Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe

Sweet, spiced, and perfectly tender—this Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe is my go-to when I want all the cozy fall flavors without fussing over complicated steps. What’s great is how simple it is to whip these up, and the baked method means they’re lighter than your usual fried donuts, but just as satisfying. I love making these when pumpkin season hits because they bring that warm, inviting aroma straight into the kitchen.

Plus, they’re fantastic for breakfast, a snack, or even an after-dinner treat. You’ll appreciate how they’re not overly sweet on their own, which makes the cinnamon sugar coating the perfect finishing touch. Trust me, once you try these easy baked pumpkin donuts, you’ll want to keep this recipe bookmarked for every time that pumpkin craving sneaks up on you.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe all play an important role in texture and flavor. From the pumpkin puree providing moisture to the warm spices that give those signature autumn notes, each element is carefully balanced. Here are some quick tips for picking quality ingredients that’ll make your donuts shine.

• Pumpkin Puree: Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best natural sweetness and texture.
• Milk: Any kind of milk works here—even dairy-free alternatives if needed.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps donuts moist without overpowering flavor; you can swap for melted coconut oil for a slight twist.
• All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the structure—measuring it properly ensures tender donuts.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep, caramel notes that complement the pumpkin perfectly.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: The essential blend that brings cinnamon, nutmeg, and warm spice together.
• Baking Powder: Key to making your baked donuts rise and stay fluffy.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Salt: These small additions boost flavor layers and balance sweetness.
• Granulated Sugar: Used for the cinnamon sugar coating—adds just the right amount of crunch and sweetness.
• Butter: Melted for brushing, it helps the sugar coating stick and adds richness.

Make It Your Way

I like to switch things up depending on the season or what I have in the pantry. This Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe is super flexible and you can tweak it to suit your taste or dietary needs without losing any charm.

• Variation: Sometimes, I swap out the brown sugar for maple syrup to add a different kind of sweetness and a slight chewy texture—a real crowd-pleaser.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use almond or oat milk and coconut oil instead of vegetable oil and regular milk for a lovely dairy-free version.
• Spice Blend: Feel free to experiment with adding cardamom or ground ginger to your pumpkin pie spice mix for a bit more complexity.
• Glaze Instead of Coating: If you’re not a fan of the cinnamon sugar coating, a simple vanilla glaze made with powdered sugar and milk works beautifully.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

First off, preheat your oven to 350ºF. This sets the stage for perfectly baked donuts. Then give your donut pan a good spray with non-stick cooking spray. Trust me, this little prep step saves you a lot of headache when it’s time to pop those donuts out — nothing worse than a crumbly donut stuck in the pan!

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and milk until smooth. I love how the mixture turns this warm, inviting orange color that screams autumn. Make sure your sugar is well incorporated here — no grainy bits!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Fold Gently

In a separate bowl, mix all your dry ingredients — flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add this to your wet ingredients and fold everything together with a spatula. Don’t overmix here; you want everything incorporated but still light and fluffy. Thick batter is totally normal.

Step 4: Fill the Donut Pan

Transfer your batter into a piping bag or ziplock with the corner snipped off. This trick makes filling the donut cavities super easy and neat. Pipe the batter evenly into the six donut molds, filling each about three-quarters full to give room for rising.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake the donuts for 15-16 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Don’t skip the toothpick check — it’s the best way to avoid under- or overbaking. Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then gently flip the pan and tap it lightly to release the donuts onto a wire rack. Allow them to cool another 10 minutes before the next step.

Step 6: Butter and Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While the donuts cool, melt your butter in the microwave. Use a pastry brush or just dip the donuts quickly to coat both sides lightly in butter. Toss them into the cinnamon sugar mix, making sure every nook and cranny gets covered. This gives your donuts that beautiful, irresistible crunch on the outside while keeping the inside soft and tender.

How to Serve Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe

Garnishes

I usually stick with the classic cinnamon sugar coating because it’s irresistible and adds crunch, but for a special twist, I like to drizzle a little maple glaze or sprinkle chopped pecans on top. A dusting of powdered sugar also brings a pretty, snowy look that’s great for entertaining.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs perfectly with a warm latte or chai tea. I also love serving the donuts alongside a scoop of whipped cream or a small bowl of spiced apple compote for breakfast gatherings or brunch treats.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, try stacking these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe on a tiered stand for a gorgeous centerpiece. You can also thread them onto a wooden skewer with mini marshmallows and cranberries for an autumn-themed “donut kabob.” It’s always a hit with guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If they start to lose their freshness, popping them briefly in the oven or toaster oven brings back that lovely just-baked texture.

Freezing

If you want to make extras, these donuts freeze really well. I wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and recoat with fresh cinnamon sugar for the best flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, I like to warm the donuts in a 300ºF oven for about 5 minutes. This method revives their fluffy texture without drying them out, unlike microwaving, which sometimes makes them soggy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines such simple ingredients with maximum comfort and flavor. Baking donuts at home might sound intimidating, but this recipe makes it so approachable and fun. I hope you enjoy the cozy textures and that warm blend of spices as much as I do—consider this your new staple for pumpkin season (and beyond!). Give it a try and treat yourself to a little homemade delight.

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