Name: Irresistibly Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts to Savor at Home
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 26 min
Ingredients: 0.5 cups pumpkin puree; 0.75 cups brown sugar; 0.25 cups vegetable oil; 0.25 cups milk; 1 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice; 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon; 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg; 0.25 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons butter; 0.33 cups granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon

As I was sipping my morning coffee, the warm, earthy scent of pumpkin spice wafted through the air—it instantly sparked nostalgia for autumn festivities. This led me to create these Baked Pumpkin Donuts, perfect for anyone looking to swap out the hustle of fast food for delightful homemade comfort. Whipping up these beauties takes just about 10 minutes of prep and 16 minutes in the oven, making them the quickest way to infuse your kitchen with the cozy flavors of fall. Not only are these donuts a healthier alternative to their fried counterparts, but they also offer the perfect blend of sweetness and comfort—ideal for satisfying those midday cravings or impressing friends at brunch. Have you ever seen a dish so inviting that you can’t wait to take a bite? Let’s dive into this delicious adventure together!

What makes these donuts irresistible?

Easy to Make: With just 10 minutes of prep and 16 minutes of baking, you can enjoy fresh donuts in no time. Perfect for those busy mornings or sweet cravings!

Pumpkin Perfection: The rich pumpkin puree blended with aromatic spices brings the ultimate fall flavor, warming your heart with every bite.

Healthier Indulgence: These baked donuts are a guilt-free treat, providing a lighter option compared to fried versions without sacrificing taste!

Crowd-Pleasing Delicacy: Ideal for brunch, parties, or a cozy night in, these donuts will impress family and friends alike.

Customizable Delight: Feel free to experiment with toppings or fillings to make them your own—just wait till you see the smiles on everyone’s faces!

Baked Pumpkin Donuts Ingredients

For the Batter
• Pumpkin puree – adds warmth and moisture, bringing that delightful pumpkin flavor to your baked pumpkin donuts.
• Brown sugar – provides a rich, caramel-like sweetness that complements the spices beautifully.
• Vegetable oil – keeps the donuts moist and tender for a delightful texture.
• Milk – helps to create a smooth batter, ensuring the donuts are soft and fluffy.
• All-purpose flour – the base for our donut, gives structure and a light crumb.
• Baking powder – ensures the donuts rise and become fluffy as they bake.
• Pumpkin pie spice – a blend of spices that captures the essence of fall in every bite.
• Cinnamon – adds warmth and depth, enhancing the autumnal flavors.
• Nutmeg – a pinch adds complexity to the flavor profile of your donuts.
• Salt – balances the sweetness, bringing all the flavors together.

For the Topping
• Butter – provides richness and helps the cinnamon-sugar adhere to the donuts.
• Granulated sugar – perfect for coating, giving a delightful sweetness and crunch.
• Cinnamon – enhances the flavor of the topping, making every bite irresistible.

Now you have everything you need to create your delicious baked pumpkin donuts!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). While the oven warms up, grab your donut pan and generously spray it with non-stick cooking spray to ensure your baked pumpkin donuts come out easily later on.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, combine ½ cup of pumpkin puree, ¾ cup of brown sugar, ¼ cup of vegetable oil, and ¼ cup of milk. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well blended, creating a rich and inviting base for your donuts.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. This blend will infuse your baked pumpkin donuts with warm, seasonal flavors while adding structure to the batter.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently with a spatula. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this will keep your baked pumpkin donuts light and fluffy. The batter should be thick and slightly lumpy, showing hints of spice.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan
Transfer the batter into a piping bag or a ziplock bag with one corner snipped off. Pipe the batter into each cavity of the prepared donut pan, filling them roughly three-quarters full for the best rise and shape. Aim for even distribution to ensure consistent baking.

Step 6: Bake the Donuts
Place the filled donut pan in your preheated oven and bake for 15-16 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they're ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the edges are lightly golden. Allow the toasted aroma to fill your kitchen as they bake!

Step 7: Cool the Donuts
Once baked, remove the donut pan from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. After that, gently flip the donuts onto a cooling rack. This allows them to cool completely while preserving their beautiful shape.

Step 8: Prepare the Topping
While the donuts cool, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the microwave until it’s beautifully liquid. This will give your baked pumpkin donuts a rich finish that helps the cinnamon-sugar topping stick perfectly.

Step 9: Coat in Butter and Sugar
In a small bowl, combine ⅓ cup of granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Take each cooled donut and either brush melted butter over the top or dip each side into the butter, then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until they’re well coated and irresistible.

How to Store and Freeze Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Room Temperature: Store your baked pumpkin donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and delicious.

Fridge: If you prefer, place the donuts in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 1 week. Just allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying for the best flavor.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze individual baked pumpkin donuts wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a ziplock bag for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for a few seconds.

Reheating: To reheat, place the donut in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy them cold for a delightful treat!

What to Serve with Baked Pumpkin Donuts?

Elevate your cozy donut experience with these perfect pairings that create a delightful meal.

