If you’re craving a snack that perfectly captures the cozy flavors of fall without spending hours in the kitchen, these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are your new best friend. They bring together the rich, velvety pumpkin puree with warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, baked to tender perfection and finished with a delightful spiced sugar coating. Whether you’re sharing them over morning coffee or sneaking a sweet treat in the afternoon, these donuts strike just the right balance between moist, airy, and flavorful — making pumpkin season all the more irresistible.

Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts lies in a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that work together to create an irresistible texture and flavor combination. Each element has a special job, from tenderizing the dough to infusing those signature autumn spices that make every bite warm and satisfying.

All-purpose flour: The backbone of the donut, providing structure with a light, soft crumb.
Baking powder & baking soda: These leavening agents help the donuts rise beautifully and stay fluffy.
Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice & cloves: A blend of warming spices that add depth and that unmistakable pumpkin-spice aroma.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Canned pumpkin puree: Adds moisture and natural sweetness with a rich, earthy pumpkin taste.
Salted butter (melted): Brings richness and a tender crumb to the batter.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the donuts moist and soft.
Granulated sugar & light brown sugar: The mix of sugars adds sweetness and a hint of caramel complexity.
Large eggs: Provide structure and help bind the ingredients.
Whole milk: Adds creaminess and contributes to tender donuts.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a sweet floral note.
For the topping – unsalted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger mixed with sugar: These create that irresistible warm spiced sugar coating that makes these donuts irresistible.

How to Make Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing two or three 6-count donut pans. Greasing ensures your donuts come out easily without sticking — a small but vital step to keep your donuts looking perfect.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and all those beautiful spices along with salt. This not only blends the flavors but also ensures even distribution of leavening, so every bite is uniformly delicious.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, vigorously whisk the pumpkin puree, melted salted butter, vegetable oil, both sugars, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. This mix creates the moist, luscious base and helps dissolve the sugars for perfect sweetness.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the dry ingredients into the wet and whisk until just combined. Be sure not to overmix — a few lumps are okay! The batter will thicken slightly, signaling it’s ready for the pans.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pans

Spoon or pipe the batter into each donut cavity, filling about three-quarters full. Using a cookie scoop helps keep portions consistent and your donuts bake evenly.

Step 6: Settle the Batter

Give the pans a gentle tap on a towel-lined counter about ten times to even out the batter and release any air bubbles, which helps the donuts bake up smooth and evenly textured.

Step 7: Bake

Pop the pans in the oven and bake for 10 to 14 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the donuts turn a beautiful golden shade and a toothpick inserted comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 8: Cool Donuts

Allow the donuts to cool in the pans for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This lets them firm up just a bit so they don’t break when you coat them.

Step 9: Prepare the Spiced Sugar Coating

While the donuts cool, melt the unsalted butter and stir in vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, mix together granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to form the spiced sugar blend that will give the donuts their irresistible finish.

Step 10: Coat the Donuts

Brush or dip each warm donut in the butter-vanilla mixture, then roll in the spiced sugar until fully coated. You can even roll them twice if you want that extra layer of cozy flavor and sweetness.

How to Serve Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Garnishes

While the spiced sugar coating is delicious on its own, you can elevate your donuts by adding chopped pecans, a drizzle of maple glaze, or a dusting of powdered sugar. Each adds a little different texture or sparkle that makes the presentation extra special.

Side Dishes

Serve these donuts alongside a steaming mug of chai latte, hot apple cider, or your favorite coffee for a comforting break. Their spicy, sweet profile pairs perfectly with warm beverages, turning any snack moment into a mini celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, arrange your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment. Add cinnamon sticks, fresh pumpkin slices, or autumn leaves around them to create a seasonal centerpiece that invites everyone to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any of these donuts left (which might be hard!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep them covered to maintain moisture and that soft texture.

Freezing

These donuts freeze beautifully either plain or coated. Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge, then warm gently before serving.

Reheating

To bring your leftover Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts back to life, pop them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. They’ll be warm, soft, and totally delicious again — just like fresh from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Absolutely! Just be sure to cook and puree your pumpkin thoroughly, and allow it to cool before measuring and using it in the recipe to keep the batter consistency just right.

Can I substitute gluten-free flour?

You can try a gluten-free all-purpose blend, but results may vary depending on the brand. For best texture, look for blends that contain xanthan gum or add it separately.

Are these donuts suitable for freezing after coating?

Yes, you can freeze them after coating, but keep in mind the sugar coating may lose a bit of its crunch. Freezing plain donuts and coating after thawing is another great option.

Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

While donut pans give the perfect shape, you can bake the batter in mini muffin tins for a similar treat. Just adjust baking time and expect round, donut-hole-sized bites.

What if I don’t have all the spices for the topping?

No worries! You can simplify the coating with just cinnamon and sugar. It will still be delicious and carry that warm, cozy vibe you’re after.

Final Thoughts

These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are a wonderful way to celebrate the flavors of fall in a simple, home-baked treat that’s sure to impress family and friends. With their tender crumb, rich spices, and a sweet, buttery coating, these donuts offer a little slice of autumn magic in every bite. Don’t wait for the first cool breeze — grab your ingredients and get baking. You’re going to love how easy and delicious pumpkin donuts can be!