Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe

Cozy Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe: Fall’s Golden Treats

Autumn whispers its sweet secrets through these delectable baked pumpkin donuts that capture seasonal magic in every bite.

Crisp mornings and cozy sweaters call for something special fresh from the kitchen.

Warm spices dance across a tender crumb, promising comfort in each delightful circle.

Soft and fragrant, these treats bring nostalgic memories of harvest celebrations and weekend breakfasts.

Nutmeg and cinnamon weave their enchantment, transforming simple ingredients into an irresistible experience.

Baking becomes an act of love when you craft these golden rounds that smell like pure happiness.

We bet these donuts will become your new weekend ritual.

Storing and Reheating Baked Pumpkin Donuts

  • Store cooled donuts in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days.
  • Leave donuts at room temperature for 1-2 days in a sealed container, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
  • Wrap individual donuts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
  • Warm donuts in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes, or microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their soft texture and enhance flavors.

Best Pairings for Pumpkin Donuts

  • Pair Spiced Mulled Cider: Warm, aromatic apple cider with cinnamon sticks and cloves perfectly complements the pumpkin donuts' seasonal spices, creating a cozy autumn flavor experience.
  • Create Coffee Companion: Brew a medium-roast coffee with caramel or hazelnut undertones that will enhance the donuts' warm cinnamon-sugar coating and pumpkin richness.
  • Match Maple Latte: Craft a creamy maple latte with a touch of nutmeg that echoes the donuts' autumnal spices and provides a smooth, complementary sweetness.
  • Recommend Chai Tea Blend: Steep a robust chai tea with cardamom and ginger notes that mirror the donuts' warm spice profile and offer a comforting, aromatic pairing.

Fun Flavors for Baked Pumpkin Donuts

  • Gluten-Free Pumpkin Donuts: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend flour for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals. Use xanthan gum to improve texture and binding.
  • Vegan Pumpkin Donuts: Substitute egg with flax egg or applesauce. Use plant-based milk and coconut oil instead of dairy ingredients. Swap butter with coconut oil for coating.
  • Low-Sugar Pumpkin Donuts: Replace brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use sugar-free cinnamon coating made with erythritol and ground cinnamon for diabetic-friendly option.
  • Keto Pumpkin Donuts: Create batter using almond flour, coconut flour, and sugar-free sweeteners. Add cream cheese for richness and use sugar-free cinnamon coating to maintain low-carb profile.

FAQs

  • Are these donuts healthy?

While these pumpkin donuts contain nutritious pumpkin puree with vitamins and fiber, they are still a treat with added sugar and fat. They’re best enjoyed in moderation as a seasonal dessert.

  • Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure the blend is designed for baking to maintain the donuts’ texture and rise.

  • What if I don't have a donut pan?

No problem! You can use a muffin tin to create pumpkin muffins instead. The baking time might need slight adjustment, so check for doneness with a toothpick.

  • How do I get the most pumpkin flavor?

Use high-quality, pure pumpkin puree and don’t skimp on the warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. These enhance the natural pumpkin taste and create a rich, aromatic experience.

Baked Pumpkin Donuts – What Makes Them So Good

  • Cozy Autumn Comfort: Packed with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, these donuts capture the essence of fall in every single bite.
  • Quick and Satisfying Treat: From mixing to munching, these donuts come together in a flash, offering a speedy solution for sudden sweet cravings or unexpected guests.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Equally fantastic for casual weekend breakfasts, afternoon snacks, or potluck gatherings, these donuts will be the star of any spread.

What You Need for Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Dry Ingredients:
  • Flour: A soft, fine base for the donuts.
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Allspice, Cloves: Warm, cozy spices that give depth to the pumpkin flavor.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the donuts rise and become fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Pumpkin Puree: Smooth, rich base that provides moisture and autumn taste.
  • Milk: Adds softness and helps bind ingredients.
  • Brown Sugar: Provides sweetness with a deeper caramel-like flavor.
  • Vegetable Oil: Keeps donuts moist and tender.
  • Egg: Helps bind and provide structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle, sweet background note.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Granulated Sugar, Cinnamon: Sweet, spicy coating that adds crunch and flavor.
  • Butter: Helps cinnamon-sugar mixture stick to donuts and adds richness.

