Welcome to the delightful world of baked pumpkin spice donuts! If you love fall flavors, these donuts will make your taste buds dance. They’re soft, warm, and full of that rich pumpkin spice goodness. Plus, they’re easy to make and perfect for sharing. In this post, we’ll walk through how to create these tasty treats, explore ingredient swaps, and even provide tips for storage. Get ready to bake your new favorite fall snack!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
To make baked pumpkin spice donuts, gather these ingredients:
– 1 cup pumpkin puree
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
– 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)
Substitutions for Ingredients
You can switch some ingredients if needed. Here are few options:
– Instead of pumpkin puree, you can use applesauce or mashed banana.
– For sugar, try coconut sugar or honey as sweeteners.
– You can swap eggs with flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with water.
– Use almond flour or oat flour for a gluten-free version.
Optional Toppings and Enhancements
Make your donuts even better with these tasty toppings:
– Dust with powdered sugar for a sweet touch.
– Dip the tops in a cinnamon sugar mix for extra flavor.
– Drizzle melted chocolate or caramel for a rich finish.
– Add chopped nuts or sprinkles for a fun crunch.
These simple changes can make your pumpkin spice donuts shine!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of the Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your donut pan with oil. In a mixing bowl, add 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar. Next, mix in 1/3 cup of unsweetened applesauce, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until smooth. In a separate bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Once mixed, pour in 1/4 cup of milk and gently fold until smooth.
Filling the Donut Molds
Now, transfer the batter into a piping bag or a ziplock bag with one corner cut off. This makes filling the molds easier. Fill each donut mold about 2/3 full with the batter for even baking. Be careful not to overfill, as the donuts will rise while baking.
Baking and Cooling Process
Place the filled donut pan in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a donut. If it comes out clean, they are ready. Once baked, remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is key for a perfect texture. Enjoy the warm, spicy aroma filling your kitchen!
Tips & Tricks
How to Avoid Over-Mixing
When making baked pumpkin spice donuts, stir gently. Over-mixing can make them tough. Mix until you no longer see dry flour. This method keeps your donuts light and fluffy. You want a smooth batter, not a workout!
Best Practices for Donut Storage
Store your baked donuts in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. Just wrap each donut in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag for easy access later. Thaw at room temperature when you crave a sweet treat.
Variations for Flavor Enhancements
Feel free to add your favorite spices! Try cloves or allspice for extra warmth. For a sweeter kick, mix in chocolate chips or nuts. A splash of maple syrup can also enhance the flavor. These small tweaks can make your donuts unique and special.
Variations
Gluten-Free Options
You can easily make these donuts gluten-free. Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Look for a blend that contains xanthan gum. This will help the donuts rise and hold together well.
Dairy-Free Substitutions
To make these donuts dairy-free, use plant-based milk. Almond milk or oat milk works well. You can also replace the eggs with flax eggs. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with two and a half tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes until it thickens.
Flavor Swaps
Feel free to get creative with spices! Swap out ground cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice for a richer flavor. Add chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra texture. You can also mix in some mashed banana for a fun twist. The options are endless, so explore what you love!
Storage Info
How to Store Baked Donuts
To keep your baked pumpkin spice donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container. You can place them at room temperature for up to three days. If your home is warm or humid, I suggest refrigerating them. Just ensure you let them cool completely before sealing.
Freezing and Thawing Instructions
You can freeze these donuts for later enjoyment. Wrap each donut in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will stay good for up to three months. When you want to eat them, simply take them out and let them thaw at room temperature. You can also warm them in the microwave for a few seconds to regain their softness.
Shelf Life and Best Practices
These baked donuts taste best within the first few days. After that, they may dry out. If you notice any changes in texture or flavor, it’s best to discard them. For the best taste, enjoy them fresh. Also, avoid stacking them too tightly to keep their shape intact.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned pumpkin. Canned pumpkin is convenient and saves time. It has a similar taste to fresh pumpkin. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling. This will keep your donuts from being too sweet.
How do I know when the donuts are done baking?
To check if the donuts are done, use a toothpick. Insert it into the center of a donut. If it comes out clean, the donuts are ready. They should look slightly golden and spring back when touched.
Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these donuts ahead. They taste great fresh, but they store well, too. You can bake them up to two days before serving. Just keep them in an airtight container to stay fresh.
What should I serve with pumpkin spice donuts?
Pumpkin spice donuts pair well with coffee or tea. You can also serve them with warm apple cider. For a fun twist, try them with whipped cream or ice cream. Dusting them with powdered sugar adds a nice touch, too.
You’ve learned how to make delicious baked donuts from scratch. We covered the key ingredients, helpful substitutions, and tasty toppings. I shared step-by-step instructions to prepare, bake, and cool your donuts. Plus, I gave you essential tips to store them well and keep them fresh. Remember, you can explore gluten-free and dairy-free options for everyone to enjoy. By following this guide, you can enjoy tasty treats that impress friends and family. Get baking and enjoy the sweet rewards of your hard work!
