Pumpkin Spice Baked Donuts: The Ultimate Fall Treat

Pumpkin Spice Baked Donuts: the very words conjure up images of crisp autumn mornings, the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg swirling in the air, and the comforting warmth of a freshly baked treat. Forget the deep fryer; we’re taking the healthier, easier route with these delightful baked donuts that deliver all the fall flavor without the guilt!

While donuts themselves have a long and varied history, tracing back to Dutch settlers in America, the pumpkin spice craze is a relatively recent phenomenon. It exploded in popularity in the early 2000s, quickly becoming synonymous with the fall season. Now, you can find pumpkin spice everything, from lattes to candles, but nothing quite beats the homemade goodness of a Pumpkin Spice Baked Donut.

What makes these donuts so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of moist, tender crumb, the warm spice blend that dances on your tongue, and the satisfying sweetness that isn’t overpowering. Plus, baking them instead of frying means they’re lighter and easier to make. They are perfect for a quick breakfast, a cozy afternoon snack, or even a festive dessert to share with friends and family. Get ready to experience the ultimate fall indulgence with this simple and delicious recipe!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Donuts:
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• For the Maple Glaze (Optional):
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 2-4 tablespoons milk (or more, to reach desired consistency)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparing the Donut Batter:

1. Preheat and Prepare: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, grease your donut pan really well. I like to use cooking spray, but you can also use melted butter and a pastry brush. Make sure you get into all the nooks and crannies to prevent the donuts from sticking. Nobody wants a broken donut!
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. Whisking is key here to ensure everything is evenly distributed. This will help your donuts rise properly and have that perfect pumpkin spice flavor in every bite.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, pumpkin puree, melted butter, egg, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Make sure the melted butter isn’t too hot, or it might cook the egg! You want everything to be nicely combined and smooth.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough donuts. A few lumps are okay. We’re aiming for a batter that’s smooth but not overworked.
5. Fill the Donut Pan: Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a large zip-top bag. If using a zip-top bag, snip off one of the corners. Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full. This will give the donuts enough room to rise without overflowing. You can also use a spoon to carefully fill each cavity, but piping is generally cleaner and more precise.

Baking the Donuts:

1. Bake: Place the donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven. You want them to be golden brown and springy to the touch.
2. Cool: Remove the donut pan from the oven and let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from sticking and allows them to cool evenly.

Preparing the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

1. Combine Sugar and Cinnamon: In a shallow dish, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Mix well to ensure the cinnamon is evenly distributed throughout the sugar.
2. Dip the Donuts: While the donuts are still slightly warm (but not hot!), dip each donut into the melted butter, then immediately into the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating all sides. The warmth helps the sugar adhere to the donut. If the donuts are too cool, the sugar might not stick as well.

Preparing the Maple Glaze (Optional):

1. Whisk Together: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of milk.
2. Adjust Consistency: Add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. You want a glaze that’s thick enough to coat the donuts but thin enough to drizzle smoothly.
3. Glaze the Donuts: Dip the cooled donuts into the maple glaze or drizzle the glaze over the donuts using a spoon or fork. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.

Serving and Storing:

1. Serve: Serve the pumpkin spice baked donuts immediately for the best flavor and texture. They’re delicious on their own, with a cup of coffee, or as a sweet treat any time of day.
2. Store: Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’ve glazed the donuts, they’re best consumed within a day or two, as the glaze can become sticky over time. You can also freeze the unglazed donuts for longer storage. Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them at room temperature before glazing or enjoying.

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! These Pumpkin Spice Baked Donuts are more than just a recipe; they’re an experience. From the warm, inviting aroma that fills your kitchen to the satisfyingly soft and spiced bite, these donuts are guaranteed to become a fall favorite. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe, especially if you’re looking for a healthier alternative to fried donuts without sacrificing any of the deliciousness.

But why are these donuts so special? It’s the perfect balance of pumpkin puree, which adds moisture and a subtle sweetness, combined with the aromatic blend of pumpkin pie spice that truly captures the essence of autumn. The baked texture keeps them light and airy, preventing that heavy, greasy feeling you sometimes get with traditional donuts. Plus, the simple glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness to complement the spiced donut.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

Now, let’s talk about how to enjoy these little gems! While they’re absolutely divine on their own, fresh out of the oven, there are so many ways to elevate your donut experience.

* Coffee Companion: Pair them with a steaming cup of coffee, a pumpkin spice latte (naturally!), or even a chai tea for the ultimate cozy morning treat.
* Dessert Upgrade: Warm them slightly and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. A drizzle of caramel sauce would also be incredible!
* Brunch Star: Arrange them on a platter as part of a fall-themed brunch spread. They’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
* Glaze Variations: Feel free to experiment with different glazes! A maple glaze, a chocolate glaze, or even a cream cheese glaze would all be fantastic. You could also sprinkle them with chopped nuts, sprinkles, or a dusting of cinnamon sugar.
* Add-Ins: Get creative with add-ins! Chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or even dried cranberries would add extra texture and flavor.
* Mini Donuts: Use a mini donut pan for adorable bite-sized treats. Perfect for parties or portion control!
* Vegan Option: Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, let sit for 5 minutes) and use a plant-based milk alternative to make these donuts vegan-friendly.

I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s a simple, straightforward recipe that even beginner bakers can master. The key is to not overmix the batter and to keep a close eye on the donuts while they’re baking to prevent them from drying out.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible Pumpkin Spice Baked Donuts. I can’t wait to hear about your baking adventures!

I genuinely hope you give this recipe a try. It’s a fantastic way to celebrate the flavors of fall and create lasting memories with your loved ones. And most importantly, don’t forget to share your creations with me! Tag me in your photos on social media and let me know what you think. I’m always thrilled to see your versions and hear about any variations you’ve tried. Happy baking!