Name: Delicious Baked Pumpkin Donuts That Are Healthy and Quick
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 cup pumpkin puree (Use pure pumpkin puree for best results.); 1/2 cup milk (Almond milk is a great dairy-free option.); 1/4 cup vegetable oil (Can use melted coconut oil for a healthier twist.); 1 cup all-purpose flour (Can swap with whole wheat flour for extra fiber.); 1/2 cup brown sugar (Coconut sugar can be used as an alternative.); 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice (Feel free to mix in individual spices as preferred.); 1 tbsp baking powder (Essential for a light and fluffy texture.); 1 tsp cinnamon (A must for cozy fall treats.); 1/4 tsp salt (Never skip it!); 1/4 tsp nutmeg (Adds warmth that complements the spices.); 1/4 cup granulated sugar (Coconut sugar can be used for a less refined touch.); 2 tbsp butter (Opt for a dairy-free alternative for vegan donuts.)

As the crisp autumn air settles in, I’ve found myself craving the warm, spiced delights of the season. Enter Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts—a delightful way to embrace fall flavors without the fuss of frying. These oven-baked beauties are perfectly soft, spiced with pumpkin puree and a hint of cinnamon, and they come together in just 25 minutes! Not only do these donuts make for a healthier dessert choice, but they also cut down on kitchen cleanup, giving you more time to savor each bite. Whether enjoyed with a cozy cup of coffee or shared with loved ones, these treats are bound to evoke smiles and warmth. What’s your favorite autumn snack that evokes those precious seasonal memories?

Why are Baked Pumpkin Donuts a Must-Try?

Delightfully Simple: You can whip these donuts up in just 25 minutes, making them perfect for a quick fall treat.
Healthier Option: Baking instead of frying means these donuts are lower in fat, allowing you to indulge guilt-free.
Versatile Flavor: Feel free to customize with different spices or toppings, like chocolate chips or a sweet glaze.
Perfectly Moist: With rich pumpkin puree and a cinnamon-sugar coating, each bite is a cozy hug for your taste buds!
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Ideal for sharing with family and friends, these donuts are sure to be a hit at gatherings. If you’re looking for more seasonal recipes, check out these delightful Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats or the Ultimate Pumpkin Cake to keep the autumn vibes flowing.

Baked Pumpkin Donuts Ingredients

• You won’t believe how simple these are!

For the Donuts

Pumpkin Puree – Adds a rich, moist pumpkin flavor; remember to choose pure puree for best results.
Milk – Provides moisture to the batter; almond milk is a great dairy-free option.
Vegetable Oil – Keeps the donuts delightfully moist; consider using melted coconut oil for a healthier twist.
All-Purpose Flour – Gives structure to the donuts; swap with whole wheat flour for extra fiber.
Brown Sugar – Sweetens these baked pumpkin donuts and intensifies their flavor depth; coconut sugar works well too!
Pumpkin Pie Spice – The heart of the flavor profile; feel free to mix in cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger individually if preferred.
Baking Powder – Essential for a light and fluffy texture.
Cinnamon – Enhances the cozy spiced flavor; a must for fall treats.
Salt – Balances sweetness and elevates flavors; never skip it!
Nutmeg – Adds warmth that perfectly complements the spices.

For Coating

Granulated Sugar – Provides a sweet finish and a pleasant crunch; coconut sugar can be used for a less refined touch.
Butter (melted) – Helps the sugar adhere; opt for a dairy-free alternative for vegan donuts.

These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are a wonderful way to embrace the autumn flavors, making them a must-try recipe in your fall baking lineup!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, grab a donut pan and generously spray it with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy release once baked. This simple preparation step is key for making perfect Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts that come out beautifully shaped and intact.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and milk until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. The rich colors should be inviting and vibrant, a lovely sign of your fresh ingredients coming together. This is where the pumpkin spice essence truly begins, setting the stage for delicious baked donuts ahead.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. The aroma of the spices will start to waft through your kitchen, hinting at the cozy flavors to come. Mixing these dry ingredients first ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and spices, contributing to the perfect texture of your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. The batter should be thick but pourable, and this gentle folding method helps maintain the light and fluffy texture that is the hallmark of baked donuts.

Step 5: Pipe the Batter
Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a ziplock bag with a corner snipped off. Carefully pipe the batter into the prepared donut cavities, filling each about 2/3 full to allow room for rising. This precision ensures that each donut will have a lovely shape and consistent size, making your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts visually appealing and irresistibly cute.

Step 6: Bake
Place the filled donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15–16 minutes. When done, a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut should come out clean. Allow the donuts to rise and bake until they are golden brown on the edges, exuding a delightful aroma that will leave you eager to taste your creations.

Step 7: Cool and Coat
Once baked, let the donuts cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After they’ve cooled enough to handle, gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Meanwhile, prepare your cinnamon-sugar coating by mixing granulated sugar with cinnamon in a shallow dish, setting you up for the final sweet touch to your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts.

Step 8: Dip and Serve
To finish, brush or dip each cooled donut in melted butter, then roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture for that delightful crunch. The warm coating adds to the allure of these baked delights, making them even more irresistible. Now they’re ready to share with your family or enjoy solo with a steaming cup of coffee—the perfect fall treat!

How to Store and Freeze Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Room Temperature: Store completely cooled baked pumpkin donuts in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain their softness and flavor.

