Why Make This Recipe
Baked pumpkin donuts are a delightful way to welcome the fall season. Their soft texture and warm spices make them an irresistible treat. Plus, they are healthier than their fried counterparts.
Making baked pumpkin donuts at home means you can enjoy them fresh and warm from the oven. It’s a fun and easy recipe that your family will love. Gather your ingredients and get ready for a delightful baking experience.
Equipment Needed for Baked Pumpkin Donuts
To make delicious baked pumpkin donuts, you will need some essential equipment. A donut pan is crucial for shaping your treats perfectly. Don’t forget measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, along with mixing bowls for combining your ingredients.
A whisk is handy for mixing dry ingredients, while a spatula helps fold everything together smoothly. Lastly, using a piping bag will make transferring the batter into the donut pan much easier. Gather your tools, and let’s get started!
What You Need to Make Baked Pumpkin Donuts
- 1 cup pure pumpkin
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup pumpkin pie spice coffee creamer or milk or half and half
- 1/4 cup coconut oil or vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice coffee creamer or milk or half and half or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon maple extract
- 1 1/3 cups powdered sugar
How to Cook Baked Pumpkin Donuts Step by Step
Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees F. This ensures your donuts bake evenly. While the oven heats up, spray your donut pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then set it aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of pure pumpkin, 2 large eggs, 1/4 cup of pumpkin pie spice coffee creamer, 1/4 cup of coconut oil, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix these ingredients together until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda, 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice, and 1/2 teaspoon of fine sea salt.
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet pumpkin mixture. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Once combined, transfer your batter to a large Ziploc bag. This will help you pipe the batter into your prepared donut pan easily.
Now, snip a corner of the Ziploc bag and pipe the batter into each cavity of the donut pan. Fill them about two-thirds full to allow room for rising. Bake your donuts in the preheated oven for 11 to 13 minutes. They should spring back when touched.
Once baked, remove them from the oven and let the donuts rest in the pan for about 4 to 5 minutes. This cooling period allows them to firm up a bit. Carefully, remove the donuts from the pan and place them on a cooling rack. Let them cool an additional 5 minutes before glazing.
While your donuts are cooling, you can prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, heat 1/4 cup of butter, 1/4 cup of maple syrup, and 2 tablespoons of coffee creamer together over low heat. Stir until the butter has melted and the ingredients are fully combined, then stir in 1 teaspoon of maple extract.
Now, gradually whisk in 1 1/3 cups of powdered sugar, 1/3 cup at a time, until the glaze is smooth. If you want a thinner glaze, you can add a little more milk or cream to reach your desired consistency.
Once the donuts have cooled slightly, dip the tops into the glaze. Place the glazed donuts back on the cooling rack for the glaze to set. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature.
How to Make Baked Pumpkin Donuts
Making baked pumpkin donuts is a fantastic way to treat yourself and your loved ones. Start by gathering all your ingredients and equipment. Getting everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Preheat the oven and prepare your donut pan, as these steps set the stage for a successful bake. Mixing the wet ingredients first, then combining them with the dry ingredients is key to achieving a tender donut texture. Remember, do not overmix the batter.
Fill the donut pan carefully and maintain an even layers to ensure consistent baking. Keep an eye on your donuts in the oven — they should take just about 11 to 13 minutes. If they look golden and spring back when touched, they’re ready!
After glazing, allow the donuts to sit briefly for the glaze to set, which helps it stick better. Enjoy your homemade donuts with a smile!
How to Serve Baked Pumpkin Donuts
Serving baked pumpkin donuts is a delightful experience. You can arrange them on a beautiful plate, perhaps with a sprinkle of extra powdered sugar on top for a touch of elegance.
Enjoy them as a breakfast treat or a delightful afternoon snack. Pair these delightful donuts with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of milk. They are also a great addition to any autumn gathering.
If you wish, garnish each donut with a sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped nuts. This adds a nice crunch and boosts the flavor profile of the donuts. Your friends and family will be in for a real treat!
