Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are the perfect fall treat—soft, moist, and bursting with warm spices. They are simple to make, baked rather than fried, and topped with a delicious cinnamon-sugar coating. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a fun dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s quick, easy, and uses pantry staples to create the perfect fall donut. The pumpkin flavor is subtle but rich, and the spices give it that warm, cozy autumn feel. Plus, baking the donuts instead of frying them makes them a little lighter and healthier, without sacrificing flavor. They are soft on the inside with a perfect sweet cinnamon-sugar topping.

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)

• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup milk (any kind)

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Make the Donuts:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan with cooking spray or butter and set aside.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.

3. In another bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth.

4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

5. Spoon the donut batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full. You can also use a piping bag or a Ziploc bag with the tip cut off to pipe the batter in neatly.

6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean. Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:

1. While the donuts are cooling, melt the remaining butter in a small bowl.

2. In another bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the coating.

3. Once the donuts have cooled slightly, dip each donut in the melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat evenly.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 12 donuts. Prep time is about 10 minutes, bake time is 12-15 minutes, and coating time is about 5 minutes, so they’re ready in about 30 minutes!

Variations

I like to:

• Add a drizzle of glaze made with powdered sugar and milk on top for extra sweetness.

• Top the donuts with chopped pecans or walnuts for a little crunch.

• Make mini donuts using a mini donut pan for bite-sized treats.

Storage/Reheating

Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before serving.

FAQs

Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?
Yes, you can use a muffin pan instead. The texture will be slightly different, but they will still be delicious! Just bake them for 15-18 minutes.

Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
Yes, you can make them a day ahead. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and coat them in cinnamon-sugar right before serving.

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned?
Yes, homemade pumpkin puree works great as long as it’s smooth and not too watery.

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.

Conclusion

Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are the perfect fall treat that’s easy to make and enjoy with your morning coffee or as a snack. They’re soft, fluffy, and full of pumpkin flavor, with a warm, sweet cinnamon-sugar coating that makes them irresistible. Whether you’re making them for breakfast or a special fall gathering, these donuts will quickly become a favorite!

Print