These Baked Pumpkin Spice Donuts are soft, fluffy, and filled with all the cozy flavors of fall! Made with pumpkin puree and warm spices, they make a perfect treat for any time of the day.
I love how easy they are to whip up—just mix, bake, and enjoy! They even make your kitchen smell amazing. Plus, no frying means less mess! 🍩🍂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Canned Pumpkin Puree: This is the star of the show! You can use homemade pumpkin puree if you prefer, just ensure it’s smooth. But canned is quick and easy.
Vegetable Oil: I like using vegetable oil for a neutral taste, but melted coconut oil adds a lovely flavor. You can swap it with applesauce for a healthier twist!
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar gives the donuts moisture and a hint of caramel flavor. If you’re out, you can use white sugar, but add a tablespoon of molasses to mimic the taste.
Spices: The warm spices are essential here! If you don’t have nutmeg or cloves, just use extra cinnamon. Also, consider pumpkin pie spice as a shortcut!
How Do You Make Sure Your Donuts Are Soft and Fluffy?
To achieve the best texture, handle your batter gently. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts. Aim to combine the wet and dry ingredients until just blended—it’s okay if there are a few lumps!
- Preheat your oven thoroughly to ensure even baking.
- Fill the donut cavities only about 3/4 full so they have room to rise without overflowing.
- Let the donuts cool for a few minutes before removing them; this ensures they won’t break apart.
Baked Pumpkin Spice Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 15-18 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to let the donuts cool briefly afterward! In total, you’re looking at about 30-35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a tasty treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important step to get those donuts fluffy and perfectly baked. While the oven heats up, lightly grease a donut pan with some nonstick spray or a little bit of oil.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, grab your whisk and combine the pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Whisk everything together until it’s nice and smooth—no lumps allowed!
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and salt. This step ensures that your dry ingredients are evenly mixed and helps keep the donuts light and airy.
4. Bring It All Together:
Now, gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Gently mix everything together—be careful not to overmix! Just stir until the mixture is combined; a few lumps are totally okay.
5. Fill the Donut Pan:
Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full. This will give them room to rise without overflowing while baking!
6. Bake:
Pop those donuts into the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them towards the end—don’t let them dry out!
7. Cool the Donuts:
Once baked, allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. After that, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Brush with Butter:
While the donuts are still warm, use a pastry brush to lightly coat them with melted butter. This helps the cinnamon sugar mixture stick nicely!
9. Add the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
In a shallow bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Roll each donut in this mixture until they’re beautifully coated and sweet!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
These donuts are best served warm but are also delicious at room temperature! Enjoy every bite of your cozy baked pumpkin spice donuts—you’ve earned it!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! You can use fresh pumpkin puree; just make sure to cook and blend it until smooth. Roast a small pumpkin, scoop out the flesh, and puree it in a blender or food processor until creamy.
How Should I Store Leftover Donuts?
To keep your donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them! Just place them in a freezer-safe bag and enjoy them within 2 months.
Can I Make These Donuts Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for better texture. The donuts may be slightly different in taste but still delicious!
What Toppings Can I Use Besides Cinnamon Sugar?
Feel free to get creative! A simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk adds a sweet touch. You can also sprinkle them with chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of caramel for extra indulgence!