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- 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 - 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 - 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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! 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. 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. 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. {{image_4}} 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 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. 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. 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. 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. 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! 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. 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. 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! 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!

Baked Pumpkin Cake Donuts

Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with these delicious baked pumpkin cake donuts. These easy-to-make treats combine pumpkin puree, warm spices, and crunchy nuts for a delightful bite. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, these donuts are sure to impress! Ready to create the ultimate autumn treat? Click through to explore the full recipe and discover tips for presentation that will make your donuts even more irresistible!
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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

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

1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for added crunch)

Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a standard donut pan by greasing it thoroughly with non-stick spray or lightly brushing with vegetable oil to ensure easy release after baking.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, sea salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are evenly mixed and free of lumps.

      In a separate bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, applesauce, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk these wet ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring that the eggs are well incorporated.

        Gradually pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Using a rubber spatula, gently stir the mixture until it is just combined—avoid over-mixing to keep the donuts light and fluffy. If you decided to include nuts, fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts at this stage.

          Using a spoon or piping bag, carefully fill each cavity of the greased donut pan with the batter, filling them about three-quarters full to allow room for rising.

            Bake the donuts in your preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean, indicating they are cooked through.

              Once baked, remove the donut pan from the oven and allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

                After cooling, lightly dust the donuts with powdered sugar for an added sweetness and a delightful finish, if desired.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 12 donuts

                    - Presentation Tips: Arrange the donuts on a rustic platter or stand, and consider adding a cinnamon stick or small pumpkin beside them for seasonal flair. Dust them lightly with powdered sugar right before serving for an attractive, inviting look.