These easy baked pumpkin donuts are perfect for fall! They’re soft, fluffy, and filled with the lovely flavors of pumpkin spice. A little bit sweet and oh-so-delicious!
Making these donuts is so simple, I can whip up a batch while the kids are doing homework! 😄 I love to enjoy them warm with a cup of coffee for the ultimate fall treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin works best for this recipe because it’s smooth and easy to use. You can substitute with homemade pumpkin puree, but make sure to drain excess moisture to avoid a soggy donut.
Buttermilk: This ingredient adds moisture and tang. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1/4 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Vegetable Oil: I love using vegetable oil as it keeps the donuts moist, but melted coconut oil or melted butter can be great alternatives for a different flavor.
Spices: The blend of spices gives these donuts their fall flair! If you don’t have all of them, use pumpkin spice mix instead. A teaspoon should do just fine!
How Can I Ensure My Donuts Are Tender and Fluffy?
The key to tender donuts is not to overmix the batter. When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until you see no dry flour. Overmixing can create a tough texture.
- Be gentle when folding the ingredients together.
- Using room temperature eggs can help the batter mix easily without extra stirring.
- Don’t skip preheating the oven! It’s essential for creating the right texture.
Following these tips will lead you to scrumptious, fluffy pumpkin donuts that everyone will love! Enjoy baking!
Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take you about 10 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll need 12-15 minutes to bake. Plus, a quick 5-minute cool time in the pan. All in all, you’ll have warm donuts ready in around 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
To start off, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your donuts bake evenly. While the oven is warming up, lightly grease a donut pan or spray it with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the canned pumpkin puree, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract (if you’re using it). Keep whisking until everything is combined and smooth.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. This helps to mix in the spices evenly and aerates the flour for fluffier donuts.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix just until combined; be gentle! Overmixing can lead to tough donuts, and we want them tender and fluffy!
5. Fill the Donut Pan:
Spoon the batter into your prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full. This allows enough room for the donuts to rise without overflowing.
6. Bake the Donuts:
Pop the pan into the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. Baking times may vary, so keep an eye on them!
7. Cool Down:
Once baked, let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is important to ensure they don’t get soggy.
8. Final Touches:
When your donuts are cool, you can dust them with powdered sugar or even drizzle a sweet glaze on top if you’re feeling fancy. They are delicious just as they are though!
Enjoy your warm, fragrant pumpkin donuts perfect for chilly fall mornings! They’ll be a hit with friends and family. Happy baking!
FAQ About Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin! Just make sure to cook and puree it until smooth, then drain any excess moisture. Canned pumpkin is usually more convenient, but fresh can add a lovely flavor if prepared correctly.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have a Donut Pan?
No worries! You can use a muffin pan instead. Just fill the muffin cups 3/4 full with batter and bake for about the same time—checking for doneness with a toothpick, of course!
How Do I Store Leftover Donuts?
Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but you can also refrigerate them to extend their shelf life. Just reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before enjoying!
Can I Freeze These Donuts?
Absolutely! You can freeze the baked donuts for up to 2 months. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying, or pop them in the microwave for a quick warm-up!