These fluffy pumpkin baked donuts are a fall treat you won’t want to miss! With warm spices and a hint of sweetness, they are perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Honestly, who can resist a donut that’s both tasty and baked? I love to enjoy mine with a hot cup of coffee. It’s a comfy, cozy combo that brightens my day! ☕🍩
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin puree: Canned pumpkin puree is perfect here, providing moisture and flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can use homemade pureed pumpkin. Just roast and blend fresh pumpkin until smooth!
Flours: All-purpose flour gives the best texture. If you’re gluten-free, you could try a gluten-free flour blend. Just double-check that it includes xanthan gum for best results.
Sugars: A mix of granulated and brown sugar adds depth to the flavor. If you’re reducing sugar, feel free to cut down on both or swap for coconut sugar for a slightly different taste.
Spices: The classic pumpkin spice combo makes these donuts sing! If you don’t have ground cloves or ginger, you could just increase the cinnamon a bit; they’ll still taste great!
Oil: Vegetable oil keeps these donuts light and tender. Substituting with melted coconut oil gives a nice subtle flavor. Just ensure it’s cooled before mixing!
How Do I Bake Perfect Donuts Without Overmixing?
Overmixing can lead to dense donuts, so here’s my trick: mix just until combined. Start with your wet ingredients, then add the dry ingredients gradually. Use a spatula to fold, and you’ll see some lumps—that’s okay!
- Be gentle! Stir in a “cut and fold” motion when you add the dry ingredients.
- Once you see most of the dry spots disappear, stop stirring.
- Fill your donut pan about 3/4 full for the perfect rise.
These techniques will help ensure your donuts are fluffy and tender every time! Enjoy the process and the delicious results.
How to Make Pumpkin Baked Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for brushing donuts before coating)
For the Optional Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (add more if needed for consistency)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 15-18 minutes of baking. You’ll also want to let the donuts cool for a bit afterward. Altogether, plan for about 30-45 minutes from start to finish, making this a quick and delightful treat!
Step-By-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a donut pan and lightly grease it with non-stick spray or some butter to prevent sticking later on.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Keep whisking until everything is smooth and well combined—this will make your donuts moist!
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and salt. This step ensures even mixing of the dry ingredients and adds air, making your donuts light and fluffy.
4. Mix Wet and Dry:
Now, gently add the dry ingredient mixture into the bowl with the wet ingredients. Stir just enough to combine—be careful not to overmix! A few lumps are completely fine and will help keep the donuts soft.
5. Fill the Pan:
Using a spoon or a piping bag, fill each cavity of the donut pan about 3/4 full with the batter. This allows enough room for rising without overflowing.
6. Bake:
Place the filled donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. Donuts are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, and they spring back when lightly touched.
7. Cool:
Once baked, let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step prevents them from becoming soggy.
8. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar:
While your donuts are cooling, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. If you want a sweeter touch, lightly brush each cooled donut with melted butter before rolling them in the cinnamon sugar.
9. Optional Glaze:
If you’d like to add an extra sweet finish, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl until smooth. You can dip the tops of your cooled donuts into the glaze and let the excess drip off before placing them back on the rack.
10. Serve:
Once you’ve topped the donuts with either cinnamon sugar or glaze, they’re ready to enjoy! These donuts are perfect warm or at room temperature, and if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Enjoy your homemade pumpkin baked donuts, full of cozy fall flavors and perfect with a hot beverage!
Can I Substitute Fresh Pumpkin for Canned Pumpkin Puree?
Yes, you can absolutely use fresh pumpkin! Just roast and puree a medium-sized sugar pumpkin until smooth. Make sure to drain any excess moisture to keep your donuts from becoming soggy.
How Can I Make These Donuts Gluten-Free?
To make gluten-free pumpkin donuts, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Look for one that includes xanthan gum to help with texture. Just make sure to follow package instructions for best results!
Can I Store Leftover Donuts?
Yes! Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature or warm up in the microwave!
Can I Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips to the Batter?
Absolutely! Adding nuts like walnuts or chocolate chips can add a delightful texture and flavor. Just fold in about 1/2 cup of your choice when mixing the wet and dry ingredients. Enjoy the extra yumminess!
