Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy, comforting treat that celebrates fall flavors without any fuss, you’re going to adore these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts. They are moist, tender, and perfectly spiced with pumpkin pie spices and cinnamon, all baked to fluffy perfection. Best of all, these donuts skip the deep frying but still deliver that classic sweet, cinnamony coating that makes every bite irresistible. Whether you want a warm breakfast delight or a festive snack, this recipe makes pumpkin love effortless and absolutely delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering just a handful of ingredients, this recipe keeps things delightfully simple while ensuring every element supports the dough’s tender texture and rich pumpkin flavor. Each component—from the pumpkin puree to the aromatic spices—is essential in building layers of warmth and sweetness.

• ½ cup pumpkin puree: This is the heart of the recipe, adding moisture, natural sweetness, and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor.
• ¼ cup milk: Helps create the smooth batter consistency and keeps the donuts soft.
• ¼ cup vegetable oil: Adds tenderness and a subtle richness without overpowering the pumpkin taste.
• 1 cup all purpose flour: The base ingredient that gives structure to these baked delights.
• ½ cup brown sugar: Gives a pleasantly deep molasses flavor that complements the pumpkin perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: A fragrant blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that makes these donuts unmistakably autumnal.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: The leavening agent that helps the donuts rise and become light and fluffy.
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon: Adds a warm and cozy note to the batter itself.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances depth of flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg: A tiny pinch for that signature pumpkin spice aroma.
• For the cinnamon sugar coating: ⅓ cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.

How to Make Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF and giving your donut pan a good spray with non-stick cooking spray. This step ensures your donuts will come out easily once they’re baked to golden perfection, setting the stage for a smooth baking experience.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and milk until smooth. This combination creates the moist and flavorful foundation your donuts need, with the sugar melting into the pumpkin to add natural sweetness.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate smaller bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. These dry ingredients bring the body, spice, and lift the batter needs. Taking this step separately ensures they’re evenly distributed before joining the wet mixture.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and fold gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. This careful mixing keeps your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts tender and fluffy.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a ziplock bag with a small corner cut off. Pipe the batter evenly into each donut cavity, filling to about three-quarters full. This helps the donuts bake evenly and maintain their classic ring shape.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake for 15-16 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes before flipping the pan over to release the donuts onto a cooling rack. Let them rest for at least 10 more minutes — patience here guarantees the perfect texture and readiness for coating.

Step 7: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Gently melt 2 tablespoons of butter and use a pastry brush to coat each donut. Then, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon in a bowl and dip each donut into the sugar mixture, flipping to coat both sides evenly. This final touch adds that irresistible sweet crunch that makes these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts truly special.

How to Serve Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar or even a dusting of powdered sugar to enhance their classic look and add an additional layer of sweetness. For a more indulgent twist, drizzle a cream cheese glaze or a simple vanilla glaze over the top.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a cup of steaming hot coffee, chai tea, or a warm mug of spiced apple cider to perfectly complement the pumpkin and spice flavors. Fresh fruit such as sliced apples or pears also pairs wonderfully for a light autumn breakfast or snack.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack these donuts on a pretty plate or a tiered stand for an inviting display at brunch. You could also thread a few onto a dessert skewer for a party-friendly pumpkin donut pop, or place them in little parchment paper bags to gift to friends with a cozy handwritten note.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, store your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and fresh without drying out.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze the donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag after they’re solid. Frozen baked pumpkin donuts can keep well for up to 2 months when stored properly.

Reheating

To enjoy them like fresh-baked, warm your donuts in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or pop them in a toaster oven for a few minutes until heated through. This simple step brings back that fresh-from-the-oven softness and warmth.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin for these donuts?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and is the easiest option. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which is sweetened and spiced already.

Are these donuts gluten-free?

This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, so it’s not naturally gluten-free. However, you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend (make sure it contains xanthan gum) for a similar texture.

Can I make these donuts vegan?

Yes! Replace the milk with a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and use a vegan butter alternative for the cinnamon sugar coating. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly.

How do I prevent donuts from sticking to the pan?

Generously grease your donut pan with non-stick spray or butter before adding the batter, and allow the donuts to cool slightly before trying to remove them for easy release.

Can I add frosting instead of cinnamon sugar?

Definitely! A cream cheese or vanilla glaze is a delicious alternative that pairs beautifully with the pumpkin flavor. Simply drizzle over cooled donuts and let set before serving.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about the ease and comfort packed into these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts, perfect for brightening up any morning or snack time. They combine the warm spices and rich pumpkin flavor you love with a simple, approachable method that anyone can master. Give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite autumn indulgence!

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