Irresistible Pumpkin Donuts Recipe

Warm & Spiced Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe – Fall’s Sweet Treat

Fall’s golden embrace brings these irresistible baked pumpkin donuts into your kitchen with warmth and spice.

Soft, pillowy rounds packed with pumpkin goodness capture autumn’s essence in every delectable bite.

Nutmeg and cinnamon dance through the batter, creating a fragrant symphony that fills your home with cozy comfort.

These donuts blend rich seasonal flavors with a lighter, healthier baking technique that skips the deep fryer.

Dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle with a maple glaze for an extra touch of indulgence.

Each donut promises a delightful blend of tender texture and deep, warming spices.

Let’s find out this simple recipe and let the magic of homemade fall treats unfold.

Pumpkin Donut Baking Instructions

  • Oven Preparation Cozy kitchen setup with a warm preheated oven creates the perfect baking environment. Grab your donut pan and give it a gentle butter massage to prevent sticking.
  • Magical Mixing Moment Gather all your delightful ingredients in a roomy bowl. Whisk them together with love, creating a smooth, dreamy batter that promises autumn comfort in every bite.
  • Batter Transformation Softly fold flour into the mixture, treating the batter like a delicate dance partner. Subtle movements ensure light, fluffy donuts that melt in your mouth.
  • Pan Filling Technique Carefully spoon the batter into each donut cavity, allowing each ring to become a perfect golden circle of happiness. If you have extra batter, be patient and wait for the next batch.
  • Baking Perfection Slide the pan into the warm oven, letting the magic happen. Watch for a golden-brown color and a toothpick that comes out clean – your signal of donut success.
  • Cooling Celebration Let the donuts rest in their pan, then transfer to a cooling rack. Their transformation from batter to treat is almost complete.
  • Cinnamon Sugar Finale Create a sweet coating by mixing sugar and cinnamon. Gently roll each cooled donut in this magical dust, transforming them into irresistible autumn treats.

Tips for Moist and Spiced Pumpkin Donuts

  • Experiment with different spice combinations like cardamom, nutmeg, or ginger to create unique flavor profiles that elevate these pumpkin donuts beyond the classic recipe.
  • Prepare the batter in advance and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking, which allows spices to meld and intensify the overall taste experience.
  • Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these donuts accessible for those with dietary restrictions without compromising texture or flavor.
  • Get creative with coatings by trying cream cheese glaze, maple drizzle, or even rolling donuts in crushed pecans for added crunch and richness.
  • Wrap completely cooled donuts individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag for up to one month – perfect for quick breakfast or snack emergencies.

How to Serve Baked Pumpkin Donuts

  • Autumn Brunch Companion: Pair these warm, spiced donuts with a steaming mug of apple cider or pumpkin spice latte for the ultimate cozy morning treat.
  • Dessert Transformation: Crumble these donuts over vanilla ice cream, drizzle with caramel sauce, and sprinkle with chopped pecans for an indulgent seasonal dessert.
  • Gifting Delight: Package these donuts in cute cellophane bags tied with rustic twine, perfect as homemade gifts for teachers, neighbors, or weekend hosts during fall gatherings.
  • Afternoon Tea Partner: Serve alongside a creamy chai tea or hot chocolate, creating a delightful afternoon snack that celebrates the rich, warm flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon.

Storing Baked Pumpkin Donuts for Later

  • Quick Refrigeration Tactics: Seal donuts in an airtight container, keeping them at room temperature for maximum freshness within 48 hours. Moisture control is key to maintaining their delightful texture.
  • Freezing Friendly Method: Wrap individual donuts in plastic wrap, then place inside freezer-safe bags. These tasty treats will remain delicious for up to 3 weeks when stored properly in the freezer.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare donut batter one day ahead and refrigerate overnight. This technique allows spices to blend beautifully, intensifying the pumpkin flavor before baking.
  • Coating Care Strategy: Keep cinnamon-sugar mixture in a sealed container at room temperature. Sprinkle fresh coating just before serving to maintain that perfect crispy, sweet exterior and prevent sugar from getting soggy.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 33 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 13

