donuts.
- If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin pan instead, but adjust the baking time slightly.
Variations
- Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Donuts: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey twist.
- Maple Pecan Donuts: Toss in some chopped pecans and use maple syrup in the batter for an extra flavor boost.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Yes! If you want to use fresh pumpkin, roast it, scoop out the flesh, and blend it until smooth. This will give you delicious homemade pumpkin puree.
2. Can I freeze these donuts?
Absolutely! Baked pumpkin donuts freeze well. Just make sure they are completely cooled, then store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. To eat, thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave.
3. How long do these donuts take to bake?
They typically take 10-12 minutes to bake in the oven. Just check them by inserting a toothpick; if it comes out clean, they’re done!
Enjoy your delicious homemade baked pumpkin donuts! 🎃🍩✨