Baked Pumpkin Donuts are an irresistible treat that perfectly capture the essence of fall in every bite. With their soft, fluffy texture and a sweet, spiced flavor, these donuts are a delightful alternative to store-bought options. What’s even better is how easily they come together in your kitchen, making them a go-to for cozy mornings, holiday gatherings, or simply when a sweet craving strikes. The moment I first made these donuts, I was instantly hooked, and I just know you will be too!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Baked Pumpkin Donuts
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Imagine pulling a batch of warm, fragrant donuts from the oven and savoring their sweet, cinnamon-kissed goodness. With the rich flavor of pumpkin paired with delightful spices, these baked pumpkin donuts not only taste incredible but also fill your home with an inviting aroma. Plus, they’re baked, not fried, which means you can indulge a little guilt-free! I can’t wait for you to try this easy recipe; it’s sure to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: You can whip up a batch of these donuts in about 20 minutes, making them a perfect quick treat.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and warm spices creates a cozy flavor that’s hard to resist.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These adorable donuts look as good as they taste, perfect for sharing or serving at gatherings.
Flexible Serving: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon snack—enjoy them any time!
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for dietary needs, making everyone happy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup pumpkin puree: Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to avoid added sugars and spices.
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: This adds moisture and richness to the donuts. You can substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
1 large egg: Acts as a binder for the ingredients, helping to create a fluffy texture.
1 (15.25-ounce) box spice cake mix: I recommend Duncan Hines for its perfect spice balance. You can also use a homemade blend of flour, baking powder, and spices if you prefer.
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted: For dipping the donuts, enhancing flavor and ensuring the cinnamon sugar sticks.
3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the donuts beautifully. You can reduce the amount for a less sweet treat or use coconut sugar for a healthier option.
1 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon: This aromatic spice provides that classic warm flavor, making these donuts comforting and cozy.

How to Make Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees F and lightly grease a donut pan with nonstick spray to ensure easy removal.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter, and 1 large egg. Stir until smooth, embracing the creamy texture.
Combine with Dry Ingredients: Add the box of spice cake mix and stir until just combined. Your batter will be thick—this is what we want for fluffy donuts!
Fill Donut Pan: Transfer the batter to a piping bag or zip-top bag, and pipe it into the donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full for perfect shapes.
Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 8-12 minutes. For 3-inch donuts, about 9 minutes should do the trick. They are ready when they spring back when lightly pressed.
Cool Down: Let the donuts rest in the pan for about 5 minutes, then gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, mix together 3/4 cup of granulated sugar and 1 1/2 tablespoons of cinnamon. Dip each donut into 1/3 cup of melted butter, then toss in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.

Storing & Reheating

To store your baked pumpkin donuts, keep them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. If you’d like to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the microwave or oven. Just be aware that refrigeration may slightly alter the texture, but popping them back in the oven for a few minutes can help refresh their warmth and flavor.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid Overmixing: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined to avoid dense donuts.
Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, use room temperature eggs and butter. This helps achieve a fluffier donut.
Donut Pan Essentials: Make sure to grease your donut pan thoroughly for easy release.
Timing is Key: Keep an eye on the baking time; every oven is different, and you want the donuts just perfectly baked.
Leftover Cinnamon Sugar: If you have leftover cinnamon sugar, you can keep it in an airtight container for your next batch or sprinkle it over toast or oatmeal!

These baked pumpkin donuts not only celebrate the flavors of the season but also offer a wonderful way to gather and indulge. Their moist texture and warm spices make them a must-try, and I encourage you to get creative with toppings or dips if you wish. Whether you make them for a cozy breakfast or an afternoon treat, I hope they bring as much joy to your home as they did to mine.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Absolutely! To make gluten-free baked pumpkin donuts, simply substitute the spice cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix available at your local grocery store or a homemade gluten-free flour blend.

How do I store leftover donuts?

Store your baked pumpkin donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to three months.

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?

Yes! Homemade pumpkin puree works wonderfully in this recipe. Just be sure to bake and strain your pumpkins properly to get a smooth and thick puree.

What can I use instead of butter?

If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, substitute the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. This will maintain the moisture and richness in your donuts.

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Baked Pumpkin Donuts

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Author: Anna
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 21 donuts 1x
Category: Desserts & Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

These Baked Pumpkin Donuts are a delightful treat, boasting an irresistible flavor from pumpkin puree and spices. Quick to prepare and bake, they make for a delicious breakfast or snack option. Enjoy the simple combination of ingredients that lead to fluffy, flavorful donuts, perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (1/4 cup melted + 1/3 cup melted)
1 large egg
1 (15.25-ounce) box spice cake mix
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a donut pan with nonstick spray.
In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, melted butter, and egg, mixing until smooth.
Stir in the spice cake mix until just combined; the batter should be thick.
Transfer the batter into a piping bag or zip-top bag and fill each cavity of the donut pan about 3/4 full.
Bake for 8–12 minutes, until the donuts spring back when lightly pressed; about 9 minutes for 3-inch donuts.
Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack.
In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon.
Dip each donut in melted butter, then coat in the cinnamon sugar mixture.

Notes

Ensure the pumpkin puree is not pumpkin pie filling for the best flavor.
Adjust the baking time based on the size of your donut pan.
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container for freshness.