Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Baked Pumpkin Donuts are a yummy fall treat that bring a touch of pumpkin spice flavor to your fall festivities. These homemade donuts are easy to make and go great with a strong cup of coffee. With a scrumptious, cinnamon sugar coating, these donuts are a great way to celebrate the best time of year—pumpkin season!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked Pumpkin Donuts combine the cozy flavors of pumpkin pie spice and pure pumpkin to create a delicious treat that’s perfect for the holiday season.

These cake-like donuts are baked, not fried, but I wouldn’t call them healthy (haha!). The crunchy cinnamon sugar coating adds a delightful texture, and the recipe is simple enough for home cooks of all levels.

These are perfect to break in half and dunk in a cup of hot coffee!

How to Make Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Making Baked Pumpkin Donuts at home is easy and doesn’t require any special equipment beyond donut pans. This easy recipe uses common pantry ingredients, making it a convenient option for busy moms and everyday home cooks.

Follow the simple steps below to create these tasty pumpkin doughnuts.

Ingredients

For the baked pumpkin donuts:

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 15 oz. can pumpkin (real pumpkin puree)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 3/4 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

For the coating:

• 1 stick melted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step One: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray donut pans with non-stick cooking spray to ensure the donuts come out easily after baking.

Step Two: In a large mixing bowl, combine the vegetable oil, eggs, granulated sugar, pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and baking powder. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is smooth.

Step Three: Gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients, stirring until the donut batter is smooth and well combined.

Step Four: Fill the wells of the donut pans about three-quarters full with the batter. This will allow the donuts to rise properly without overflowing.

Step Five: Bake the donuts for 15 to 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The donuts should be firm and lightly golden.

Step Six: Remove the donuts from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully loosen the edges and transfer the donuts to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step Seven: While the donuts are still warm but not fragile, dip each one in the melted butter, ensuring both sides are coated. Then, shake the donuts gently in a bag with the cinnamon sugar mixture until they are evenly covered.

Substitutions and Variations

• Pumpkin Pie Filling vs. Pure Pumpkin: While these baked pumpkin donuts call for pure pumpkin, you can use pumpkin pie filling if you adjust the spices accordingly.
• Oil Alternatives: Instead of vegetable oil, you can use melted butter or coconut oil for a different flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these donuts suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Maple Glaze: For an added layer of flavor, drizzle a maple cinnamon glaze over the cooled donuts. Mix powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a touch of cinnamon for a delicious glaze.
• Donut Muffins: If you don’t have donut pans, use a mini muffin pan to create donut muffins. The cooking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on them while baking.
• Vanilla: Do you adore vanilla? Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter of your cake donuts for a warm vanilla boost.

Best Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the eggs and other wet ingredients are at room temperature. This helps the batter mix more evenly and results in a better texture.
• Don’t You Dare Over-mix: When adding the flour, mix until just combined. Over-mixing your baked pumpkin donut batter can result in dense donuts.
• Use a Piping Bag: To fill the donut pans easily, transfer the batter to a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the corner cut off. This helps distribute the batter evenly without making a complete mess.
• Cooling is Key: Allow the donuts to cool slightly before coating them in butter and cinnamon sugar. This helps the coating stick better and prevents the donuts from breaking apart.
• Storage: Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid storing them in a plastic bag as they may become soggy.

How to Store Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Honestly, these Baked Pumpkin Donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them for later as well. Place the cooled donuts in a single layer in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for up to two days.

If you need to store them longer, you can freeze the donuts. Wrap each donut in plastic wrap and place them in a ziplock bag. They can be frozen for up to a month. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature and reheat in a low oven for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pure pumpkin?

Yes, you can use pumpkin pie filling, but you may need to adjust the spices as pumpkin pie filling already contains spices and sweeteners.

Can I make these baked pumpkin donuts gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these donuts gluten-free.

How do I prevent the donuts from becoming soggy?

Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature and avoid storing them in a plastic bag. If you plan to keep them for more than two days, consider freezing them.

What if I don’t have a donut pan?

You can use a mini muffin pan to make donut muffins. The texture will be similar, and they are just as delicious.

How can I make the baked pumpkin donuts more festive for the holidays?

Drizzle a maple cinnamon glaze over the cooled donuts or add some colorful sprinkles to the cinnamon sugar coating for a festive touch.

Can I use other types of oil?

Yes, melted butter or coconut oil can be used instead of vegetable oil for a different flavor.

These easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are a great addition to your collection of pumpkin recipes. They are simple to make, full of pumpkin spice flavor, and perfect for sharing with family and friends during this special time of year. Enjoy baking and sharing these homemade pumpkin donuts!