If you love the cozy flavors of fall combined with a delightful, tender treat, these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts will become your new obsession. Light, fluffy, and bursting with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, these donuts have all the comfort of traditional fried versions without the extra oil or fuss. They’re perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert, and the simple baked method means you can have fresh pumpkin donuts anytime without any complicated steps or mess. Trust me, once you try these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts, you’ll want to make them again and again to savor that perfect balance of sweet pumpkin and spice in every bite.

Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts lies in their simple, wholesome ingredients that work together to create a moist texture, rich flavor, and that iconic pumpkin hue. From warm spices that awaken your senses to the perfect balance of sugar and butter, each ingredient plays a special role.

All-purpose flour (210 g / 1¾ cups): The base of your donuts that provides a soft but sturdy crumb.

Baking powder (1 tsp): Helps the donuts rise and stay light.
Baking soda (¼ tsp): Works with the pumpkin to give a little extra lift and tender texture.

Ground cinnamon (2 tsp): Delivers that classic warm spice flavor essential to pumpkin treats.
Ground nutmeg (½ tsp): Adds a subtle nutty warmth, best when freshly ground.

Ground ginger (½ tsp): Provides a bright, zesty punch to balance sweetness.
Ground allspice (¼ tsp): A hint of complexity that deepens the spice profile.
Ground cloves (¼ tsp): Just a touch to round out the spices with a mild pungency.

Salt (½ tsp): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Canned pumpkin puree (240 g / 1 cup): The star ingredient that brings moistness, color, and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor.
Salted butter, melted (57 g / ½ stick / 4 Tbsp): Adds richness and a tender crumb.

Vegetable oil (60 ml / ¼ cup): Keeps the donuts moist without weighing them down.
Granulated sugar (100 g / ½ cup): Sweetens with a clean, classic sugar flavor.
Light brown sugar (100 g / ½ cup): Brings caramel notes and extra moisture for softness.

Large eggs (2, room temperature): Provide structure and a little lift to the batter.
Whole milk (60 ml / ¼ cup, room temperature): Adds creaminess and helps combine the dry and wet ingredients perfectly.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Rounds out flavors with a sweet, floral note.

Unsalted butter, melted (56 g / ½ stick / 4 Tbsp): For coating the donuts before rolling in the sugar-spice mixture.
Granulated sugar (100 g / ½ cup): Used for the cinnamon sugar coating.
Cinnamon (2 tsp), nutmeg (½ tsp), and ground ginger (½ tsp): Blended into sugar for that irresistible spiced coating on each donut.

How to Make Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Donut Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing two or three 6-count donut pans. This ensures your donuts will release easily after baking and keep their perfect shape.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, cloves, and salt. This blend of spices and leaveners is what gives the donuts their signature fall flavor and fluffy yet tender crumb.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk the canned pumpkin puree, melted salted butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract together vigorously for about one minute. This helps create a smooth, homogenous batter that will bake up beautifully.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Add your dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, whisking just until combined. The batter should thicken slightly—overmixing can make your donuts tough, so be gentle to keep them light and fluffy.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pans

Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each donut cavity about three-quarters full. A #24 cookie scoop (about 3 tablespoons) works perfectly, but some pans might require a bit more batter—up to a ¼ cup (#16 scoop).

Step 6: Even Out the Batter

Tap the donut pans firmly on a towel-lined counter ten times to level the batter and remove any air bubbles for an even bake.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake the donuts for 10 to 14 minutes, until they’re golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. This step is crucial to ensure they’re cooked through but still soft.

Step 8: Cool Slightly Before Removing

Let the donuts cool in the pans for five minutes so they can set, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely without getting soggy.

Step 9: Prepare the Butter Glaze

In a small bowl, melt the unsalted butter and stir in the vanilla extract for a fragrant, silky coating that will help the sugar mixture stick perfectly.

Step 10: Mix the Spiced Sugar Coating

Combine granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger in another bowl. This warm, sweet, and spicy mixture will transform your donuts into something utterly irresistible.

Step 11: Coat the Donuts

While the donuts are still warm, brush or dip them lightly in the vanilla-butter mixture, then roll them in the spiced sugar until fully coated. Feel free to give them a second roll for extra coverage and flavor punch.

Step 12: Serve Warm or at Room Temperature

These donuts are best enjoyed fresh and warm but also delightfully tasty at room temperature. They even reheat amazingly well in the microwave for a few seconds if you want that just-baked feel later on.

How to Serve Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Garnishes

Upgrade your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts with some simple, seasonal garnishes. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a snowy touch, while chopped pecans or walnuts provide a delightful crunch that pairs beautifully with the soft, spiced donuts. If you’re feeling extra festive, drizzle a light glaze made from maple syrup and cream cheese for that signature fall indulgence.

