Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe | A Perfect Fall Treat

If you’re like me and can’t get enough of fall flavors, then these Baked Pumpkin Donuts are about to become your new favorite treat. I whipped up a batch recently, and they were gone in no time. The best part? They’re baked not fried, so they’re a little lighter but still full of that warm comforting pumpkin spice flavor.

These donuts are super easy to make and trust me, the smell of them baking will have your house smelling like fall in no time. With a soft, fluffy texture and a cinnamon-sugar coating, these donuts are perfect for a cozy morning or an afternoon snack with a hot drink. Let’s get baking!

Why Baked Pumpkin Donuts are the Perfect Fall Treat

These Baked Pumpkin Donuts are everything you want in a fall dessert. They combine the rich, earthy flavor of pumpkin with cozy spices and a sweet cinnamon-sugar topping. Baking them instead of frying makes them a little healthier while still providing that soft, cake-like texture that makes donuts irresistible.

What sets these donuts apart is the use of pumpkin, which makes them extra moist, and the warm spices that give them that true fall flavor. The best part? They’re super easy to make and can be baked in just 20 minutes, so you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy a delicious, homemade treat.

Ingredients for Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Here’s what you’ll need to make these warm, spiced pumpkin donuts:

For the Donuts:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup buttermilk

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:

• 1/4 cup melted butter (for dipping)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

These ingredients combine to create a flavorful, soft and moist donut that’s perfect for fall.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Let’s walk through how to make these soft and delicious baked pumpkin donuts!

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Donut Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cavity donut pan with cooking spray or butter to ensure the donuts come out easily after baking.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. These dry ingredients will ensure the donuts rise evenly and have that delicious fall flavor.

3. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and buttermilk. Mix until smooth and combined.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense donuts.

5. Fill the Donut Pan

Spoon the donut batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full. Smooth the tops with a spatula to ensure they bake evenly.

6. Bake the Donuts

Bake the donuts in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The donuts should be golden brown and spring back when touched.

Once baked, remove the donuts from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. Coat the Donuts in Cinnamon-Sugar

While the donuts are cooling, prepare the cinnamon-sugar coating. In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Once the donuts have cooled slightly, dip each one in the melted butter, then coat them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This gives them a sweet, slightly crunchy exterior that complements the soft, moist interior.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the donuts warm or at room temperature. These donuts are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, and they’ll fill your home with the comforting aromas of fall.

Tips for the Best Baked Pumpkin Donuts

To ensure your Baked Pumpkin Donuts turn out perfectly, here are some helpful tips:

• Don’t overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in dense donuts.
• Use canned pumpkin puree: Make sure you use plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added spices and sugar.
• Check doneness with a toothpick: Since baking times can vary, check the donuts by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, they’re ready!
• Serve them fresh: These donuts taste best the day they are made. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Storing and Freezing Baked Pumpkin Donuts

These donuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They may lose a little of their texture, but they’ll still be delicious!

If you’d like to freeze them, let the donuts cool completely before wrapping them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply let them sit at room temperature for a few hours or microwave them for a few seconds.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these donuts without buttermilk?
A: Yes, you can substitute the buttermilk with regular milk or a non-dairy milk, but the flavor and texture may be slightly different.

Q: Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these donuts gluten-free. Be sure to check the label for a blend designed for baking.

Q: Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
A: Absolutely! You can fold in chocolate chips, walnuts, or even dried cranberries to add extra flavor and texture to the donuts.

Why You Should Try Baked Pumpkin Donuts

These Baked Pumpkin Donuts are the perfect combination of soft, spiced pumpkin flavor and a sweet, crunchy cinnamon-sugar coating. They’re easy to make, perfectly seasonal, and sure to be a hit with anyone who loves fall flavors. Whether you’re enjoying them with your morning coffee or serving them at a Halloween party, these donuts will be the star of the show!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a fun cozy fall treat, these Baked Pumpkin Donuts are definitely worth a try. They’re super easy to make and the pumpkin and spice combo just screams autumn. Whether you enjoy them with your morning coffee or share them at a gathering, these donuts are sure to be a hit. Plus, they’ll fill your kitchen with that amazing fall aroma we all love. So, grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and treat yourself to these delicious little bites of pumpkin goodness.