As the crisp autumn air embraces the senses, it’s the perfect time to dive into the world of comfort food. I discovered the joy of these Baked Pumpkin Donuts while searching for a sweet treat that captures all the warmth of the season without the fuss of frying. With delightful hints of cinnamon and a soft, moist texture, these donuts are not just easy to make; they’re a celebration of fall in every bite.
Imagine pulling a batch of golden-brown donuts from the oven, the aroma of spices wafting through your kitchen, instantly lifting your spirits. They’re perfect for a cozy brunch with friends or a quiet morning at home, warming up the space with their sweet, inviting scent. Plus, with just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up a crowd-pleasing treat that is as tempting as it is simple to make—no more dreary fast food cravings in sight! Join me as we transform everyday ingredients into these irresistible baked goodies, perfect for making memories, one delicious bite at a time.
Why You'll Love This Baked Pumpkin Donuts
- These baked pumpkin donuts are incredibly easy to make, allowing you to enjoy freshly baked treats without spending hours in the kitchen.
- The delightful combination of pumpkin and warm spices creates a flavor that perfectly captures the essence of fall, making them a seasonal favorite.
- With just 30 minutes of total prep and cooking time, these donuts are perfect for busy mornings or impromptu gatherings.
- They not only taste amazing but also look visually stunning, making them an impressive addition to any brunch table.
Baked Pumpkin Donuts Ingredients
For the Batter
• Canned pure pumpkin puree – adds moisture and a natural sweetness, making your baked pumpkin donuts irresistibly fluffy.
• White granulated sugar – provides the primary sweetness, balancing the spices perfectly.
• Packed light brown sugar – enhances the flavor with a hint of caramel, giving depth to your donuts.
• Canola oil – keeps the donuts moist and tender without overpowering the flavor.
• Large eggs – bind the ingredients together while adding richness to the batter.
• Vanilla extract – elevates the overall flavor, making every bite comforting and warm.
• All-purpose flour – serves as the base, creating that classic donut texture.
• Pumpkin pie spice – infuses seasonal warmth with hints of nutmeg and ginger, essential for the perfect baked pumpkin donuts.
• Ground cinnamon – adds a cozy aroma and flavor that complements the pumpkin beautifully.
• Salt – enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
• Baking soda – helps the donuts rise, keeping them light and fluffy.
• Baking powder – works together with baking soda for a perfect rise in your donuts.
• Melted butter – provides flavor and richness, contributing to a delightful mouthfeel.
For the Topping
• Granulated sugar – adds a sweet crunch that perfectly contrasts with the soft donuts.
• Ground cinnamon – creates a fragrant topping that wraps each donut in cozy warmth, making them even more irresistible.
How to Make Baked Pumpkin Donuts
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for your donuts. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect, fluffy texture that we’re after!
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Mix together the canned pumpkin puree, white granulated sugar, light brown sugar, canola oil, eggs, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Blend them well until the mixture is smooth and inviting.
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Combine the dry ingredients: in another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. This will create the perfect base for our delicious donuts.
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Combine slowly! Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be gentle here; we want to keep the donuts light and fluffy!
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Fold in the melted butter to add richness and flavor. Stir gently until the butter is incorporated, and the batter is smooth and ready for the pan.
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Pour the batter into a prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full. This ensures they rise beautifully and have enough space to grow.
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Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown!
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Whisk together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the topping in a small bowl while your donuts are baking. This mixture will add a sweet and spicy crunch to your warm treats!
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Coat the baked donuts: Once they’re cooled for a few minutes, remove them from the pan and dip them into the sugar-cinnamon mix, ensuring each donut is beautifully and evenly coated.
Optional: Drizzle with a simple glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Baked Pumpkin Donuts
Room Temperature: Store room temperature Baked Pumpkin Donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.
Fridge: If keeping longer, place them in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 1 week. Just reheat them for a few seconds in the microwave before enjoying!
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight freezer-safe container. They’ll last up to 3 months and still taste delicious!
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or heat gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds. Enjoy those warm, cozy flavors again!
Baked Pumpkin Donuts Variations
Feel free to give these baked pumpkin donuts your personal touch with some fun and delicious variations!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a fluffy, gluten-free treat.
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Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil rather than butter and almond milk instead of eggs for a dairy-free option that still tastes indulgent!
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Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ground ginger for an unexpected spicy twist that kicks these donuts up a notch.
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Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for a delightful crunch that complements the soft texture of the donuts.
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Chocolate Lover’s Delight: Incorporate mini chocolate chips into the batter for a decadent chocolate-infused pumpkin donut experience.
