Pumpkin Spice Baked Doughnuts

As autumn leaves dance and a crisp chill fills the air, there’s no better way to embrace the season than with a batch of freshly baked, incredibly delicious, and “kid-approved” Baked Pumpkin Donuts. Forget the fryer; these delightful treats are baked to perfection, offering a healthier twist on your favorite fall donut recipe without compromising on that comforting, nostalgic taste. Each donut emerges from the oven golden brown, then receives a generous brush of melted butter before being eagerly dipped into a sweet, aromatic cinnamon sugar coating. The result is a tender, moist, cake-like donut bursting with warm pumpkin spice flavor that will undoubtedly become a staple in your fall baking repertoire. You’re not just going to like these; you will absolutely LOVE THEM!

stack of baked pumpkin donuts, golden brown and coated in cinnamon sugar, ready to be enjoyed

Imagine starting your morning with a warm cup of coffee and one of these utterly irresistible Baked Pumpkin Donuts. Their soft, fluffy texture is reminiscent of a classic cake donut, making them perfect to enjoy plain, allowing the rich pumpkin and spice flavors to shine through. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, these versatile donuts are also an excellent canvas for any topping you desire, from a simple glaze to a rich cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re whipping them up for a cozy family breakfast, a seasonal brunch, or an afternoon treat, these easy-to-make donuts are sure to impress. Don’t miss out on the chance to try them!

If you’re looking to explore other delightful sweet creations to complement your autumn baking, be sure to also try our Funfetti Cookie Sandwiches for a burst of colorful joy, or our decadent Nutella Swirl Banana Muffins for a rich, comforting treat. These recipes, like our pumpkin donuts, are designed to bring joy and deliciousness to your kitchen with ease.

Contents

Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Baked Pumpkin Donuts

These Baked Pumpkin Donuts aren’t just another recipe; they’re an experience waiting to happen. Here’s why they will quickly become a cherished favorite in your home:

Baked for a Healthier Indulgence: One of the biggest advantages of these donuts is that they are baked, not fried. This significantly reduces the amount of oil used, resulting in a lighter, less greasy donut that still delivers on flavor and satisfaction. Say goodbye to the mess of deep-frying and hello to a guilt-free pleasure that’s kinder to your waistline and easier on your kitchen.
Irresistible Cake-Like Texture: Prepare for a truly satisfying bite! These donuts boast a wonderfully tender, moist, and dense cake-donut texture. Each mouthful melts in your mouth, offering a delightful contrast to the sweet cinnamon sugar coating. It’s the perfect balance of richness and lightness.
Effortless & Quick Preparation: Life is busy, and sometimes you need a delicious treat that comes together in a flash. With just a few pantry staples, you can have these pumpkin donuts mixed, baked, and ready to enjoy in under 30 minutes! It’s a fantastic option for a spontaneous baking session or when you need a quick dessert fix.
Generous Batch for Sharing: This recipe yields a plentiful batch of 16 donuts, making it ideal for feeding a crowd, sharing with neighbors, or ensuring you have enough leftovers to last a few days (if they even make it that long!). For smaller households, the recipe can easily be halved without any fuss.
Endless Customization Options: While the classic cinnamon sugar coating is divine, these donuts are incredibly versatile. Enjoy them plain, as a simple cake donut, or get creative with your favorite toppings. Think glazes, chocolate drizzles, sprinkles, or a dusting of powdered sugar. The possibilities are limitless, allowing you to tailor them to any craving or occasion.

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Pumpkin Donuts

Crafting these delectable baked pumpkin donuts requires a thoughtful combination of wet and dry ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving their signature flavor and texture. Many of these items are likely already in your pantry, making this a convenient recipe to whip up whenever the craving strikes.

For the Donut Batter:

Pumpkin Puree: The star of the show, providing moisture, color, and that unmistakable autumnal flavor. Ensure you use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, as they have vastly different flavor profiles and sugar content.
Milk: Adds moisture and helps to create a tender crumb. Any type of milk (dairy or non-dairy) will work.
Butter (Melted): Contributes richness and tenderness to the donuts. Using melted butter helps it distribute evenly throughout the batter.
Canola Oil (or Vegetable Oil): Adds additional moisture and helps keep the donuts soft and fluffy over time.
Light Brown Sugar: Provides sweetness and a subtle molasses flavor that complements the pumpkin spice beautifully. Brown sugar also adds moisture, contributing to the donut’s soft texture.
Pumpkin Spice: The essential blend of warm spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, allspice) that defines the fall flavor profile.
Eggs: Act as a binder, providing structure and richness to the donuts.
All-Purpose Flour: The primary dry ingredient, giving the donuts their structure.
Baking Powder: The leavening agent that helps the donuts rise and achieve their airy, cake-like texture.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors in the donut.

