Fall is here, and it’s time to enjoy warm treats! Baked pumpkin cake donuts are a perfect way to savor the flavors of the season. With spiced pumpkin puree and a soft, cake-like texture, these donuts will delight your taste buds. Plus, they’re easy to make! Join me as I share the simple steps and secret tips to create this incredible fall treat that you and your family will love.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Wet Ingredients
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
These ingredients create a warm and cozy flavor in every bite. The mix of spices makes the donuts taste like fall. The pumpkin puree keeps the donuts moist. Applesauce adds sweetness and a soft texture. The nuts give a nice crunch if you choose to add them. Dusting with powdered sugar at the end adds a touch of sweetness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Donut Pan
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step helps your donuts bake evenly. Next, grease your donut pan. Use non-stick spray or brush it with vegetable oil. This makes it easy to remove the donuts later.
Mixing Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the following dry ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Whisk these dry ingredients together until they mix well. Make sure there are no lumps. In another bowl, combine the wet ingredients:
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Whisk the wet ingredients until they are smooth and creamy.
Combining Mixtures
Now, gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Use a rubber spatula to stir them together. Mix until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the donuts light and fluffy. If you want, fold in 1/4 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts at this point for added crunch.
Baking the Donuts
Carefully fill each cavity of the greased donut pan with the batter. Fill them about three-quarters full. This allows space for rising. Bake your donuts in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into a donut. If it comes out clean, they are ready.
Cooling and Finishing Touches
Once baked, take the donut pan out of the oven. Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. After that, gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. When they are cool, you can dust them with powdered sugar for a sweet finish if you’d like. This adds a nice touch and looks great!
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring Fluffy Donuts
To keep your donuts light and fluffy, avoid over-mixing the batter. Mix just until the dry and wet ingredients come together. Over-mixing can make your donuts dense. Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and canned pumpkin. This helps the batter mix smoothly and rise well during baking.
Perfecting the Flavor
You can adjust the spices to fit your taste. If you love cinnamon, add a bit more! Fresh ingredients make a big difference. Use fresh eggs and new spices for the best flavor. Always check the dates on your baking items to ensure freshness.
Presentation Tips
To serve your donuts, arrange them on a rustic platter. Add a few cinnamon sticks or small pumpkins for a nice touch. Dust the donuts with powdered sugar just before serving. This adds sweetness and makes them look inviting.
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can easily change the flavor of your baked pumpkin cake donuts. For a warm spice kick, try adding clove or allspice. Just a pinch of these spices can enhance the flavor. You can also make pumpkin chocolate chip donuts. Just fold in half a cup of chocolate chips into the batter before baking. The sweet chocolate pairs perfectly with pumpkin.
Glazing Options
Glazing your donuts can add a fun twist. A simple glaze is easy to make. Mix powdered sugar with a splash of milk until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over your donuts after they cool. If you want something different, try nut butter or melted chocolate as toppings. They add a rich flavor and can make your donuts even more special.
Muffin Version
If you prefer muffins, you can adapt this recipe. Just pour the batter into a lined muffin tin instead of a donut pan. The baking time will be a bit longer, around 20 to 25 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your muffins are ready. This way, you can enjoy the same great flavor in a different shape.
Storage Info
Short-Term Storage
To keep your baked pumpkin cake donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps maintain their soft texture and flavor. They will stay good for about three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider other storage options.
Long-Term Storage
For long-term storage, freezing is a great option. Make sure the donuts cool completely. Then, wrap each donut in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to enjoy them, just thaw them at room temperature.
Reheating Recommendations
To reheat your donuts, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the donuts on a baking sheet for about five to seven minutes. This method helps restore their soft texture. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating. Just heat them for about 10 seconds. Enjoy your warm, tasty treats!
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin! Fresh pumpkin has a bright flavor. To prepare, first, cut the pumpkin in half and remove the seeds. Roast the pumpkin halves in the oven until soft. Let them cool, then scoop out the flesh. Blend it until smooth. Use this as a one-to-one swap for canned pumpkin in the recipe. Fresh pumpkin can give your donuts a more vibrant taste.
How do I know when the donuts are done baking?
You can tell the donuts are done by checking the center. Insert a toothpick into a donut. If it comes out clean, the donuts are ready. Another sign is a slight bounce when you touch the tops. They should look golden brown around the edges. Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before removing.
Can these donuts be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make these donuts gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Look for a blend that includes xanthan gum for better texture. Almond flour is another option, but it may change the texture a bit. Just make sure to follow the same measurements. You can still enjoy these tasty treats without gluten!
How long do baked pumpkin donuts last?
These baked pumpkin donuts can last about 2 to 3 days at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap them well. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes.
You learned how to make delicious pumpkin donuts from scratch. We covered the key ingredients, steps to bake them, and tips for perfecting the flavor.
Try different flavors and glazes to make them your own. Store extras properly for later. Remember, practice makes perfect in baking. Enjoy your tasty creation with family and friends!
