Baked Pumpkin Donuts: 1 Magic Fall Treat

Name: Baked Pumpkin Donuts: 1 Magic Fall Treat
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 26 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup pumpkin puree; ¼ cup milk; ¼ cup vegetable oil; ½ cup brown sugar; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon nutmeg; ⅓ cup granulated sugar (for coating); 2 tablespoons melted butter (for coating); 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for coating)

by Jannet Lisa

2 de September de 2025

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Baked pumpkin donuts have a way of instantly transporting me back to crisp autumn days filled with the scent of cinnamon and fallen leaves. I remember the first time I tried making these myself, fumbling with ingredients, but the sweet, spiced aroma that filled my kitchen was pure magic! These aren’t just any donuts; they’re a warm hug in edible form, a delightful part of any fall pumpkin donuts celebration. If you’ve ever wondered how to make baked pumpkin donuts that are both tender and flavorful, you’re in the right place. Get ready to create a new favorite autumn tradition. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love These Baked Pumpkin Donuts

These aren’t just any donuts; they’re a delightful taste of autumn that you’ll adore for so many reasons:

Incredible Flavor: Bursting with warm pumpkin and cinnamon spice, they’re a true fall delight.
Quick Prep Time: You can whip up these easy baked pumpkin donuts in under 30 minutes total.
Healthier Choice: Enjoy a delicious treat that’s baked, not fried, making them a lighter option.
Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples, they’re a cost-effective way to enjoy pumpkin season.
Family Favorite: The kids will adore helping make and decorating these easy baked pumpkin donuts.
Versatile Treat: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a satisfying snack any time of day.
Inviting Aroma: Your kitchen will smell amazing while they bake!

Ingredients for Homemade Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Gather these simple ingredients to create your perfect batch of homemade baked pumpkin donuts. The star, of course, is the ½ cup pumpkin puree – make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, for that authentic flavor and texture that makes these pumpkin spice baked donuts so special. We’ll also need ¼ cup milk and ¼ cup vegetable oil for moisture, plus ½ cup brown sugar for that lovely sweetness. For the dry mix, grab 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder for lift, and a fragrant blend of 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg. For the irresistible coating, have ⅓ cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and another 1 teaspoon cinnamon ready to go.

How to Make Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Making these delightful donuts baked not fried pumpkin is a breeze, and the process is just as enjoyable as the final product. Get ready for that wonderful aroma to fill your kitchen!

Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350ºF (175°C). Make sure to thoroughly spray your donut pan with a good non-stick cooking spray so your beautiful donuts don’t stick.
Step 2: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the ½ cup pumpkin puree, ½ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup vegetable oil, and ¼ cup milk until you have a smooth, cohesive mixture. This is where that rich pumpkin flavor starts to develop.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine your dry ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg. Whisk them together until they’re well distributed.
Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Gently fold them in with a spatula until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want light and fluffy donuts baked not fried pumpkin!
Step 5: Transfer your batter into a piping bag or a sturdy ziplock bag with a corner snipped off. This makes filling the donut cavities so much easier and cleaner. Pipe the batter evenly into each donut mold, filling them about two-thirds full.
Step 6: Bake in your preheated oven for approximately 15 to 16 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. The smell will be absolutely divine!
Step 7: Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps them firm up slightly before you gently flip them out onto a wire cooling rack to finish cooling completely.
Step 8: While the donuts cool, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a small bowl. Once the donuts are cool to the touch, brush each side generously with the melted butter.
Step 9: In another small bowl, mix together ⅓ cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Roll each buttered donut in this cinnamon-sugar mixture until it’s beautifully coated on all sides for that classic finishing touch. Enjoy these wonderful donuts baked not fried pumpkin!

Baked Pumpkin Donuts: 1 Magic Fall Treat - Baked Pumpkin Donuts - additional detail

Pro Tips for the Best Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Want to elevate your homemade baked pumpkin donuts? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make all the difference in achieving that perfect texture and flavor.

Always use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best flavor.
Don’t overmix the batter after adding the flour; this is key to fluffy donuts.
Ensure your baking powder is fresh for optimal lift and a light texture.
Allow donuts to cool completely before coating in cinnamon sugar for the crispiest finish.

What’s the secret to perfect baked pumpkin donuts?

