Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy, flavorful treat that feels like autumn wrapped up in a bite, these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are exactly what you need. Lightly spiced with warm pumpkin pie flavors and crowned with a perfectly sweet cinnamon sugar coating, these donuts bring all the comfort without the fuss of frying. Whether you’re sharing with friends over coffee or indulging in a solo snack, these donuts deliver moist, tender bites with that classic autumnal charm that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple pantry staples combined with luscious pumpkin puree and spices to give you delicious Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts that bake up moist and tender every time. Each ingredient plays a key role—flour for structure, brown sugar for warmth, and pumpkin pie spices for that signature fall flavor.

• ½ cup pumpkin puree: Brings natural moisture and that iconic pumpkin taste that makes these donuts irresistible.
• ¼ cup milk: Adds moisture and helps combine all the flavors into a smooth batter.
• ¼ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the donuts tender and moist without heaviness.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the base and structure for the donut batter.
• ½ cup brown sugar: Adds rich sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor that complements the pumpkin perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: A blend that brings those warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in one go.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives the donuts that perfect rise and fluffy texture.
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon: Enhances warmth and depth of flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall taste.
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg: Adds subtle earthy spice for complexity.
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar (for coating): Creates a sparkly, sweet finish when combined with cinnamon.
• 2 tablespoons butter (melted): Helps the cinnamon sugar stick to the donuts and adds a lovely richness.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for coating): Gives the classic cinnamon sugar flavor that makes these donuts so addictive.

How to Make Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF. This ensures it’s at the perfect temperature when your batter is ready. Spray a donut pan generously with non-stick cooking spray to guarantee your donuts come out cleanly without any sticking – this step saves you any frustration later!

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and milk. This combination builds the flavorful and moist base of your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts. Whisk until smooth and the sugar begins to dissolve for a consistent texture.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Blending these spices evenly into the flour ensures every bite has that signature pumpkin spice warmth.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing here to keep your donuts light and tender. The batter will be slightly thick but smooth, ready to pipe into the pan.

Step 5: Pipe and Bake

Transfer your batter into a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the corner cut off for easy filling. Pipe the batter evenly into the six donut cavities, filling each about three-quarters full for room to rise. Bake for 15-16 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean—perfectly baked donuts are moist, fluffy, and lightly golden.

Step 6: Cool the Donuts

Let the donuts cool in the pan for 10 minutes so they firm up and release easily. Then, flip the pan upside down onto a rack to free the donuts and cool for at least 10 more minutes. This step helps maintain their tender crumb and prevents sogginess.

Step 7: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

While donuts cool, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the microwave. Use a pastry brush to gently coat each donut with melted butter or quickly dip each side if you’re short on tools. Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon together, then toss each donut in this aromatic coating. The butter helps the cinnamon sugar stick, creating that classic melt-in-your-mouth crunch and sweetness.

How to Serve Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Garnishes

To elevate your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts, consider sprinkling chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top after coating for a nutty crunch. A light drizzle of maple glaze or cream cheese frosting also complements the pumpkin spice flavors beautifully, adding visual appeal and rich taste.

Side Dishes

These donuts pair wonderfully with a steaming cup of coffee, chai tea, or hot apple cider for a perfectly cozy autumn treat. For a brunch spread, serve alongside a fresh fruit salad or yogurt parfait for a balanced plate of flavors and textures.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts into a fun fall dessert by stacking them tier-style on a cake stand or threading them on a festive fall-themed skewer for parties. You can even fill each donut hole with a dab of spiced whipped cream or caramel for a delightful surprise!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts stay fresh when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Beyond that, they might start to lose their tender texture, so enjoy them quickly for the best experience!

Freezing

If you want to make these donuts ahead of time, they freeze beautifully. Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. This way, you can have pumpkin goodness on hand whenever the craving hits.

Reheating

To revive your chilled or thawed Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts, pop them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm them briefly in a 300ºF oven for about 5 minutes. This quick step refreshes the donut’s softness and helps the cinnamon sugar coating stay deliciously crisp.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and is actually the most convenient choice since it’s smooth and consistent in texture. Just be sure it’s plain pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.

Do I have to use a donut pan to make these?

A donut pan helps create the classic donut shape and ensures even baking. However, if you don’t have one, you can use a muffin tin and adjust the baking time slightly, though the shape will differ.

Are these donuts vegan?

This particular Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts recipe uses vegetable oil and milk which can be replaced with plant-based milk options to make it vegan-friendly. Just swap regular milk with almond, soy, or oat milk for an easy adjustment!

Can I add chocolate chips or nuts to the batter?

Definitely! Adding mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can add delightful texture and flavor. Fold them in gently at the end before piping the batter into the pan.

What’s the best way to prevent the donuts from sticking to the pan?

Generously spraying your donut pan with non-stick cooking spray before filling it with batter is key. You can also lightly grease it with butter or oil, but make sure every cavity is coated well to help your donuts release smoothly after baking.

Final Thoughts

Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts bring together the best flavors of fall in a delightfully light, tender treat that anyone can make at home. Whether you’re new to donut making or a seasoned pro, this recipe promises sweet success without the mess of frying. So grab your pumpkin puree and get ready to enjoy these cozy, cinnamon-sugary delights with friends and family — once you try them, they’ll become your new favorite fall tradition!

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