Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe because it’s one of those cozy, fall-inspired treats that never fails to brighten up my kitchen. There’s something so satisfying about biting into a donut that’s moist, spiced just right, and topped with a sweet cinnamon sugar coating—it’s like a little hug in dessert form. Whether you’re whipping these up for a chilly weekend breakfast or an impromptu gathering, they’re always a hit.

When I first tried making baked donuts, I was skeptical that they could be as tender and flavorful as their fried counterparts. But this Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe proved me so wrong! Not only are they easier to make and way less messy, but the pumpkin adds a wonderful moistness and natural sweetness that you’ll truly appreciate. Plus, you’ll enjoy how quickly they come together—you’ll want to make these your go-to for pumpkin season!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe calls for an easy-to-find set of ingredients that work harmoniously—the blend of warm spices really brings out the pumpkin’s natural sweetness. Don’t rush on the pumpkin puree; using a good quality canned or homemade version makes a noticeable difference.

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure; make sure it’s fresh for the best texture.
• Baking soda & baking powder: These leavening agents help your donuts rise beautifully without getting dense.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves (or allspice): The key festive spices that bring warmth and depth to your donuts.
• Light brown sugar & granulated sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and caramel notes, while granulated sugar gives sweetness and tender crumb.
• Unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and helps keep your donuts moist.
• Eggs (room temperature): Bind the ingredients and give the donuts their fluffy texture.
• Pumpkin puree: The star of the recipe, packed with moisture and fall flavor.
• Cinnamon sugar: For the irresistible coating—simple but transformative.

Variations

I love how adaptable this Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe is—it’s easy to tweak based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Feel free to play with the spices or toppings to make it truly your own. Trust me, you’ll discover your favorite twist with a little experimenting!

• Gluten-Free Version: I swapped in a 1-for-1 gluten-free flour blend once, and the donuts still came out soft and flavorful—just watch the baking time closely.
• Vegan Adaptation: I’ve tried using flax eggs and coconut oil instead of butter with decent results, though the texture is a bit different but still delicious.
• Spice Adjustments: If you prefer a bolder spice punch, I increased the cinnamon and added a pinch of cardamom one season; it was a hit with friends!
• Toppings: Beyond cinnamon sugar, cream cheese glaze or a simple powdered sugar dusting also complement these donuts beautifully.

How to Make Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Prepping Your Oven and Pan

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). I can’t stress enough how important preheating is—it ensures your donuts bake evenly from the start. Then, grease your donut pan thoroughly with nonstick spray or butter; I use a pastry brush to make sure every little cavity is well coated, which helps the donuts come out cleanly.

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and the warm spices—cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves (or allspice). This step helps evenly distribute everything, so your donuts get that perfect, balanced flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Combine Your Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and melted butter until the butter is absorbed. Then, add the eggs and whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and fluffy—this aerates the batter and helps your donuts rise beautifully. Finally, stir in the pumpkin puree; I usually scrape the sides well to make sure everything is incorporated evenly.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with your dry ingredients, and stir gently until no flour pockets remain. I like to use a rubber spatula and mix just until combined—over-mixing can make the donuts tough, so keep it light. Then, spoon or pipe the batter evenly into your prepared donut pan.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake your donuts for about 12 to 14 minutes at 350°F, testing with a toothpick inserted in the center—it should come out with just a few moist crumbs. Once out of the oven, let them cool in the pan for a couple of minutes before gently transferring to a wire rack. This helps prevent breakage and lets them firm up just right.

Step 6: Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While the donuts are still warm, brush each one lightly with melted butter using a pastry brush—this helps the cinnamon sugar stick like magic. Then, toss or sprinkle them generously with your cinnamon sugar mixture. The cinnamon sugar adds that final touch of sweetness and crunch that makes these donuts addictive.

How to Serve Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it classic with the cinnamon sugar coating because it adds a lovely sweet crunch, but I also like to sprinkle a little powdered sugar for extra elegance when serving guests. During the holidays, I’ve even drizzled cream cheese glaze with a dusting of nutmeg on top—it feels indulgent without being overpowering.

Side Dishes

These pumpkin donuts pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea—perfect for a cozy brunch. I also like to serve them alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the spice with freshness. For a snack, a glass of cold milk is always a classic crowd-pleaser.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun touch during fall parties, I’ve arranged these donuts stacked like a little tower adorned with autumn leaves and tiny pumpkins around the platter—it’s a showstopper. Another time, I placed them individually in small kraft-paper bags tied with twine for a charming homemade gift. Presentation really makes these feel extra special!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, I recommend storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps the donuts soft and tasty without losing their moisture. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before storing to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these donuts successfully by wrapping each one in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months frozen. When I want to enjoy some, I just let them thaw at room temperature and finish with a quick microwave zap to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth.

Reheating

To reheat, I microwave the donuts for about 10-15 seconds or pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This revives the softness and warms the spices without drying them out. If they’ve lost some of the cinnamon sugar coating, just brush with a little melted butter and sprinkle some more—it’s like freshly made again!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites when it comes to quick, comforting baking. I love how approachable it is, especially if you’re new to baking donuts or just want a healthier alternative to fried versions. If you’re craving that cozy pumpkin spice flavor without much fuss, these donuts are just the ticket. I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing them as much as I do—they have a way of turning any ordinary day into something special.

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