Fridge: If you want to keep them for an extra day or two, you can refrigerate the donuts in an airtight container, but this might slightly alter their texture.

Freezer: Freeze wrapped donuts tightly in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. They can be enjoyed later by thawing at room temperature or gently reheating in the oven.

Reheating: To enjoy your donuts warm, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This will revive their delightful texture and warmth!

Make Ahead Options

These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are fantastic for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy mornings! You can prepare the donut batter up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the wet and dry ingredients separately and refrigerating them. Just remember to store the wet mixture covered to maintain its freshness. Additionally, you can also bake the donuts up to 3 days ahead; let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature. When you’re ready to serve, simply coat the donuts in melted butter and roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture for that delightful crunch. This way, you can enjoy delicious baked pumpkin donuts with minimal effort and maximum flavor!

What to Serve with Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

As autumn’s embrace turns cool, it’s time to curate a delightful meal that complements the warm, spiced brilliance of these donuts.

Creamy Hot Chocolate: A warm mug of rich hot chocolate enhances the cozy vibe, making your treat feel extra indulgent.
Freshly Brewed Coffee: The robust flavors of coffee balance the sweetness of the donuts, creating a comforting morning ritual.
Spiced Apple Cider: Warm spiced apple cider brings out the fruity notes in the pumpkin, weaving in nostalgia with every sip.
Maple Yogurt Parfait: Layer creamy yogurt with granola and a drizzle of maple syrup. The crunch and tanginess beautifully contrast the tender donuts.
Cinnamon Roll Casserole: For a sweet brunch feast, serve a cinnamon roll casserole alongside your donuts for that layered cinnamon goodness.
Chai Tea: The exotic spices in chai enhance the pumpkin flavor, turning your snack into a fragrant experience.
Walnut Banana Bread: Enjoy a slice of moist walnut banana bread for an extra touch of warmth and hearty texture.
Chocolate Drizzled Caramel Apples: A fun dessert pairing, offering a crisp contrast to the airy donuts while keeping the fall theme alive.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of spiced whipped cream on the side can elevate your donut experience beautifully.

These pairings ensure your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts shine in any setting, be it a festive gathering or a cozy brunch at home!

Expert Tips for Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Don’t Over-Mix: Gently combine your wet and dry ingredients to keep the airiness; over-mixing can yield dense donuts instead of the desired fluffy texture.
Fill Just Right: Pipe the batter into the donut pan only about 2/3 full to allow for proper rising without spilling over.
Baking Time Matters: Always test for doneness with a toothpick; under-baking can lead to soggy centers, while over-baking dries them out.
Flavor Variations: Get creative! Experiment with different spices or add-ins like chocolate chips for a unique twist on classic baked pumpkin donuts.
Enjoy Fresh: While these donuts are delicious stored at room temperature for a couple of days, they’re best enjoyed fresh from the oven.

Baked Pumpkin Donuts Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to personalize these baked pumpkin donuts, adding your own twist to their delightful flavor!

Dairy-Free: Substitute regular milk with almond milk or coconut milk for a creamy, dairy-free treat.
Whole Wheat: Use whole wheat flour in place of all-purpose flour to boost fiber content and enhance the nutty flavor.
Sweeteners Swap: Replace brown sugar with maple syrup or honey, adjusting liquid levels accordingly for a natural sweetness.
Spice it Up: Customize the flavor with extra spices like ginger or allspice, or amp up the cinnamon for a cozy kick.
Mix-Ins Galore: Toss in chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or walnuts for added texture and bursts of flavor in each bite.
Glazed Donuts: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over cooled donuts for an extra sweet touch.
Pumpkin Pie Spice Alternative: If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, mix individual spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove for a similar effect.
Sugary Coatings: For a twist on the classic cinnamon sugar, try rolling the donuts in powdered sugar or even cocoa powder for a fun surprise.

Embrace your creativity! For more flavorful inspirations, check out these delectable Pumpkin Cream Cheese Danishes or indulge in some Healthy Pumpkin Truffles to expand your autumnal repertoire!

Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best pumpkin puree?
Make sure to choose pure pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling. Look for a brand with just one ingredient: pumpkin. It should have a rich, deep orange color and a smooth texture without any lumps. This ensures the best flavor and moisture for your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts!

What’s the best way to store baked pumpkin donuts?
Keep your cooled baked pumpkin donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to extend their shelf life, refrigerate them for an extra day or two, though this might slightly change their texture. Just ensure they are stored properly to avoid any drying out!

Can I freeze my baked pumpkin donuts for later?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap each cooled donut tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll be good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to restore their delightful warmth.

What should I do if my batter is too thick?
If your batter ends up too thick, you can add a splash more of milk to achieve a pourable consistency. Remember, it’s important to gently mix just until combined to avoid densifying your donuts. Each donut should feel light and fluffy once baked!

Are these donuts suitable for those with dietary restrictions?
Yes! You can easily adapt the recipe for dietary needs. For a dairy-free version, use almond milk and a dairy-free butter alternative. To make them vegan, ensure you’re using plant-based substitutions consistently. Also, feel free to swap in whole wheat flour for added fiber or use coconut sugar as a lower glycemic index sweetener.

How can I add my own twist to these baked pumpkin donuts?
The options are endless! Consider adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts for a textural contrast or switch up the spices by incorporating ginger or allspice. You can also glaze your donuts with a simple mixture of powdered sugar and milk for a sweeter, more decadent treat!