Irresistibly Moist & Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts: Your Essential Fall Treat
Prepare to be amazed by the incredible flavor of these Baked Pumpkin Donuts – a delightful treat that’s surprisingly simple to make! Each bite offers a soft, moist texture bursting with the comforting taste of pumpkin and warm spices. This recipe is genuinely one of the best donut creations I’ve ever had, perfect for welcoming the autumn season. (A special thank you to Truvia for sponsoring this post and helping make these delicious, lower-calorie donuts possible!)
Embracing the Fall Spirit: Beyond the Sidelines
As a parent, I pour my heart and soul into supporting my children in every aspect of their lives, always striving to help them succeed in their chosen endeavors. Yet, there are moments, particularly during the intense heat of late summer, when that dedication is truly tested. Picture this: giving up an entire Saturday, driving an hour and a half *each way* to a football game, only to endure sweltering 97-degree heat while cheering them on. In those moments, I sometimes question my commitment to the cause… haha! 😉
I’m only half-kidding, of course. Being a football mom comes with its unique set of challenges! There’s a lot of driving, a significant financial commitment, endless practices (almost daily for both my older boys), and often, scorching temperatures during games. It’s enough to make anyone yearn for a change of season.
And that’s precisely why I’M SO READY FOR FALL! I absolutely adore the cooler months. Living in California, our weather is generally moderate, so while we might not get the dramatic rain or snow some of you experience, the crisp air and changing colors are still incredibly beautiful and a welcome relief. We don’t have air conditioning, but our central heating works perfectly, so turning it on during autumn doesn’t bother me in the slightest. Fall brings with it a sense of coziness, comfort, and, most importantly, the flavors of pumpkin and spice that truly make my heart sing.
The Sweetness of Autumn: Diving into Pumpkin Season
Speaking of fall, my obsession with pumpkin has already begun! Even though temperatures here are still in the 80s, I’ve wasted no time diving headfirst into autumnal baking. I’ve already whipped up delicious pumpkin french toast and a comforting pumpkin bread. And now, I’m thrilled to share these incredible baked pumpkin donuts with you.
Donut or Doughnut? A Delicious Debate!
A quick aside: is it “pumpkin donuts” or “pumpkin doughnuts”? Haha! As an American, I’m a little biased towards “donut” because that’s how I’ve always spelled it. However, I have friends who staunchly believe it should be “doughnut.” I truly hope I’m not offending any “doughnut” purists out there by calling these delicious treats “pumpkin donuts”! Regardless of the spelling, one thing is certain: these delightful pastries are a true autumn sensation.
The Secret to Perfection: Truvia Brown Sugar Blend
Whatever way you choose to spell it, these pumpkin donuts (or pumpkin doughnuts!) are absolutely phenomenal. They are incredibly light, wonderfully moist, intensely flavorful, and utterly irresistible, especially with that sweet glaze drizzled generously over the top. I honestly couldn’t believe how perfectly they turned out, achieving that ideal balance of texture and taste.
One of the key ingredients that makes these easy baked pumpkin donuts so special – and a little healthier – is Truvia Brown Sugar Blend. I used it as a direct substitute for regular brown sugar, and the difference in calories saved is quite significant without compromising on flavor or texture. I am a huge fan of Truvia; it’s genuinely the best sugar replacement I’ve ever incorporated into my baking. I reach for it every single time I bake, and it consistently delivers fantastic results. If you haven’t had the opportunity to try it yet, I wholeheartedly urge you to pick up a bag the next time you’re at the grocery store. You’ll find it conveniently located right alongside the sugar and flour in the baking aisle.
Why Truvia is a Game-Changer for Baked Goods
Truvia Brown Sugar Blend isn’t just about reducing calories; it’s about maintaining the rich, caramel notes that brown sugar contributes to a recipe, all while offering a more balanced sweetness. It bakes beautifully, helping to create that soft, moist crumb we all desire in a perfect donut. This natural sweetener, derived from the stevia leaf, allows you to enjoy your favorite treats with less guilt, making these baked pumpkin donuts an even more appealing choice for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up.
Baking vs. Frying: The Baked Donut Advantage
You might be wondering why “baked” pumpkin donuts. The choice to bake these instead of frying them offers several distinct advantages. Firstly, baking significantly reduces the amount of added fat and calories, making these a much healthier alternative to traditional fried donuts. Secondly, it’s a far less messy process. No dealing with hot oil splatters or the lingering smell of fried food in your kitchen! Baked donuts are incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just a donut pan and a few simple steps. The result is a lighter, cake-like donut that’s tender and moist, perfectly capturing the essence of fall in every bite.
