There’s something irresistibly cozy about warm, spiced donuts fresh from the oven, especially when they’re infused with pumpkin and fall’s beloved blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. These Baked Pumpkin Donuts turn every morning into a mini celebration, delivering soft, tender bites that practically melt on your tongue. Even if you’re new to baking, you’ll find this recipe wonderfully welcoming—rated as a Beginner-level dessert, it calls for simple pantry staples and just a handful of steps that fit perfectly into a 15-minute prep time. After you whisk together ingredients, you’ll let the oven work its magic for about 12 minutes, followed by a five-minute rest before you coat each donut in buttery cinnamon sugar. At roughly 120 calories per donut, they’re a delightful seasonal treat that won’t weigh you down, yet leave you feeling snug and satisfied as you sip your favorite autumn beverage.
These fluffy rings capture the essence of crisp fall mornings or festive gatherings with friends and family. Once you dip them in melted butter and roll them through sweet cinnamon sugar, each bite bursts with comforting warmth. Imagine cozying up with a freshly brewed latte, windows tinted golden by sunrise light, and these donuts lined up on a platter—just begging to be shared. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, looking for an easy dessert to impress, or simply craving a slice of fall flavor, this recipe has your back. It even offers simple tweaks for a healthier twist (swap half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat), so you can tailor these donuts to suit your tastes and pantry. Now, let’s dive into the heart of this delight: the key ingredients that make these Baked Pumpkin Donuts a true fall favorite!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN BAKED PUMPKIN DONUTS
Every ingredient in these Baked Pumpkin Donuts works together to create that irresistible balance of tender crumb, autumnal warmth, and sweet finish. From the base of all-purpose flour to the spice blend and luscious pumpkin puree, each component has a distinct role in bringing these donuts to life.
- All-purpose flour
Provides the essential structure and tender crumb for the donuts. Its moderate protein content ensures a soft texture without becoming too dense.
- Baking powder
Acts as the leavening agent, giving these donuts their light, airy rise. It reacts with moisture and heat to create tiny air pockets throughout the batter.
- Salt
Enhances all the other flavors, balancing sweetness and bringing out the warm spice notes in the pumpkin mixture.
- Ground cinnamon
Delivers that classic fall sweetness and subtle warmth. It’s the backbone of the spice blend that makes these donuts so comforting.
- Ground ginger
Adds a gentle, aromatic zing that complements the cinnamon, giving the donuts an extra layer of spiced complexity.
- Ground nutmeg
Contributes a slightly sweet, nutty depth that rounds out the blend of fall spices for maximum cozy factor.
- Ground cloves
Offers a rich, intense spice note in small doses, elevating the overall warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Vegetable oil
Keeps the donuts moist and tender. Unlike butter, oil remains liquid at room temperature, which helps maintain a soft texture.
- Brown sugar
Infuses the batter with deep molasses notes and moisture, creating a richer, more caramel-like sweetness.
- Egg
Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the structure and richness of each donut while helping with the golden color.
- Vanilla extract
Adds a sweet, floral aroma that accentuates the pumpkin and spices, tying all the flavors together.
- Canned pumpkin puree
The star of the show, providing natural moisture, vibrant color, and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor that makes these donuts a seasonal sensation.
- Milk
Thins the batter for easy spooning, contributes to tenderness, and helps dissolve the sugar for an even crumb.
- Unsalted butter (melted)
Used for the topping; its rich creaminess helps the cinnamon sugar adhere while adding a decadent finish.
- Granulated sugar
Coats the donuts with a sweet, crunchy exterior when mixed with cinnamon for the perfect finishing touch.
- Ground cinnamon (for topping)
Blended with sugar to create a fragrant, spiced coating that amplifies the pumpkin flavor and adds a delightful crunch.
HOW TO MAKE BAKED PUMPKIN DONUTS
Let’s walk through the process of turning simple pantry staples into warm, spiced rings of pumpkin bliss. These steps guide you from greasing the pan to the final cinnamon-sugar dip, ensuring each donut bakes evenly and basks in that signature fall aroma.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), making sure it reaches the right temperature for an even bake. Lightly grease a donut pan with a bit of oil or nonstick spray so the donuts release cleanly after baking.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves. This dry mix ensures the spices and leavening are evenly distributed.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, brown sugar, egg, vanilla extract, pumpkin puree, and milk until smooth. Mixing these wet ingredients thoroughly helps create a cohesive batter.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps are fine and help keep the donuts tender.
