Name: Irresistibly Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil (can substitute with melted butter for a richer taste); 2 Eggs (binds the ingredients); 3/4 cup Sugar (can substitute with brown sugar for deeper flavor); 1 cup Pumpkin Puree (use canned or homemade); 2 teaspoons Pumpkin Pie Spice (can substitute with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger); 1/2 teaspoon Salt (balances sweetness); 1 tablespoon Baking Powder (provides leavening for light texture); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (adds depth of flavor); 1 3/4 cups All-Purpose Flour (for gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free blend); 1/2 cup Sugar (for coating) (adds sweetness and crunch); 1 tablespoon Cinnamon (infuses a warm flavor)

As the chill of autumn creeps in and the leaves turn golden, nothing warms the heart quite like the scent of freshly baked goods filling the kitchen. That moment when you crack open a can of pumpkin puree and mix it with warm spices is pure bliss. These Baked Pumpkin Donuts, coated in a generous layer of cinnamon sugar, bring the essence of fall right to your table in just 30 minutes!

I discovered this gem of a recipe on a particularly brisk day, when I was longing for something sweet yet wholesome to enjoy with my afternoon tea. These delightful donuts not only satisfy that craving but also offer a healthier alternative to their fried counterparts. If you’re looking for a quick, crowd-pleasing treat that brightens up any autumn afternoon, you’ve landed in the right place! Let’s dive into this easy recipe that’s bound to become a seasonal favorite.

Why are Baked Pumpkin Donuts a must-try?

Irresistible Flavor: The warm spices and sweet pumpkin create an irresistible aroma that screams fall.
Super Quick: In just 30 minutes, you can have these delightful donuts ready to share at home or with friends.
Healthier Choice: Baked instead of fried, they offer a guilt-free way to indulge in seasonal sweetness.
Customizable Treat: Easily swap ingredients like using applesauce for oil or adding chocolate chips for a unique twist.
Family Favorite: Perfect for kids and adults alike, these donuts will quickly become a staple in your autumn baking repertoire!

Baked Pumpkin Donuts Ingredients

• For the Donuts

Vegetable Oil – Provides moisture and rich flavor; substitute with melted butter for a richer taste.
Eggs – Binds the ingredients, adding structure to the donuts.
Sugar – Sweetens the donuts; can substitute with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
Pumpkin Puree – Adds moisture and distinct pumpkin flavor; use canned or homemade puree.
Pumpkin Pie Spice – Enhances flavor profile with warm spices; substitute with a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger if unavailable.
Salt – Balances sweetness.
Baking Powder – Provides leavening for a light texture.
Vanilla Extract – Adds depth of flavor.
All-Purpose Flour – The main structure ingredient; for a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

• For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Sugar (for coating) – Adds sweetness and crunch.
Cinnamon – Infuses a warm, sweet-spicy flavor to the coating.

These delightful Baked Pumpkin Donuts are a perfect way to welcome the cozy flavors of fall right into your kitchen!

How to Make Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and prepare your donut pan by spraying it with nonstick spray. This helps the donuts pop out easily once baked.
Mix all the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine vegetable oil, eggs, sugar, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, salt, baking powder, and vanilla. Stir until everything is well blended and smooth.
Incorporate the flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet mixture, stirring gently until the batter is completely smooth and thick.
Fill each donut cavity about ¾ full with the batter, ensuring you're not overfilling to allow room for rising.
Bake in the oven for 15-17 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a donut comes out clean. Look for a light golden color to ensure they're perfect!
Cool the donuts in the pan for about 5 minutes. Once they've slightly set, carefully remove them from the pan to cool further on a wire rack.
Coat the donuts: In a large plastic bag, mix sugar and cinnamon. Take each cooled donut one at a time, and shake it in the bag until thoroughly coated with the sweet cinnamon mixture.
Serve these delightful donuts after they cool completely, perfect for sharing with family or enjoying with your favorite cup of clear tea or coffee!

Optional: Drizzle with a simple glaze for an extra indulgent treat.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Baked Pumpkin Donuts Variations

Feel free to get creative and customize these baked delights to suit your taste buds!