Side Dishes

These donuts make a fantastic centerpiece for a cozy brunch or snack time. Pair them with a warm cup of chai tea, spiced latte, or rich hot chocolate to complement their warm spices. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad with citrus elements to brighten up the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts on a tiered dessert stand to impress friends at gatherings. You can also sandwich a dollop of cinnamon cream cheese frosting between two donuts for a pumpkin donut sandwich. And don’t forget, a dusting of edible glitter or autumn-themed sprinkles can turn these humble treats into show-stopping delights perfect for seasonal celebrations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep them soft and delicious. Avoid refrigeration unless your kitchen is very warm, as this can dry them out quickly.

Freezing

These donuts freeze wonderfully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to three months, so you always have a pumpkin treat on hand.

Reheating

To enjoy frozen or day-old donuts, simply microwave them for 10 to 15 seconds or reheat in a preheated 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This revives their tender texture and makes the spiced sugar coating slightly melty and irresistible once again.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Yes! If using fresh pumpkin, roast and puree it until smooth before measuring out one cup. Keep in mind that fresh pumpkin contains more water, so reduce any added liquids slightly to maintain the batter consistency.

Are these donuts gluten-free?

The recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make gluten-free Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum, and keep an eye on the batter texture since gluten-free flours absorb moisture differently.

Can I make these donuts vegan?

With some tweaks, yes! Replace eggs with flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer, use non-dairy milk, and swap butter for a plant-based alternative. The texture might be a bit different, but the flavors will still shine.

Why are my baked donuts dense?

Overmixing the batter or packing the donut pans too full can result in dense donuts. Mix just until combined and fill the donut cavities only about three-quarters full to ensure a light, fluffy texture.

Can I add frosting instead of the cinnamon sugar coating?

Absolutely! These donuts pair wonderfully with cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze drizzle. However, the cinnamon sugar coating is a classic way to enhance their warm spice flavor without adding extra sweetness.

Final Thoughts

Making these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts is like bringing a little slice of fall into your kitchen any time you crave it. They’re simple, comforting, and full of cozy flavors that feel like a warm hug. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, these donuts come together quickly and deliver big on taste. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe — your mornings, brunches, and snack times will thank you for it!

Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 25 reviews

Author: Lila

Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 12 donuts 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are a moist, flavorful fall treat made with warm spices and pumpkin puree, baked to perfection and coated with a cinnamon-spice sugar blend. They offer a lighter alternative to fried donuts without sacrificing any of the autumnal flavors, perfect for breakfast or snack time.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two or three 6-count donut pans thoroughly to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, cloves, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, vigorously whisk the pumpkin puree, melted salted butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract for about 1 minute to ensure a smooth mixture.

Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, whisking until just combined and the batter thickens slightly, being careful not to overmix.
Fill Donut Pans: Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared pans, filling each cavity about ¾ full. Use a #24 cookie scoop (3 tablespoons) per donut; some pans may require up to ¼ cup (#16 cookie scoop, or 4 tablespoons) for even filling.
Even Out Batter: Tap the filled pans gently on a towel-lined counter about 10 times to remove air bubbles and level the batter.

Bake Donuts: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 14 minutes or until the donuts have turned golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool Donuts: Allow the donuts to cool in the pans for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool further.
Prepare Coating Butter: In a small bowl, melt the unsalted butter and stir in the vanilla extract evenly.

Prepare Sugar-Spice Mixture: In another bowl, combine granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger; mix thoroughly.
Coat Donuts: While donuts are still warm, lightly brush each with the melted vanilla-butter or dip them in it to ensure adherence of the spice sugar coating.
Apply Sugar Mixture: Roll each donut in the prepared sugar-spice mixture until fully coated. Re-dip or brush and roll again if necessary for a thicker coating.

Serve: Serve the donuts warm or at room temperature. They also reheat very well in the microwave for a few seconds to regain softness.

Notes

Use freshly ground nutmeg and ginger for the best flavor in both the batter and coating.
Canned pumpkin puree is preferred for consistent moisture and flavor. Avoid pumpkin pie filling which contains added spices and sugar.

Adjust the sugar amounts if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet donut.
Donuts are best enjoyed within 2 days but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
These donuts freeze well; cool completely before wrapping tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheat gently in the microwave or toaster oven before serving.
Using donut pans helps maintain the shape and ensures even baking compared to baking rings or molds.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
Method: Baking

Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 donut
Calories: 220

Sugar: 16g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 12g

Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g

Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g

Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: pumpkin donuts, baked donuts, fall recipe, cinnamon sugar donuts, pumpkin spice donuts, easy pumpkin dessert