Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy autumn treat that’s easy to make and wildly satisfying, look no further than these irresistible Baked Pumpkin Donuts. With warm pumpkin spice, a tender crumb, and a swirl of cinnamon sugar on top, each bite captures the inviting flavors of fall. These donuts are baked, not fried, so you can indulge a little more guilt-free while still getting that freshly baked doughnut goodness at home. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, you’ll adore whipping up a batch for breakfasts, brunches, or simply sharing with friends over coffee.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Baked Pumpkin Donuts come together with simple pantry staples that each play a starring role—there’s no fussing or fancy equipment involved. Every ingredient brings something special, ensuring these donuts are irresistibly soft, sweet, and bursting with pumpkin spice magic.

• Vegetable oil: Keeps the donuts moist and tender without adding heavy flavor—perfect for a soft crumb.
• Eggs: Help bind the batter and add a little lift, creating fluffier donuts with a richer texture.
• Sugar: Sweetens the batter, enhancing that familiar donut taste while helping them brown beautifully.
• Pumpkin puree: Adds gorgeous color, lovely moisture, and that classic autumn flavor we all love.
• Pumpkin pie spice: Delivers the cozy spice blend essential for fall treats—think cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves all in one.
• Salt: Balances out the sweetness and sharpens the flavors so the spices really sing.
• Baking powder: Provides the rise that turns these donuts into fluffy, tender rounds.
• Vanilla: A splash amplifies all the warm, sweet notes in the pumpkin and spices.
• All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that holds everything together while remaining light.
• Sugar (for topping): Fuels that sparkly, sweet finish on the outside of each donut.
• Cinnamon (for topping): Infuses the classic sugar coating with fragrant spice for extra warmth.

How to Make Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Donut Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking. Lightly spray your donut pan with nonstick spray—this simple step makes it a breeze to pop the Baked Pumpkin Donuts out later without sticking or crumbling.

Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Donut Batter

Whisk together the vegetable oil, eggs, sugar, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, salt, baking powder, and vanilla in a large bowl. Stir until everything is well blended and smooth, then gently fold in the flour until just combined. You’ll see a thick, dreamy orange batter that already smells a bit like a pumpkin patch.

Step 3: Fill the Donut Pans

Spoon the batter into your prepared donut pan, filling each well about three-quarters full. Don’t worry if it’s a little uneven; the batter will settle as it bakes. This amount allows the Baked Pumpkin Donuts to puff up to the perfect height without overflowing.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 17 minutes. The tops will spring back when you gently press them, signaling they’re set. You’ll likely be greeted by the scent of warm pumpkin spice filling your kitchen!

Step 5: Cool and Unmold

Let the donuts cool in the pan for a short 5 minutes. This helps them finish setting, so they don’t break apart when you remove them. Carefully transfer each donut to a wire rack to cool further.

Step 6: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

Combine the extra sugar and cinnamon in a large plastic bag. One at a time, gently place each slightly warm donut into the bag. Give it a gentle shake so every side is dusted with a sparkling cinnamon sugar layer. Let them cool completely on a rack before storing or serving—if you can wait that long!

How to Serve Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Garnishes

A cozy swirl of cinnamon sugar makes these Baked Pumpkin Donuts shine just as they are, but you can make them look extra-special with an extra dusting of powdered sugar, a light drizzle of vanilla glaze, or even a dollop of whipped cream on the side if you’re feeling decadent.

Side Dishes

Serve these donuts alongside a hot mug of coffee, chai latte, or spiced apple cider for the ultimate fall breakfast or snack spread. For something more substantial, pair them with a savory egg dish or fresh fruit to round out your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange Baked Pumpkin Donuts in a rustic basket lined with a checked cloth for autumn gatherings, or stack them on a cake stand as an edible centerpiece. For brunches, try threading them onto skewers or layering between sheets of parchment in a gift box for a thoughtful homemade treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Baked Pumpkin Donuts fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’ll stay moist and flavorful, making them just as enjoyable as when they first came out of the oven.

Freezing

If you want to prepare ahead or batch bake, these donuts freeze beautifully. Arrange them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, separating layers with parchment. They’ll keep their texture and flavor for up to 2 months—just be sure to cool them completely before freezing.

Reheating

When you’re ready for another taste, thaw frozen donuts at room temperature. For that warm, just-baked feel, pop one in the microwave for 10 to 12 seconds or place them in a low oven for a few minutes. The cinnamon sugar coating will perk up and the donut will be as soft and tempting as ever.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Absolutely! If you have fresh pumpkin on hand, roast and mash it until super smooth. Be sure to drain off any excess moisture—extra liquid can make the donuts dense or gummy.

Do I need a donut pan to make Baked Pumpkin Donuts?

While a donut pan gives you classic donut shapes, you can improvise with a muffin tin—just bake spoonfuls of batter and use a small round cutter to make the holes afterward. It’s a fun twist if you’re feeling creative!

Can I substitute the vegetable oil with another fat?

Yes, melted coconut oil or even a mild olive oil work well if you want a slightly different flavor profile or a more wholesome twist. Just use the same amount as the recipe calls for.

Is it possible to make these donuts gluten-free?

Of course! Swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it’s a one-to-one substitute and already contains xanthan gum for best results.

How do I prevent the donuts from sticking to the pan?

A generous coat of nonstick spray is your best friend! If you’re still worried, dust the pan lightly with flour or sugar after spraying. Letting the donuts cool for a few minutes before unmolding really helps them pop out easily, too.

Final Thoughts

These Baked Pumpkin Donuts are the perfect blend of easy and impressive—ideal for bakers of all levels and any occasion that calls for a warm, spicy treat. Give them a try, and you’ll soon see why they’ve earned a place in the fall baking hall of fame. Bring out your donut pan, invite over some friends, and enjoy the irresistible magic of homemade Baked Pumpkin Donuts!

Print