For the Optional Cinnamon Sugar Dip:

This simple yet transformative coating takes these donuts from great to utterly irresistible.

Melted Butter: Used for brushing the warm donuts, allowing the cinnamon sugar to adhere beautifully.
Granulated Sugar & Cinnamon: A classic combination that creates a sweet, spicy, and crunchy exterior.

Crafting Your Delicious Baked Pumpkin Donuts: Step-by-Step Guide

Making these baked pumpkin donuts is surprisingly simple and comes together quickly. Follow these steps for perfect, bakery-quality results right in your own kitchen:

Prepare Your Batter with Care: Begin by taking two separate shallow bowls. In one bowl, combine all your wet ingredients: pumpkin puree, milk, melted butter, canola oil, light brown sugar, pumpkin spice, and eggs. Whisk them thoroughly until well combined and smooth. In the second bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Once both mixtures are ready, gently pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients. Mix everything together carefully until just combined. Be sure not to overmix, as this can lead to tough donuts. A few small lumps are perfectly fine.
Fill Your Donut Pan Efficiently: To ensure even filling and minimal mess, transfer your prepared batter into a piping bag or a large Ziploc bag. Snip a small corner off the bag (about half an inch wide). Lightly spray a non-stick donut pan with cooking spray. Carefully pipe the batter into each section of the donut pan, filling them approximately three-quarters of the way full. This allows room for the donuts to rise without overflowing.
Bake to Golden Perfection: Place your filled donut pan into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown and spring back when gently pressed. To double-check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the thickest part of a donut; if it comes out clean, they are ready. Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them.
Coat with Cinnamon Sugar (Optional but Highly Recommended!): Once baked, remove the donut pan from the oven and let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly before handling. While they are still warm, gently remove each donut from the pan. In a shallow bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon for your coating. In a separate small bowl, melt the additional butter. Brush each warm donut generously with melted butter, then immediately dip it into the cinnamon sugar mixture, turning to coat all sides evenly. This step is crucial for the coating to stick and create that irresistible sweet crunch.

baked pumpkin donut with a bite taken out, showing its fluffy, moist interior

Expert Tips for Donut Perfection

Achieving the perfect baked pumpkin donut is simple, but a few expert tips can elevate your baking experience and ensure consistently delicious results every time. Follow these pointers for donut success:

Achieve a Smooth Batter: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, ensure you whisk them together until you achieve a nice, smooth batter. This helps prevent dry pockets of flour and ensures an even texture throughout your donuts. However, be mindful not to overmix, as overworking the gluten in the flour can lead to tough, dense donuts. Mix just until everything is incorporated.
Hassle-Free Pan Filling: To make transferring the batter to your donut molds a breeze and keep your kitchen clean, always use a piping bag or a large Ziploc bag. Simply snip a small corner off the bag and pipe the batter directly into the molds. This method provides much more control than spooning and eliminates drips and mess.
Don’t Overfill Your Molds: For perfectly shaped donuts with a beautiful rise, only fill your donut molds about three-quarters of the way full. This crucial step allows sufficient room for the donuts to expand while baking, preventing them from overflowing and losing their classic shape.
Testing for Doneness: Knowing when your donuts are perfectly baked is key. Beyond the visual cue of golden edges, gently poke the top of a donut with your finger. If it springs back, it’s done. If your finger leaves an indentation, they need a little more time in the oven. The classic toothpick test also works: insert a toothpick into the thickest part; if it comes out clean, they’re ready.
Homemade vs. Canned Pumpkin Puree: While canned pumpkin puree is incredibly convenient and works wonderfully, making your own pumpkin puree from scratch can yield an even more vibrant and fresh flavor that truly shines in these donuts. If you have the time, it’s a worthwhile endeavor for an extra special treat.
Puree vs. Pie Filling – Know the Difference: If you opt for canned pumpkin, always ensure you’re using 100% pure pumpkin puree and NOT pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling is already sweetened and spiced, which will drastically alter the flavor profile and sugar balance of your donuts. Check the label carefully!
Versatile Topping Options: These baked pumpkin donuts are fantastic simply coated in cinnamon sugar. However, don’t limit yourself! They are equally delicious plain, dusted with powdered sugar, drizzled with a simple vanilla glaze, or even topped with a cream cheese frosting for an extra decadent touch. Experiment to find your favorite!
Timing the Cinnamon Sugar Coating: If you’re planning to coat your donuts in cinnamon sugar, make sure to do so while they are still warm (after cooling in the pan for about 5 minutes). The residual warmth and the brush of melted butter will help the cinnamon sugar adhere perfectly, creating that lovely crunchy exterior. If the donuts cool completely, the coating won’t stick as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Pumpkins Really Good for You? Unveiling the Health Benefits

