Pumpkin Spice Baked Donuts

Do you think donuts have to be fried to taste delicious?
If you said yes, get ready to be surprised. These Pumpkin Spice Baked Donuts are soft, fluffy, full of cozy fall flavor, and—best of all—they’re baked, not fried. That means less mess, less oil, and more time to enjoy a sweet homemade treat. Whether you’re sipping coffee on a cool morning or planning a fun weekend bake with the kids, this recipe is a must-try.

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Spice Baked Donuts

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These donuts taste like fall in every bite. They’re packed with warm spices, rich pumpkin puree, and just the right amount of sweetness. And because they’re baked, they’re quicker and healthier than traditional donuts.

• Time: Just 15 minutes to prep and about 10 minutes to bake
• Difficulty: Super easy, even for beginners
• Perfect for: Breakfast, snacks, holiday brunches, or after-school treats

You don’t need a mixer or fancy tools—just a bowl, a whisk, and a donut pan. They come out light, flavorful, and perfect for glazing or tossing in cinnamon sugar.

Essential Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Baked Donuts

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch:

• Pumpkin puree – Not pumpkin pie filling. Use pure canned pumpkin or homemade puree for the best flavor.
• Brown sugar – Adds sweetness and a hint of molasses.
• Eggs – Helps bind the ingredients and gives structure.
• Vegetable oil – Keeps the donuts soft and moist. You can also use melted butter or coconut oil.
• Milk – Any kind works. Dairy-free options like almond or oat milk are fine too.
• All-purpose flour – For a soft and cakey texture.
• Baking powder – Helps the donuts rise.
• Pumpkin pie spice – A cozy blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
• Vanilla extract – For added depth and sweetness.
• Salt – Balances the flavor.

Optional toppings:

• Cinnamon sugar
• Vanilla glaze (powdered sugar + milk)
• Cream cheese glaze

Substitution Tips:

• Gluten-free flour works well as a 1:1 swap
• Swap brown sugar for coconut sugar or maple syrup (use ¾ amount)
• Use applesauce instead of oil for a lower-fat version

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make the best pumpkin spice baked donuts from scratch:

Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray your donut pan with nonstick cooking spray or brush lightly with oil.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Whisk until smooth.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, stir together:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• ¼ tsp salt

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently just until combined—don’t overmix.

Step 4: Fill the Donut Pan
Use a spoon or a piping bag to fill each donut cavity about ¾ full. This gives them room to rise without overflowing.

Step 5: Bake
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack.

How to Assemble and Present Your Donuts

Once the donuts are cool, it’s time to add your finishing touch. Here are three ways to do it:

1. Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Brush each donut with melted butter and toss in a mix of cinnamon and sugar.

2. Classic Vanilla Glaze
Mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tablespoons milk until smooth. Dip the tops of each donut, let excess drip off, then let the glaze set.

3. Cream Cheese Drizzle
Beat together 2 tbsp cream cheese, ¼ cup powdered sugar, and 1 tbsp milk until smooth. Drizzle with a spoon or piping bag.

Presentation Tips:

• Stack them on a cake stand
• Serve on a wooden board for a rustic fall look
• Dust with extra cinnamon or sprinkle chopped pecans on top

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Pumpkin spice baked donuts stay fresh for several days with proper storage:

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days
• Fridge: Keep up to 5 days in a sealed container
• Freezer: Freeze unglazed donuts for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature, then glaze or sugar coat before serving.

Reheating tip: Pop in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for that just-baked softness.

Recipe Variations

Want to change it up? Try one of these fun twists:

• Mini Donuts: Use a mini donut pan and bake for 8 minutes
• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip: Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips to the batter
• Maple Glazed: Swap vanilla glaze for a maple syrup glaze
• Apple Pumpkin Donuts: Stir in ½ cup grated apple for extra fall flavor
• Nutty Pumpkin Donuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter

Conclusion

Pumpkin Spice Baked Donuts are proof that you don’t need a deep fryer to make donuts that taste amazing. They’re warm, soft, flavorful, and so easy to make at home. Perfect for cozy fall mornings or anytime you’re craving a sweet, seasonal treat. Once you try them, you’ll want to make them all season long. Don’t be afraid to get creative—add your own toppings, glazes, or mix-ins.

So what are you waiting for? Go grab that can of pumpkin and start baking!

FAQs

Q: Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?
Yes! You can bake them in a muffin pan, though the shape will be different. Reduce baking time by a minute or two.

Q: Are these donuts healthy?
They’re healthier than fried donuts since they’re baked and use less oil. You can make them even lighter by using applesauce and whole wheat flour.

Q: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely. Just make sure to puree and strain it so it’s smooth and not watery.

Q: Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to bake right after mixing. But you can mix the dry and wet ingredients separately, store them in the fridge overnight, and combine just before baking.

Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Warm before eating for the best texture.