Get ready to enjoy these soft and tasty baked pumpkin donuts! Fluffy and packed with pumpkin flavor, they are perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack.
These donuts are quick to make and can be ready in no time. I love drizzling them with icing, but they’re also great on their own. You won’t want to stop at just one! 🍩
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin puree: Canned pumpkin is perfect for convenience, but you can also use homemade puree. Just roast and blend fresh pumpkin for a richer taste!
Eggs: These help bind the ingredients. If you want a vegan option, try using flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water equals 1 egg).
Sugars: I use a mix of granulated and brown sugars for depth of flavor. You can substitute coconut sugar or a sugar alternative if needed.
Vegetable oil: I find vegetable oil works best for moistness, but melted coconut oil or applesauce can be great substitutes for healthier options.
Spices: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger gives these donuts their warm flavor. Feel free to adjust the amounts based on your preference or even use a pumpkin spice blend!
How Do I Get Light and Fluffy Donuts?
The key to light and fluffy donuts lies in mixing the ingredients just right. Here’s how:
- Whisk the wet ingredients until smooth and well combined. This adds air, which helps the donuts rise.
- When combining dry and wet ingredients, mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter. Too much mixing can make them dense!
- Don’t overfill the donut pan; filling each cavity about 3/4 full allows space for the donuts to rise properly.
- Make sure your oven is preheated! Baking at the right temperature ensures even cooking and a lovely rise.
Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: ground cinnamon for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pumpkin donut recipe will take around 15 minutes to prep and about 15 minutes to bake. After that, you’ll want to let them cool for a bit before glazing—so plan on about 45 minutes total, including cooling time, before you can enjoy these tasty treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, lightly grease a donut pan so your donuts won’t stick.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is smooth and well combined.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all those lovely spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger). This will give your donuts that warm fall flavor!
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Gradually add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
5. Fill the Donut Pan:
Using a spoon or pastry bag, fill each cavity of the donut pan about 3/4 full with the batter. This allows room for the donuts to rise without spilling over.
6. Bake Your Donuts:
Place the donut pan in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. You can check if they’re done by inserting a toothpick into a donut; it should come out clean!
7. Cool the Donuts:
Once baked, let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Make the Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth. If it’s too thick, feel free to add a bit more milk to reach your desired consistency.
9. Glaze the Donuts:
Once the donuts are completely cool, dip the top of each one in the glaze and place them back on the wire rack. If you’d like, sprinkle a little ground cinnamon on top while the glaze is still wet.
10. Enjoy!
Let the glaze set for a few minutes, and then they’re ready to eat! Enjoy your homemade baked pumpkin donuts with a cozy drink or on their own for a delicious treat!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned Puree?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh pumpkin, just roast a pumpkin, scoop out the flesh, and puree it until smooth. Make sure to measure out 1 cup after it’s been pureed for the recipe.
How Can I Make These Donuts Gluten-Free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Look for one that has xanthan gum, which helps mimic the structure of traditional flour and gives your donuts a nice texture.
Can I Store Leftover Donuts?
Yes! Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If they last longer than that, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, but keep in mind they may lose some freshness.
Is There a Way to Make These Donuts Healthier?
Sure! You can reduce the sugars used by substituting some with applesauce or honey. Also, consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added nutrients. Just remember, some adjustments may alter the texture and flavor slightly.