As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to change, my kitchen transforms into a cozy haven filled with the sweet aroma of pumpkin spice. These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are my go-to treat for embracing the flavors of autumn. They’re not just delightful bites; they’re a guilt-free indulgence, baked rather than fried, making them a healthier choice compared to traditional sweets. Plus, the fact that you can easily adapt them to be dairy-free, gluten-free, or vegan means everyone can enjoy their warm, spiced goodness. Whether you serve them for breakfast or at your next gathering, these donuts add a touch of seasonal magic to any moment. Curious about how to whip up a batch? Let’s dive into the recipe that’ll have you craving these autumn delights! Why Make Baked Pumpkin Donuts? Irresistible Flavor: These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts burst with warm spices, creating a delightful treat your taste buds will adore. Healthier Option: Baked instead of fried, they are the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt. Versatile Variations: Easily customize for any dietary needs, with options for dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan diets. Quick to Make: Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re ideal for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings. Serve with Style: Pair them with a hot beverage or a scoop of ice cream for an unforgettable experience, just like you’d enjoy with a Baked Salmon Pasta or a Cheese Donut Savory. Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Whether it’s a cozy brunch or a festive event, these donuts are sure to impress family and friends alike! Baked Pumpkin Donuts Ingredients • Ready to make these delightful Baked Pumpkin Donuts? Here’s what you’ll need: For the Donuts Pumpkin Puree – Provides moisture and flavor; you can use either canned or homemade for freshness. Milk – Adds richness; substitute with almond milk for a creamy dairy-free version. Vegetable Oil – Ensures a tender texture; melted coconut oil can be a great alternative. All-Purpose Flour – Gives structure; swap with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option. Brown Sugar – Sweetens the mix and adds moisture; coconut sugar is a wonderful substitute if you prefer. Pumpkin Pie Spice – Infuses that warm spice flavor; feel free to mix your own with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Baking Powder – Lifts the donuts for a light texture; always check freshness for best results. Cinnamon – Enhances that fall flavor; add an extra sprinkle for a bolder taste. Salt – Balances sweetness; a little goes a long way in enhancing overall flavor. Nutmeg – Adds depth; it can be omitted if you don’t have it on hand. For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating Granulated Sugar – The base for the coating; substitute with a sugar alternative if desired. Cinnamon – Mix in for a delightful warming touch; adjust based on your spice preference. Get ready to envelop your kitchen with the warm, inviting scents of these Baked Pumpkin Donuts! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts Step 1: Preheat Oven Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, lightly spray a donut pan with non-stick cooking spray to ensure your baked pumpkin donuts release easily once baked. This is a crucial step to achieve those perfectly shaped donuts, ready for their delightful transformation in the oven. Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients In a mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and milk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This should take about 1-2 minutes. The vibrant orange of the pumpkin combined with the richness of the oil will create a beautiful base for your donuts, setting the stage for delicious autumn flavors. Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, blend together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This step is essential for distributing the spices evenly throughout your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts. Give it a good mix for about 1 minute until everything is well incorporated and the dry mixture looks inviting and aromatic. Step 4: Integrate Mixtures Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Aim to just combine them without over-mixing, which can make the donuts tough. The batter should be thick and slightly lumpy, signaling that you’re on your way to tender and moist donuts that will capture the essence of fall flavors in every bite. Step 5: Fill Donut Pan Transfer the donut batter into a piping bag or a ziplock bag, then snip a corner to create an easy dispenser. Carefully fill each cavity of the prepared donut pan about ¾ full. This ensures even baking and perfectly shaped donuts. Take a moment to admire the vibrant color of the batter—it’s a beautiful sight that hints at the deliciousness to come. Step 6: Bake Place the filled donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15-16 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and look for a golden-brown color and a toothpick inserted into the center coming out clean. Once they reach that perfect