What to Serve with Baked Pumpkin Donuts
While baked pumpkin donuts are delicious on their own, there are many delightful pairings that can enhance your meal. Serve them alongside a rich cup of coffee to complement the warm spices and flavors.
Consider adding some maple syrup or whipped cream on the side for those who enjoy a little extra sweetness. A fresh fruit salad can provide a refreshing and colorful contrast to the donuts’ rich flavor.
For a cozy breakfast, serve your donuts with scrambled eggs or yogurt. The variety of textures and flavors will impress your guests and make the meal memorable.
How to Store Baked Pumpkin Donuts
Storing baked pumpkin donuts properly is key to keeping them fresh. Let the donuts completely cool before storing them. If you place warm donuts in an airtight container, they may become soggy.
Use an airtight container to keep them fresh for a few days. You can store them at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be sure to place a paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb extra moisture.
For longer storage, consider freezing your donuts. You can place them in a freezer-safe container and freeze them for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy one, simply thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds.
Tips to Make Baked Pumpkin Donuts
Successful baked pumpkin donuts can be achieved with a few simple tips. Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately, as this can impact the texture and flavor.
Using fresh pumpkin puree is recommended but canned pumpkin works well too. Just ensure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling. This will keep unwanted ingredients out of the equation.
Another tip is to pipe the batter into the pan instead of using a spoon, as it leads to less mess and more uniform shape. Testing the donuts for doneness with a toothpick can help; if it comes out clean, they’re ready!
Allow time for the donuts to cool slightly before glazing, as this allows the glaze to set better. Experiment with different types of glaze, like chocolate or cream cheese, for a fun twist.
Variation
There are many variations to explore with baked pumpkin donuts. You can add chocolate chips or nuts for crunch. Swapping pumpkin pie spice for individual spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can also change the flavor profile.
Alternatively, you can enhance the vanilla flavor by adding a bit of almond extract. If you’re in the mood for something different, consider a pumpkin chai spice variation for an exciting flavor adventure.
Best Time to Make Baked Pumpkin Donuts
The best time to make baked pumpkin donuts is definitely during the fall season. The warm spices and pumpkin flavor make them the perfect treat to accompany cozy evenings or gatherings with family and friends.
However, they are delightful year-round. Making them for holidays, brunches, or breakfast celebrations allows you to enjoy their comforting taste anytime.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding a few common mistakes can make your baking experience smooth. Overmixing the batter is a frequent error; this can lead to dense donuts. Instead, mix until just combined for that light texture.
Not measuring ingredients accurately can lead to undesired results. Be sure to check your measurements carefully, especially for dry ingredients.
Don’t forget to properly grease the donut pan, as this can make a difference in how well the donuts come out. Lastly, keep an eye on baking times. Every oven can be different, so it’s worth checking a few minutes before the suggested baking time.
Nutritional Notes
Baked pumpkin donuts can be a delicious treat, but it’s important to be mindful of nutritional content. They contain pumpkin, which is rich in vitamins A and C.
The ingredients can be altered for a healthier version, such as substituting the oils with applesauce or using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. This can boost fiber content and reduce calories.
Enjoying baked pumpkin donuts in moderation can still allow you to savor their delightful flavor without guilt.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?
Yes, canned pumpkin puree works great and is often more convenient. Just ensure it’s pure pumpkin and not pie filling.
How long do these donuts last?
Baked pumpkin donuts can last up to two days at room temperature, a week in the refrigerator, or three months in the freezer.
Can I make these donuts vegan?
Absolutely! You can replace the eggs with a flax egg or applesauce, and use a plant-based milk or oil for the rest of the ingredients.
Conclusion
Baked pumpkin donuts are a delightful treat that brings warmth and flavor to any occasion. Their soft texture and lovely spices create a comforting experience that everyone can enjoy.
By following the easy steps provided, you can create delicious donuts that rival those from a bakery. Remember to experiment with variations and enjoy them fresh or stored for later.
Happy baking, and may your kitchen always be filled with the smell of spiced pumpkin goodness!
