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To make these baked pumpkin cake donuts, gather the following items: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger - 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree - 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce - 1/4 cup vegetable oil - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional) - Powdered sugar (for dusting) Sometimes, you might not have all the ingredients. No worries! Here are some easy swaps: - All-purpose flour: Use whole wheat flour for a healthier option. - Brown sugar: White sugar works too, but it won’t add that rich taste. - Canned pumpkin puree: Fresh pumpkin puree is great if you have it. - Unsweetened applesauce: Use mashed banana or yogurt for moisture. - Vegetable oil: Melted coconut oil can replace it for a different flavor. - Eggs: Flax eggs or applesauce can work if you need an egg-free option. When picking your ingredients, freshness matters. Here’s how to choose well: - Flour: Check the expiration date. Fresh flour has a longer shelf life. - Pumpkin puree: Look for brands with no added sugar or preservatives. - Spices: Smell the spices. If they don’t smell strong, they may be old. - Nuts: Choose unsalted nuts with no cracks or blemishes. They should feel firm. - Eggs: Check for freshness by placing them in water. Fresh eggs sink, while old ones float. Use these tips to make sure your baked pumpkin cake donuts are as delicious as possible! First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for baking. While the oven heats, grease your donut pan with non-stick spray. Make sure to cover each cavity well. This helps the donuts pop out easily after baking. In a large bowl, add the dry ingredients. Combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Then, mix in 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Next, add 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger. Whisk everything together until it looks even. This step is key for flavor. Get another bowl for the wet ingredients. Add 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin puree, 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce, and 1/4 cup of vegetable oil. Crack in 2 large eggs and pour in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix these ingredients until they are smooth and well combined. This mixture gives your donuts their moist texture. Now, pour the wet mixture into the dry mix. Gently stir with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; some lumps are okay. If you want a crunch, fold in 1/4 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts at this point. This adds a nice texture to your donuts. Spoon the batter into your greased donut pan. Fill each cavity about 3/4 full. This allows room for the donuts to rise. Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for about 15-18 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick into the center of a donut. It should come out clean. Once the donuts bake, remove them from the oven. Let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you like, dust the cooled donuts with powdered sugar. This adds a sweet touch that makes them even more delightful. Enjoy your tasty treats! To get the best donuts, always preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps them bake evenly. Grease your donut pan well with non-stick spray. This step keeps the donuts from sticking. Fill each cavity about 3/4 full with batter. This gives them room to rise without overflowing. Bake for 15-18 minutes. Use a toothpick to check doneness; it should come out clean. One common mistake is overmixing the batter. Mix just until combined. If you mix too much, your donuts can become tough. Another mistake is not checking your baking powder and soda. Make sure they are fresh for the best rise. Also, avoid opening the oven door too soon. This can cause your donuts to sink. To boost flavor, try adding spices like cloves or allspice. You can also mix in chocolate chips for a sweet twist. For texture, chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts add crunch. Dust the donuts with powdered sugar for a sweet finish. Pair them with coffee or tea to enjoy their warmth. {{image_2}} You can easily add chocolate chips to your donut batter. Just mix in about 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips. This extra touch adds sweetness and a rich flavor. The chocolate pairs well with the pumpkin spice base. Kids love these donuts, and they make a fun treat for any occasion. For a sweet glaze, mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of milk. Stir until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled donuts. Let it set for a few minutes. This glaze makes the donuts even more special and adds an extra layer of sweetness. If you want a bolder flavor, try adding more spices. Increase the cinnamon to 1 1/2 teaspoons and add 1/4 teaspoon of cloves. This will give your donuts a warm, spicy kick. You can also add a pinch of allspice for extra depth. These spiced donuts are perfect for fall and winter. You can store baked pumpkin cake donuts in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for up to three days at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them. Just remember, refrigeration may change their texture slightly. To freeze your donuts, first let them cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about one hour. Once they are firm, transfer them to a freezer bag. They will keep well for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy, just thaw them overnight in the fridge. To reheat your donuts, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the donuts on a baking sheet and warm them for about 5-7 minutes. This makes them soft and tasty again. You can also use a microwave if you're in a hurry. Heat them for about 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to overdo it! Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. First, cook the pumpkin until soft. Then, mash it well. Measure one cup of the mashed pumpkin to match the recipe. Fresh pumpkin gives a nice flavor. You can use applesauce or mashed banana as an egg substitute. Use 1/4 cup of either for each egg. This adds moisture and keeps the donuts soft. Check the donuts with a toothpick. Insert it into the center of a donut. If it comes out clean, the donuts are done. They should also feel firm to the touch. Yes, you can make them gluten-free. Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Be sure the blend includes xanthan gum for the best texture. In this article, we explored making delicious pumpkin cake donuts. We covered ingredients, substitutes, and tips for freshness. You learned the step-by-step instructions for prepping and baking. I shared tricks for perfect donuts and common mistakes to avoid. Finally, we looked at fun variations and storage tips. Remember, practice improves your skills. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and share your results. Happy baking!

Baked Pumpkin Cake Donuts

Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with these delicious Baked Pumpkin Cake Donuts! Easy to make and packed with spices, this recipe combines pumpkin puree and warm seasonings for a delightful treat. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, these donuts are sure to impress. Ready to bake? Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy the sweetness of autumn in every bite!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree

1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

1/4 cup vegetable oil

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard donut pan with non-stick spray.

    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger until well combined.

      In another bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, applesauce, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.

        Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. If using, fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts.

          Spoon the batter into the greased donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.

            Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean.

              Remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

                Once cooled, dust the donuts with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness if desired.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 12 donuts