These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are fluffy, tasty, and packed with fall flavors! Made with pumpkin puree and warm spices, they are perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack.
What’s better than a warm donut? One that you can bake! I love how simple it is to mix everything and pop them in the oven. Plus, my kitchen smells amazing while they bake! 🎃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin puree is perfect for this recipe. If you want to make your own, roast fresh pumpkin until soft and blend it until smooth. Just make sure to drain any excess moisture!
Vegetable Oil: I love using vegetable oil for its neutral flavor, but you can substitute with melted coconut oil for a hint of coconut sweetness. Applesauce is a fun substitute too if you’re looking to cut down on oil.
Spices: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves gives these donuts a warm flavor. If you don’t have all the spices, you can use pumpkin pie spice instead. About 2 teaspoons should do the trick!
How Can I Ensure My Donuts Are Fluffy?
Getting fluffy donuts starts with not overmixing the batter. Here’s how to do it:
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed; a few lumps are okay.
- Fill each donut mold about 3/4 full to allow for rising without spilling over.
- Use a toothpick to check doneness; it should come out clean without wet batter.
Letting them cool properly on a wire rack will also help keep them light and prevent sogginess. Enjoy your baking!
How to Make Easy Baked Pumpkin 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
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 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 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: a pinch of cinnamon for sprinkling on top
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 12-15 minutes to bake. After baking, allow about 10-15 minutes for the glaze to set. In total, you’ll need around 30-45 minutes before you can enjoy your delicious pumpkin donuts!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your donut pan and give it a light spray with non-stick spray so the donuts don’t stick. Set it aside for now.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk to mix everything together until it’s nice and smooth—no lumps allowed!
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
Now, in a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Sifting helps avoid clumps and mixes the dry ingredients well!
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. This keeps your donuts fluffy!
5. Fill the Donut Pan:
Use a spoon or piping bag to fill each donut cavity in your pan about 3/4 full with batter. This allows space for the donuts to rise without overflowing.
6. Bake the Donuts:
Pop the donut pan in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into a donut; if it comes out clean, they’re ready!
7. Cool the Donuts:
Once baked, let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here!
8. Make the Glaze:
While the donuts cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. You want your glaze to be thick but pourable!
9. Glaze the Donuts:
Once the donuts have cooled, dip the top of each one into the glaze. Allow the excess to drip off, then place them back onto the wire rack. If you like, sprinkle a little cinnamon on top before the glaze sets.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the glaze set for about 10-15 minutes before serving. Now you can enjoy your fluffy, flavorful baked pumpkin donuts! They’re perfect with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate.
Happy baking, and enjoy your delicious treats!
FAQ for Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! If using fresh pumpkin, roast it until soft, then blend it into a smooth puree. Just be sure to drain any excess moisture to avoid a soggy batter.
How Do I Store Leftover Donuts?
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up!
Can I Make These Donuts Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your baking powder is also gluten-free to keep the recipe completely safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.
What Other Toppings Can I Use Besides Glaze?
If you want to mix it up, you can sprinkle the donuts with powdered sugar, drizzle with chocolate, or top them with a cream cheese frosting. Chopped nuts or toasted coconut can also add a delicious crunch!