How to Bake Pumpkin Donuts

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350°F.

This sets the stage for perfectly golden donuts that’ll make your kitchen smell amazing.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Vessel

Grab your donut pan and give it a generous spray of nonstick cooking spray.

Every nook and cranny should be covered to ensure easy donut removal.

Step 3: Blend Dry Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and toss in:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • Allspice
  • Ground cloves
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Whisk these together until they’re best friends and completely mixed.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Milk
  • Brown sugar
  • Vegetable oil
  • Egg
  • Vanilla extract

Stir until the mixture looks smooth and glossy.

Step 5: Create the Donut Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.

Gently fold everything together using a spatula.

Stop mixing as soon as everything is combined – no need for extra stirring!

Step 6: Fill the Pan

Carefully spoon or pipe the batter into your donut pan.

Fill each cavity almost to the top for plump, delicious donuts.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 8: Prepare Cinnamon Coating

Mix in a small bowl:
  • Granulated sugar
  • Ground cinnamon

Melt some butter in a separate dish.

Step 9: Add the Finishing Touch

Let donuts cool for 5 minutes.

Brush each donut with melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Serve these warm and irresistible donuts immediately.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container and enjoy within two days.

A quick warm-up will bring back that fresh-baked magic!

Donut-Making Tips for Great Results

  • Adjust the amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice to match your personal flavor preference without compromising the recipe's overall balance.
  • Use a piping bag or a ziplock bag with a cut corner for precise, mess-free batter distribution and uniformly shaped donuts.
  • Watch baking time carefully and check donuts early with a toothpick to avoid overbaking, which can result in a dry texture.
  • Replace some vegetable oil with applesauce to create a more tender and moist donut while reducing overall fat content.
  • Store donuts in an airtight container at room temperature, and briefly warm them in the microwave to restore their fresh-baked taste and soft texture.
Print
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Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe

Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe


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4.8 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Pumpkin donuts bring autumn’s warmth to your kitchen, delighting senses with spiced comfort. Sweet, pillowy rounds glazed with maple essence invite you to savor seasonal bliss in every delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Donuts:

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 3/4 cups (220 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) pumpkin puree
  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) milk
  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) vegetable oil

Spices:

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cinnamon-Sugar Topping:

  • 2/3 cup (130 grams) granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring an ideal temperature for even baking and perfect donut texture.
  2. Thoroughly coat a donut pan or muffin tray with nonstick cooking spray or butter and flour to prevent sticking.
  3. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients – flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, baking powder, and salt – whisking until spices are uniformly distributed.
  4. Separately, blend wet components – pumpkin puree, milk, brown sugar, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract – until achieving a smooth, consistent mixture.
  5. Gently fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients, stirring minimally to maintain a light, airy batter. Avoid overmixing to preserve donut tenderness.
  6. Transfer batter into prepared pan, filling each cavity nearly to the top. For precision, use a piping bag or ziplock bag with a trimmed corner.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center. The pick should emerge clean, indicating fully cooked donuts.
  8. While baking, prepare cinnamon-sugar coating by mixing granulated sugar and cinnamon in one bowl, and melting butter in another.
  9. Allow donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully remove and brush each with melted butter.
  10. Immediately roll buttered donuts in cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  11. Serve warm for optimal flavor and texture. For storage, place in an airtight container at room temperature, consuming within 2 days and gently reheating before serving.

Notes

  • Customize the spice blend by adjusting the amounts of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves to match your personal taste preferences.
  • Swap out regular flour for gluten-free flour to make these donuts suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Use alternative milk options like almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
  • For a healthier twist, replace some of the vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce to reduce overall fat content while keeping the donuts moist.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

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