These baked spiced pumpkin donuts are the perfect fall treat! They are soft, fluffy, and bursting with warm spices and pumpkin flavor. The donuts are incredibly easy to make, requiring no yeast or frying, making them a healthier and more convenient option than traditional donuts. Whether you’re looking for a delicious breakfast, a festive dessert, or a comforting snack, these pumpkin donuts will surely hit the spot.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal effort and uses simple ingredients, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. No yeast or frying is required, simplifying the process significantly.
- Perfect Fall Flavor: The combination of pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves creates a warm and inviting flavor profile that embodies the essence of autumn. Each bite is a celebration of the season’s best flavors.
- Healthier Option: Baking the donuts instead of frying them reduces the amount of fat, making them a slightly healthier alternative to traditional donuts. You can enjoy these treats without feeling too guilty.
- Customizable: The recipe is highly adaptable. You can easily add chocolate chips, nuts, or a glaze to customize the donuts to your liking. This allows you to create a variety of flavor combinations and tailor the recipe to your personal preferences.
- Great for Sharing: These donuts are perfect for sharing with family and friends during fall gatherings, holidays, or any special occasion. Their delicious taste and festive presentation make them a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup packed light-brown sugar
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is at the correct temperature when you place the donuts in, allowing them to bake evenly. Grease a donut pan with non-stick cooking spray or lightly brush with oil. Proper greasing prevents the donuts from sticking to the pan, ensuring they come out easily without breaking.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Whisking these dry ingredients ensures they are evenly distributed, which is crucial for the texture and flavor of the donuts. The baking powder and baking soda act as leavening agents, helping the donuts rise and become fluffy.
Step 3: In another bowl, combine the brown sugar and pumpkin puree until smooth. The brown sugar adds moisture and a rich, caramel-like flavor to the donuts, while the pumpkin puree provides moisture, flavor, and a tender crumb. Add in the eggs, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined. Eggs provide structure and richness, vegetable oil adds moisture, milk contributes to the batter’s consistency, and vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor.
Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough donuts. Mixing until just combined ensures the donuts remain soft and tender.
Step 5: Transfer the batter to a piping bag or large resealable plastic bag and cut the tip. Piping the batter into the donut pan allows for precise filling of each cavity, ensuring uniform donut size. If you don’t have a piping bag, a resealable plastic bag with a corner cut off works just as well. Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full. Leaving a little space prevents the batter from overflowing as the donuts bake.
Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the donuts comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so it’s essential to check for doneness using a toothpick. A clean toothpick indicates that the donuts are fully cooked through.
Step 7: Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling the donuts in the pan slightly helps them retain their shape and prevents them from breaking when you transfer them to the wire rack. Cooling completely on a wire rack allows air to circulate around the donuts, preventing them from becoming soggy.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Glazed: Drizzle the donuts with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for added sweetness and visual appeal.
- Cinnamon Sugar: Toss the warm donuts in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a classic and comforting flavor.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the donuts for a decadent treat.
- Plain: Enjoy the donuts as they are, with a cup of coffee or tea.
Tips:
- Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in tough donuts. Mix until just combined.
- Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices will provide the best flavor. If using pre-ground spices, make sure they are not expired.
- Grease the Pan Well: Thoroughly greasing the donut pan will prevent the donuts from sticking and make them easier to remove.
- Cool Completely: Allow the donuts to cool completely before glazing or decorating. This prevents the glaze from melting and ensures a neat presentation.
- Storage: Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
12-15 minutes
Total Time:
27-30 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Per donut, approximate)
Calories: 180
Protein: 3g
Sodium: 150mg
Conclusion
These baked spiced pumpkin donuts are a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall. With their easy preparation, warm spices, and customizable nature, they are perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them plain, glazed, or with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, these donuts are sure to bring a smile to your face. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and indulge in the deliciousness of homemade pumpkin donuts!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe
Q1: Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
A: No, it’s best to use pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices that can alter the flavor and texture of the donuts. Pumpkin puree is pure pumpkin, which provides the best results for this recipe.
Q2: Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can make these donuts gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure to choose a blend that contains xanthan gum or add it separately, as it helps to bind the ingredients and provide structure to the donuts.
Q3: How do I store these donuts?
A: Store the baked and cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to 5 days. Ensure they are completely cool before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
Q4: Can I freeze these donuts?
A: Yes, you can freeze these donuts for longer storage. Allow the donuts to cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.
Q5: Can I add a glaze to these donuts?
A: Absolutely! A simple glaze can enhance the flavor and appearance of these donuts. To make a basic glaze, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk until smooth. You can also add a touch of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled donuts and let it set before serving.
