Welcome the flavors of fall with these irresistibly soft and spiced Baked Pumpkin Donuts! This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a delightful treat that's perfect for cozy mornings or as a sweet afternoon pick-me-up.

Overhead image of Pumpkin Donuts on a baking pan

Why You'll Love This Brilliant Breakfast

Quick and Easy. Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish.
Baked, Not Fried. A healthier alternative to traditional fried donuts, with all the flavor and none of the guilt.
Perfectly Spiced. The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger perfectly complements the pumpkin, making these donuts a fall favorite.

Experience the warmth and comfort of fall spices combined with the rich, earthy flavor of pumpkin in every bite.

What's The Difference Between Baked And Fried Donuts?

Baked donuts are a healthier alternative to their fried counterparts. While fried donuts are typically crisp on the outside and soft on the inside due to being submerged in hot oil, baked donuts are cake-like with a soft, tender crumb.

The lack of frying also means fewer calories and less grease, making them a great option for those looking to indulge without overindulging.

What Do Pumpkin Donuts Taste Like?

Pumpkin donuts are a delightful combination of warm, cozy flavors and soft, cake-like texture. They taste like fall in every bite, with the rich, earthy flavor of pumpkin taking center stage, complemented by a blend of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. These spices add depth and warmth, making each bite comforting and aromatic.

Ingredients You'll Need

For The Donuts

Pumpkin Puree- The star of the show, providing moisture and rich flavor.
All-Purpose Flour- The base for our donuts, creating a tender crumb.
Brown Sugar- Adds sweetness and a touch of molasses flavor.
Granulated Sugar- Balances the sweetness and helps with texture.
Baking Powder- Helps the donuts rise and become fluffy.
Salt- Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Pumpkin Pie Spice- A blend of warm spices that brings out the fall flavors.
Cinnamon- Adds warmth and depth to the spice profile.
Nutmeg and Ginger- Extra spices that enhance the pumpkin flavor.
Eggs- Binds the ingredients together and adds structure.
Milk- Provides moisture and helps create a tender crumb.
Unsalted Butter- Adds richness and flavor.
Vanilla Extract- Rounds out the flavors with a sweet, aromatic touch.

For The Glaze

Powdered Sugar- The base for our sweet glaze.
Milk- Helps achieve the perfect glaze consistency.
Vanilla Extract- Adds a touch of flavor to the glaze.

How To Make Pumpkin Donuts

Preheat the Oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a donut pan and set it aside.
Mix the Dry Ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
Prepare the Wet Ingredients. In another bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
Combine and Fill. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full.
Bake the Donuts. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a bit more milk until you reach your desired consistency.
Glaze the Donuts. Once the donuts are completely cool, dip the tops into the glaze and return them to the wire rack to set. For an extra touch, sprinkle some cinnamon sugar over the glaze before it sets.
Serve and Enjoy. Enjoy your baked pumpkin donuts with a warm cup of coffee or a cozy fall beverage.

Close up image of Pumpkin Donuts on a white plate

Tips And Tricks

Making baked pumpkin donuts is a delightful fall treat that’s both flavorful and relatively easy to prepare. Here are some tips and tricks to ensure your baked pumpkin donuts come out perfectly every time:

Use Pumpkin Puree, Not Pumpkin Pie Filling. Make sure you use pure pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices that can throw off the flavor and texture of your donuts.
Don’t Overmix the Batter. Overmixing the batter can result in tough donuts. Mix until just combined to keep the donuts light and fluffy. Once the dry ingredients are incorporated, stop mixing.
Use a Donut Pan. Invest in a good quality non-stick donut pan. This will help your donuts bake evenly and come out of the pan easily without sticking.

Variations

Baked pumpkin donuts are a versatile treat that can be customized in various ways to suit different tastes and occasions. Here are some delicious variations to try:

Pumpkin Spice Latte- Combine the flavors of pumpkin spice and coffee for a twist on the classic PSL. Add a teaspoon of instant coffee or espresso powder to the dry ingredients. Glaze the donuts with a coffee glaze made from powdered sugar, brewed coffee, and a dash of pumpkin spice. Sprinkle with a little cinnamon or nutmeg.
Maple Glazed- Enhance the natural sweetness of the pumpkin with a rich maple glaze. Use pure maple syrup in the glaze for the best flavor. Drizzle or dip the donuts in a maple glaze and sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch.
Chocolate Chip- Fold mini chocolate chips into the batter for a delightful chocolatey surprise in every bite. After baking, drizzle the donuts with melted chocolate or a chocolate glaze. For extra decadence, top with more mini chocolate chips.

What To Enjoy With Pumpkin Donuts

Pumpkin donuts are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of accompaniments that enhance their warm, spiced flavor. Here are some delicious options to enjoy with them:

Pumpkin Spice Latte- Double up on the pumpkin goodness with a pumpkin spice latte.
Apple Cider- A warm or chilled glass of apple cider pairs beautifully with pumpkin donuts, adding a fruity sweetness that enhances the autumnal flavors.
Caramel Sauce- Drizzle some caramel sauce over the donuts for an extra layer of sweetness and a buttery flavor that pairs well with pumpkin.

How Long Do They Last?

Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. To maintain their moisture, you can place a piece of parchment paper or a slice of bread in the container with the donuts.

Store the donuts in an airtight container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Refrigeration can extend their shelf life for up to one week, but it may cause the donuts to become slightly firmer.

Can You Freeze Them?

To freeze, wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a resealable freezer bag for 2-3 months. When you're ready to eat them, let the donuts thaw at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave or oven.

More Perfect Pumpkin Recipes

Pin It!

If you love this recipe for Pumpkin Donuts as much as we do, make sure you share it with your friends on Facebook and Instagram so they can try it too! Don't forget to Pin it so you can make it again soon.

Pumpkin Donuts | Baked Pumpkin Donut Recipes