5. Use a spoon or piping bag to fill each cavity in the donut pan about ¾ full. This ensures a nicely rounded top without overflowing.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. The tops should spring back gently when touched.
7. Once baked, allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before topping.
8. For the topping, melt the unsalted butter in a small bowl. In another bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
9. One by one, dip each donut into the melted butter, coating both sides, then roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully covered. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR BAKED PUMPKIN DONUTS
These spiced pumpkin donuts are so versatile that they can transform any gathering or quiet morning into a cozy celebration. Here are four serving suggestions to elevate your presentation and ensure each bite is a memorable experience:
- Serve them on a rustic wooden board with a small bowl of extra cinnamon sugar on the side, allowing guests to customize the coating and enjoy the tactile fun of dipping.
- Pair with a steaming cup of chai tea latte for an aromatic complement; the warm spices in the tea echo the flavors in the donuts, creating a harmonious duo.
- Arrange them on a tiered dessert stand at a fall-themed brunch, interspersed with fresh fruit like apple slices or dried cranberries for a pop of color and texture.
- Offer alongside a bowl of whipped maple butter or cream cheese glaze in small ramekins so everyone can experience a rich, creamy contrast to the cinnamon sugar coating.
HOW TO STORE BAKED PUMPKIN DONUTS
Keeping these donuts fresh and tasty for up to two days is easy when you follow a few simple storage tips. Proper handling ensures that the tender crumb and sweet spice flavor stay just as delightful as the moment they come out of the oven.
- Room Temperature in an Airtight Container
Place cooled donuts in a single layer or separated by parchment paper inside an airtight container. Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight for up to 2 days to maintain their soft texture.
- Refrigeration
If you need to keep them longer, store donuts in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Let them come to room temperature or give them a quick 5–10 second zap in the microwave before serving to revive their softness.
- Freezing Uncoated Donuts
For extended storage, freeze donuts (without the cinnamon-sugar topping) on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll last up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature, then recoat with melted butter and cinnamon sugar.
- Separate Storage for Toppings
Keep the cinnamon-sugar mix and melted butter stored separately in airtight containers. This prevents moisture from making the sugar clump and ensures a crisp coating when you’re ready to serve fresh donuts.
CONCLUSION
From the first gentle rise in the oven to the final coat of sweet cinnamon sugar, these Baked Pumpkin Donuts encapsulate everything wonderful about fall baking. We’ve covered every step—measuring ingredients, whisking the perfect spice blend, and creating that soft, tender crumb that makes you sigh with delight in every bite. You’ve learned how to transform everyday pantry items into a fluffy, aromatic dessert that’s beginner-friendly and takes just 15 minutes of prep, 12 minutes of bake time, and a quick five-minute rest. Whether you’re hosting a casual brunch or craving a cozy treat with your morning coffee, these donuts are the perfect way to celebrate pumpkin season. Feel free to swap in whole wheat flour for a heartier twist or add an extra pinch of nutmeg to your cinnamon-sugar topping for a bold spice kick. And don’t forget to note that each donut clocks in around 120 calories—just enough indulgence to brighten your day without guilt.
Go ahead and print or save this article so you can revisit it whenever you need a quick, seasonal dessert fix or a festive treat to share with friends and family. You’ll also find a FAQ section below to troubleshoot any questions you might have about technique, substitutions, or storage. If you give these donuts a try, please leave a comment or reach out with your questions, feedback, or creative twists—you might just inspire someone else to fall in love with homemade pumpkin goodness all over again. Happy baking!
Baked Pumpkin Donuts
Description
These fluffy baked donuts are infused with pumpkin and a blend of spices, creating a delightful seasonal flavor. They're perfect for a cozy morning or a festive gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan.
-
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
-
In another bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, brown sugar, egg, vanilla extract, pumpkin puree, and milk.
-
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
-
Spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
-
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean.
-
Once baked, allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
-
For the topping, melt the butter in a small bowl. In another bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
-
Dip each donut into the melted butter, then coat with the cinnamon sugar mixture. Serve immediately.
Note
- These donuts are perfect for seasonal gatherings or cozy mornings.
- You can add a bit of nutmeg to the topping for an extra spice kick.
- Try using a piping bag to fill the donut pan for even distribution.
- Donuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- For a healthier twist, substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
