Are you ready to delight your taste buds with a warm batch of oven-baked pumpkin donuts? This easy and delicious recipe combines simple ingredients with cozy flavors, making it perfect for fall or any day. I’ll guide you step-by-step, from prepping the dough to baking and serving. Get your apron on, and let’s whip up a treat that will fill your kitchen with sweet aromas!
Ingredients
When making oven-baked pumpkin donuts, choosing the right ingredients is key. Here’s what you need:
– 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
– 2 large eggs
– 1/3 cup vegetable oil
– 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
– Topping ingredients: 1/4 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Each of these ingredients plays a role in making your donuts tasty and moist. The pumpkin puree adds flavor and keeps the texture soft. Both sugars add sweetness and help with browning. The eggs bind everything together and give structure.
Baking powder and baking soda help the donuts rise, making them fluffy. The spices bring warmth and depth to the flavor. Finally, the cinnamon sugar topping gives a sweet finish that is hard to resist.
For the full recipe, follow the steps to make these delightful treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Dough
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the donuts bake evenly. Next, grease your donut pan lightly with cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes for easy removal.
Mixing Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the wet ingredients. Use 1 cup of canned pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar, 2 large eggs, 1/3 cup of vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix these ingredients well until smooth.
In another bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Use 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. It’s okay if there are some lumps; you don’t want to overmix.
Baking Process
Now, it’s time to fill the donut pan. Using a piping bag or a spoon, carefully fill each donut cavity about 3/4 full with batter. Bake these in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. You can check if they are done by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, they’re ready!
Once baked, let the donuts cool for about 5 minutes in the pan. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. While they cool, mix 1/4 cup of granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon in a small bowl. After cooling, roll each donut in the cinnamon sugar mixture for a sweet finish.
For the full recipe, refer to the recipe section above.
Tips & Tricks
Baking Tips
– Perfect baking time and temperature: Bake your donuts at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 15 minutes. This helps them rise well and stay moist. Keep an eye on them towards the end. A toothpick should come out clean when they’re done.
– Avoiding overmixing: When you mix your wet and dry ingredients, stop as soon as you see no dry flour. A few lumps are okay. Overmixing can make your donuts tough, not fluffy.
Serving Suggestions
– Presentation tips for serving: Arrange the donuts on a nice plate. Sprinkle them with extra cinnamon sugar to make them look inviting. You can also add a drizzle of maple glaze for a sweet touch.
– Sweet glaze options: If you want a glaze, mix powdered sugar with milk or maple syrup. Drizzle it over the cooled donuts for added sweetness. You can even add a pinch of cinnamon to the glaze for flavor.
For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe.
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can easily switch up the flavors in your pumpkin donuts. One fun way is to add chocolate chips. Just fold in about 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter. This adds a rich sweetness that pairs well with pumpkin.
Another option is to integrate different spices. Besides cinnamon, try using allspice or cardamom. A pinch of cloves can also bring a warm flavor to your donuts. Experimenting with spices can lead to delightful surprises.
Dietary Adjustments
If you need a gluten-free alternative, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Brands like Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur Flour work well. Just ensure the blend has xanthan gum for the right texture.
For vegan substitutions, replace the eggs with flax eggs. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes before adding it to your batter. You can also use applesauce or mashed banana instead of eggs to keep the donuts moist.
These variations make your pumpkin donuts fun to customize! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above.
Storage Info
How to Store Donuts
To keep your oven-baked pumpkin donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container. This method keeps them soft and tasty. If you plan to eat them within three days, you can leave them at room temperature. Just make sure they are cool before sealing them up.
If you want to keep them longer, refrigeration is a good option. Place the donuts in the fridge for up to a week. This helps prevent mold. However, be aware that refrigeration may change the texture slightly.
Freezing Instructions
Freezing is a great way to save your baked donuts for later. To freeze them, let the donuts cool completely first. Then, wrap each donut tightly in plastic wrap. After that, put them in a freezer bag or a container. This keeps them from getting freezer burn.
When you want to enjoy them, remove the donuts from the freezer. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight. For a quicker method, you can thaw them at room temperature for about an hour. Enjoy your pumpkin donuts as if they were just baked! For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section.
FAQs
How to make oven-baked pumpkin donuts from scratch?
To make oven-baked pumpkin donuts from scratch, start by gathering your ingredients. You need canned pumpkin puree, sugars, eggs, oil, and spices. Mix the wet ingredients in one bowl. In another bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet ones. Fill a greased donut pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes. For detailed steps, see the Full Recipe.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Just make sure to cook and puree it first. Fresh pumpkin may have more water than canned. Drain any excess liquid to keep your donuts from getting soggy.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when making pumpkin donuts?
One mistake is overmixing the batter. Mix until just combined to keep donuts light. Another is not preheating the oven. Always preheat your oven for even baking. Lastly, don’t skip the cooling step. Letting them cool helps with texture.
How long do oven-baked pumpkin donuts last?
These donuts stay fresh for about 3 days at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw them before serving.
You learned how to make easy and tasty pumpkin donuts from scratch. We covered the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for best results. You can even try different flavors and make adjustments for dietary needs.
These donuts are perfect for any occasion. Enjoy sharing them with friends or family. With this recipe, you will impress everyone at your next gathering. Saving and storing these treats is also simple. Get ready to bake and treat yourself soon!
