Nothing says fall quite like the aroma of *easy baked pumpkin spice donuts* wafting through your kitchen! These delightful treats capture the essence of the season with every bite, making them a must-have for cozy gatherings and crisp autumn mornings. I remember the first time I made these delicious donuts for a neighborhood bake sale; the smiles on my friends’ faces as they took their first bites were priceless. The combination of warm spices, pumpkin flavor, and that soft, fluffy texture is simply irresistible. Trust me, once you try making these at home, they’ll quickly become a seasonal tradition in your household!
Ingredients for Easy Baked Pumpkin Spice Donuts
- 1 cup pumpkin puree: This is the star of the show! Use canned or fresh pumpkin puree for that cozy, autumn flavor.
- 1/2 cup sugar: Granulated sugar adds the perfect sweetness to balance the spices.
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar: This gives a lovely depth of flavor and moisture to the donuts.
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the donuts tender and adds richness. You can also use melted coconut oil for a twist!
- 2 eggs: They help bind everything together and give the donuts that lovely fluffy texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of your donuts! Make sure not to pack it too tightly when measuring.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: This helps the donuts rise and become light and airy.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Works in tandem with the baking powder for extra lift.
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: This is what brings that warm, inviting fall flavor—just perfect for these donuts!
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances all the flavors.
How to Prepare Easy Baked Pumpkin Spice Donuts
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your donuts bake evenly and rise perfectly—nobody wants flat donuts, right? So, while you gather your ingredients, let that oven heat up!
Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. I like to use a whisk for this part; it helps everything blend together smoothly. Make sure you really mix it well until it’s all combined and looks nice and creamy. Trust me, the smell will start to get you excited already!
Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. This step is crucial! Mixing these dry ingredients separately ensures that the baking powder and soda are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which helps your donuts rise beautifully. No one wants a surprise clump of baking powder in their donut!
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently. I usually do this in three parts, mixing just until combined after each addition. You want the batter to be smooth but don’t over-mix it; a few lumps are totally okay. This will give you that light and fluffy texture we’re after!
Fill the Donut Pan
Next up, grab your donut pan! Using a spoon or a piping bag, fill each donut cavity about two-thirds full. Be careful not to overfill, as these little beauties will puff up while baking. If you overdo it, you’ll end up with some funky-looking donuts that are more blob than ring!
Bake and Cool
Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once they’re perfectly golden brown, let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling step is key to keeping them fluffy and avoiding sogginess. Patience, my friend—it’s worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time: Whip these up in just 35 minutes, making them perfect for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings!
- Healthy alternative to fried donuts: These baked beauties are a lighter option, so you can indulge without the guilt—yay!
- Perfect fall flavors: With the warm spices and pumpkin, every bite transports you to a cozy autumn day.
- Customizable: Feel free to get creative with toppings like a sweet glaze or chocolate chips for an extra treat!
Tips for Success
To make sure your *easy baked pumpkin spice donuts* turn out absolutely perfect, I’ve got some pro tips just for you!
- Measure Flour Properly: Make sure to spoon and level your flour instead of scooping it directly from the bag. This way, you won’t end up with too much flour, which can make your donuts dense. Trust me, your donuts will thank you for it!
- Use Fresh Pumpkin Pie Spice: If you can, use freshly ground spices for that warm, vibrant flavor. If your spice jar has been sitting in the back of the pantry for ages, it might be time to replace it for maximum flavor impact!
- Adjust Baking Time: Ovens can be quirky! Keep an eye on your donuts as they bake, especially towards the end of the cooking time. If your oven runs hot, they might be done a minute or two earlier. Always do the toothpick test!
- Let Them Cool: Don’t rush the cooling process. Giving your donuts those few minutes in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack really helps maintain that fluffy texture. Plus, they’re a little easier to handle!
- Experiment with Toppings: Don’t hesitate to get creative! You can sprinkle them with cinnamon sugar, dip them in a simple glaze, or even drizzle some chocolate on top. The world is your donut oyster!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making the best pumpkin spice donuts ever. Enjoy the baking adventure!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk numbers! Here’s what you can expect in terms of nutrition for each of these delicious *easy baked pumpkin spice donuts*. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes:
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 180mg
This means you can enjoy your homemade donuts knowing they’re a little bit healthier than their fried counterparts. Perfect for that fall treat you’ve been craving! Enjoy every bite!
FAQ Section
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common queries about my *easy baked pumpkin spice donuts*:
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pumpkin can be a great option. Just make sure to cook and puree it first. You’ll want it to have a similar consistency to canned pumpkin puree. It adds a lovely homemade touch!
How do I store leftover donuts?
To keep those delicious donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before enjoying!
What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute, you can use a flaxseed meal or chia seed mixture! Just mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal or chia seeds with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens. It works like a charm in this recipe!
Can I freeze these donuts?
Yes, you can! Just make sure they are completely cooled before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap or placing them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months—just thaw them in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy!
How do I ensure my donuts are fluffy?
To get those perfectly fluffy donuts, make sure not to overmix your batter. Mixing just until everything is combined will help keep them light and airy. Also, remember to check your baking time, as overbaking can lead to dryness!
If you have any more questions, don’t hesitate to reach out! I’m always here to help you make the best pumpkin spice donuts possible!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked up a batch of these *easy baked pumpkin spice donuts*, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and delicious! To store any leftovers, simply place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll happily stay good for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them a bit longer, you can pop them in the fridge, where they’ll last about a week.
If you decide to freeze them, go ahead and wrap each donut tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months! When you’re ready to indulge again, just take them out and let them thaw in the fridge overnight. No need to rush; this slow thawing helps maintain their fluffy texture!
Now, if you want to enjoy your donuts warm (and who wouldn’t?), here’s a simple reheating tip: pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will give them that fresh-baked taste, softening them up and making those spices pop all over again! Just be careful not to overheat them, or they might get a little tough. Enjoy those cozy bites!
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easy baked pumpkin spice donuts that warm your heart
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These easy baked pumpkin spice donuts are a delicious fall treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix pumpkin puree, sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
- Fill a donut pan with the batter.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the donuts cool before removing them from the pan.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- These donuts can be glazed with a simple icing.
- Feel free to add chocolate chips for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: easy baked pumpkin spice donuts
