Devastatingly Good Baked Pumpkin Donuts in Only 45g Carbs

Oh, fall! Is there anything better than that first whiff of cinnamon and nutmeg in the air? For me, it just screams “bake something delicious!” And what’s more delicious than donuts? Especially when they’re homemade, and packed with pumpkin-y goodness! That’s where my recipe for Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Spiced Vanilla Glaze comes in.

These aren’t your average donuts, folks. Think soft, cakey insides bursting with warm spices, topped with a sweet, creamy glaze that’s got just a hint of pumpkin spice itself. Seriously, the texture is amazing – tender, not at all greasy (because, hello, they’re baked!), and the flavor? Out of this world!

I remember the first time I made these. It was a chilly October morning, the leaves were turning gold, and I just *had* to have a pumpkin donut. But the bakery was closed! So, what’s a girl to do but whip up her own? And trust me, I’ve been baking for years, sharing recipes with friends and family is kinda my thing. Let me tell you, these baked pumpkin donuts are a total winner. You’ve GOT to try them!

Why You'll Love These Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Spiced Vanilla Glaze

Okay, so why should you even bother making these donuts? Let me tell you, there are a TON of reasons! But, if I had to narrow it down, here are the biggies:

• The Perfect Fall Treat: Seriously, these donuts just *scream* autumn. I mean, pumpkin spice? Come on! What could be better?
• Easy Baking: Don't let “homemade donuts” scare you! This recipe is super easy, even for beginner bakers. Trust me!
• Delicious Spiced Vanilla Glaze: Oh my goodness, this glaze! It's the perfect combo of sweet vanilla and warm pumpkin spices. My favorite part is licking the bowl clean!
• Healthier Than Fried: Let's be real, fried donuts are delicious, but these are baked! You get all the donut goodness without all the extra grease. Win-win!

Ingredients for Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Spiced Vanilla Glaze

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! You know, the building blocks of donut perfection! Nothing too crazy here, mostly pantry staples. But a few little things make a big difference, so pay attention! Here’s what you’ll need:

Dough Ingredients

This is where the magic starts, folks. Make sure you have all this stuff on hand before you get going!

All-purpose flour

You’ll need 1 1/2 cups. And hey, pro tip: spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off. Don’t just scoop! Trust me on this!

Baking powder

1 teaspoon. Gotta get that rise, you know?

Baking soda

1/2 teaspoon. It works with the baking powder to make these donuts light and fluffy!

Salt

Just 1/2 teaspoon. Don’t skip it! It balances out the sweetness.

Pumpkin pie spice

1 teaspoon. This is what gives them that warm, cozy fall flavor. Mmm!

Granulated sugar

1/2 cup. For that touch of sweetness, of course!

Brown sugar

1/4 cup, packed. The packed part is important! It adds a little extra moisture and a caramelly depth.

Pumpkin puree

1/2 cup. Now, listen up! Make SURE you’re using PUMPKIN PUREE, not pumpkin pie filling. Big difference! We want pure pumpkin goodness here.

Milk

1/4 cup. Any kind works! I usually use whatever I have in the fridge.

Melted butter

2 tablespoons, unsalted. Make sure it’s cooled a bit so it doesn’t cook the egg!

Egg

1 large. Gotta bind everything together, right?

Vanilla extract

1 teaspoon. Because vanilla makes everything better!

Spiced Vanilla Glaze Ingredients

Okay, donut base? Check. Now for the *really* good stuff…the glaze!

Powdered sugar

2 cups, sifted. Sifting is key, friends! It makes the glaze super smooth.

Milk

1/4 cup. Again, any kind you like!

Vanilla extract

1 teaspoon. Can’t have vanilla glaze without vanilla, duh!

Pumpkin pie spice

1/4 teaspoon. Just a little extra spice to make this glaze extra special.

How to Make Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Spiced Vanilla Glaze

Alright, people, time to get baking! Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of amazing Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Spiced Vanilla Glaze in no time!

Preparing the Donut Batter

This is where we bring all those ingredients together to make some donut magic! Pay attention, now!

Combining Dry Ingredients

First, grab a large bowl. You’ll want to whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Just whisk it all together until it’s nicely combined. This makes sure everything is evenly distributed, you know?

Combining Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl (yeah, more dishes, I know!), combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk it all up until it’s smooth and creamy. It should look kinda like pumpkin-y soup. Yum!

Mixing Wet and Dry Ingredients

Okay, now for the fun part! Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold everything together with a spatula. And I mean *gently*! Don’t overmix! Just mix until everything is *just* combined. A few streaks of flour are okay. Overmixing makes tough donuts, and nobody wants that!

Baking the Donuts

Almost there! Now we just gotta bake these babies!

Preparing the Donut Pan

Grease your donut pan like your life depends on it! Seriously, baked donuts can stick, so make sure you get into all those nooks and crannies. I like to use cooking spray, but you can also use butter or shortening. Whatever floats your boat!

Filling the Donut Pan

Fill each donut cavity about 2/3 full. Don’t overfill them, or they’ll puff up too much and lose their donut shape. I like to use a piping bag or a Ziploc bag with the corner cut off to fill them neatly, but a spoon works just fine too!

Baking Time and Temperature

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. And they should spring back when you gently touch them.

