Baked Pumpkin Doughnuts

Baked Pumpkin Doughnuts are a delightful autumn treat, combining the rich, earthy flavors of pumpkin with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Unlike traditional fried doughnuts, these baked versions are light, fluffy, and a little healthier, making them the perfect indulgence for crisp mornings or cozy evenings. The doughnuts are incredibly moist thanks to the pumpkin puree and are coated in a spiced sugar mixture or topped with a glaze for an extra layer of sweetness.

These doughnuts are easy to prepare and require only a handful of ingredients, many of which are pantry staples. They’re baked in a doughnut pan, which ensures a perfectly shaped doughnut every time without the mess of frying. Whether you’re serving them with a warm mug of coffee, tea, or apple cider, these baked pumpkin doughnuts are guaranteed to bring a little seasonal magic to your table.

Let’s dive into how to make these irresistible baked pumpkin doughnuts, along with tips, variations, and creative serving ideas to elevate them even further.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Seasonal Flavors: The combination of pumpkin and spices makes these doughnuts the ultimate fall-inspired treat.
• Healthier Option: Since they’re baked, not fried, they’re lower in fat and easier to prepare.
• Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and no need for frying, these doughnuts come together in under 30 minutes.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These doughnuts are versatile enough for breakfast, dessert, or a mid-afternoon snack.
• Customizable: Add toppings, glazes, or mix-ins to make them uniquely yours.

Preparation Time and Yield

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 doughnuts
• Serving Size: 1 doughnut

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 180
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 12g

Ingredients

For the Doughnuts

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1/2 cup whole milk (or milk alternative)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Coating

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard 12-cavity doughnut pan with non-stick spray or lightly brush it with melted butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Set aside.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

1. In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, milk, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Make the Batter

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense doughnuts.

Step 5: Fill the Doughnut Pan

1. Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a large zip-top bag with the tip cut off for easy filling. Pipe the batter into the prepared doughnut cavities, filling each about 3/4 full.

Step 6: Bake the Doughnuts

1. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the doughnuts spring back when lightly pressed and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool the Doughnuts

1. Allow the doughnuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly.

Step 8: Coat the Doughnuts

1. While the doughnuts are still warm, prepare the coating. In a shallow bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Brush each doughnut lightly with melted butter and immediately dip into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, turning to coat evenly.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve the doughnuts warm or at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

1. Mini Doughnuts: Use a mini doughnut pan to create bite-sized treats. Reduce the baking time to 8-10 minutes for perfectly baked mini doughnuts.
2. Stacked Doughnut Cake: Stack the doughnuts on a cake stand and drizzle with a cream cheese glaze for a unique presentation at parties or gatherings.
3. Decorative Glazes: Top the doughnuts with glazes made from powdered sugar mixed with milk and food coloring for a festive, customizable look.
4. Pumpkin Doughnut Holes: Use a mini muffin tin to make doughnut holes, rolling them in cinnamon sugar after baking.
5. Doughnut Bar: Arrange the doughnuts on a platter with various toppings like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, sprinkles, and caramel sauce for a DIY decorating station.

These ideas elevate the humble baked pumpkin doughnut into a centerpiece-worthy treat for any occasion.

Additional Tips for Success

1. Use a Piping Bag: Filling the doughnut pan with a piping bag ensures neat and evenly shaped doughnuts.
2. Don’t Overfill: Overfilling the cavities can cause the doughnuts to lose their hole in the center. Aim for about 3/4 full.
3. Check Your Pumpkin Puree: Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugar and spices.
4. Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing the batter can lead to dense or tough doughnuts. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
5. Coat While Warm: The cinnamon sugar coating adheres best when the doughnuts are still warm.

With these tips, you’ll achieve perfectly baked, fluffy doughnuts every time.

Recipe Variations

1. Chocolate Glaze: Replace the cinnamon-sugar coating with a rich chocolate glaze made from melted chocolate chips and heavy cream.
2. Cream Cheese Drizzle: Top the doughnuts with a cream cheese glaze made by mixing cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk.
3. Maple Pumpkin Doughnuts: Add a maple glaze and sprinkle with chopped pecans for a fall-inspired flavor twist.
4. Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a 1:1 substitute for regular flour.
5. Spiced Apple Pumpkin Doughnuts: Fold in diced apples tossed with cinnamon for a fruity variation.