Creamy Yogurt: A dollop of creamy Greek yogurt provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, spiced donuts. Enjoy them side by side for a perfect balance!
Coffee: Rich, aromatic coffee brings out the best flavors of pumpkin and spice, making for an unbeatable morning combo that stirs the senses.
Maple Syrup Drizzle: A drizzle of pure maple syrup enhances the sweetness and adds an extra layer of flavor to your pumpkin donuts. Simply divine!
Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and a refreshing crunch, completing the meal with vibrant textures and flavors.
Nutty Granola: Serve your donuts alongside a scoop of crunchy granola. The nutty flavors pair beautifully with the sweet spices of the donuts, bringing a delightful mouthfeel.
Chai Latte: The warm, spiced notes of a chai latte harmonize perfectly with the pumpkin flavors, creating a comforting and invigorating pairing.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Pair a warm donut with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a warm-cool experience that’s simply irresistible, particularly for dessert lovers!
Hot Chocolate: Rich hot chocolate brings a cozy touch, enveloping you in warmth as you indulge in pumpkin-flavored happiness. Perfect for chilly days!

Expert Tips for Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Donut Pan Matters: Use a quality non-stick donut pan to ensure easy release and perfect shaped donuts. A well-greased pan prevents sticking and maintains the delightful form of your baked pumpkin donuts.
Avoid Overmixing: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough donuts instead of fluffy goodness.
Fill Evenly: Fill your donut pan cavities about ¾ full to allow the perfect rise. Avoid overfilling, as this can lead to donut overflow and undesirable shapes.
Cool Completely: Let your donuts cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them. This prevents them from breaking apart and ensures they retain their shape.
Customize Your Coating: Experiment with alternate toppings like powdered sugar or a glaze for extra flair. The cinnamon-sugar blend is classic, but a unique twist makes your baked pumpkin donuts truly special!

Baked Pumpkin Donuts Variations & Substitutions

Invite your inner chef to play and find that perfect twist to make these donuts uniquely yours.

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for a completely gluten-free treat. Make sure to check that your baking powder is also gluten-free!
Dairy-Free: Use almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk. This simple swap keeps the flavor while making the recipe suitable for lactose intolerance.
Spiced Up: Add ½ teaspoon of ground ginger for an extra kick of warmth. The zing of ginger beautifully complements the pumpkin and spices.
Maple Glaze: For a lovely finish, replace the cinnamon-sugar topping with a maple glaze made from powdered sugar and maple syrup. This adds a sweet, nutty richness!
Nutty Crunch: Stir in ¼ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added texture and a delightful crunch. It will give your donuts an irresistible nutty flavor!
Choco-Dipped: After cooling, dip half of your donuts into melted dark chocolate instead of rolling them in sugar. This decadent addition creates a lovely contrast with the warm spices.
Candied Citrus Zest: Mix in 1 tablespoon of candied orange or lemon zest for a refreshing twist. It brightens the flavors and adds a touch of sophistication.
Heated Kick: For those who love spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter. Just a dash can transform your donuts into a delightful sweet-and-spicy treat!

Make Ahead Options

These Baked Pumpkin Donuts are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to streamline your mornings and still enjoy a delightful treat! You can mix the wet and dry ingredients separately and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just remember to let the wet ingredients come to room temperature before combining them with the dry ingredients. Additionally, if you'd like to prepare the donuts even further, you can bake them in advance and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. To maintain their fluffy texture, simply reheat the donuts for a few seconds in the microwave before enjoying, and follow the final steps of coating them in melted butter and cinnamon-sugar just before serving for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste!

Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe FAQs

Why is my pumpkin puree too watery?
Absolutely! Sometimes, pumpkin puree can be too watery if it’s not well-drained. To resolve this, place your pumpkin puree in a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth and allow it to sit for about 15-20 minutes. This will help remove excess moisture, ensuring your baked pumpkin donuts are thick and rich.

How do I store leftover baked pumpkin donuts?
You can store your baked pumpkin donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, pop them in the fridge, where they’ll stay good for about 1 week. Just remember to bring them back to room temperature for the best flavor before indulging!

Can I freeze baked pumpkin donuts?
Yes! To freeze your baked pumpkin donuts, individually wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in a ziplock bag. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

What should I do if my donuts sink after baking?
Very good question! If your baked pumpkin donuts sink, it’s usually due to too much moisture in your batter or undercooking. To prevent this, make sure to measure your ingredients accurately, particularly the pumpkin puree. Ensure your donuts are fully baked by checking them with a toothpick—if it comes out clean, they're ready!

Are baked pumpkin donuts safe for pets?
No, it's best to avoid giving your pets baked pumpkin donuts due to the sugar and spices. While plain pumpkin is healthy for dogs and can aid digestion, the added ingredients in these donuts could upset their tummy. Stick to plain pumpkin puree for your furry friends to enjoy!

How can I tell when my donuts are perfectly cooked?
To check if your baked pumpkin donuts are done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they’re ready! Additionally, the donuts should have a lightly golden edge and feel springy to the touch—this is a clear sign they're perfectly baked.