Oh, friends, let’s talk fall! You know that crisp air, the leaves changing, and that *amazing* smell of pumpkin spice wafting from the kitchen? That’s my happy place! And what better way to dive headfirst into autumn than with my **Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe**?
Forget the deep fryer, okay? We’re keeping things simple and (dare I say?) a little bit healthier with these baked beauties. They’re seriously easy to whip up, even on a busy weekday morning. My kids go absolutely bonkers for them! I swear, the moment they smell those donuts baking, they’re suddenly my best friends, offering to do chores and everything! It’s a little suspicious, but hey, I’ll take it! These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are the perfect way to bring a little bit of fall magic into your home. Trust me, you *need* this recipe in your life!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe
Okay, so why are these donuts about to become your new obsession? Let me tell you!
Quick and Easy to Make
Seriously! From start to finish, you’re looking at maybe 30 minutes. Less time in the kitchen, more time enjoying those fall vibes, right?
Perfect Fall Flavor
That warm pumpkin spice blend with the sweet pumpkin? It’s like a hug in donut form! My favorite part is that they aren’t *too* sweet, you know?
Healthier Than Fried
Look, I love a good fried donut, but these are baked, not fried! So, you can totally have two. I won’t tell.
Ingredients for Your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe
Alright, gather ’round, donut-makers! Here’s what you’ll need to make these little pumpkin gems. Don’t worry if you don’t have *everything* – I’ll give you some swaps later. But for now, let’s aim for the gold, okay?
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – this is important, don’t skip it!
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice – or make your own!
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar – for that extra depth of flavor
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree – NOT pumpkin pie filling, okay?
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter – unsalted is best
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – the good stuff!
How to Make This Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, donut dreamers, it’s time to get baking! Don’t be scared, I promise it’s easier than you think. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be munching on warm, pumpkin-y goodness in no time!
Preparing the Dough
First things first: crank up that oven to 350°F (175°C). You want it nice and hot before those donuts even *think* about going in! And grease your donut pan like your life depends on it! A little cooking spray or butter goes a long way, trust me. Now, in a big bowl, whisk together all those dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Get it all nice and combined. In another bowl, mix all the wet stuff: both sugars, pumpkin puree, milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla. Now, pour the wet into the dry and gently mix until *just* combined. Don’t overmix! A few lumps are okay. We’re not going for perfection here, just deliciousness!
Baking the Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts
Alright, now comes the fun part! Get that donut pan ready and fill each cavity about two-thirds full. I like to use a piping bag or a Ziploc bag with the corner snipped off – makes it way easier and less messy! Pop those babies into the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. Keep an eye on ’em! You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. They should also be nice and golden brown. Mmm, I can smell ’em already!
Cooling and Finishing Your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts
Carefully take the donut pan out of the oven (hot, hot, hot!). Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes – this helps them set up a little bit. Then, gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Now, for the grand finale: toppings! You can keep it simple with a dusting of cinnamon sugar (my personal fave!), or you can get fancy with a glaze. I have a super easy glaze recipe I love: just mix powdered sugar with a little milk and vanilla until it’s nice and smooth. Dip those donuts in and let the magic happen! Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe
Want to take your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts from “good” to “OMG AMAZING!”? Here are a few tricks I’ve learned along the way. These simple things can make all the difference, promise!
Donut Pan Preparation
Seriously, don’t skimp on this! Grease that donut pan like you mean it! I like using cooking spray *and* a light dusting of flour. No one wants a stuck donut!
Mixing the Dough
Remember when I said don’t overmix? I meant it! Overmixing = tough donuts. We want tender, pumpkin-y clouds of goodness, not hockey pucks! Mix until *just* combined, okay?
Checking for Doneness
The toothpick test is your friend, but also look for that golden-brown color. If they’re starting to pull away from the sides of the pan, they’re probably done. And don’t be afraid to sacrifice one to a little taste test!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe
Okay, let’s talk ingredients! Sometimes you’re missing something, or maybe you just wanna switch things up. Here are a few notes and swaps to keep in mind for these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts!
Pumpkin Puree
This is super important: make sure you’re using *pumpkin puree*, not pumpkin pie filling! Pumpkin pie filling has added sugar and spices that we don’t need. We want pure, unadulterated pumpkin goodness!
Spices
Don’t have pumpkin pie spice? No problem! You can totally make your own. Just mix cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and a tiny pinch of cloves. Or, honestly, just use cinnamon – it’ll still be delicious! I sometimes add a little cardamom too, for a fun twist!
FAQ About This Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get about my Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts. Let’s get you baking with confidence!
Can I use a different type of flour?
Sure thing! Whole wheat pastry flour works great for a slightly nuttier flavor. Just don’t use 100% whole wheat, or they might be a little dense, okay?
Can I freeze the Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts?
Yep! Let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for a month or two. Just thaw them at room temperature.
How do I store leftover donuts?
The best way to keep ’em fresh is in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay good for a couple of days, but let’s be real – they probably won’t last that long! If glazed, you can also put them in the fridge, but they might dry out a bit faster.
Serving Suggestions for Your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe
Okay, you’ve got these gorgeous Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts…now what? Well, a big mug of hot coffee or tea is a MUST. My favorite is a pumpkin spice latte, obviously! They’re also amazing with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a super decadent dessert. Or, you know, just eat ’em straight up! No judgment here!
Nutritional Information for This Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe
Okay, quick disclaimer: nutrition info can vary depending on the brands you use, so this is just an estimate, okay?
Enjoyed This Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe?
Loved these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts? Leave a comment and rating below! And don’t forget to share your donut creations on social media – tag me so I can see! Happy baking!
Print
Failproof Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy homemade pumpkin donuts with this easy baked recipe. Perfect for a fall treat.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
- 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 two-thirds full.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- You can dip the donuts in glaze or sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
- Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg