Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe

If you have a craving for something cozy, sweet, and seasonally perfect, you are going to fall head over heels for these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts. They combine the warm spices of fall with moist, tender cake-like texture, all while being light enough to enjoy any time of day. Baked instead of fried, they’re a healthier twist on a classic treat, yet still deliver that satisfying cinnamon sugar coating everyone loves. Whether you’re looking for a breakfast surprise or a snack that feels like a hug in dessert form, these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Preparing these donuts is wonderfully straightforward thanks to a handful of essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, from the vibrant pumpkin puree that gives the donuts their signature flavor and moistness, to the fragrant spices that infuse each bite with that unmistakable fall charm.

• ½ cup pumpkin puree: The star of the show, adding moisture, flavor, and that beautiful orange hue.
• ¼ cup milk: Helps create a tender crumb and balances the batter’s consistency.
• ¼ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the donuts moist and soft without greasiness.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour: The foundation of the donut that ensures just the right texture.
• ½ cup brown sugar: Adds sweetness with a hint of molasses that complements pumpkin perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: A magical blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that truly defines the taste.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives the donuts a light, airy rise.
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon: Enhances the warm spice profile.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and highlights the spices.
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg: Adds depth and warmth to the flavor.
• Cinnamon Sugar Coating Ingredients: ⅓ cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons butter (melted), 1 teaspoon cinnamon — these create that irresistible sweet and crunchy finish.

How to Make Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Donut Pan

First things first, preheat your oven to 350ºF. While it warms up, give your donut pan a thorough spray with non-stick cooking spray. This simple step is crucial to ensure your donuts release cleanly and keep their perfect shape once baked.

Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and milk. Whisk until everything is fully combined and the batter looks smooth, taking care not to overmix at this stage.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate smaller bowl, sift or stir together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This step ensures the spices are evenly distributed to give your donuts consistent flavor.

Step 4: Mix Dry with Wet

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Stir gently just until everything comes together — overmixing can make the donuts tough, so keep it light and easy.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

Transfer the batter to a piping bag, or if you don’t have one handy, a ziplock bag with a small corner cut off works just as well. Pipe the batter evenly into each cavity of the donut pan, filling about three-quarters full for perfect donut thickness.

Step 6: Bake the Donuts

Bake your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts for 15 to 16 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. After removing from the oven, let the donuts cool in the pan for 10 minutes before attempting to remove them.

Step 7: Cool and Remove from Pan

Flip the donut pan upside down onto a wire rack to release the donuts gently. Allow them to cool for at least 10 more minutes so they are ready for the final, delicious step.

Step 8: Apply the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Use a pastry brush to coat each donut with the butter or dip each side briefly if you don’t have a brush. Combine granulated sugar and cinnamon in a bowl, then roll each butter-coated donut in the mixture to give that classic cinnamon sugar finish everyone loves.

How to Serve Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Garnishes

Enhance these donuts with simple garnishes like a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple glaze. Chopped toasted pecans or a swirl of cream cheese frosting can also add an extra layer of indulgence and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

These donuts pair beautifully with a hot cup of spiced coffee, chai tea, or even a warm apple cider. For a fuller breakfast, serve alongside crispy bacon or fresh fruit to balance sweetness with savory or fresh flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress guests? Stack the Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts on a dessert platter with fresh seasonal berries, mint leaves, or edible flowers. You could also hollow out the center and fill with whipped cream or pumpkin mousse for a fancy twist that’s sure to wow.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their moistness. Beyond that, they might start to dry out, but they’re still tasty warmed up.

Freezing

If you want to keep these donuts longer, freezing is an excellent option. Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

To bring back the fresh-baked feel, thaw frozen donuts at room temperature and warm them in a preheated oven at 300ºF for about 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible since that can make them chewy rather than soft and tender.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin for the pumpkin puree?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and is the easiest option, just make sure it’s plain pumpkin and not the pumpkin pie filling with added spices and sugars.

What if I don’t have a donut pan?

You can make these donuts using a muffin tin, but you’ll get more of a muffin shape than a donut hole. Adjust baking time accordingly and consider piped batter to get the best texture.

Can I substitute the vegetable oil with another type of oil?

Yes, you can swap in melted coconut oil or light olive oil for a different flavor profile, but keep the same quantity for best results.

Is it possible to make these gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum to mimic the texture. The donuts may be slightly more delicate but still delicious.

How spicy are the Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts?

The spice mix is warm and cozy but not overwhelming. If you love stronger spice flavors, feel free to increase the pumpkin pie spice or add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves.

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts will become one of your go-to recipes when fall rolls around. They’re simple to make, delightfully flavorful, and have just the right amount of sweet spice to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. Whether you’re baking for yourself, family, or friends, these donuts deliver comfort and happiness in every bite — so don’t hesitate, grab your ingredients and start baking!

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