Crisp mornings usher in the perfect excuse to gather around the kitchen and fill your home with the rich, spiced scent of fall. These baked pumpkin donuts are just the ticket when you’re craving something that feels like a warm hug—soft, tender, and brimming with all the cozy spices of the season. Each little ring is tender enough to melt on your tongue, yet sturdy enough to handle a generous roll in cinnamon-sugar or a glossy maple glaze. With a hint of nutmeg, a dash of ginger, and the gentle warmth of cloves, every bite transports you straight to crunchy leaves underfoot and steaming mugs of cider in hand. And the best part? You won’t need a vat of hot oil or hours of standing at the stove—these donuts bake right in the oven, turning out light, fluffy, and perfectly golden in under 15 minutes of prep and 12 minutes of bake time.
This easy recipe is a dream for beginner home bakers who want to impress without sweating the technique. With simple pantry staples—like flour, brown sugar, and trusty pumpkin puree—you’ll have the dough whisked together faster than you can pick your favorite fall playlist. I still remember the first time I shared these with friends: we huddled around the counter, giggling as the aroma of cinnamon and pumpkin wafted through the room. They vanished in minutes, and I knew I’d stumbled onto a fall classic. Whether you’re planning a weekend brunch, surprising the kids after school, or craving a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, these homemade baked donuts deliver pumpkin spice perfection. Grab your donut pan, cozy up with a cuppa, and let’s turn that pumpkin puree into a batch of mouthwatering treats!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN BAKED PUMPKIN DONUTS
Before we dive into the mixing and baking, let’s talk about the magic makers behind these pumpkin-spice delights. Each ingredient plays its part in creating that signature texture and flavor you’ll crave on crisp autumn mornings.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the foundational structure for our donuts, ensuring a light, cake-like crumb that holds up to fillings and toppings.
- Baking powder: Acts as the leavening agent, giving the donuts their signature rise and airy texture without heaviness.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the depth of all the warm spices, bringing out each layer of flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: Offers that classic pumpkin-spice warmth, infusing the batter with cozy, fragrant notes.
- Ground nutmeg: Delivers a slightly sweet, nutty edge that complements the cinnamon and deepens the spice profile.
- Ground ginger: Adds a gentle zing that brightens the flavor and cuts through the richness of the pumpkin.
- Ground cloves: Provides an earthy, aromatic undertone that rounds out the spice blend beautifully.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the donuts moist and tender, contributing to a soft texture that doesn’t dry out after baking.
- Brown sugar: Brings a rich, caramel-like sweetness and helps retain moisture for a tender crumb.
- Egg: Binds all ingredients together and provides lift, resulting in a light, springy donut.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall sweetness and melds all the spices into a harmonious flavor profile.
- Canned pumpkin puree: The star of the show, adding natural moisture, vibrant color, and genuine pumpkin flavor.
- Milk: Thins the batter just enough for easy spooning into the pan, ensuring a silky, smooth texture.
HOW TO MAKE BAKED PUMPKIN DONUTS
Now that we’ve gathered our pantry heroes, let’s turn them into a batch of fall’s finest treats. Follow these simple, step-by-step instructions for donuts that come out fluffy, tender, and perfectly spiced every time.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), placing a rack in the center. This ensures even heat distribution so your donuts bake up golden.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Make sure the spices are evenly distributed for consistent flavor in every bite.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, brown sugar, egg, vanilla extract, pumpkin puree, and milk. Stir until the mixture is completely smooth and free of streaks.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing slowly with a spatula or spoon until just combined. Stop as soon as there are no visible streaks of flour—overmixing can make the donuts tough.
5. Lightly grease a donut pan with nonstick spray or butter. Spoon the batter into each cavity, filling about three-quarters full so there’s room to rise.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. The tops should bounce back slightly when gently pressed.
7. Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before adding any coatings or glazes.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR BAKED PUMPKIN DONUTS
When it comes to serving these cinnamon-spiced gems, creativity is your best friend. Whether you’re aiming for classic comfort or a playful twist, these ideas will elevate your fall gathering or solo snack session.
- Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: While still warm, gently toss the donuts in a bowl of cinnamon mixed with granulated sugar. The layer of sweetness clings to every curve, adding a crackly texture that’s irresistible.
- Maple Glaze Drizzle: Whisk powdered sugar with a splash of milk and pure maple syrup until glossy. Drizzle over cooled donuts for an indulgent, shiny finish that complements the pumpkin flavor.
- Spiced Latte Pairing: Serve alongside a pumpkin spice latte or chai tea. The creamy, foamy beverage enhances the donut’s spices and creates the ultimate cozy combo for chilly mornings.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Slice each donut horizontally and fill with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. Press gently, then roll edges in crushed pecans or graham crackers for a playful dessert-style treat.
HOW TO STORE BAKED PUMPKIN DONUTS
To keep these homemade treats tasting their best, proper storage is key. Whether you’re saving extras for later in the week or stashing away a donut or two for a quick pick-me-up, follow these tips to maintain that soft, spiced perfection.
- Room Temperature: Place cooled donuts in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days, rotating the paper towel layer daily.
- Refrigeration: For a longer window (up to 5 days), store donuts in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Allow them to come to room temperature or give them a quick zap in the microwave (10–15 seconds) before serving.
- Freezer: Wrap individual donuts tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a quick morning treat.
- Reheating: To revive that fresh-baked warmth, unwrap a donut and microwave on low power for 10–12 seconds, or warm in a toaster oven at 300°F (150°C) for 3–4 minutes. The result is a pillowy, freshly baked feel.
CONCLUSION
All in all, these baked pumpkin donuts prove that you don’t need a professional fryer or hours of kitchen time to enjoy bakery-quality treats at home. With easy-to-find ingredients, 15 minutes of prep, and just 12 minutes in the oven, you’ll have a tray of spiced, golden rings ready to devour before your coffee even cools. As a beginner-friendly dessert course, this recipe checks all the boxes: it’s simple enough for a weeknight project, yet special enough for holiday brunches and cozy gatherings. Each donut delivers around 150 calories, making them a manageable indulgence when you’re craving something sweet. Feel free to roll them in cinnamon-sugar, top with a maple glaze, or customize with your favorite nuts and toppings—this autumn-inspired treat thrives on playful personalization. Don’t forget to print this article or save it for later so you can revisit the recipe whenever a pumpkin craving strikes. You’ll also find a FAQ below to answer any lingering questions before you bake.
I’d love to hear how your homemade donuts turn out! Did you experiment with a zesty glaze, or keep it classic with cinnamon-sugar? Drop your comments, questions, or feedback if you try this easy recipe or need a hand troubleshooting any step. Whether you’re a first-time baker or a seasoned pro looking to mix up your fall treats, your thoughts and experiences help everyone in our community get even more inspired. So grab your apron, warm up the oven, and let’s make some memories—one spiced, fluffy donut at a time!
Baked Pumpkin Donuts
Description
These baked pumpkin donuts are soft, spiced to perfection, and topped with a cinnamon-sugar coating that makes every bite a warm hug. Perfect for fall mornings!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves until well combined.
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In another bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, brown sugar, egg, vanilla extract, pumpkin puree, and milk until smooth.
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Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing slowly until just combined and no lumps remain. Be careful not to overmix.
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Lightly grease a donut pan. Spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean.
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Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Note
- For a delicious sugar coating, roll the warm donuts in a mix of cinnamon and sugar.
- These donuts can also be frozen and reheated for a quick snack.
- You can add a glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a little bit of milk and drizzling it over the cooled donuts.
- Make sure your baking powder is fresh for optimal rise and fluffiness.
