Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe

Fall is here, and nothing screams cozy season quite like the warm, spiced aroma of pumpkin treats filling your kitchen.

These baked pumpkin donuts are the perfect way to embrace autumn vibes, whether you’re sipping a hot coffee or hosting a weekend brunch.

They’re soft, fluffy, and bursting with pumpkin spice flavor, topped with a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating that makes every bite irresistible.

Plus, they’re baked, not fried, so you can enjoy them guilt-free.

Let’s dive into this easy, delicious recipe that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe

These baked pumpkin donuts are a fall favorite because they combine the rich, earthy flavor of pumpkin with the warm spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

They’re quick to whip up, beginner-friendly, and perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack.

The recipe is versatile, letting you customize toppings or glazes, and the donuts stay fresh for days.

Here’s why they’re a must-try:

Packed with fall flavors like pumpkin puree and warm spices.
Baked, not fried, for a lighter treat.
Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy mornings.
Kid-friendly and great for sharing at gatherings.
Easily adaptable for different glazes or toppings.

See Also: Pumpkin Pancakes Recipe

Ingredients for Baked Pumpkin Donuts

You’ll need simple pantry staples and a few fall-inspired ingredients to make these donuts. Here’s the lineup:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp salt
¾ cup pumpkin puree
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
1 large egg
¼ cup vegetable oil
¼ cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Coating:
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ cup melted butter

Kitchen Equipment Needed

You don’t need fancy tools to make these donuts, just a few basics. Here’s what you’ll use:

See Also: Pumpkin Scones

Step-by-Step Instructions to make Baked Pumpkin Donuts

1. Preheat the Oven and Prep the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grab your donut pan and lightly grease each cavity with cooking spray or a bit of vegetable oil to ensure the donuts pop out easily after baking.

If you’re using a silicone donut pan, you can skip the greasing, but it’s still a good idea to give it a quick spray for extra insurance.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice, ½ tsp ground cinnamon, ¼ tsp ground nutmeg, and ¼ tsp salt.

Use a whisk to blend everything together evenly, breaking up any clumps in the flour.

This ensures the spices are distributed evenly for that perfect fall flavor in every bite.

3. Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together ¾ cup pumpkin puree, ½ cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 large egg, ¼ cup vegetable oil, ¼ cup milk, and 1 tsp vanilla extract.

Mix until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.

The pumpkin puree will give the batter a vibrant orange color and a slightly thick texture.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and use a spatula to gently fold them together.

Mix just until no dry flour streaks remain—overmixing can make the donuts dense, so be gentle.

The batter should be thick but smooth, perfect for piping into the donut pan.

5. Fill the Donut Pan

Spoon the batter into a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off.

Pipe the batter evenly into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.

This leaves room for the donuts to rise without overflowing.

If you don’t have a piping bag, you can carefully spoon the batter into the cavities, but piping gives cleaner results.

6. Bake the Donuts

Place the donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts spring back when lightly pressed and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

The tops will be slightly golden, and your kitchen will smell like fall heaven.

Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

7. Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

While the donuts cool slightly, mix ½ cup granulated sugar and 1 tsp ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl.

Melt ¼ cup butter in another small bowl.

Brush each donut lightly with melted butter, then dip or roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat.

Work quickly while the donuts are still warm for the best adhesion.

See Also: Apple Cider Donuts

Tips for Success

Use room-temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
Don’t overfill the donut pan to avoid misshapen donuts.
Check for doneness early to prevent overbaking.
If the cinnamon-sugar doesn’t stick, brush on more butter.
Double the recipe for a crowd, but bake in batches.

See Also: Pumpkin Waffles

Serving Suggestions

These pumpkin donuts are perfect for cozy mornings, fall gatherings, or as a sweet treat with your afternoon coffee.

Their warm spices and fluffy texture make them a hit at any time of day.

Here are some fun ways to serve them:

Pair with a hot coffee or chai latte for breakfast.
Serve with caramel sauce for dipping at dessert.
Add to a brunch spread with pumpkin pancakes.
Offer as a sweet snack at fall parties.
Gift in a cute box for a homemade holiday treat.

See Also: Pumpkin French Toast Recipe

Variations to Try

Maple Glaze: Swap the cinnamon-sugar for a glaze made with maple syrup and powdered sugar.
Chocolate Dip: Dip cooled donuts in melted chocolate for a decadent twist.
Nut Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon-sugar coating.
Cream Cheese Frosting: Spread with a tangy cream cheese frosting for extra indulgence.
Mini Donuts: Use a mini donut pan for bite-sized treats.

See Also: Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

To refresh, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.

For longer storage, freeze uncoated donuts in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.

Thaw at room temperature and coat with cinnamon-sugar before serving.

See Also: Cranberry Scones Recipe

Nutritional Facts

Per donut (based on 12 donuts):

Calories: 180
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Carbohydrates: 27g
Sugar: 15g
Protein: 3g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 150mg

See Also: Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

Pumpkin puree is the star of these donuts, and it’s not just delicious—it’s packed with nutrients that make these treats a little less indulgent.

Combined with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, this recipe offers some surprising health perks.

Here’s why these ingredients shine:

Pumpkin puree: Rich in vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants for eye health and digestion.
Cinnamon: May help regulate blood sugar and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Nutmeg: Contains antioxidants and may aid digestion.
Egg: Provides high-quality protein and essential nutrients.
Milk: Adds calcium and vitamin D for strong bones.

See Also: Health Benefits of Cloves

FAQs About Baked Pumpkin Donuts

1. Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Yes, you can swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Make sure it’s a blend designed for baking, like one with xanthan gum, to get the right texture.

The donuts may be slightly denser, but they’ll still taste amazing.

2. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Absolutely! Cook and puree fresh pumpkin until smooth, then measure out ¾ cup.

Make sure to drain excess liquid to avoid a watery batter.

Canned pumpkin puree is more consistent, but fresh works great if you’re up for the extra step.

3. Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

Yes, you can use a muffin pan to make donut-shaped muffins.

Roll aluminum foil into small cylinders and place them in the center of each muffin cup to create a hole.

Fill the cups ¾ full and bake as directed.

4. How do I make the donuts vegan?

Swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water, let sit 5 minutes), use plant-based milk, and replace butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.

The flavor will stay deliciously pumpkin-y.

5. Can I skip the cinnamon-sugar coating?

You can skip it or try a different topping, like a maple syrup glaze or powdered sugar dusting.

Without the coating, the donuts are less sweet but still flavorful thanks to the pumpkin and spices.

See Also: Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake

Conclusion

These baked pumpkin donuts are the ultimate fall treat—easy to make, full of cozy flavors, and perfect for sharing.

They’re a great way to bring the taste of autumn to your table without spending hours in the kitchen.

Whether you’re baking for a family breakfast or a festive gathering, these donuts will steal the show.

Try them out, experiment with the variations, and let the warm spices fill your home with fall magic. Happy baking!

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Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe

Ingredients for Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Kitchen Equipment Needed