Often relegated to Halloween decorations or Thanksgiving pies, the humble pumpkin is a nutritional powerhouse that deserves more recognition in our daily diets. Many people are surprised to learn just how beneficial this giant orange squash can be!

Pumpkins are incredibly low in calories, with one cup of cooked pumpkin containing only about 49 calories. This low-calorie count is primarily due to their high water content, which can be as much as 94%! Beyond hydration, pumpkins are packed with essential vitamins and minerals. They are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which your body converts into Vitamin A – crucial for vision, immune function, and skin health. They also provide a good dose of Vitamin C, another immune booster, and a significant amount of potassium, which is vital for heart health and blood pressure regulation. Furthermore, pumpkins offer dietary fiber, aiding digestion and promoting feelings of fullness, and various antioxidants that help protect your cells from damage. So, yes, incorporating pumpkin into your diet, especially in healthier forms like these baked donuts, is a delicious way to boost your nutrient intake!

Homemade Pumpkin Puree: A Simple Guide

While I often reach for store-bought pumpkin puree out of convenience (it saves a lot of time!), knowing how to make it at home is a fantastic skill, especially if you live in an area where canned puree isn’t readily available or if you simply prefer the fresh taste. Homemade pumpkin puree offers a depth of flavor that can truly elevate your baked goods.

Here’s the easiest and best way to make your own pumpkin puree, ensuring a perfect texture that isn’t too watery:

Choose Your Pumpkin: Start with a small baking pumpkin, often labeled “sugar pumpkin” or “pie pumpkin.” These varieties have sweeter, less stringy flesh compared to larger carving pumpkins.
Prepare for Roasting: Wash the pumpkin thoroughly. Carefully cut it in half from stem to base. Use a spoon to scoop out all the seeds and fibrous strands from the inside; you can save the seeds for roasting later!
Roasting Process: Place the pumpkin halves face down onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the pumpkin for approximately 45-50 minutes, or until the flesh is very tender when pierced with a fork. Larger pumpkins may require a longer baking time, sometimes up to an hour or more.
Cool and Scoop: Once tender, remove the pumpkin from the oven and let it cool completely. This is important for easier handling and ensures a thicker puree. Once cool, use a spoon to scoop out all the soft, cooked flesh from the skin.
Puree to Perfection: Transfer the scooped pumpkin flesh into a food processor. Process until it is completely smooth and creamy. You might need to pause and scrape down the sides a few times to ensure an even consistency. That’s it! Your homemade pumpkin puree is ready.

Roasting the pumpkin (rather than boiling cubes) is the preferred method because it minimizes water retention, resulting in a thick, rich puree. Boiling pumpkin cubes can lead to a much looser, watery puree, which can then throw off the liquid balance in your baking recipes. Your fresh pumpkin puree can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to one week, or frozen for up to six months, making it perfect for future baking projects!

How to Store These Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Proper storage is key to maintaining the delicious taste and texture of your baked pumpkin donuts. While they are always best enjoyed fresh, you can store them to savor for a couple of days.

At room temperature, properly stored baked donuts will typically last for 1-2 days. However, storing them in a completely sealed, airtight container can sometimes make them become very moist, and the cinnamon sugar coating might absorb into the donut, losing its delightful crunch. For optimal storage, especially if you want to preserve some of that exterior texture, consider placing the donuts on a wire rack and then loosely covering them with a large container or a piece of foil, allowing for a bit of air circulation while still protecting them from drying out. If you prefer them softer, an airtight container is fine. You can also briefly warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving to revive their freshness.