Cooling the Donuts

Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up a bit so they don’t break when you take them out of the pan.

Making the Spiced Vanilla Glaze

Glaze time! The easiest part, and the best part, if you ask me!

Whisking the Glaze

In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar. You want it to be thick enough to coat the donuts, but thin enough to drizzle nicely.

Glazing the Donuts

Dip each donut into the glaze and place it back on the wire rack to allow the excess glaze to drip off. You can also drizzle extra glaze on top if you’re feeling fancy! Let the glaze set for a few minutes before digging in. Or, you know, just eat one right away. I won’t judge!

Tips for Perfect Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Spiced Vanilla Glaze

Want to make sure your Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Spiced Vanilla Glaze turn out AMAZING? Of course, you do! Here are a few of my top tips to help you nail it every time!

Don’t Overmix the Batter

Seriously, folks, this is important! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which makes the donuts tough. We want light and fluffy, not hockey pucks! So, mix until just combined, and then step away!

Grease the Donut Pan Well

I cannot stress this enough! Baked donuts are notorious for sticking. So, grease that pan like you mean it! Cooking spray, butter, shortening – whatever you prefer, just make sure you get every nook and cranny!

Let the Donuts Cool Completely

Patience, my friends! Letting the donuts cool completely before glazing them is key. If they’re still warm, the glaze will just melt right off. We want a nice, even coating, so let them cool!

Adjust Glaze Consistency

The glaze should be thick enough to coat the donuts nicely, but thin enough to drizzle. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more milk. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar. Just play around with it until you get the perfect consistency!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Spiced Vanilla Glaze

Okay, so sometimes you gotta make a few tweaks, right? Life happens! Here are some notes on ingredients, plus a few easy swaps you can make for these Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Spiced Vanilla Glaze!

Pumpkin Puree

Seriously, pay attention here! You want 100% pumpkin puree, NOT pumpkin pie filling. Pie filling has added sugar and spices, which we don’t want. Trust me on this one!

Pumpkin Pie Spice

Don’t have pumpkin pie spice? No worries! You can totally make your own. Just mix cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and a tiny bit of cloves. Or, just use extra cinnamon. It’ll still be yummy!

Milk

Lactose intolerant? No prob! Any dairy-free milk will work just fine in these donuts. Almond milk, soy milk, oat milk… whatever you like!

All-purpose flour

Want to make these gluten-free? Go for it! Just swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend. I’ve had good luck with a 1:1 replacement. But remember, gluten-free flours can vary, so you might need to adjust the liquid a bit!

FAQ About Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Spiced Vanilla Glaze

Got questions about these Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Spiced Vanilla Glaze? I bet you do! Here are some of the most common questions I get asked, answered just for you!

Can I use a different type of flour?

Yep! Wanna make these gluten-free? No problem! Just swap out the regular flour for your favorite gluten-free all-purpose blend. I haven’t tested every single brand, but most 1-to-1 replacements should work just fine. Just keep an eye on the batter consistency – you might need a splash more milk!

Can I add chocolate chips?

Um, YES! Are you kidding me? Chocolate chips make everything better! Throw in some mini chocolate chips, or even some chopped nuts if you’re feeling fancy. Get creative! It’s your donut, after all!

How do I store these donuts?

Easy peasy! Just pop them into an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for a couple of days at room temperature. Though, let’s be honest, they probably won’t last that long!

Can I freeze these donuts?

You bet! If you want to make a big batch and save some for later, just freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once they’re frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat one, just let it thaw at room temperature. They might not be *quite* as perfect as fresh, but they’ll still be delicious!

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can totally make the batter a day ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before you bake them. You can also make the glaze ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Just whisk it up again before you use it!

Storing and Reheating Your Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Spiced Vanilla Glaze

Okay, so you’ve made these amazing Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Spiced Vanilla Glaze…and somehow you have leftovers? Wow, you’ve got more willpower than I do! Here’s how to keep ’em fresh!

Storing Instructions

Just pop those donuts into an airtight container. They’ll be perfectly happy at room temperature for a couple of days. Easy peasy!

Reheating Instructions

Want ’em warm and cozy again? Give them a quick zap in the microwave for like, 10-15 seconds. Careful, don’t overdo it! Or, you know, just eat them at room temperature. They’re still delicious!

Estimated Nutritional Information for Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Spiced Vanilla Glaze

Alright, let’s talk numbers! Now, I’m no nutritionist, so keep in mind this is just a *rough* estimate. But, if you’re curious about the nutritional info for these Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Spiced Vanilla Glaze, here’s what you’re looking at (per donut, of course!):

• Calories: ~250
• Fat: ~8g
• Saturated Fat: ~4g
• Carbohydrates: ~45g
• Sugar: ~25g
• Protein: ~3g

Keep in mind that these numbers can vary depending on the exact ingredients you use. But hey, they’re donuts! Enjoy them in moderation, and don’t sweat the small stuff!

Enjoy More Fall Baking Recipes!

So, you loved these Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Spiced Vanilla Glaze? Awesome! Guess what? I have tons more fall baking recipes that you’re gonna adore! Seriously, if you’re craving more of that warm-spice goodness, go check ‘em out! And hey, if you try this recipe, leave a comment below! I wanna know what you think!

Print