These variations let you experiment with flavors and textures, making the recipe endlessly customizable.

Freezing and Storage

1. Refrigeration: Store doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For extended freshness, refrigerate them for up to 5 days.
2. Freezing: Freeze uncoated doughnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
3. Reheating: Thaw frozen doughnuts at room temperature and reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes. Coat with cinnamon sugar after reheating.

Proper storage ensures your doughnuts stay fresh and ready to enjoy at any time.

Healthier Twist Ideas

1. Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients.
2. Natural Sweeteners: Use coconut sugar or honey instead of granulated sugar for a less processed sweetener.
3. Low-Fat Option: Replace vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce to reduce fat content.
4. Dairy-Free: Use almond milk or oat milk instead of whole milk, and coconut oil instead of butter.
5. Extra Protein: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder to the batter for a protein-packed snack.

These adjustments let you enjoy the seasonal flavors of pumpkin doughnuts while staying mindful of dietary goals.

Serving Suggestions for Events

1. Fall Brunch: Serve the doughnuts alongside seasonal beverages like spiced apple cider, pumpkin spice lattes, or hot chocolate.
2. Holiday Breakfast: Pair them with other festive treats like cranberry muffins, fruit salad, and a charcuterie board for a holiday-themed breakfast spread.
3. Dessert Platter: Arrange the doughnuts with other baked goods like brownies, cookies, and cupcakes for a dessert platter.
4. Bake Sale Favorite: Package the doughnuts individually or in small boxes with seasonal ribbon for a bake sale hit.
5. Halloween Treat: Decorate the doughnuts with spooky designs using frosting or candy eyes for a fun Halloween snack.

These serving ideas make baked pumpkin doughnuts the star of any event, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations.

Special Equipment

1. Doughnut Pan: Essential for achieving the classic doughnut shape without frying. Non-stick pans work best for easy release.
2. Piping Bag: Ensures the batter is neatly distributed in the pan. A zip-top bag with the tip cut off works in a pinch.
3. Mixing Bowls: Use separate bowls for wet and dry ingredients to ensure even mixing.
4. Whisk: A whisk helps incorporate air into the batter for light, fluffy doughnuts.
5. Wire Rack: Ideal for cooling the doughnuts and applying the cinnamon sugar coating.

These tools simplify the preparation process and help you achieve bakery-quality results at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling?
2. No, canned pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices that can alter the flavor and consistency of the doughnuts. Use pure pumpkin puree instead.
3. What can I use if I don’t have a doughnut pan?
4. A muffin tin works as a substitute. Fill each cavity halfway to mimic the doughnut shape, or make pumpkin muffins instead.
5. How can I make these doughnuts gluten-free?
6. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure other ingredients like baking powder are gluten-free as well.
7. Why didn’t my doughnuts rise?
8. Check that your baking powder and baking soda are fresh and active. Old leavening agents can affect the rise.
9. Can I freeze glazed doughnuts?
10. It’s best to freeze unglazed doughnuts and add the glaze or coating after reheating to maintain their texture.
11. Can I use almond flour?
12. Almond flour alone isn’t recommended as it lacks the structure of all-purpose flour. A gluten-free blend with almond flour included works better.
13. How do I store leftovers?
14. Store leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
15. Can I make the batter ahead of time?
16. The batter is best used immediately for optimal rise and texture, but you can mix the dry ingredients ahead of time and combine with the wet ingredients just before baking.

Conclusion

Baked Pumpkin Doughnuts are a celebration of fall flavors, blending the earthy richness of pumpkin with the cozy warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg. These baked treats are a healthier alternative to traditional fried doughnuts, yet they lose none of the indulgence. Their fluffy texture and delightful coating make them irresistible to both kids and adults alike.

Whether you’re serving them for a holiday gathering, a weekend brunch, or a simple snack, these doughnuts are as versatile as they are delicious. With endless customization options, they can be tailored to suit any taste or occasion. Once you’ve tried these baked pumpkin doughnuts, they’re sure to become a seasonal staple in your home.

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