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With just a handful of ingredients and barely any prep, these baked pumpkin donuts bring all the cozy pumpkin spice vibes to breakfast or a midday snack. The result is a moist, cake-like donut with a sweet glaze that feels like pure comfort all year long.
This is my go-to when I want something special for brunch without fuss. The soft texture always makes me think of fall mornings with my family gathered around the kitchen table.
Ingredients
- Spice cake mix: This brings in lots of flavor without extra measuring. For best results use a high quality mix with aromatic warm spices.
- Pumpkin puree: Adds moisture and color and helps keep the donuts tender. Look for pure pumpkin not pumpkin pie filling for the cleanest flavor.
- Powdered sugar: Forms the glaze and sweet finish. Sift the sugar if it looks clumpy for the smoothest result.
- Milk: Helps thin the glaze to perfect dippable thickness. Whole or two percent both work fine.
- Vanilla extract: Gives a warm fragrant undertone to the glaze. Use pure vanilla for the richest flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven:
- Heat your oven to three hundred fifty degrees ensuring it is fully up to temperature to promote even baking throughout the donuts.
- Mix the Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl combine the spice cake mix and pumpkin puree. Use a hand mixer or sturdy whisk to blend until completely smooth scraping down the sides as needed. The mixture will be thick but glossy and uniform.
- Pipe Into Donut Pan:
- Spoon the batter into a piping bag or sturdy zip top bag with one corner snipped off. Carefully pipe the batter into a well-greased donut pan filling each cavity almost full. Smooth tops with a damp fingertip if needed.
- Bake the Donuts:
- Place the filled pan in the oven and bake ten to fifteen minutes. Test for doneness by lightly pressing a donut with your fingertip. It should spring back easily and smell fragrant and spicy.
- Cool and Remove:
- Let donuts cool in the pan on a wire rack for five minutes to help them set. Then gently lift out each donut with a butter knife and place on the rack to finish cooling completely.
- Glaze the Donuts:
- In a small bowl whisk powdered sugar milk and vanilla until smooth and pourable. Dip the tops of each cooled donut into the glaze letting excess drip off. Return to rack and add sprinkles right away if you like.
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Every time I work with real pumpkin puree I love the vivid orange flecks it brings to the dough. My children always hope for the first donut fresh out of the glaze.
Storage Tips
Keep leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to twenty four hours. For longer storage freeze them unglazed and add the icing after thawing. This keeps the exterior soft rather than sticky.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find spice cake mix use yellow cake mix with a generous shake of cinnamon and nutmeg added. Dairy free eaters can swap out regular milk for almond or oat milk. For the glaze try maple extract instead of vanilla for a fall flavor twist.
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Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with coffee tea or hot cider for a weekend breakfast treat. Cut donuts in half and fill with sweetened whipped cream for easy pumpkin shortcakes. They also pack neatly for potlucks and bake sales.
Cultural and Historical Context
Baked donuts owe their popularity to the rise of non fried bakery trends in the early two thousands. Pumpkin spice has deep roots in American autumn baking traditions with every region putting its own spin on recipes. These donuts offer an easy accessible take on that heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?
Yes, homemade pumpkin puree works well. Ensure it's smooth and similar in consistency to canned for best results.
- → How do I store baked donuts?
Cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours to maintain freshness.
- → Is a donut pan required?
A donut pan gives best results, but a muffin tin can be used as an alternative; baking time may vary slightly.
- → Can I add extra spices?
Absolutely! Cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves can enhance the flavor if you want a stronger spice note.
- → What’s the best way to glaze donuts?
Dip cooled donut tops into the glaze, letting excess drip off, then place on a rack to set for a smooth finish.
- → Can I freeze these donuts?
Yes, freeze the unglazed donuts in a sealed container for up to 2 months, glazing once thawed.