Baked Pumpkin Donuts, with their cozy, spiced flavor, are a delightful autumn indulgence that you can enjoy year-round. These lovely treats boast a tender texture and a warm cinnamon aroma that fills your kitchen, wrapping you in the essence of fall. The great part? They’re super easy to whip up and make for a fantastic breakfast or a sweet snack, perfect for sharing with friends or family.

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
Recipe FAQs
Baked Pumpkin Donuts

I first discovered the beauty of baked pumpkin donuts during a crisp October morning when I craved something warm and comforting. Unlike your typical fried donuts, these are baked, making them a lighter option that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Once you experience the perfect balance of pumpkin and spice in each bite, I guarantee you’ll want to keep this easy pumpkin donut recipe in your monthly rotation. So let’s gather our ingredients and get ready to make some donuts that will make your kitchen smell divine!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip these up in about 30 minutes, and enjoy them fresh from the oven.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and cinnamon creates a cozy, sweet treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These donuts are cute and fun, with a lovely cinnamon sugar coating that makes them irresistible.
Flexible Serving: Whether it’s breakfast, a coffee break, or a party treat, they’re a hit for any time of day.
Diet-Friendly Options: Feel free to experiment with gluten-free flour or even vegan substitutes for a more inclusive baking experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup pumpkin puree: Be sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. This gives your donuts the rich pumpkin flavor without added spices and sugars.
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness of your donuts. For a dairy-free option, try coconut oil.
1 large egg: This adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients together. If you want an egg-free option, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce.
1 box (15.25 ounces) spice cake mix: I recommend Duncan Hines spice cake mix for its great flavor, but any brand will work as long as it’s a spice blend.
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted: This is for the coating after the donuts are baked, adding richness to the flavors.
3/4 cup granulated sugar: This sweetens the donuts and is also used in the cinnamon sugar coating.
1 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon: With just the right amount of warmth, cinnamon is essential for that familiar autumn flavor.

How to Make Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and lightly grease a donut pan with nonstick spray to encourage easy release after baking.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter, and 1 large egg until the mixture is smooth. It should have a creamy consistency.
Add Cake Mix: Gently add the box of spice cake mix into the wet ingredients and stir just until combined. It’s okay if some lumps remain; you don’t want to overmix the batter.
Fill the Pan: Using a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off, pipe the thick batter into the donut pan. Aim to fill each cavity about 3/4 full, leaving room for them to rise.
Bake: Bake your donuts in the preheated oven for 8–12 minutes. For 3-inch donuts, 9 minutes usually does the trick. They’re done when they spring back gently when pressed.
Cool Down: Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make Cinnamon Sugar: While the donuts cool, mix together 3/4 cup of granulated sugar and 1 1/2 tablespoons of cinnamon in a small bowl.
Coat the Donuts: Once the donuts are slightly cooled, dip each donut in the remaining melted butter, then toss in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until they’re fully coated and glistening.

Storing & Reheating

Store your baked pumpkin donuts at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for a week if you want them to last longer. You can also freeze these delightful treats for up to 3 months. Just place them in a freezer-safe container, layering parchment paper between each donut to prevent sticking. For the best taste, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to refresh their delicious flavor and texture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing—this will help create a lovely, smooth batter.
Don’t overmix the batter after adding the cake mix; this keeps your donuts light and fluffy.
If your donuts seem too dry, consider adding a tablespoon of milk to achieve a smoother batter.
Experiment with different topping options like powdered sugar or a chocolate glaze for some variety.
To make a large batch, consider doubling the recipe for parties or gatherings—these donuts go quickly!

Baked pumpkin donuts are not only delightful but incredibly easy to make. The warm, sweet aroma, the fluffy texture—what’s not to love? They are perfect for a cozy breakfast or just a sweet fall-inspired treat when the craving strikes. Plus, once you start making them, you might find yourself getting creative with flavors and toppings. Enjoy making and sharing these little bites of joy!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned?

Absolutely! Homemade pumpkin puree can be a fantastic substitute. Just be sure to drain any excess moisture to keep the donuts from becoming too wet.

How do I make these donuts gluten-free?

You can easily substitute the spice cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix. Additionally, check that your other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Can I skip the cinnamon sugar coating?

Yes, while it adds a wonderful flavor, you can enjoy these donuts plain or topped with a light dusting of powdered sugar or even a simple glaze.

How long does it take to make these donuts?

From start to finish, you can whip these up in about 30 minutes. It’s a quick and rewarding recipe, perfect for busy mornings!

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Baked Pumpkin Donuts

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Author: Peter
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 blend of pumpkin puree and warm spices, bringing an irresistible flavor with easy preparation. Perfect for breakfast or as a sweet snack, they are made with simple ingredients like spice cake mix and cinnamon, making them a must-try for homemade dessert lovers.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup unsalted butter, 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 degrees F and lightly grease a donut pan with nonstick spray.
In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, melted butter, and egg, stirring until smooth.
Add the spice cake mix and mix until just combined; the batter will be thick.
Transfer the batter to a piping bag or zip-top bag and pipe into the donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
Bake for 8–12 minutes, depending on your pan size, or until they spring back when lightly pressed.
Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
Dip each donut in melted butter, then toss in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.

Notes

Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
These donuts can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just thaw and reheat when ready to serve.
Experiment with adding chocolate chips or nuts to the batter for extra flavor.