The secret to truly perfect baked pumpkin donuts lies in the balance of moisture and leavening. Using pure pumpkin puree and not overmixing the batter ensures they are incredibly tender. The cinnamon sugar coating adds that irresistible crispness and sweetness.

Can I make baked pumpkin donuts ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the donut batter up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator. Just give it a gentle stir before piping into the donut pan, and you might need an extra minute or two of baking time.

How do I avoid common mistakes with baked pumpkin donuts?

A common pitfall is overbaking, which makes them dry. Always test with a toothpick! Another mistake is not greasing the donut pan well, leading to stuck donuts. A good non-stick spray or buttering and flouring the pan is essential. For more baking tips, check out these focaccia bread secrets and recipes.

Best Ways to Serve Glazed Baked Pumpkin Donuts

These wonderfully glazed baked pumpkin donuts are a treat on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of fall favorites. Imagine serving them alongside a warm mug of apple cider or a creamy pumpkin spice latte – pure autumn bliss! They make a fantastic addition to any brunch spread, offering a sweet, comforting element that everyone will love. For a more substantial dessert, consider serving them with a scoop of classic vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They also complement other pumpkin baked goods, like a slice of pumpkin bread or a small pumpkin pie, making for a delightful seasonal dessert table. You might also enjoy these apple cider donut cake recipes.

Nutrition Facts for Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Let’s look at the nutritional breakdown for these delightful baked pumpkin donuts, keeping in mind that these are estimates per serving (approximately 45g each).

Calories: 130
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 19g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 8g
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 110mg
Cholesterol: 0mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and serving size. For more information on healthy eating, consult resources on healthy recipes.

How to Store and Reheat Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Properly storing your delicious baked pumpkin donuts ensures they stay fresh and flavorful. Once they’ve completely cooled on the wire rack, place them in an airtight container. For the best quality, I recommend consuming them within 3 to 4 days when stored at room temperature. If you want to enjoy these for longer, they freeze beautifully! Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, you can reheat them gently. For a quick refresh, microwave a donut for about 10-15 seconds. If you prefer a slight crispness, a few minutes in a toaster oven or a low-heat conventional oven (around 300°F or 150°C) works wonders for bringing back that fresh-baked feel. This makes them a perfect make-ahead fall treat!

Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Pumpkin Donuts

What makes these baked pumpkin donuts so moist?

The key to the incredible moisture in these baked pumpkin donuts is the combination of pure pumpkin puree and vegetable oil. They create a wonderfully tender crumb that’s not dry. Plus, the milk adds just enough richness without making them heavy, ensuring a delightful bite every time.

Can I use a different type of flour for these baked pumpkin donuts?

While this recipe is optimized for all-purpose flour, I know many of you are looking for alternatives! For gluten-free baked pumpkin donuts, you can try a good quality 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. For low carb baked pumpkin donuts, you’d need to experiment with almond flour and a sugar substitute, which would significantly change the texture and baking time.

Are there any vegan options for these baked pumpkin donuts?

Absolutely! To make vegan baked pumpkin donuts, simply swap the milk for a plant-based alternative like almond milk or soy milk, and replace the melted butter used for coating with melted vegan butter or a touch of coconut oil. The rest of the ingredients are already vegan-friendly! You can find more vegan recipes here.

Where can I find more pumpkin donut recipes baked?

You can find countless wonderful pumpkin donut recipes baked online! Many food blogs and recipe sites offer variations, from gluten-free and vegan options to those with different glazes or spice combinations. Searching for terms like “pumpkin spice baked donuts” or “cinnamon baked pumpkin donuts” will yield many delicious results. For more donut inspiration, check out these french cruller donuts.

Variations of Baked Pumpkin Donuts You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic recipe, there are so many fun ways to switch up these delightful baked pumpkin donuts! For those seeking healthier options, try making vegan baked pumpkin donuts by substituting the milk with almond or soy milk and using melted vegan butter or coconut oil for the coating. If you need gluten-free baked pumpkin donuts, a good quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend works wonderfully in place of all-purpose flour. You can also experiment with different flavor profiles; add a tablespoon of mini chocolate chips to the batter or a pinch of cardamom for a unique twist on these spiced delights. Consider pairing these with other fall treats like Nutella layer cake.