I was day dreaming (as you do) on my way home from work the other day after a particularly tiring day. I was thinking of what would really hit the spot at that moment to perk me up.... and well since pregnancy cravings rule these days, donuts was the first thing that popped into my head. Warm, soft and cinnamony. Mmm yes please!

However I didn't want the calories that come with the deep fried version from the local donut shop. As good as they are I couldn't afford that much indulgence.... although it was highly tempting. I remembered reading a recipe a while back about oven baked donuts and I thought this would be a great compromise to the oily alternative.

As I continued driving home I noticed the leaves changing colour and floating away with the wind.... I thought "it's Autumn so what would make a good Autumn flavoured donut?". "Pumpkin" - it oozes autumn and winter and would make a great combination with the cinnamon. So I started from there and did a bit of research on the web for a base recipe.

Hubby came home as I was whipping these up and asked what I was making...... Pumpkin Donuts I declared. I think he thought I lost it. He asked where on earth I had came up with that idea. I simply told him I was craving donuts and this is what I came up with. Maybe baby brain had truly struck me down on this day and I was losing my mind.

After piping the donut mixture onto a tray and cooking them for 12 minutes, there was a beautiful waft of spices cooking donuts filling the air. I don't think hubby thought I was so crazy when I pulled them from the oven, slathered them with butter and cinnamon sugar mixture and presented them on a plate to him with a cup of tea. I do believe he's eaten one or two everday since!

Ovenbaked Spiced Pumpkin Donuts

Prep Time: 15 min

Cook Time: 12 min

Ingredients (16-24 donuts)

2 cup Plain Flour
½ tsp Salt
1 ½ tsp Baking Powder
¼ tsp Baking Soda
½ cup Brown Sugar
½ tsp Ginger
1 tsp Cinnamon
¼ tsp Mixed Spice
1/8 tsp Nutmeg
2 eggs
¼ cup Milk
¼ cup Butter
½ cup Pumpkin, cold, mashed

Topping:

3 Tbsp Butter, melted
3 tbsp, Sugar
½ tbsp Cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees. Line large cookies trays with baking paper.

In a mixing bowl add the butter and sugar and beat until creamy. Add the eggs one by one and beat until combined. Slowly add the milk and pumpkin and mix thoroughly.

Sift in the flour, baking soda and powder, spices and salt and slowly mix until thoroughly combined.

Place mixture into a freezer bag and cut the corner of the bag to create a piping bag. Pipe the mixture onto the cookie trays into donut shapes.

Place in oven and cook for 10-12 min or until golden brown.

Remove and cool for 5 min. Brush donuts with melted butter and sprinkle with combined sugar and cinnamon mixture. Enjoy with a nice cup of tea!