The Perfect Fall Flavor Profile: Pumpkin & Spice
These easy pumpkin donuts embody everything we love about autumn. The pumpkin provides a wonderful natural sweetness and moisture, while the medley of warm spices – often including cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves – creates that unmistakable comforting aroma and flavor profile. The balance is just right, ensuring the pumpkin shines without being overwhelming, and the spices add a festive warmth. Topped with a simple yet decadent glaze, these donuts are truly a sensory delight, evoking images of crisp fall mornings and cozy gatherings.
Tips for Success & Serving Suggestions
Making these baked pumpkin donuts is straightforward, but a few tips can ensure perfect results:
- Donut Pan Prep: Make sure to thoroughly grease your donut pans with cooking spray, even if they are non-stick, to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Filling the Pans: For perfectly shaped donuts, use a piping bag or a Ziploc bag with a corner snipped off to pipe the batter evenly into the donut pan cavities. This also helps keep your kitchen clean!
- Don’t Overmix: As with most baked goods, mix the wet and dry ingredients only until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough donuts.
- Cooling is Key: Allow the donuts to cool for a few minutes in the pan before carefully inverting them onto a wire rack. Let them cool completely before glazing for the best results; otherwise, the glaze will melt right off.
These baked pumpkin donuts are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Serve them warm with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast, as a delightful addition to a fall brunch spread, or as a light dessert. They’re also perfect for school lunchboxes or as a homemade treat to share with friends and family.
And then make these easy baked pumpkin donuts as fast as you can! They’re so incredibly good and truly won’t last long! My boys practically scarfed these up as soon as they were glazed. I had to put my foot down and ward off eager hands just to get these pictures for you, so you’re welcome. 😉 Enjoy every delicious bite!
Baked Pumpkin Donuts
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Ingredients
Donuts
- 1/4 cup packed Truvia Brown Sugar Blend
- 1/4 cup softened butter
- 1 cup canned pumpkin pie filling
- 1/4 cup + 1 Tbsp.milk I used soy milk
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. baking soda
Glaze
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 Tbsp. water
- 1 tsp. vanilla
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 325ºF (160ºC). Lightly spray your donut pans with cooking spray, ensuring they are well-coated, then set them aside.
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In a medium-sized mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and baking soda. Whisk these dry ingredients together to ensure they are evenly distributed, then set the bowl aside.
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Using an electric mixer (such as a KitchenAid stand mixer with the paddle attachment), combine the Truvia Brown Sugar Blend and the softened butter in a separate bowl. Beat these two ingredients together until they are light, fluffy, and well incorporated.
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To the butter and Truvia mixture, add the canned pumpkin pie filling, milk (I used soy milk for a slightly lighter option), and eggs. Mix on low speed until all the wet ingredients are just combined, being careful not to overmix.
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Gradually add the reserved dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture. Mix on low speed until the flour streaks have just disappeared and the batter is smooth. Stop mixing as soon as it comes together to keep the donuts tender.
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Carefully scoop or pipe the donut batter into the prepared donut pan(s), filling each cavity about two-thirds full. Bake in your preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown and spring back lightly when gently touched. Remove from the oven.
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After allowing the donuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes, carefully flip the donut pan over to release the baked donuts. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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While the donuts are cooling, prepare the glaze: In a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Once melted, add the powdered sugar, water, and vanilla extract. Whisk vigorously until the glaze is smooth, free of any lumps, and has a consistent drizzling consistency.
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Once the donuts are completely cool, dip the top of each donut into the prepared glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the glazed donuts back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set. Serve immediately and enjoy these wonderfully flavorful baked pumpkin donuts!
Discover More Delightful Pumpkin Recipes:
Low Fat 3 Ingredient Pumpkin Cookies
Pumpkin Krispies Treats
Easy Pumpkin Roll
Even More Baked Pumpkin Donut Inspiration:
If you’re eager to explore more delicious variations of baked pumpkin donuts, be sure to check out these fantastic recipes from my talented friends in the food blogging community. Each offers a unique twist on this beloved fall treat, proving just how versatile and delightful pumpkin donuts can be.
- Baked Pumpkin Spice Donuts with Maple Glaze by Mom on Timeout
- Baked Pumpkin Donut Holes by Two Peas and their Pod
- Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Caramel Glaze from Call Me PMc