Okay, so fall is officially here, which means one thing in my kitchen: pumpkin EVERYTHING! And trust me, these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Brown Sugar Glaze are about to become your new obsession. I mean, who can resist that warm pumpkin spice flavor? But here’s the best part – we’re baking these babies, not frying them! That means less mess and a *slightly* healthier treat (we can pretend, right?).
My kids and I made these last weekend, and honestly, the smell of cinnamon and nutmeg filled the entire house. It was pure fall bliss! And that brown sugar glaze? Wow! It’s seriously the perfect complement to the pumpkin. Get ready to dive into the most delicious and easy pumpkin donuts you’ve ever made!
Why You’ll Love These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Brown Sugar Glaze
Seriously, you NEED these donuts in your life! Why? Well, let me tell ya:
- Easy to make – even the kids can help!
- Baked, not fried – so you can feel a *little* less guilty.
- That brown sugar glaze? OMG!
- Perfect for fall – pumpkin spice everything, right?
- Kid-friendly – mine devoured them!
Quick and Easy Fall Treat
From start to finish, you’re looking at about 30 minutes. That’s it! Hello, speedy pumpkin goodness!
Healthier Than Fried Donuts
No swimming in oil here! Baking makes these donuts a *slightly* lighter option. Win-win!
Irresistible Brown Sugar Glaze
Forget plain old glaze! This brown sugar version is warm, caramelly, and utterly addictive. Trust me!
All the Ingredients for Your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Brown Sugar Glaze
Alright, let’s gather everything we need! Here’s the lowdown – you’ll want to make sure you have:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – the regular stuff!
- 1 tsp baking powder – for that perfect donut rise.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda – works with the baking powder for extra lift!
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon – because, pumpkin spice!
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg – adds a little warmth.
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves – just a pinch!
- 1/4 tsp salt – balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – for sweetness, obviously!
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar – this is key for that yummy flavor!
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree – NOT pumpkin pie filling, okay? Just plain pumpkin.
- 1/4 cup milk – any kind you like!
- 2 tbsp melted butter – unsalted is best.
- 1 large egg – because eggs are magical binders.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – yum!
And for that glorious glaze:
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar – for that smooth, sweet finish!
How to Make Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Brown Sugar Glaze: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, ready to get baking? Don’t worry, it’s super easy! Just follow these steps and you’ll have warm, delicious pumpkin donuts in no time!
Preparing the Donut Batter
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease that donut pan like your life depends on it – nobody wants stuck donuts! In a big bowl, whisk together all the dry stuff: flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Then, in a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients: granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla. Pour the wet into the dry and mix until *just* combined. Don’t overmix! A few lumps are okay – trust me!
Baking Your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts
Now, carefully spoon or pipe the batter into your greased donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full. Pop that pan into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. How do you know they’re done? Stick a toothpick in the center – if it comes out clean, you’re golden! Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before flipping them onto a wire rack to cool completely (this is important – don’t glaze warm donuts!).
Making the Brown Sugar Glaze
While the donuts are cooling, let’s whip up that amazing glaze! In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar, milk, and butter. Heat it over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it comes to a boil. Take it off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Now, gradually whisk in the powdered sugar until the glaze is smooth and dreamy. If it’s too thick, add a tiny splash of milk. Too thin? Add a bit more powdered sugar. You got this!
Glazing the Donuts
Okay, the fun part! Once the donuts are completely cool, dip each one into the warm brown sugar glaze. Let the excess drip off, and then place the glazed donuts back on the wire rack to let the glaze set. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes. And that’s it! Time to enjoy your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts. I dare you to eat just one!
Tips for the Best Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Brown Sugar Glaze
Want to make sure your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are absolutely perfect? Of course, you do! Here are a few little secrets I’ve learned along the way:
- Use fresh spices! Seriously, it makes a HUGE difference.
- Don’t overmix the batter! I know I said it before, but it’s worth repeating. Overmixing = tough donuts, and nobody wants that.
- Let those donuts cool completely before glazing! If they’re even a little bit warm, the glaze will just melt right off.
Trust me, follow these tips and you’ll be baking up donut perfection in no time!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts
Okay, let’s chat ingredients! First things first: pumpkin puree. Make sure you’re grabbing *pure* pumpkin, NOT pumpkin pie filling. Big difference! Pumpkin pie filling has spices and sugar already added, and we don’t want that.
Also, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can totally play around with the spices! Not a fan of cloves? Leave ’em out! Want a stronger cinnamon flavor? Go for it! Just remember, baking is all about experimenting and making it your own. Oh! And if you don’t have milk on hand, buttermilk works great too – gives the donuts a nice little tang!
FAQ About Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Brown Sugar Glaze
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked about these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts:
Can I use a different flour?
Sure thing! Whole wheat pastry flour works great for a slightly nuttier flavor. Just keep in mind that it might make the donuts a tad denser.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yep! You can bake the donuts a day ahead and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Just wait to glaze them until you’re ready to serve!
How do I store them?
These donuts are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about 2-3 days (if they last that long!).
Can I freeze these?
You bet! Freeze the unglazed donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw them completely and then glaze away!
How to Store Your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts
Alright, so you’ve got leftover Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts? Lucky you! To keep ’em fresh, just pop them in an airtight container. They’re best at room temperature, and they’ll stay yummy for about 2-3 days. Want to warm them up? A quick zap in the microwave (like, 10 seconds!) makes them extra cozy. Enjoy!
Disclaimer
Just a heads-up: nutrition info can vary depending on the exact ingredients and brands you use. So, the numbers here are just estimates, not a guarantee!
Enjoyed this Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe? Leave a comment below!
So, did you love these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts as much as I do? Let me know in the comments! And don’t forget to rate the recipe – your feedback helps other bakers find this yummy treat!
Print
Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts: 30-Minute Fall Treat
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 donuts 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy these easy baked pumpkin donuts with a delicious brown sugar glaze. Perfect for a fall treat!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the Glaze: 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 1/4 cup milk, 2 tbsp butter, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Fill each donut cavity about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the glaze: In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, milk, and butter. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Gradually whisk in powdered sugar until smooth.
- Dip each donut into the glaze and place back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh spices.
- Do not overmix the batter.
- Store donuts in an airtight container at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
