These Fall Recipes featuring Desserts like these baked Pumpkin Donuts are a delightful way to celebrate the season. With their soft texture, warm spices, and luscious maple glaze, these donuts are perfect for cozy gatherings, holiday brunches, or simply treating yourself. Their unique blend of flavors makes them a standout choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: These donuts come together quickly with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and spices creates a warm, comforting taste that’s perfect for fall.
- Perfectly Glazed: The sweet maple glaze adds an irresistible finish to each donut.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as a breakfast item or dessert, making them suitable for any time of day.
- Homemade Goodness: Baking at home allows you to control ingredients and create fresh treats.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delightful recipe, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make the baking process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Nonstick donut pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small saucepan
Importance of Each Tool
- Nonstick donut pan: Ensures easy removal of donuts without sticking, maintaining their shape.
- Electric mixer: Saves time and effort in mixing ingredients thoroughly for a fluffy texture.
Ingredients
These baked pumpkin donuts are soft, spiced, and topped with a sweet maple glaze, making them the perfect fall treat.
For the Donuts
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Maple Glaze
- ¾ cup maple syrup
- 1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar
How to Make Fall Recipes, Desserts, Pumpkin, Donuts
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Coat your donut pan with nonstick spray to ensure easy release after baking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine:
1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
2. 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
3. 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
4. ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
5. ¼ teaspoon baking soda
Mix these ingredients well to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.
Step 3: Prepare the Batter
In the bowl of an electric mixer:
1. Beat together ½ cup melted unsalted butter and 1 cup packed light brown sugar on medium-high speed until well combined (about 1-2 minutes).
2. Add in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated.
3. Mix in the 1 cup canned pumpkin puree and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until just combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients while mixing on low speed until just incorporated; avoid overmixing.
Step 4: Bake the Donuts
Scoop the batter evenly into the prepared donut pan. Place it into your preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until they are slightly browned and spring back when touched.
Step 5: Make the Maple Glaze
While donuts are baking:
1. Heat ¾ cup maple syrup in a small saucepan over medium heat until reduced to about ½ cup (approximately 5 minutes).
2. Whisk in:
– 1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Once melted, whisk in:
– ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar until smooth.
Step 6: Glaze the Donuts
When your donuts are done baking, allow them to cool for about 10 minutes before dipping their tops into the prepared glaze. Let any excess drip off before setting them aside to allow the glaze to set completely. Serve these delicious treats warm or at room temperature!
How to Serve Fall Recipes, Desserts, Pumpkin, Donuts
These baked pumpkin donuts are a delightful treat perfect for fall gatherings. Explore various ways to enhance your serving experience and create memorable moments with friends and family.
Pair with Coffee or Tea
- A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea complements the spices in the pumpkin donuts perfectly.
Add Whipped Cream
- Top each donut with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra creamy texture that enhances every bite.
Create a Dessert Platter
- Arrange the donuts alongside other fall-themed desserts, like apple pie and caramel brownies, for a festive display.
Serve with Ice Cream
- Pair warm pumpkin donuts with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a delicious contrast of temperatures.
Drizzle Extra Glaze
- For those who love sweetness, serve a small dish of extra maple glaze on the side for dipping.
How to Perfect Fall Recipes, Desserts, Pumpkin, Donuts
Making perfect pumpkin donuts can be easy with the right techniques. Here are some tips to elevate your baking game.
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh canned pumpkin puree and high-quality spices for the best flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: Gently mix your batter to keep donuts light and fluffy; overmixing can lead to dense results.
- Use a Piping Bag: For even donut shapes, consider using a piping bag to fill the donut pan smoothly.
- Test with a Toothpick: Insert a toothpick into the center of the donuts; they are done when it comes out clean.
- Store Properly: Keep leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Fall Recipes, Desserts, Pumpkin, Donuts
To enhance your meal experience, consider serving these delectable side dishes alongside your pumpkin donuts. They add variety and complement the flavors beautifully.
- Apple Cider: A warm apple cider pairs wonderfully with pumpkin flavors; it’s comforting and seasonal.
- Chili: A bowl of hearty chili provides a savory balance to sweet desserts like pumpkin donuts.
- Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses offers richness and pairs well with sweet treats, creating an elegant touch.
- Roasted Nuts: Seasoned roasted nuts add a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with soft donuts.
- Fall Salad: A spinach salad with cranberries and walnuts introduces fresh flavors and colors to your table.
- Caramel Sauce: Serve warm caramel sauce as an additional dipping option for those who crave something sweet.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking pumpkin donuts can be a fun and rewarding experience, but avoiding common mistakes is key to success.
- Incorrect measurements: Always measure your ingredients accurately. Use a kitchen scale if possible, as this ensures consistency in your pumpkin donuts.
- Overmixing the batter: Mix the batter just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts instead of light and fluffy treats.
- Not preheating the oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking. This helps the donuts rise properly and achieve that perfect texture.
- Skipping the glaze: The maple glaze adds sweetness and moisture to your pumpkin donuts. Don’t skip this step; it really enhances the overall flavor.
- Ignoring cooling time: Allow your donuts to cool for at least 10 minutes before glazing. This helps the glaze set properly and prevents it from sliding off.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover pumpkin donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers of donuts to prevent sticking.
Freezing Fall Recipes, Desserts, Pumpkin, Donuts
- Wrap each donut tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag.
- Frozen pumpkin donuts can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Fall Recipes, Desserts, Pumpkin, Donuts
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the donuts on a baking sheet and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual donuts for about 10-15 seconds until warmed through; be careful not to overheat.
- Stovetop: For a quick warm-up, place the donut in a skillet over low heat for about 1-2 minutes on each side.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some variations of pumpkin donuts?
You can customize your pumpkin donuts by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even using different spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for added flavor.
How can I make these pumpkin donuts gluten-free?
To make gluten-free pumpkin donuts, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. Ensure that other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes! Fresh pumpkin can be used instead of canned puree. Just make sure to cook and puree it until smooth before measuring it out.
Why did my pumpkin donuts turn out dense?
Dense donuts may result from overmixing the batter or not using enough leavening agent. Be sure to mix gently and check expiration dates on baking powder.
Final Thoughts
These baked pumpkin donuts are not only delicious but also versatile, making them an excellent choice for fall gatherings or cozy mornings at home. Feel free to customize with your favorite spices or toppings! Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!
SEO Information
Baked Pumpkin Donuts
Indulge in the flavors of fall with these delightful baked pumpkin donuts, perfect for cozy gatherings or a sweet treat any time of day. With their soft, fluffy texture and rich blend of warm spices, these donuts are topped with a luscious maple glaze that adds an irresistible sweetness. Easy to prepare and versatile enough to serve for breakfast or dessert, they promise to become a seasonal favorite in your household. Gather your loved ones, brew some coffee or tea, and enjoy these homemade delights that celebrate the essence of autumn.
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¾ cup maple syrup
- 1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ cup confectioners' sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and coat a nonstick donut pan with spray.
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and baking soda.
- In another bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the melted butter and brown sugar until combined. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in pumpkin puree and vanilla.
- Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Fill the donut pan with batter and bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned.
- While donuts bake, prepare the maple glaze by heating maple syrup until reduced, then stir in butter, vanilla, salt, and confectioners' sugar until smooth.
- Cool donuts for about 10 minutes before dipping in glaze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 149mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 24mg
Keywords: For added flavor variations, consider mixing in chocolate chips or nuts before baking. To make gluten-free donuts, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend.
