Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe

I’m so excited to share this Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe with you! These donuts are a wonderful way to enjoy that cozy pumpkin flavor without the mess or fuss of frying. Whether it’s a chilly morning or you need a quick fall-themed treat, these donuts bake up soft, fluffy, and perfectly spiced every time.

What I love most is how adaptable and approachable this recipe is—it doesn’t require fancy ingredients or special tools, just a simple donut pan and a handful of staples. Plus, the cinnamon sugar coating gives them that extra homemade feel that I always crave when pumpkin season hits. You’re going to enjoy making (and eating!) these as much as I do.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients for this Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe come together in a way that creates a soft crumb and rich pumpkin flavor, perfectly balanced by cinnamon sugar. I always keep pumpkin puree in my pantry for moments like this!

• Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture and that unmistakable fall taste; go for pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
• Milk: Keeps the donuts tender and adds a bit of richness.
• Vegetable Oil: Makes these donuts moist without weighing them down.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure while keeping the texture soft.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and a subtle molasses note that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: The heart of the flavor with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
• Baking Powder: Gives the donuts lift and fluffiness.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Salt: Enhance the flavors and balance sweetness.
• Granulated Sugar & Butter (for coating): The finishing touch that adds a crispy cinnamon-sugar crust.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love experimenting with this Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe to suit different moods and occasions. You can easily amp it up or dial it back depending on your preferences or dietary needs.

• Variation: For a dairy-free twist, swap milk for almond or oat milk and use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil; the donuts stay moist and flavorful.
• Spice Adjustment: Feel free to add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger if you like a deeper spice profile—I often do this in cold months.
• Sweetness Level: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce brown sugar by a couple of tablespoons; the pumpkin and spices really carry the flavor.
• Glaze Option: Instead of cinnamon sugar, drizzle a simple vanilla glaze or maple icing for extra indulgence.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Donut Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF. While it warms up, generously spray your donut pan with non-stick cooking spray – this is key to making sure your donuts come out cleanly without sticking or breaking apart. Trust me, it’s a game-changer and saves you from frustration later.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and milk. Make sure it’s well combined but don’t stress if it’s a bit lumpy – you want everything to come together smoothly but without overmixing here.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately

In a smaller bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients separately helps distribute the leavening and spices evenly throughout the batter.

Step 4: Gently Fold Wet and Dry Together

Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients, folding with a spatula until just combined. The key is not to overmix; you want the batter to be thick and smooth but a few small lumps are totally okay.

Step 5: Fill Your Donut Pan

Transfer the batter into a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the corner snipped off—it makes filling the donut cavities much cleaner and easier. Pipe evenly into each of the six molds, filling about ¾ full to give the donuts room to rise without overflowing.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake for 15-16 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. Once done, let the donuts cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then flip the pan upside down onto a cooling rack to release the donuts gently and let them cool another 10 minutes—giving them time to set and not fall apart during handling.

Step 7: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

While the donuts cool, melt butter in a small bowl. Using a pastry brush, coat each donut with melted butter, or simply dip the donuts quickly on each side if you don’t have a brush handy. Then toss them in a mixture of cinnamon and granulated sugar for that irresistible sweet-spiced crust.

How to Serve Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe

Garnishes

I tend to keep it simple with a dusting of extra cinnamon sugar on top or a quick drizzle of maple syrup for a touch more sweetness. On special occasions, I like to add chopped pecans or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the spices.

Side Dishes

These donuts pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea. For a heartier breakfast, I enjoy them with a side of scrambled eggs or some roasted autumn fruit like spiced apples or pears.

Creative Ways to Present

When I wanted to wow guests, I arranged a donut tower on a cake stand with a small pumpkin and autumn leaves for decoration—fun and festive! You can also sprinkle edible gold dust or drizzle with white chocolate for a fancy touch during holiday brunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to extend freshness, you can keep them in the fridge but bring to room temperature before eating to enjoy their softness.

Freezing

This recipe freezes very well! I freeze the donuts before coating with cinnamon sugar by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing in a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, I thaw overnight in the fridge and then coat freshly with cinnamon sugar for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the donuts in the microwave for about 15 seconds or warm them briefly in a toaster oven. This revives their softness without drying them out. Then I refresh the cinnamon sugar coating if needed to keep them deliciously crunchy outside.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe has become my go-to treat every fall because it hits that spot between simple baking and crave-worthy comfort food. Sharing these with friends and family fills my kitchen with warmth and happiness, and I’m sure you’ll find this recipe a new favorite too. So grab your donut pan and pumpkin puree, and let’s bring the cozy vibes right to your table.

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