These baked pumpkin spice donuts are soft, fluffy, and full of warm fall flavors! With the perfect blend of pumpkin and spices, they make a cozy treat any time of the day.
They’re super easy to whip up, and I can’t resist their sweet smell filling the kitchen. Top them with a light glaze or some sprinkles for that extra fun! 🍩
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin works well and is super convenient! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can use fresh pumpkin. Just roast and puree it first. Opt for pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, to control the sweetness.
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your donuts, providing structure. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Almond flour is another alternative, but it may yield a denser donut.
Spices: The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves gives the donuts that classic fall flavor. Feel free to adjust the amounts based on your taste. If you only have pumpkin pie spice, it works too!
Butter vs. Oil: I prefer using melted butter for flavor, but vegetable oil makes the donuts super moist. Choose based on your preference; both will give you great results!
How Do You Ensure Your Donuts Are Light and Fluffy?
To get the best texture in your donuts, the mixing method is key. Here’s how to do it right:
- Always mix the wet and dry ingredients separately first. This ensures even distribution of ingredients.
- When combining everything, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts, so it’s okay if there are small lumps in the batter!
- Fill the donut pan only about 3/4 full. This allows the donuts to rise without overflowing.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to create soft, fluffy donuts every time. Enjoy making these fall treats!
How to Make Baked Pumpkin Spice Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup melted butter or vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
For the Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You will need about 15 minutes of prep time to mix everything together. The donuts will bake for 12–15 minutes, and then you’ll want to let them cool for about 5 minutes in the pan. Overall, plan for about 35–40 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important to ensure your donuts bake evenly. Lightly grease a donut pan with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter (or oil), and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is smooth and well blended.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. This will help distribute the leavening agents and spices throughout the flour.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix just until everything is combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can make your donuts tough.
5. Fill the Donut Pan:
Spoon or pipe the batter into the greased donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full. This allows the donuts to rise without overflowing while baking.
6. Bake the Donuts:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 12–15 minutes. They are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool the Donuts:
After baking, let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully remove them and transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly.
8. Prepare the Coating:
While the donuts cool, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together in a shallow bowl for the coating. This will give the donuts a sweet and spicy finish.
9. Coat the Donuts:
Once the donuts are warm but not hot, brush them lightly with melted butter. Immediately toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until well-coated.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Your delicious baked pumpkin spice donuts are now ready to enjoy! Serve them warm or at room temperature and share them with family and friends. These treats are perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy afternoon snack!
Can I Substitute Fresh Pumpkin for Canned Pumpkin Puree?
Yes, you can definitely use fresh pumpkin! Just make sure to roast it first, then puree it until smooth. Look for a sugar pumpkin or pie pumpkin for the best flavor.
How Should I Store Leftover Donuts?
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’d like them to last longer, consider refrigerating them for up to a week.
Can I Freeze These Donuts?
Absolutely! Allow the donuts to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before enjoying!
What If I Don’t Have a Donut Pan?
No worries! You can use a muffin tin instead. Just fill the muffin cups about halfway with batter. The baking time may vary slightly, so check for doneness with a toothpick.