Baked Pumpkin Donuts: The Ultimate Fall Treat Recipe

Baked Pumpkin Donuts: Prepare to fall in love with autumn all over again! Imagine biting into a warm, perfectly spiced donut, its tender crumb melting in your mouth with the unmistakable flavor of pumpkin. These aren’t your average fried donuts; these are baked pumpkin donuts, a healthier and equally delicious way to indulge in a seasonal treat.

The history of donuts themselves is fascinating, with roots tracing back to Dutch “olykoeks” brought to America. But the pumpkin spice craze? That’s a more recent phenomenon, exploding in popularity over the last few decades. Combining the comforting familiarity of a donut with the quintessential flavors of fall – pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves – was a stroke of genius.

What makes these baked pumpkin donuts so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The pumpkin adds moisture and a subtle sweetness, while the spices create a warm, inviting aroma and taste. Baking them instead of frying keeps them light and fluffy, making them a guilt-free pleasure. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make! Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee on a crisp morning or serving them as a festive dessert, these donuts are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience the magic of fall with every bite!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Donuts:
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Optional Maple Glaze:
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 2-4 tablespoons milk or cream, as needed
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparing the Donut Batter

1. Preheat and Prep: First things first, let’s get that oven ready! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, grease a donut pan really well. I like to use cooking spray, but you can also use butter or shortening. Make sure you get into all the nooks and crannies so the donuts don’t stick. Nobody wants a broken donut!
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Whisking is key here to make sure everything is evenly distributed. This will help your donuts rise properly and have that perfect spice flavor.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate, large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, applesauce, and vegetable oil. Make sure there are no lumps of brown sugar. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and whisk until everything is well combined and smooth.
4. Add Pumpkin and Buttermilk: Now, stir in the pumpkin puree and buttermilk until just combined. Don’t overmix at this stage! Overmixing can lead to tough donuts, and we definitely don’t want that.
5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Again, be careful not to overmix. A few streaks of flour are okay at this point. We’re aiming for a batter that’s smooth but not overworked.
6. Fill the Donut Pan: Transfer the batter to a large piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off. Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full. You can also use a spoon to carefully fill the cavities, but piping is usually easier and less messy.

Baking the Donuts

1. Bake: Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven. You want them to be golden brown and springy to the touch.
2. Cool: Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will prevent them from sticking and breaking.

Preparing the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

1. Combine Sugar and Cinnamon: In a shallow dish, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Mix well.
2. Dip the Donuts: While the donuts are still slightly warm (but not hot!), dip each donut in the melted butter, then immediately dip it in the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating it evenly. The warmth helps the sugar stick.

Preparing the Optional Maple Glaze

1. Whisk Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of milk or cream.
2. Adjust Consistency: Add more milk or cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the glaze reaches your desired consistency. You want it to be thick enough to coat the donuts but thin enough to drizzle.
3. Glaze the Donuts: Dip the cooled donuts into the maple glaze, or drizzle the glaze over the donuts using a spoon or fork.
4. Let Set: Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving. This will help it harden slightly and prevent it from being too sticky.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Pumpkin Donuts

• Don’t Overmix: I can’t stress this enough! Overmixing the batter will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough, chewy donuts. Mix until just combined.
• Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices will give your donuts the best flavor. If your spices have been sitting in your pantry for a while, consider replacing them.
• Use Pumpkin Puree, Not Pie Filling: Make sure you’re using 100% pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices that will throw off the flavor and texture of your donuts.
• Grease the Donut Pan Well: A well-greased donut pan is essential for preventing the donuts from sticking. I prefer to use cooking spray, but you can also use butter or shortening.
• Cool Completely Before Glazing: If you’re using the maple glaze, make sure the donuts are completely cool before glazing them. Otherwise, the glaze will melt and run off.
• Storage: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh!
• Freezing: You can freeze these donuts for longer storage. Let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
• Variations: Feel free to experiment with different toppings and glazes. You could try a chocolate glaze, a cream cheese frosting, or even just a simple dusting of powdered sugar. You can also add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried cranberries to the batter.

Troubleshooting

• Donuts are too dry: Make sure you’re not overbaking them. Also, check that you’re using the correct amount of wet ingredients.
• Donuts are too dense: This could be due to overmixing the batter or using too much flour.
• Donuts are sticking to the pan: Make sure you’re greasing the donut pan really well. You can also try using a non-stick donut pan.
• Glaze is too thin: Add more powdered sugar to thicken it up.
• Glaze is too thick: Add more milk or cream to thin it out.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Baked Pumpkin Donuts are more than just a recipe; they’re an invitation to experience the cozy flavors of fall in every single bite. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe, and here’s why: they’re incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort and readily available ingredients. Forget the hassle of deep-frying; baking them makes them healthier and less messy, perfect for a quick weekend treat or a delightful addition to your holiday brunch spread. The aroma alone, as they bake, is enough to fill your kitchen with warmth and anticipation.

But the real magic lies in the taste. The pumpkin puree adds a subtle sweetness and moistness, while the blend of spices creates that quintessential autumnal flavor profile we all crave. They’re soft, cakey, and utterly irresistible. Trust me, one bite, and you’ll be hooked!

Now, let’s talk about serving suggestions and variations because the possibilities are endless! For a simple yet elegant touch, dust them with powdered sugar while they’re still slightly warm. Or, if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, try a simple glaze. A classic vanilla glaze is always a winner, but a maple glaze would perfectly complement the pumpkin spice. Simply whisk together powdered sugar with a touch of milk or maple syrup until you reach your desired consistency.

Want to take it up a notch? Consider adding a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts to the glaze for added texture and nutty flavor. Chocolate lovers, rejoice! A drizzle of melted dark chocolate or a chocolate glaze would be absolutely divine. You could even add mini chocolate chips to the batter before baking for an extra chocolatey surprise.

For a healthier twist, you can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. You can also reduce the amount of sugar slightly and add a touch of honey or maple syrup for sweetness. And if you’re looking for a vegan option, simply replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) and use a plant-based milk alternative.

These Baked Pumpkin Donuts are also fantastic served with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of cold milk. They make a wonderful addition to a breakfast buffet, a delightful afternoon snack, or even a simple dessert after dinner. I’ve even been known to pack them in my lunchbox for a midday treat!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the joy of homemade donuts. It’s a recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite, and I can’t wait to hear what you think. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake some deliciousness!

Don’t forget to get creative with your toppings and variations. Experiment with different spices, glazes, and add-ins to create your own signature Baked Pumpkin Donuts. And most importantly, have fun!

Once you’ve made them, please, please, please share your experience! I’d love to see your creations and hear about your favorite variations. Tag me in your photos on social media – I’m always eager to see what you come up with. Leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out. Did you make any modifications? What were your favorite toppings? Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me continue to create and share recipes that you’ll love. Happy baking!