Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a cozy, crowd-pleasing treat that feels indulgent but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. That’s exactly why I adore this Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe—it’s such a delightful way to bring all those warm fall flavors right to your breakfast table or afternoon snack time. These donuts strike the perfect balance between fluffy and moist, with just the right hint of pumpkin spice to make your kitchen smell like autumn in a bakery.

I remember the first time I made these donuts; the ease of piping the batter right into the pan and watching them rise in the oven was surprisingly satisfying. Plus, once you toss them in the cinnamon sugar coating, it feels like a little celebration in every bite. Whether you’re hosting friends for a seasonal brunch or just want a comforting treat to pair with your coffee, this Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe is one you’ll keep coming back to.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe come together like a little flavor party. Each one plays a role, whether bringing moisture, spice, or texture, which is why I recommend not skipping or substituting too much. If you’re after the best donuts, use real pumpkin puree and fresh spices whenever you can!

• Pumpkin puree: Adds moisture and that unmistakable pumpkin taste, so use canned pure pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) for best results.
• Milk: Keeps the batter smooth and tender—whole milk or 2% both work great here.
• Vegetable oil: Gives the donuts a soft crumb without heaviness; you can swap in melted coconut oil for a subtle twist.
• All-purpose flour: Creates the structure your donuts need without being too dense or too light.
• Brown sugar: Brings a hint of caramel sweetness and moisture that pairs perfectly with pumpkin.
• Pumpkin pie spice: The star spice blend for that warm, nostalgic flavor everyone loves in fall desserts.
• Baking powder: Ensures your donuts rise nicely and stay fluffy.
• Cinnamon, nutmeg, salt: These add depth to the donut’s flavor and balance the sweetness.
• Cinnamon sugar coating: A simple blend of sugar and cinnamon tossed with butter that adds a crunchy, sweet finish that’s addictive.

Make It Your Way

I love sprinkling in a few tweaks now and then to keep this Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe fresh and exciting. Feel free to adjust the spices based on your mood or swap out the cinnamon sugar coating for a simple glaze or even a dusting of powdered sugar—this recipe is forgiving and welcoming to your creativity.

• Variation: Sometimes I swap pumpkin pie spice for chai spice blend for an interesting twist that feels cozy but unique.
• Gluten-free version: Substitute with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend—just be sure to check for added starches for best texture.
• Dietary swap: Use almond or oat milk instead of dairy milk for a dairy-free version without sacrificing moisture.
• Make it vegan: Swap the butter in the coating for coconut oil and use any plant-based milk—these donuts turn out just as delicious!

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

Step 1: Prep your pan and ingredients

First things first, preheat your oven to 350ºF. Don’t skip spraying your donut pan with non-stick cooking spray—I learned the hard way that skipping this step can lead to donuts sticking and breaking apart. While the oven warms, gather your ingredients and have your spices measured and ready to go. Organization here saves so much hassle later!

Step 2: Whisk the wet ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and milk until the mixture looks smooth and shiny. This blend not only provides the moisture but also infuses the donuts with their signature pumpkin flavor. I like to give it a good whisk here because it makes mixing the dry ingredients easier and prevents lumps.

Step 3: Mix the dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Make sure to whisk these together well, so the leavening and spices are evenly distributed. This step is key to avoid pockets of baking powder or clumps of spice in your final donuts.

Step 4: Combine wet and dry

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. It’s okay if there are a couple of flour streaks—overmixing can make your donuts tough. I always remind myself here: less is more when it comes to mixing batters for baked goods.

Step 5: Pipe the batter into the pan

Using a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the corner cut off makes filling the donut pan so much easier and less messy—trust me on this. Pipe the batter evenly into each cavity, filling them about three-quarters full. This helps ensure your donuts puff up nicely without overflowing.

Step 6: Bake and cool

Bake for 15 to 16 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once finished, let the donuts cool in the pan for 10 minutes—this helps them set so they don’t fall apart when you remove them. Then flip the pan over onto a cooling rack to gently release the donuts and allow them to cool for at least another 10 minutes before coating.

Step 7: Add the cinnamon sugar coating

While the donuts cool, melt the butter for the coating. Use a pastry brush or simply dip each side of the donut in melted butter, then roll it in a bowl filled with cinnamon sugar. This coating gives the donuts a nostalgic, slightly crunchy exterior that’s absolutely addictive. I usually do this step right before serving to keep that sugar crisp.

How to Serve Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with the cinnamon sugar coating because it complements the spice perfectly, but sometimes I add a light drizzle of maple glaze or even a dusting of powdered sugar when I want something extra pretty. A sprinkle of toasted pecans or crushed graham crackers also adds a lovely crunch and makes these donuts feel a bit more special.

Side Dishes

These pumpkin donuts pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea. For a more filling spread, I like serving them alongside fresh fruit like sliced apples or a quick bowl of cinnamon-spiced yogurt. They also make a cozy breakfast when served with scrambled eggs or a simple green smoothie.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I’ve arranged these donuts on a tiered cake stand with little autumn leaves and mini pumpkins scattered around for a festive touch. You can also place them in individual treat bags tied with twine for a charming party favor. For a birthday or celebration, try stacking them with layers of whipped cream and seasonal berries to create a pumpkin donut cake—it’s always a crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is humid, keeping them in the fridge works too but might slightly toughen the texture. Bringing them back to room temperature before eating helps soften them up again.

Freezing

Freezing these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts is a lifesaver! I wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When I want one, I just thaw at room temperature or warm it gently in the microwave for a few seconds—it tastes almost freshly baked.

Reheating

To keep that just-baked texture, I reheat leftovers in the oven at 300ºF for about 5 minutes or pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if I’m in a hurry. I avoid overheating to preserve the moisture and tenderness, plus the cinnamon sugar coating stays crispier when warmed gently.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s just so easy to make yet feels special enough to share with loved ones. Whether it’s a chilly Sunday morning or an impromptu autumn get-together, these donuts bring a little joy and warmth that’s hard to beat. I’m confident once you try making these, you’ll want to keep a batch ready because they’re the perfect pick-me-up for any pumpkin craving that comes your way.

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