Baked pumpkin donuts are a delightful autumn treat that perfectly capture the essence of the season. Each bite is soft, fluffy, and packed with the comforting flavors of pumpkin and warm spices. Unlike their fried counterparts, these baked beauties are healthier, making them the ideal snack for any occasion. The addition of cinnamon sugar on top gives them just the right amount of sweetness, ensuring that every guest will be reaching for seconds.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Baked Pumpkin Donuts
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Baked Pumpkin Donuts

I first made these baked pumpkin donuts on a crisp, chilly morning when I woke up with an insatiable craving for something warm and fragrant. The aroma of cinnamon wafting through my kitchen made my home feel cozy and inviting. Plus, the ease of this recipe turned a potential baking disaster into a success in just a short time. If you’re looking to impress your friends or family with minimal effort, this recipe is your ticket to an immensely satisfying treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: These donuts come together in under 30 minutes, leaving you with more time to enjoy them with loved ones.
Irresistible Flavor: Each bite of these donuts offers a tender crumb coupled with a rich taste of pumpkin and a warm spice blend that will have you dreaming of autumn.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Their warm hues and dusting of cinnamon sugar make these donuts not just delicious but also visually appealing.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy these donuts at breakfast, as a dessert, or as a delightful afternoon snack with coffee.
Diet-Friendly Options: Consider using gluten-free flour or a dairy substitute to make these donuts suitable for various dietary preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup pumpkin puree: Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling. This will give your donuts the rich pumpkin flavor without unnecessary sweetness.
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: The melted butter adds moisture and richness to the donuts. You can substitute it with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
1 large egg: This binds the ingredients together and contributes to the fluffy texture. Room temperature eggs work best.
1 (15.25-ounce) box spice cake mix: Using a box mix simplifies the process while providing an excellent spice flavor. For a homemade version, blend equal parts flour, baking powder, and spices.
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted: Besides the butter in the batter, this is used for dipping the donuts, enhancing their richness when coated in cinnamon sugar.
3/4 cup granulated sugar: This will sweeten the donuts and give a delightful crunch when tossed in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
1 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon: The warm aromatic spice that brings this recipe to life!

How to Make Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a donut pan with nonstick spray to prevent the donuts from sticking.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter, and 1 large egg until you have a smooth mixture. This is where the magic begins!
Add Cake Mix: Gradually incorporate the 15.25-ounce box of spice cake mix into the pumpkin mixture. Stir until just combined; the batter will be relatively thick, and that’s perfectly okay!
Fill the Donut Pan: Transfer the thick batter into a piping bag or a zip-top bag (with the corner cut off for piping). Fill each cavity of your donut pan about 3/4 full to allow for some rising.
Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for about 8–12 minutes. For 3-inch donuts, about 9 minutes should suffice. They’re done when the edges are lightly golden and spring back when you press them lightly.
Cooling Time: Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Just try to resist the temptation of eating them all at this stage!
Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix together 3/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon, creating a delicious coating for the warm donuts.
Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: Finally, dip each warm donut into the melted butter and immediately toss in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. This finishing touch is what elevates these baked pumpkin donuts to legendary status!

Storing & Reheating

To enjoy your baked pumpkin donuts over the following days, store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, move them to the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for about a week. Alternatively, freezing is an excellent option—just wrap each donut tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds for a warm, comforting treat again. The flavor may mellow a little after freezing, so feel free to sprinkle a touch more cinnamon sugar on top before serving!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Ensure your baking soda and powder are fresh to achieve the best rise in your donuts.
Avoid overmixing the batter once the cake mix is added to keep them fluffy.
Use room temperature ingredients for an even mix that promotes tenderness.
If your donuts spring back when pressed, they are perfectly baked!
Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger to customize your flavor profile.
For a make-ahead option, you can bake the donuts and freeze them—sugar-dip just before serving for optimal texture!

Baked pumpkin donuts are not just a treat; they’re a cozy hug in dessert form. You’ll find that this recipe comes together effortlessly and brings joy to everyone who gets to enjoy them. Revel in the delightful flavors and experiment with variations to make them your own.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Absolutely! If you want to use fresh pumpkin, make sure to roast it until tender, then puree it until smooth. Drain any excess moisture to keep your donuts from becoming too wet.

What can I use instead of spice cake mix?

You can create your own spice mix by using 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger. This alternative maintains the flavor profile beautifully while allowing you to control the ingredients.

How should I store leftover donuts?

Keep your leftover baked pumpkin donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap them well and freeze.

Can I make these donuts vegan?

Yes! To make vegan baked pumpkin donuts, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) instead of the egg, and replace butter with coconut oil or a plant-based alternative.

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Baked Pumpkin Donuts

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Author: Peter
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 21 donuts 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

These Baked Pumpkin Donuts are a burst of flavor with pumpkin puree, butter, and cinnamon. Simple to make, they’re perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup pumpkin puree
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 (15.25-ounce) box spice cake mix
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and lightly grease a donut pan with nonstick spray.
In a large bowl, blend the pumpkin puree, melted butter, and egg until smooth.
Incorporate the spice cake mix, stirring until just combined; expect a thick batter.
Transfer the batter into a piping bag or zip-top bag, then fill each cavity of the donut pan about 3/4 full.
Bake for 8–12 minutes based on pan size; for 3-inch donuts, bake for about 9 minutes until they spring back when lightly pressed.
Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack.
Combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
Dip each donut in melted butter, then coat thoroughly in the cinnamon sugar mixture.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use nutmeg alongside cinnamon in the sugar coating.
These donuts can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Feel free to add chopped nuts to the batter for added texture.