As the vibrant hues of summer gently give way to the warm embrace of autumn, a delightful shift in our culinary cravings begins. Even in regions where the summer sun holds its ground stubbornly, like the high temperatures often seen in Phoenix, the calendar’s turn to September signals an undeniable yearning for fall’s comforting flavors. This unique transitional period allows us to savor the last remnants of summer’s bounty while eagerly anticipating the spiced, cozy delights that autumn brings. While the light and fresh tastes of spring and summer are cherished, there’s something truly magical about the hearty, warm, and deeply flavored dishes that emerge with the cooler weather. Imagine the aroma of pumpkin and apple baking, the rich taste of homemade soups accompanied by crusty breads, and the irresistible charm of freshly baked cookies and pies. It’s a season that truly celebrates the art of home baking and comforting indulgence.
Among the pantheon of fall ingredients, pumpkin stands out as a versatile and beloved star. It lends its subtle sweetness and earthy notes beautifully to a myriad of dishes, but its true calling lies in baked goods. Today, we’re excited to usher in the autumnal spirit with a recipe that perfectly marries the cozy essence of pumpkin with the rich, creamy decadence of Nutella: these incredible Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Nutella Glaze. Forget the traditional deep-frying mess and embrace a healthier, yet equally satisfying, approach. These donuts are baked to a soft, cake-like perfection, making them a lighter option without compromising on flavor or texture. They are wonderfully easy to prepare, transforming an ordinary morning into a special occasion, serving as an ideal treat for a lazy weekend breakfast, a delightful after-school snack, or a charming addition to any festive fall gathering. My family, especially the kids, absolutely adores these Fall Donuts, and I am certain they will quickly become a cherished favorite in your kitchen too.
Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Irresistible Nutella Glaze
These aren’t just any donuts; they are a celebration of autumn wrapped in a sweet, chocolate-hazelnut hug. The beauty of baking these donuts, rather than frying, lies in their wonderfully moist, cake-like crumb. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of warm pumpkin spice, a hint of comforting sweetness, and that unmistakable, rich Nutella flavor that elevates them beyond a simple breakfast pastry. They are quick enough to whip up for an impromptu brunch and impressive enough to share with guests. The aroma alone, filling your kitchen with cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin, is enough to get you excited for the season.
The magic starts with the perfectly spiced pumpkin batter. Using pumpkin puree ensures a moist and tender donut, while a thoughtful blend of pumpkin pie spice adds that classic autumnal warmth we all crave. Baking powder and baking soda work in tandem to give these donuts their perfect rise and fluffy texture. But what truly sets these donuts apart is the luxurious Nutella glaze. It’s a simple concoction of powdered sugar, a touch of milk, vanilla extract, and, of course, the star ingredient – Nutella. This glaze forms a smooth, glossy coating that not only looks enticing but also adds a depth of flavor that complements the pumpkin beautifully. The combination is simply irresistible, making these donuts a must-try for anyone who loves fall treats and chocolate-hazelnut goodness.
More Autumnal & Delicious Recipes to Explore
- Pumpkin Bars with Nutella Buttercream Frosting
- Vanilla Cake Donuts with Strawberry Glaze
- Nutella Hot Chocolate
- Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Nutella Banana Cinnamon Rolls
- Triple Chocolate Donuts
- Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Pumpkin Browned Butter Frosting
Pumpkin Donuts with Nutella Glaze
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Ingredients for the Ultimate Fall Treat
For the light and fluffy baked pumpkin donuts:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup butter, softened
For the luscious Nutella Glaze:
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup Nutella
- 3 – 4 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Simple Steps to Perfect Pumpkin & Nutella Donuts
For the donuts:
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Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Lightly spray a donut pan with non-stick cooking spray, ensuring all cavities are well-coated to prevent sticking. Set the prepared pan aside.
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In a medium mixing bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth. Add the pumpkin puree, eggs, and milk, mixing thoroughly until all wet ingredients are well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, packed brown sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough donuts. Divide the batter evenly among the donut wells in your prepared pan, filling each about two-thirds full. For easier filling, you can transfer the batter to a piping bag (or a large Ziploc bag with the corner snipped off) and pipe it into the molds.
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Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown and spring back when gently touched. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from becoming soggy and helps them maintain their shape.
For the luxurious Nutella glaze:
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In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, Nutella, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together with a wire whisk until the glaze is completely smooth and free of lumps. The consistency should be pourable yet thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If the glaze appears too thick, add a bit more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
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Once the donuts have cooled completely on the wire rack, it’s time to glaze them! Carefully dip the tops of each pumpkin donut into the smooth Nutella glaze. Allow any excess glaze to drip off before placing the glazed donuts upright back onto the cooling rack. Let them sit until the glaze is fully set, which usually takes about 15-30 minutes, depending on the thickness of your glaze and the humidity in your kitchen. This ensures a clean, non-sticky finish.
Tips for Success & Variations
- **Donut Pan Essentials:** A good quality non-stick donut pan is crucial for these baked treats. If you don’t have one, muffin tins can also be used to make pumpkin muffins or donut holes, though the baking time will need to be adjusted.
- **Pumpkin Puree vs. Pie Filling:** Always use plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which is already sweetened and spiced.
- **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the batter develops gluten, resulting in tougher donuts. Mix until just combined for a tender crumb.
- **Piping Bag for Precision:** Using a piping bag (or a sturdy ziplock bag with a corner snipped off) makes filling the donut pan much neater and easier.
- **Glaze Consistency is Key:** For a perfect glaze, ensure it’s thick enough to coat but thin enough to drip smoothly. Adjust with milk or powdered sugar as needed.
- **Get Creative with Glaze:** While Nutella is divine, feel free to experiment with other glazes. A simple vanilla glaze, a maple glaze, or a cream cheese frosting would also be wonderful. You could even sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for a classic donut shop feel.
- **Add-ins:** For an extra layer of flavor and texture, consider folding in mini chocolate chips or finely chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) into the donut batter before baking.
- **Serving Suggestions:** These pumpkin donuts are best enjoyed fresh, perhaps with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of cold milk. They make a fantastic addition to any fall brunch or dessert spread.
- **Storage:** Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. While they are best fresh, they still taste delicious on subsequent days.
Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Donut)
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Originally published on September 1, 2014. Updated on May 1, 2021.