Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe

If you’re on the lookout for a delightful fall treat that’s just as easy to whip up as it is delicious, these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are calling your name. These soft, moist donuts perfectly balance the warm spices of pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon with a rich pumpkin puree base, making every bite feel like a cozy hug from the inside out. The best part? They’re baked, not fried, so you get all the comfort without the mess. Whether you’re a pumpkin fanatic or just love a great homemade donut, this recipe will quickly become a seasonal staple you’ll reach for again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be intimidated by a long ingredient list—this recipe relies on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that work together to create the perfect texture, flavor, and that irresistible autumnal hue.

• Pumpkin puree: The star ingredient that brings moisture, flavor, and that glorious pumpkin color.
• Milk: Adds just enough creaminess to keep the batter smooth without weighing it down.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps your donuts tender and soft without being greasy.
• All-purpose flour: The structural backbone that holds everything together with a light crumb.
• Brown sugar: Infuses a subtle molasses flavor and keeps the donuts wonderfully moist.
• Pumpkin pie spice: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that gives these donuts their quintessential fall flavor.
• Baking powder: Helps the donuts rise beautifully for a soft, airy texture.
• Cinnamon: Adds extra warmth and depth both in the batter and the coating.
• Salt: Balances all the sweetness and spices for a well-rounded flavor.
• Nutmeg: Provides a subtle spicy kick to elevate the pumpkin’s natural sweetness.
• Granulated sugar (for coating): Combines with cinnamon for that classic sweet-spicy exterior.
• Butter (melted, for coating): Adds richness and helps the cinnamon sugar stick perfectly to each donut.

How to Make Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Step 1: Prepare Your Donut Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF. To avoid any sticking drama later, generously spray your donut pan with a non-stick cooking spray. This little step ensures your donuts will come out easily, perfectly shaped and intact.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and milk. Whisk these together until they form a smooth, slightly runny mixture. This wet base keeps your donuts moist and full of pumpkin flavor.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately

In a smaller bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mixing the dry spices well ensures every donut has an even burst of autumn flavor in every bite.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet pumpkin mixture, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Overmixing can make donuts tough, so stop when there are no visible dry spots left—some small lumps are okay.

Step 5: Pipe or Spoon the Batter Into the Pan

For even and neat donuts, transfer your batter to a piping bag or a ziplock bag with one corner snipped off. Pipe the batter into each donut cavity, filling about three-quarters full for a perfect dome shape. If you don’t have a bag, use a spoon but go gently to keep the donuts even.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Bake the donuts for 15 to 16 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes to firm up enough for easy removal.

Step 7: Cool Completely

Flip your pan upside down onto a cooling rack to release the donuts smoothly. Allow them to cool at least another 10 minutes; this step is crucial so the coating sticks properly and your donuts maintain their tender crumb.

Step 8: Coat With Cinnamon Sugar

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Use a pastry brush to lightly coat each donut with the melted butter or gently dip the donuts in the butter for full coverage. Then, toss the donuts in a cinnamon sugar mixture for that sweet, crunchy, and spicy crust that makes these easy baked pumpkin donuts truly irresistible.

How to Serve Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Garnishes

While the cinnamon sugar coating is fantastic on its own, you can elevate these donuts with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple glaze. Chopped pecans or walnuts add a crunchy contrast that pairs wonderfully with the soft texture. Fresh whipped cream or a dollop of cream cheese frosting turns these into dessert-level treats.

Side Dishes

Serve your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts alongside a steaming cup of chai tea, coffee, or a cozy latte to complement the warm spices. For a more substantial brunch, pair them with scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to keep breakfast balanced and delicious.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests or just treat yourself? Stack these donuts on a rustic wooden board sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, or arrange them on a pretty cake stand surrounded by mini pumpkins and autumn leaves. Garnishing the plate with a few cinnamon sticks or a small bowl of pumpkin butter can add a festive flair to your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts leftover, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keeping them away from moisture and air will help maintain their soft texture without getting soggy.

Freezing

These baked donuts freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. They will keep for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight at room temperature.

Reheating

To enjoy your donuts as fresh-baked, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in a 300ºF oven for 5 minutes. This brings back their tender crumb and melts the cinnamon sugar coating slightly for a just-baked experience.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for these donuts?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree is perfect for this recipe and makes it easy year-round. Just avoid pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.

Can these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts be made gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum to maintain structure. The texture may vary slightly but they’ll still be delicious.

What can I use instead of vegetable oil?

You can swap vegetable oil for melted coconut oil or even light olive oil for a slightly different flavor, but avoid butter in the batter as it might make the donuts too dense.

How do I know when the donuts are fully baked?

Insert a toothpick or thin skewer into one of the donuts. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, they’re done baking and ready to cool.

Can I add frosting instead of the cinnamon sugar coating?

Definitely! A cream cheese frosting or a simple vanilla glaze works wonderfully if you want something a bit more indulgent. Just let the donuts cool completely before frosting.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing like the smell of freshly baked pumpkin donuts filling your kitchen, and these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts make that dream come true with minimal fuss. Soft, flavorful, and perfectly spiced, they’re a fantastic way to welcome the season or treat your loved ones anytime pumpkin cravings hit. Promise me you’ll give them a try—you might just find your new favorite treat to bake again and again!

Print