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Maple Glaze: Instead of a sugar topping, drizzle with a warm maple glaze made from powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a dash of vanilla for a sweetly sophisticated finish.
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Citrus Zest: Brighten up the flavor by adding a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the batter, giving a fresh, zesty burst to every bite.
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Apple Cider: Swap out some pumpkin puree for apple cider to create a delightful apple-pumpkin fusion that screams autumn in every bite.
Make Ahead Options
These Baked Pumpkin Donuts are a fantastic option for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy the seasonal treat any day of the week! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the wet and dry ingredients separately, storing them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. To maintain the donuts’ fluffiness, cover the batter tightly. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat the oven and pour the batter into your donut pan, then bake as instructed. For an effortless treat, you can even coat the baked donuts in the sugar-cinnamon mixture and keep them in an airtight container for up to 3 days; they’ll still taste just as delicious and fresh!
What to Serve with Baked Pumpkin Donuts?
Warm up your fall mornings with delightful accompaniments that enhance the experience of these cozy treats.
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Spiced Apple Cider: A hot mug of spiced apple cider brings out the warm flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg, making each bite of donut even more inviting.
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Maple Bacon: The sweet and savory elements of crispy maple bacon create a perfect balance, leaving a delightful contrast with the sugary donuts.
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Chai Tea: The aromatic blend of spices in chai tea complements the pumpkin pie spice in the donuts, enhancing your fall-themed breakfast.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a creamy, light texture, making these donuts feel even more indulgent and luxurious.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of vibrant, juicy fruits such as pears and pomegranates refreshes the palate, providing a bright contrast to your warm, spiced donuts.
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Nutty Granola Parfait: Layer your baked pumpkin donuts with creamy yogurt and nutty granola for a delicious and textural breakfast treat that feels totally gourmet.
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Sweet Cream Cheese Spread: A spread of sweetened cream cheese adds a tangy, rich layer of flavor to each bite, making for a delightful brunch option.
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Caramel Latte: Pairing your donuts with a rich, velvety caramel latte enhances their sweetness, creating a stunning breakfast experience everyone will adore.
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Pumpkin Spice Muffins: Serve alongside moist, flavorful pumpkin spice muffins for a cozy, themed breakfast gathering that celebrates fall in style.
These delightful additions will surely elevate your Baked Pumpkin Donuts experience into a memorable gathering full of warmth and flavor!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making baked pumpkin donuts, ensure your wet ingredients are at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter.
- Avoid overmixing the batter once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, as this can lead to dense donuts instead of the desired fluffy texture.
- For an extra flavor kick, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg along with the pumpkin pie spice.
- Bake the donuts until they’re golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, usually around 10-12 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! When choosing pumpkin puree, look for 100% pure pumpkin in a can—avoid those with added sugars or spices. You want a rich, deep orange color and a smooth texture. Quality brands will have minimal ingredients, ensuring you’re baking with the best!
How should I store leftover baked pumpkin donuts?
You can store leftover Baked Pumpkin Donuts at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If you’re planning to keep them longer, move them to the fridge, where they’ll last about a week. Just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up!
Can I freeze pumpkin donuts, and if so, how?
Very! To freeze your Baked Pumpkin Donuts, first let them cool completely. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about 1 hour. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe container or a freezer bag, layering parchment paper between donuts if desired. They can stay frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature or heat in the microwave for about 15 seconds.
What should I do if my donuts turn out dense?
If your Baked Pumpkin Donuts are dense, it might be due to overmixing the batter after combining the wet and dry ingredients. I suggest mixing just until incorporated, as overworking the batter activates the gluten, which can create a tougher texture. Also, check your baking powder and baking soda for freshness—expired leavening agents can lead to dense results!
Are these donuts suitable for a gluten-free diet?
The Baked Pumpkin Donuts recipe uses all-purpose flour, but you can easily make them gluten-free by substituting it with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend includes xanthan gum or another binding agent to mimic the structure of wheat flour. This way, everyone can enjoy a delicious treat!
Can I make these donuts dairy-free?
Absolutely! To make the Baked Pumpkin Donuts dairy-free, simply substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or a plant-based butter. Additionally, ensure that the milk, if any used in a glaze, is also non-dairy. Enjoy these treats with confidence!
Baked Pumpkin Donuts
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it's hot and ready for your donuts.
- Mix together the canned pumpkin puree, white granulated sugar, light brown sugar, canola oil, eggs, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the melted butter until incorporated and the batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter into a prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full.
- Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean and the donuts are golden brown.
- Whisk together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the topping in a small bowl.
- Once cooled, dip the donuts into the sugar-cinnamon mix, coating evenly.
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