Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Coating Recipe
Introduction
Fall is the perfect time to enjoy warm, delicious baked treats, and what better way to celebrate the season than with these Baked Pumpkin Donuts? These donuts are fluffy, moist, and packed with pumpkin flavor, making them a delightful treat for breakfast or dessert. The cinnamon sugar coating adds the perfect touch of sweetness and spice, making them irresistible!
Why Make This Recipe
Making Baked Pumpkin Donuts is a great way to bring the flavors of autumn into your kitchen. Not only are they easy to prepare, but they are also healthier than traditional fried donuts. Baked instead of fried, these donuts are lighter yet flavorful, and the use of pumpkin puree adds both moisture and a nutritious element. Plus, they are perfect for sharing with family and friends during gatherings or cozy weekends at home.
How to Make Baked Pumpkin Donuts
Ingredients:
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves or allspice
- ¾ cup (150 g) packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 cups (One 15 oz can or 425 g) pumpkin puree
- ⅔ cup (133 g) granulated sugar (for coating)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for coating)
- 6 tablespoons (85 g) melted unsalted butter (for coating)
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350° F (175° C). Grease a donut pan with nonstick spray, making sure the donut cavities are well coated to prevent sticking.
In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves or allspice until combined. Set aside this dry mix.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk the light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and melted butter together until the butter is fully absorbed. Add the eggs and whisk vigorously until smooth. Fold in the pumpkin puree thoroughly.
Pour the wet pumpkin mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently mix using a spatula or spoon just until there are no visible pockets of flour. Be careful not to over-mix, as this will keep the donuts tender.
Spoon or pipe the batter evenly into the prepared donut cavities, filling each about three-quarters full. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with little to no crumbs attached.
Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool slightly but remain warm enough for coating.
While the donuts are still warm, whisk together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish. Lightly brush each donut with melted butter, then coat them by rolling or sprinkling in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well covered.
How to Serve Baked Pumpkin Donuts
Serve these delightful Baked Pumpkin Donuts warm to enjoy their soft texture and rich flavor. They make for a great breakfast treat, a cozy afternoon snack with coffee, or a dessert after dinner. Feel free to enjoy them plain or with a drizzle of icing for extra sweetness!
How to Store Baked Pumpkin Donuts
To keep your Baked Pumpkin 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 freeze them for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Tips to Make Baked Pumpkin Donuts
- Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Avoid over-mixing the batter, as this can make the donuts dense.
- Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or allspice for varied flavors.
- For a healthier version, substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
Variation
You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits like cranberries to the batter for added flavor and texture. Also, try drizzling with a simple glaze for a sweeter option!
FAQs
Q1: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree! Make sure to roast and blend the pumpkin until smooth before using it in the recipe.
Q2: Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is suitable for baking.
Q3: How can I make these donuts more flavorful?
You can add vanilla extract or a splash of maple syrup to the wet ingredients for an extra layer of flavor. Shredded coconut or chopped pecans can also enhance the taste!
Enjoy making these Baked Pumpkin Donuts and savor every delicious bite!