Can I Make These Donuts Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! These baked pumpkin donuts are excellent for making ahead, whether you want to prepare the batter or bake them entirely. You can mix the batter and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just give it a gentle stir before piping into the donut pan. If you bake them fully, follow the storage instructions above. For longer storage, baked and cooled donuts can be frozen without the cinnamon sugar coating. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature and then coat with cinnamon sugar if desired.

Troubleshooting Common Donut Issues

Even with a simple recipe, minor hiccups can occur. Here’s how to troubleshoot common issues:

Donuts are too dry: This is often a sign of overmixing the batter or overbaking. Ensure you mix only until just combined and test for doneness promptly.
Donuts are too dense: Again, overmixing can cause this. Also, check your baking powder’s freshness. If it’s old, it might not provide enough lift.
Donuts sticking to the pan: Always use a good quality non-stick donut pan and spray it thoroughly with cooking spray before adding batter. Make sure to let them cool for a few minutes in the pan before attempting to remove them.
Cinnamon sugar not sticking: The key is to coat the donuts while they are still warm (but not hot) and immediately after brushing with melted butter. If they cool too much, the sugar won’t adhere.

More Irresistible Pumpkin Recipes to Savor This Season

If you’ve fallen in love with the comforting flavors of pumpkin, there’s a whole world of delicious pumpkin recipes waiting to be explored. Here are a few more favorites to add to your fall cooking and baking adventures:

Pumpkin Spice French Toast: A breakfast delight that brings the warmth of pumpkin spice to your morning routine.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pancakes: Fluffy pancakes infused with pumpkin and studded with melty chocolate chips – a perfect weekend treat.
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins: Moist, tender muffins that combine the best of pumpkin and chocolate in a handheld snack.

I genuinely hope you enjoy all the recipes I share with you, and this delightful Baked Pumpkin Donut recipe is no exception. It’s a taste of autumn that’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Please give it a try, savor every bite, and if you love it, consider rating it and sharing it with your friends and family. Your feedback and sharing mean the world!

If you try this recipe and like it, please use my hashtag #CookinWithMima to share it with me on INSTAGRAM for a chance to be featured in my story! Also, follow me at Cookin’ With Mima on FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST for all of my latest social posts and recipes. Happy baking!

Baked Pumpkin Donuts

By: Mariam Ezzeddine

These Baked Pumpkin Donuts are delicious, easy to make and can be done in less than half an hour. They’re kid friendly and healthier than regular donuts.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 16 servings

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree
1/3 cup milk
1/3 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup canola or vegetable oil
1 cup light brown sugar
1 tbsp. pumpkin spice
2 eggs
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 tbsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
CINNAMON SUGAR DIP, optional:
1/3 cup butter, melted (only for brushing)
1/2 cup sugar + 1 tbsp. cinnamon, mixed together

Instructions

In two shallow bowls, mix the wet and dry ingredients separately. Pour one over the other. Mix well until you get a nice smooth batter.
Transfer the batter into a piping bag or ziplock bag and snip the corner just a bit. Spray a non-stick-donut pan and then fill the sections of the donut pan only 3/4 of the way.
Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 15 minutes or more until you insert a toothpick and it comes out clean.
Let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes and then brush each donut with melted butter and dip into the cinnamon sugar, one at a time.

Recipe Notes

Make sure to whisk to obtain a nice smooth batter without any clumps.
To make life easier, when transferring your batter to the molds, place your batter in a ziplock bag, cut the corner and pipe in. Easy and no mess!
Only fill your donut molds 3/4 full, to allow room for the donut to expand.
When the donuts are looking almost done, gently poke the top with your finger. If the donut bounces back, they’re done. If your finger leaves a mark, they need a little longer in the oven. You can also test with a toothpick, if it comes out clean they’re done.
You can used canned pumpkin puree but homemade tastes AMAZING!
If you do use canned, make sure to use pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, very different taste.
These are delicious plain, with the cinnamon sugar or whatever toppings you like.
If adding the cinnamon sugar topping, make sure you put it on before the pumpkin donuts cool completely. That way the coating sticks.

Nutrition