hue, remove them from the oven and let that delightful pumpkin aroma fill your kitchen. Step 7: Cool Allow the baked pumpkin donuts to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After this initial cooling, gently transfer them to a wire cooling rack. It’s crucial to let them cool fully so they firm up and are ready for the final flavor touch. Step 8: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar Melt a small amount of butter in a bowl. Once the donuts have cooled, dip each one into the melted butter, ensuring an even coating, then roll them in a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon. This sweet touch not only adds flavor but also creates a lovely crunchy exterior for your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts, making them irresistible! What to Serve with Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts? As the aroma of baked pumpkin donuts wafts through your kitchen, it’s time to think about tasty companions that will elevate this sweet experience. Creamy Hot Chocolate: Rich and velvety, it contrasts beautifully with the spiced sweetness of the donuts, making each bite and sip a delightful treat. Spiced Apple Cider: The warm spices in the cider echo the flavors of the donuts, creating a comforting drink that embodies the essence of autumn. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla perfectly balances the warm, tender donuts, turning a simple dessert into an indulgent delight. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling a bit of caramel adds a luxurious sweetness and a gooey texture that pairs beautifully with every cinnamon-coated bite. Maple Glaze: Use a light maple glaze as an alternative to cinnamon sugar for a delightful twist that will enchant your taste buds. Chai Tea Latte: The aromatic spices in chai complement the pumpkin spice perfectly, providing a warm, cozy flavor experience that’s perfect for chilly days. Nutty Granola: For a crunchy element, serve with a side of granola packed with nuts and dried fruits for added texture and nutrition. Pumpkin Spice Latte: When in doubt, a classic pumpkin spice latte will always enhance your baked pumpkin donuts, creating a festive mood worth savoring. Fresh Fruit Salad: A light, refreshing fruit salad with crisp apples and juicy oranges balances the sweetness of the donuts, adding a fresh touch to your meal. Expert Tips for Baked Pumpkin Donuts Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter that blends beautifully and produces light, fluffy Baked Pumpkin Donuts. Avoid Over-Mixing: Gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined to prevent tough donuts; a lumpy batter is perfectly fine! Proper Cooling: Allow donuts to cool completely before coating in cinnamon sugar. This prevents sogginess, ensuring a delightful crunch with every bite. Consistent Filling: When filling the donut pan, try to keep the batter level consistent in each cavity. This ensures even baking and perfect shapes. Use Fresh Baking Powder: Check that your baking powder is fresh; expired powder can lead to dense donuts that don’t rise as intended. Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to mix in chocolate chips or chopped nuts for added texture, making your Baked Pumpkin Donuts even more delicious! Storage Tips for Baked Pumpkin Donuts Room Temperature: Store cooled baked pumpkin donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This will keep them fresh and delicious for quick snacking. Fridge: If you want to extend their shelf life, place the donuts in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just be sure to keep them in a sealed container to prevent them from drying out. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze uncoated baked pumpkin donuts for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to warm them through. Enjoy the cozy flavors! Baked Pumpkin Donuts Variations & Substitutions Feel free to get creative and tailor these baked pumpkin donuts to your taste and dietary preferences! Dairy-Free: Substitute milk with almond milk and use a dairy-free margarine for a delicious dairy-free option. Enjoy the same moist texture without the creaminess! Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a certified gluten-free blend to cater to gluten sensitivities. This way, everyone can indulge in the fall flavors. Add-Ins: Include chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra bursts of flavor and delightful crunch. Each bite transforms from simple to sensational! Maple Glaze: Instead of a cinnamon sugar coating, whisk together powdered sugar and maple syrup for a sweet finish. It’s a delightful twist that evokes the essence of autumn. Vegan: Replace any eggs with unsweetened applesauce to create a vegan-friendly version. The applesauce will keep the donuts moist while maintaining that wonderful pumpkin flavor. Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or ground ginger for a surprising kick that enhances the warmth of the spices, perfect for those who enjoy a little heat in their treats. Flavor Infusions: Swap out pumpkin pie spice for chai spice or even a pinch of cardamom to take your donuts on an exciting flavor journey—each variation is like a mini adventure! Fruity Fun: Mix in some mashed ripe bananas or shredded apples to add a delicious fruity component, making these cakes even softer and more delightful! These delightful ideas aren’t just limited to donuts; they can inspire tasty twists in other recipes too. Try pairing these sweet bites with a cup of creamy hot chocolate or savor them alongside a warm slice of your next pizza pasta bake! Make Ahead Options These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are a fantastic choice for meal prep, saving you precious time during busy mornings! You can prepare the donut batter up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix the wet and dry ingredients separately and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, combine the mixtures and fill the donut pan before baking. Additionally, you can freeze uncoated donuts for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before coating them in cinnamon sugar for a fresh, just-baked taste. This way, you’ll always have delightful baked pumpkin donuts ready to enjoy whenever you crave a sweet treat! Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe FAQs What type of pumpkin puree should I use? Absolutely! You can use either canned pumpkin puree or homemade puree. If you opt for homemade, just roast fresh pumpkins until soft, scoop out the flesh, and blend until smooth. Canned pumpkin is often more convenient and ensures consistency—just look for pure pumpkin without added sugar or spices. How do I store my baked pumpkin donuts? The more the merrier when it comes to keeping your treats fresh! Store cooled baked pumpkin donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. Just make sure they are sealed well to avoid drying out! Can I freeze baked pumpkin donuts? Yes, you can! For freezing, place your uncoated baked pumpkin donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then wrap each in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. They will last for up to 3 months—simply thaw them in the fridge overnight or warm them in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy a cozy treat again! How do I ensure my donuts bake evenly? To achieve lovely, even donuts, fill each cavity of your donut pan consistently, about ¾ full. This allows them to rise uniformly. Additionally, ensure your baking powder is fresh—testing its leavening power can prevent any surprises at baking time. Just mix a teaspoon with a bit of vinegar; if it bubbles, it’s good to go! Are these baked pumpkin donuts suitable for my family’s dietary needs? Very! These delightful baked pumpkin donuts can easily accommodate various dietary preferences. For a dairy-free option, simply replace milk with almond milk and use a dairy-free margarine. If gluten is a concern, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Making them vegan is easy too—opt for unsweetened applesauce instead of eggs in the mix! Delicious Baked Pumpkin Donuts: Healthy Autumn Treats These Baked Pumpkin Donuts are a guilt-free autumn treat, baked instead of fried, versatile for different diets, and bursting with pumpkin spice flavor. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 16 minutes minsCooling Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 36 minutes mins Servings: 12 donutsCourse: BreakfastCuisine: AmericanCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Donuts1 cup Pumpkin Puree Canned or homemade1/2 cup Milk Use almond milk for dairy-free1/4 cup Vegetable Oil Melted coconut oil can be a great alternative1 cup All-Purpose Flour Swap with gluten-free flour if needed3/4 cup Brown Sugar Coconut sugar is a substitute2 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice Can be mixed with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger2 tsp Baking Powder Check freshness1 tsp Cinnamon Add more for bolder taste1/4 tsp Salt Balances sweetness1/4 tsp Nutmeg Can be omittedFor the Cinnamon Sugar Coating1/2 cup Granulated Sugar Substitute with a sugar alternative if desired1 tsp Cinnamon Equipment Donut panMixing bowlsWhiskSpatulaPiping bag or ziplock bagWire cooling rack Method Step‑by‑Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a donut pan with non-stick cooking spray.In a mixing bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and milk until smooth.In a separate bowl, blend all-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture without over-mixing.Transfer the donut batter into a piping bag and fill each cavity of the donut pan about ¾ full.Bake for 15-16 minutes until golden-brown and a toothpick comes out clean.Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack.Dip each cooled donut in melted butter, then roll in the mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon. Nutrition Serving: 1donutCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 2gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 140mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 0.8mg NotesRoom temperature ingredients yield a smoother batter. Avoid over-mixing and ensure proper cooling for the best texture. Experiment with add-ins like chocolate chips for extra flavor. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