What’s in Baked Pumpkin Donuts

For Base Ingredients:
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and tender texture, choose a neutral-flavored oil for best results.
  • Eggs: Provide structure and richness, select fresh large eggs at room temperature.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a soft crumb, opt for granulated white sugar.
  • Canned Pumpkin: Delivers authentic fall flavor and moisture, use 100% pure pumpkin puree.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness, use fine table salt.
For Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Creates the donut's foundational structure, select unbleached flour for better texture.
  • Baking Powder: Helps donuts rise and become light, ensure it's fresh and not expired.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Provides warm, spicy undertone, choose high-quality ground cinnamon.
For Coating and Finishing:
  • Melted Butter, Sugar: Creates a sweet, crispy exterior that adds delightful crunch and caramelized flavor.
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice: Infuses classic autumn warmth, use freshly ground blend for maximum aroma.
  • Butter (For Greasing): Prevents sticking and adds subtle richness, use unsalted butter for best control.

Kitchen Tool for Pumpkin Donuts

  • Donut Pan: Essential for creating perfect donut shapes with even baking.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: Spacious container for combining wet ingredients smoothly.
  • Electric Mixer or Whisk: Helps blend ingredients until smooth and well-incorporated.
  • Spatula: Perfect for gently folding flour into the batter without overmixing.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Wire Rack: Allows donuts to cool evenly and prevent soggy bottoms.
  • Shallow Bowl: Used for coating donuts in cinnamon-sugar mixture.
  • Pastry Brush: Helps apply melted butter evenly before coating.
  • Toothpick: Checks donuts for doneness by testing center.
Print
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Irresistible Pumpkin Donuts Recipe

Irresistible Pumpkin Donuts Recipe


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4.7 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 33 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Homemade spiced pumpkin donuts blend classic autumn flavors into a delightful breakfast treat. Warm spices and rich pumpkin create a comforting morning experience you’ll savor with each delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 ½ cups sugar
  • 1 ½ cups canned pumpkin
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 ¾ cups + 2 tablespoons (240 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • ½ cup (100 g) sugar (for coating)
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (for coating)
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) melted butter
  • butter (for greasing the pans)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and generously grease donut pans with non-stick spray.
  2. Mixing Wet Ingredients: Whisk vegetable oil, eggs, granulated sugar, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and baking powder until smooth and uniform.
  3. Incorporating Dry Ingredients: Gently fold all-purpose flour into wet mixture using a rubber spatula, being careful not to overmix to maintain a tender texture.
  4. Batter Distribution: Fill donut pan cavities two-thirds full with batter, ensuring even placement and covering remaining batter with plastic wrap if using multiple batches.
  5. Baking Process: Bake in preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, checking donuts are fully cooked by inserting a toothpick that comes out clean.
  6. Cooling and Releasing: Allow donuts to rest in pan for 5-10 minutes, then carefully loosen edges and transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
  7. Coating Preparation: Create cinnamon-sugar mixture in a shallow bowl or resealable bag for final donut transformation.
  8. Finishing Touch: Brush cooled donuts with melted butter, then roll or shake in cinnamon-sugar mixture until completely covered.
  9. Serving and Storage: Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, preserving their delicate, spiced character.

Notes

  • Prevent Overmixing: Gently fold flour into wet ingredients to maintain a tender, soft donut texture and avoid dense, tough results.
  • Batter Filling Technique: Fill donut pan cavities only two-thirds to three-quarters full to ensure proper rising and even baking.
  • Cooling is Crucial: Let donuts rest in the pan for 5-10 minutes before removing to maintain structural integrity and prevent breaking.
  • Storage Tip: Keep donuts in an airtight container at room temperature, consuming within three days for optimal freshness and flavor.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 160 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Michael Reynolds

Michael Reynolds

Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Modern American and European Cuisines​, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.​

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

  • Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.​

Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.

Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.

At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.

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