Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe: The Perfect Fall Treat

When fall rolls around, there’s nothing quite like enjoying the flavors of pumpkin in a warm, comforting treat. These baked pumpkin donuts are the perfect way to bring the cozy autumn vibes into your kitchen. Soft, spiced, and lightly sweetened, these donuts offer all the pumpkin goodness you crave, without the guilt of deep-frying. Whether you’re enjoying them with your morning coffee or serving them at a fall gathering, these donuts are sure to be a hit!

Let’s dive right into the recipe, shall we?

Ingredients:

• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Donut Pan

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan with cooking spray or brush it with a little melted butter to ensure the donuts come out easily once baked.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the canned pumpkin puree, melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Stir well until everything is combined and smooth.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—the batter should be thick but smooth.

Step 4: Fill the Donut Pan

Spoon the donut batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 of the way full. If you want a cleaner method, you can use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the tip cut off to pipe the batter into the pan.

Step 5: Bake the Donuts

Place the donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Coat in Cinnamon-Sugar

While the donuts are cooling, melt the remaining butter in a small bowl. In another shallow bowl, combine the cinnamon and sugar for the coating. Once the donuts have cooled slightly, brush them with melted butter and dip them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat them completely.

Recipe Notes:

• Pumpkin Puree: Be sure to use plain canned pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, as the latter contains added spices and sweeteners.
• Dough Consistency: If the dough seems too thick, you can add a little more buttermilk, one tablespoon at a time, to reach the desired consistency.
• Customization: For extra flavor, you could add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a drizzle of glaze on top.

Time and Serving:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: This recipe makes about 12 donuts.

Storage:

These baked pumpkin donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh longer, you can also freeze them. Just place the cooled donuts in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat them, reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds, or pop them in the oven to warm them up.

Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving):

• Calories: 160 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 6g
• Sodium: 160mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 16g

Extra Tips to Make the Recipe Perfect:

1. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to dense donuts. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated into the wet ingredients.
2. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This will help the batter come together more smoothly and ensure even mixing.
3. Try a Glaze: If you prefer a sweeter donut, you can glaze them with a simple mixture of powdered sugar and milk or apple cider for that extra sweetness!
4. Add a Twist: Stir in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture or a handful of chocolate chips for a sweet surprise.

How to Serve:

These baked pumpkin donuts are perfect with a warm cup of tea, coffee, or even a pumpkin spice latte. For a fun fall treat, serve them at a brunch or picnic with some whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you want to go all out, pair them with a creamy pumpkin soup for a complete fall-themed meal.

Kitchen Tools Needed:

• Donut pan (if you don’t have one, you can use a muffin pan as a substitute)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk and spatula
• Cooling rack for even cooling
• Shallow bowls for cinnamon-sugar coating

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):