Oil-Free: Substitute apple sauce for vegetable oil for a lower-fat, moist version that still tastes incredible.
Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for a delightful crunchy texture in every bite.
Choco-Lover's Delight: Add semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to the batter for a rich twist that's simply irresistible.
Spice it Up: Enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or ginger for a little kick that complements the pumpkin beautifully.
Maple Glaze: Drizzle a simple maple glaze over the cooled donuts to bring a delightful sweetness that pairs perfectly with the pumpkin.
Coconut Bliss: Use shredded coconut in the batter and for the coating for a tropical flair that complements the pumpkin flavor wonderfully.
Seasonal Swap: Try substituting the pumpkin puree with mashed sweet potatoes for a different yet delicious autumn-inspired donut.
Sugar Alternatives: Experiment with coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener in place of regular sugar for a lower-glycemic option without sacrificing sweetness.

Storage Tips for Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Room Temperature: Store cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days to maintain their softness.

Fridge: If you want to prolong freshness, refrigerate the donuts for up to 5 days in an airtight container, though they may be slightly drier.

Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze baked pumpkin donuts by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then move them to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To enjoy donuts warm, reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or place them in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for a few minutes until heated through.

What to Serve with Baked Pumpkin Donuts?

Elevate your autumn indulgence with perfect pairings that enhance every delightful bite of pumpkin goodness.

Hot Coffee: The rich, bold flavor of coffee beautifully contrasts the sweet, spiced donuts, making for a perfect morning or afternoon treat.
Chai Tea: The aromatic spices in chai create a warming experience that complements the pumpkin and cinnamon flavors wonderfully.
Maple Syrup Drizzle: A touch of maple syrup adds a luscious sweetness that enhances the already delightful flavor of the donuts.
Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream adds a delightful creaminess that takes these donuts to the next level of decadence.
Fresh Apple Slices: The crispness and tartness of fresh apples provide a refreshing balance to the sweet and spiced donuts, creating a satisfying contrast.
Spiced Cider: Warm spiced apple cider evokes the essence of fall, making for a cozy drink to sip while enjoying your donuts.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzle some caramel sauce over the donuts for an additional layer of sweetness; the gooey texture pairs beautifully with the fluffiness of the donuts.
Pumpkin Spice Latte: For the ultimate fall experience, pair these donuts with a creamy pumpkin spice latte for a warm, festive treat.
Chocolate Milk: Kids (and adults!) will love the nostalgia and indulgence of chocolate milk, a delightful pairing that complements the pumpkin flavor.

Make Ahead Options

These Baked Pumpkin Donuts are a fantastic choice for meal prep, making your busy mornings a breeze! You can prepare the batter and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking, keeping it fresh and ready to go. Simply cover the bowl with plastic wrap, ensuring it’s airtight to maintain quality. On baking day, preheat your oven and fill the donut pan, then bake as directed. If you want to go a step further, baked donuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy, just warm them up briefly to bring back their delightful softness. Enjoy a delicious homemade treat with less effort!

Expert Tips for Baked Pumpkin Donuts

• Warm for Coating: Ensure the donuts are still warm when shaking in cinnamon sugar for better adherence. It makes all the difference in enjoying these baked pumpkin donuts!

• Quick Mixing Method: Use a large zipped-top bag to mix the batter easily without creating a mess. It will make filling the donut pans a breeze!

• Check Early: Test for doneness at 15 minutes to avoid overbaking. The perfect texture is light and fluffy, so keep an eye on those donuts!

• Don’t Overfill: Fill the donut cavities about ¾ full to allow space for rising without spilling over while baking.

• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to customize the recipe by adding chocolate chips or nuts to the batter for a bit of extra crunch in your donuts.

Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe FAQs

What type of pumpkin puree should I use?
You can use either canned pumpkin puree or make your own from fresh pumpkin. If using fresh, roast the pumpkin, scoop out the flesh, and blend until smooth. Canned puree is convenient and ensures consistent results, so don't hesitate to go with that option!

How should I store my baked pumpkin donuts?
Cooled donuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you want to keep them fresh for a little longer, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. Just be mindful that refrigeration can change their texture slightly. To keep them soft and delicious, I recommend enjoying them within the first few days!

Can I freeze baked pumpkin donuts?
Absolutely! To freeze, allow the donuts to cool completely. Lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet, then place them in the freezer for about 1-2 hours until firm. After that, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy, simply reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for a few minutes.

What can I do if my donuts are too dense?
If your donuts turn out dense, it might be because of overmixing the batter or using too much flour. Measure your flour accurately, using the spoon-and-level method instead of scooping directly from the bag. Remember to mix until just combined for best results. A light touch is key when creating these fluffy baked pumpkin donuts!

Are these baked pumpkin donuts suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
You can easily customize the recipe to fit various dietary needs! For a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. If you have an egg allergy, try using a flaxseed meal substitute (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg). Also, consider using applesauce instead of vegetable oil for a lower-fat option!