Fall is the perfect time to enjoy warm, baked pumpkin donuts. These tasty treats blend pumpkin puree and warm spices, giving you that cozy, autumn feel in every bite. You can easily make them at home with simple ingredients. Whether you like a sweet glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar, these donuts are sure to delight. Ready to discover how to bake your own batch? Let’s jump into the recipe!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 2/3 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
– 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
These ingredients make the base for your baked pumpkin donuts. The pumpkin puree gives a rich flavor and soft texture. The sugars add sweetness and moisture. Applesauce helps keep the donuts light and fluffy.
You may wonder if you can swap any ingredients. You can use maple syrup instead of granulated sugar for a different taste. You can also replace applesauce with yogurt or mashed banana. Just remember, each swap may change the donut’s flavor.
For the glaze, you can choose to use powdered sugar or make it with maple syrup. It’s fun to experiment with toppings. Sprinkles add color, while nuts give a nice crunch.
Check out the Full Recipe for detailed steps on how to combine these ingredients and bake your donuts to perfection!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
– Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Prepare the donut pan or silicone mold by greasing it lightly.
Mixing Ingredients
– In a large bowl, combine wet ingredients. Add 1 cup pumpkin puree, 2/3 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup applesauce, 2 eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
– In another bowl, combine dry ingredients. Mix 1 1/2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
Baking the Donuts
– Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
– Using a piping bag or spoon, fill each donut cavity about 3/4 full with batter.
– Bake for 12-15 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick. If it comes out clean, they are done.
– Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack.
– For the glaze, whisk together 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons milk. Adjust thickness as needed.
– Dip the top of each cooled donut into the glaze. Let them set on a wire rack.
This simple method ensures your baked pumpkin donuts turn out fluffy and tasty. For the full recipe, check out the details above.
Tips & Tricks
Baking Techniques
To make great baked pumpkin donuts, avoid overmixing. Mix until the flour just disappears. This keeps your donuts light and fluffy. If you keep stirring, the gluten grows. This makes the donuts tough. Just be gentle!
For fluffy donuts, use fresh baking powder and baking soda. They help the donuts rise well. Make sure your oven is preheated to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking.
Presentation Tips
Serving your donuts nicely makes a big difference. Place the glazed donuts on a wooden platter. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce on top. This makes them look more inviting.
For garnishing, consider using spices like nutmeg or cinnamon. You can also add a light dusting of powdered sugar. This not only looks good, but it also adds flavor. When you present them well, everyone will want to try your baked pumpkin donuts!
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can change up your baked pumpkin donuts easily. Adding chocolate chips gives a sweet twist. I love using dark chocolate for a rich flavor. You can also try nuts. Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch and flavor.
If you want to spice it up, use different spices. Cloves or allspice can replace the nutmeg. You could even add a bit of cardamom for a unique taste. These small changes can make your donuts fun and new.
Glaze and Topping Variations
A cream cheese glaze is a great option. It adds tang and creaminess to your donuts. Mix softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of milk for a smooth glaze. You can drizzle it over your donuts for a sweet finish.
Another popular choice is maple syrup. A drizzle of pure maple syrup makes your donuts extra special. It adds sweetness and a hint of warmth. You can even mix it into the glaze for a maple-flavored treat.
For the full recipe, check out the Cozy Baked Pumpkin Donuts section.
Storage Info
Short-term Storage
To keep your baked pumpkin donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps maintain their softness. Place a paper towel inside to absorb any moisture. This simple trick keeps the donuts tasty for up to three days at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, put them in the fridge. They will stay fresh for about a week in the fridge.
Freezing Instructions
Freezing baked pumpkin donuts is easy and smart! First, let the donuts cool completely. Then, wrap each donut in plastic wrap. This prevents freezer burn and keeps them fresh. Place the wrapped donuts in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To enjoy, just take them out and let them thaw at room temperature. For a warm treat, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds. Enjoy your cozy baked pumpkin donuts whenever you like! For the full recipe, check the earlier section.
FAQs
How long do baked pumpkin donuts last?
Baked pumpkin donuts stay fresh for about three days at room temperature. To keep them longer, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They can last up to a week this way. If you freeze them, they will stay fresh for about three months. Just remember to wrap them well.
Can I make these donuts without eggs?
Yes, you can make these donuts without eggs. Use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a mashed banana as a substitute for each egg. This keeps the donuts moist and adds a nice flavor. You can also use flaxseed meal. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water for each egg.
What can I use if I don’t have a donut pan?
If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin. Just pour the batter into the muffin cups and bake. The bake time may change, so check for doneness a few minutes early. You can also shape the batter into rings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This method gives you a more rustic look. For the full recipe, check out the Cozy Baked Pumpkin Donuts.
We covered how to make delicious pumpkin donuts from simple ingredients. You learned the step-by-step process, tips for baking, and fun variations to try. Fresh and fluffy donuts are easy with the right techniques. Don’t forget to store them properly for lasting taste. Whether you choose glaze or toppings, these treats will impress. Now, grab those ingredients and enjoy baking! You’ll create delightful flavors that friends and family will love.
