Nothing says autumn quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked pumpkin donuts wafting through your kitchen. They’re soft, fluffy, and bursting with flavor, making them a perfect treat for chilly days or simply when you crave something sweet. This easy pumpkin donut recipe combines the delightful fall flavors of pumpkin and warm spices, and the best part? You don’t need a deep fryer or specialized equipment—just a trusty donut pan and a little bit of love!

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 remember the first time I made baked pumpkin donuts. It was a crisp October morning. As I poured the batter into the donut pan, the anticipation built. The moment they emerged from the oven, our kitchen was filled with such cozy warmth that I knew I had stumbled upon a recipe to cherish. These donuts are not only incredibly simple to make, but they’re also a delightful twist on the classic breakfast treat. Topped with cinnamon sugar, they also share a comforting nod to tradition, harmonizing perfectly with a steaming cup of coffee or cider.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: You can whip these up in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for those busy mornings.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of pumpkin, spices, and buttery goodness will tickle your taste buds and have you reaching for seconds.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Their lovely golden hue and fluffy texture make them not just delicious but visually appealing too!
Flexible Serving: Enjoy them at breakfast, as an after-school snack, or at your next gathering—they’ll please every palate.
Diet-Friendly Options: Consider making a gluten-free version by swapping the spice cake mix with a gluten-free alternative.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup pumpkin puree: Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best flavor.
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: This adds richness and moisture to the donuts.
1 large egg: Eggs help bind the ingredients together, creating that perfect texture.
1 (15.25-ounce) box spice cake mix: I recommend Duncan Hines for convenience and flavor, but feel free to explore other brands.
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted: This is used later for dipping, giving the donuts a decadent finish.
3/4 cup granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness and a key component of the cinnamon sugar coating.
1 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon: To add warmth and that signature fall flavor.

How to Make Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a donut pan with nonstick spray to ensure easy release.
Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, stir together 1 cup pumpkin puree, 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, and 1 large egg until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the 15.25-ounce box of spice cake mix to the wet ingredients. Stir until there are no dry spots, but be careful not to overmix—this will keep your donuts fluffy.
Pipe the Batter: Transfer the thick batter into a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect; they’ll puff up beautifully.
Bake: Bake for 8–12 minutes. If you’re using a 3-inch donut pan, around 9 minutes should do, or until the donuts spring back when lightly pressed.
Cool: Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. After this, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix together 3/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon. This sandy mixture will coat the donuts beautifully.
Coat the Donuts: Dip each donut in the melted 1/3 cup unsalted butter to coat it lightly, then toss it in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully covered.

Storing & Reheating

To store your baked pumpkin donuts, keep them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them, which will keep them fresh for about a week. You can also freeze these treats—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-top freezer bag for up to 3 months. When it’s time to enjoy them again, pop them in the microwave for about 15 seconds to warm them up. They may soften slightly but should retain their delicious flavor.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid Overmixing: Mix just until combined to maintain a light and fluffy texture.
Bake Time: Don’t forget that your baking time can vary based on the size of your donuts, so keep an eye on them!
Substitutions: If you don’t have spice cake mix, you can use yellow cake mix and add your own spices—think nutmeg, allspice, or ginger for that fall flavor.
Cinnamon Sugar Variants: Feel free to experiment by adding a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice to your cinnamon sugar for an extra kick.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the batter the night before. Just cover it well and pipe it into the pan in the morning for a cozy, quick treat!

If you’re searching for a wonderful, cozy treat, this baked pumpkin donut recipe is your go-to. Whether shared with loved ones or enjoyed warm with your morning coffee, these donuts are sure to capture the essence of fall. Don’t hesitate to play around with the toppings or even experiment with different spices. Enjoy the warm, inviting flavor of these delightful treats!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Absolutely! You can use fresh pumpkin puree. Just ensure that it’s cooked and pureed until smooth. However, be mindful that it might be a bit wetter, so adjust the dry ingredients slightly if needed.

Can I use something other than spice cake mix?

Yes! A yellow cake mix can be a suitable alternative. If you choose this option, consider adding in your own blend of spices, like cinnamon and nutmeg, to maintain that signature pumpkin flavor.

How should I store these donuts?

Keep your baked pumpkin donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them or freeze, wrapped tightly, for up to three months.

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Definitely! Just replace the spice cake mix with a gluten-free alternative. There are many great options available these days, which will yield delicious results!

More Desserts & Appetizers Recipes

Paleo Pumpkin Donut Holes

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Baked Pumpkin Donuts

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

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

Print Recipe

Description

These Baked Pumpkin Donuts are irresistibly delicious, combining pumpkin puree and spice cake mix for a quick treat that evokes warmth and comfort. Ideal for breakfast or as a delightful dessert, this easy homemade recipe will surely impress anyone who loves fall flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and lightly grease a donut pan with nonstick spray.
In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, melted butter, and egg until well mixed and smooth.
Add the spice cake mix and stir until just combined; make sure not to overmix as the batter will be thick.
Transfer the thick batter into a piping bag or zip-top bag and pipe it into the donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
Bake the donuts for 8 to 12 minutes, depending on your pan size; for 3-inch donuts, about 9 minutes should suffice; they should spring back lightly when pressed.
Once baked, let the donuts sit in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool.
In a separate small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
To finish, dip each donut in melted butter, then toss in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.

Notes

Ensure to use pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling for the best results.
Adjust cinnamon sugar coating to your taste; feel free to add more cinnamon if desired.
These donuts can be stored in an airtight container for several days.