Baked Pumpkin Spice Donuts

$- 1 cup pumpkin puree - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/4 cup packed brown sugar - 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy) For a dairy-free option, use almond or oat milk in place of regular milk. Both options work well and keep the donuts moist. You can also swap granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a more natural sweetener. Honey or maple syrup can replace both sugars. If you use these liquid sweeteners, cut back on the milk slightly. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature helps the donuts bake evenly. While the oven heats, it’s time to grease the donut pan. Use a light coat of oil or cooking spray. This step prevents the donuts from sticking. Next, grab a large bowl. Add the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix these ingredients well with a whisk. This order helps blend everything smoothly. The mixture should be creamy and free of lumps. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and salt. Make sure to mix thoroughly. This step is key to avoid clumps in your donuts. A well-mixed dry blend leads to a uniform texture. Now, gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix. Over-mixing can lead to dense donuts. The batter should be thick yet smooth. Fill each donut mold about 2/3 full with batter. This allows space for the donuts to rise. Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake the donuts for 15-18 minutes. They are ready when a toothpick comes out clean from the center. After baking, remove the pan from the oven. Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. For a lovely finish, dust the cooled donuts with powdered sugar or dip them in cinnamon-sugar. Plating them on a rustic wooden platter adds charm for gatherings. To achieve perfect donuts, avoid common baking mistakes. Over-mixing your batter can lead to dense donuts. Mix just until combined for a light and fluffy texture. Use a gentle hand when folding in the milk. This keeps your donuts airy and soft. For toppings, consider a dusting of powdered sugar or a cinnamon-sugar mix. You can also dip the tops in a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. Want more spice? Add an extra pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a flavor boost. These donuts pair wonderfully with coffee or tea. A warm pumpkin spice latte makes a great match. For a creative display, use a rustic wooden platter. Arrange the donuts in a circle or stack them for a charming look. Enjoy these delights with friends on a cozy autumn morning! {{image_4}} You can make these donuts even better! Try adding chocolate chips or nuts. Chocolate chips bring a sweet surprise in every bite. Nuts add a nice crunch and rich flavor. You can use walnuts or pecans for a tasty twist. Explore different spices too! Besides cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, you can try allspice or cardamom. Each spice gives a unique taste. Mixing spices can make your donuts special! If you need gluten-free donuts, use gluten-free flour. Almond flour or oat flour works well. These options keep the taste while removing gluten. Your friends won't even notice the change! For vegan options, swap eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce. Use plant-based milk instead of dairy milk. These changes keep the donuts fluffy and delicious while being vegan-friendly. Get creative with Halloween-themed decorations! Use orange and black sprinkles or frosting to make them festive. You can even add candy eyes for fun. Kids will love this spooky twist! For Thanksgiving, think about adding extras like caramel or pecan toppings. These flavors match the fall season perfectly. You can also sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top for that extra sweetness. To keep your baked pumpkin spice donuts fresh, follow these simple steps: - Cool completely: Allow your donuts to cool fully on a wire rack. This prevents moisture buildup. - Use an airtight container: Place the cooled donuts in a container with a tight lid. This keeps them soft. - Layer with parchment paper: If stacking, use parchment paper between layers. This prevents sticking. - Store at room temperature: Keep them in a cool, dry place for up to 3 days. You can freeze your donuts for later enjoyment. Here’s how: - For unbaked donuts: Fill the donut molds with batter. Then, cover with plastic wrap and freeze. Once frozen, pop them out and store in a freezer bag. - For baked donuts: Let them cool completely, then wrap each donut in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag. - Thawing tips: To thaw, take out the desired number of donuts. Leave them at room temperature for about an hour. For a warm treat, heat them in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes. This helps bring back the fresh-baked taste. To stop donuts from sticking, grease the pan well. Use cooking spray or melted butter. You can also line the pan with parchment paper. Cut circles of parchment to fit each mold. This makes removal easy and keeps the donuts intact. Yes, you can make these donuts in advance. Bake them a day before your event. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you need to keep them longer, freeze them. Just thaw at room temperature before serving. You can create a simple glaze with powdered sugar and milk. Mix one cup of powdered sugar with two tablespoons of milk. Stir until smooth. For a fun twist, add vanilla or maple extract. You can also dust the donuts with cinnamon sugar for added flavor. Yes, baked donuts are generally healthier than fried ones. Baking uses less oil and cuts calories. Baked donuts also have less fat. This makes for a lighter treat. Enjoying baked pumpkin spice donuts still gives you all the cozy flavors of fall! You’ve now learned how to make delicious baked donuts. We covered the key ingredients, from pumpkin puree to sweeteners. I shared tips on mixing and baking your batter for perfect results. We explored fun variations and storage methods for fresh treats. Lastly, I answered common questions to make your baking easier. Enjoy your baking journey, and remember, each donut can be a fun creation!$

Indulge in the season's flavors with homemade baked pumpkin spice donuts! These delightful treats are made with pumpkin puree and warm spices, perfect for cozy mornings or gatherings. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a batch that will impress family and friends. With an easy recipe that includes helpful tips for presentation, you won’t want to miss out. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your baking game!

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Ingredients

1 cup pumpkin puree

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, lightly grease a donut pan to prevent sticking.

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract. Using a whisk, mix until the ingredients are smooth and thoroughly blended.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and salt until evenly combined.

Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just incorporated—avoid over-mixing to keep the donuts light and fluffy.

Add Milk: Slowly pour in the milk and fold it into the batter gently until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Fill Donut Molds: Transfer the batter into a piping bag for precision (or use a ziplock bag with a small corner cut off). Fill each donut mold approximately 2/3 full to allow room for rising.

Bake: Place the filled donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. They are done when a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean.

Cool Down: Once baked, remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 30 minutes | Makes 12 donuts

- Presentation Tips: For an appealing finish, dust the cooled donuts lightly with powdered sugar or dip the tops in a cinnamon-sugar mixture for an extra touch of sweetness. Serving them on a rustic wooden platter can enhance the autumnal charm, making them perfect for gatherings or cozy mornings!