Pumpkin Donuts

These Pumpkin Donuts are the perfect treat for any occasion, offering a delightful blend of flavor and convenience. Baked instead of fried, they are lower in calories and fat while still being deliciously satisfying. Perfect for coffee time or as a sweet snack, these donuts embrace the flavors of autumn with their pumpkin spice essence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Make: With a preparation time of just 15 minutes, you can whip up these donuts in no time.
• Healthier Option: Baked rather than fried, these donuts are lower in calories and fat, making them a guilt-free indulgence.
• Great for Sharing: Yielding 12 mini donuts, they are perfect for gatherings, parties, or just enjoying with family.
• Versatile Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and spices creates a warm flavor that is perfect for fall but enjoyable year-round.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with easy-to-find ingredients, this recipe is approachable even for novice bakers.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make your baking experience much easier and more efficient. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mini donut pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Piping bag or plastic bag (for piping)
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mini donut pan: This specialized pan ensures your donuts maintain their shape while baking perfectly.
• Mixing bowls: Having several bowls allows you to easily separate wet and dry ingredients for better mixing.
• Piping bag: Using this makes transferring the batter into the donut pan neat and mess-free.

Ingredients

These Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze are ideal for portion control, are low calorie, and have less fat than fried donuts. They are baked, quick and easy to prepare, and quite yummy, making the perfect Autumn coffee time treat.

For the Donuts

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup oat flour (to make oat flour, grind well old-fashioned oats in a food processor or blender until getting a fine flour texture)
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg (at room temperature)
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup oil
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin or pumpkin puree (it is the same as a mashed pumpkin. There are no spices or sugar added.)

For the Maple Glaze

• 1¼ cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon dark corn syrup (or Karo dark corn syrup)
• ½ tablespoon water
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

How to Make Pumpkin Donuts

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a mini donut pan with cooking spray and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the following dry ingredients:
– All-purpose flour
– Oat flour
– Pumpkin pie spice
– Ground cinnamon
– Baking powder
– Baking soda
– Salt

Set aside once combined.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together these wet ingredients:
– Egg
– Light brown sugar
– Oil
– Vanilla extract
– Canned pumpkin

Ensure everything is well mixed.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Whisk until fully combined to form a thick donut batter.

Step 5: Pipe into Donut Pan

Transfer the batter into a large piping bag. Pipe it into the greased mini donut pan, filling each cavity about halfway full.

Step 6: Bake Donuts

Bake for about 6-7 minutes or until they spring back when touched. A toothpick inserted should come out clean or without crumbs.

Step 7: Cool Down

Transfer the baked donuts to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare Maple Glaze

While cooling, prepare your glaze by whisking together:
– Powdered sugar
– Maple syrup
– Dark corn syrup
– Water
– Ground cinnamon

Once smooth, place the wire rack over a lined baking sheet. Dip the tops of each donut into the glaze, ensuring they are well coated. Let them rest until glaze sets completely.

How to Serve Pumpkin Donuts

Pumpkin Donuts are a delightful treat that pairs wonderfully with many accompaniments. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With Coffee

• Pair your pumpkin donuts with a freshly brewed cup of coffee for a perfect morning boost. The rich flavors of the coffee complement the sweetness of the donuts beautifully.

With Whipped Cream

• Top your pumpkin donuts with a dollop of whipped cream. This adds a creamy texture that balances the spiced flavors of the donut.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve pumpkin donuts alongside slices of fresh fruit like apples or pears. The freshness provides a refreshing contrast to the dense sweetness of the donuts.

Dipped in Chocolate

• Melt some dark or milk chocolate and dip half of each pumpkin donut in it. This indulgent twist makes for an even more decadent treat.

With Ice Cream

• Enjoy pumpkin donuts warm with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream on top. This creates a delightful dessert that is perfect for special occasions.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Donuts

Creating the perfect Pumpkin Donuts is all about technique and attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your donuts come out perfectly baked every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your egg and canned pumpkin are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and improves texture.

• Don’t Overmix: Once you combine wet and dry ingredients, mix gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough donuts.

• Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to test if your pumpkin donuts are baked through. They should spring back when touched and come out clean from the center.

• Cool Completely Before Glazing: Let your donuts cool completely on a wire rack before dipping them in glaze. This prevents the glaze from melting off and ensures it sets properly.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Donuts

Pumpkin Donuts make an excellent addition to any meal or gathering. Here are some side dishes that pair well with these delicious treats.

1. Apple Cider: A warm mug of apple cider enhances the autumnal flavors and complements the spices in pumpkin donuts.

2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and seasonal fruits for a nutritious side that balances sweetness with creaminess.

3. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts add crunch and flavor complexity, making them an ideal pairing for sweet pumpkin treats.

4. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese, which provide savory notes that contrast nicely with sweet pumpkin donuts.

5. Chai Latte: The warming spices in chai tea harmonize beautifully with pumpkin flavors, creating an aromatic beverage option.

6. Maple Syrup Drizzle: Serve extra maple syrup on the side for those who love an extra touch of sweetness on their donuts.

7. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits can refresh your palate between bites of sweet pumpkin goodness.

8. Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips: Crispy chips dusted with cinnamon sugar offer another crunchy element that pairs well with soft donuts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making pumpkin donuts can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes is essential for the best results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the Cooling Step: Allowing the donuts to cool completely before glazing helps the glaze adhere better. Skipping this step can lead to a messy finish.

• Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can make the donuts tough rather than fluffy. Mix until just combined for perfect texture.

• Using Cold Ingredients: Using cold eggs or pumpkin can affect the batter consistency. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for even mixing.

• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Baking requires precision; using too much or too little of an ingredient can ruin your donuts. Use measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.

• Ignoring Donut Pan Preparation: Failing to grease your donut pan properly may cause sticking. Always use cooking spray or oil to ensure easy removal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store pumpkin donuts in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pumpkin Donuts

• Place cooled pumpkin donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container; they can last up to 2 months in the freezer.

Reheating Pumpkin Donuts

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Warm donuts for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual donuts for about 10-15 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping occasionally until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about pumpkin donuts:

Can I make Pumpkin Donuts gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking.

How can I customize my Pumpkin Donuts?

Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits into the batter before baking for extra flavor and texture.

What should I do if my Pumpkin Donuts turn out dry?

Ensure you measure your ingredients accurately and avoid overbaking them. Adding a bit more canned pumpkin can also help retain moisture.

How long do Pumpkin Donuts last?

When stored properly, they last up to 3 days in the refrigerator and about 2 months when frozen.

Final Thoughts

These Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze are not only delightful but also versatile! Perfect as a snack or breakfast treat, you can easily customize them to fit your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a seasonal favorite!