Name: Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon nutmeg; ½ cup pumpkin puree; ¼ cup milk; ¼ cup vegetable oil; ⅓ cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 20 reviews

Imagine starting your morning (or, let’s be honest, any time of day!) with a batch of Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts. These golden treats are impossibly soft and spongy, with a cozy pumpkin spice flavor and a sparkling cinnamon sugar coat that’ll have you reaching for “just one more.” There’s no frying, no fuss—simply bake, dunk, and enjoy the comfort of autumn in every bite. If you crave seasonal nostalgia and want to impress loved ones with minimal effort, these donuts are your new go-to treat.

Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Baking a batch of Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts couldn’t be easier when you see how humble yet essential the ingredients are. Each one plays a special role in creating that signature taste, plush texture, and luminous color that will light up your table.

Pumpkin Puree: Brings moisture, vibrant color, and that unmistakable fall flavor—don’t substitute with pumpkin pie filling!
Milk: Loosens up the batter just enough for a soft, tender crumb; any dairy or plant-based milk works here.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps the donuts extra moist and gives that bakery-quality richness.
All Purpose Flour: The backbone of your donuts, giving the perfect soft and fluffy structure.
Brown Sugar: Offers caramel notes and extra moisture you can really taste in every bite.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: Brings together cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves into one aromatic blend.
Baking Powder: Ensures your donuts rise for that lovely domed top and airy inside.
Cinnamon: Reinforces the warm spice in the donut and makes the cinnamon sugar coating sing.
Salt: Balances sweetness and brings out the full, nuanced flavor of the pumpkin and spices.
Nutmeg: Adds depth and a nostalgic, cozy flavor that sets these donuts apart.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating (Granulated Sugar, More Cinnamon, Melted Butter): Creates the signature sparkle and a melt-in-your-mouth finish you’ll crave.

How to Make Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Step 1: Prep the Donut Pan and Preheat

First things first—preheat your oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray your donut pan with non-stick cooking spray, making sure every nook and cranny is coated. This keeps your donuts from sticking and ensures they come out beautifully every time. Set the pan aside and get ready for a spicy pumpkin adventure!

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and milk until smooth. This combination creates the moist base for your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts, infusing them with flavor and that oh-so-soft crumb we love.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a smaller bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This fragrant blend is the secret behind those rich autumnal notes and that perfect, cake-like donut structure. Don’t skip the mixing—this ensures the leavening and spices are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gently fold the dry ingredients into your wet mixture using a spatula, mixing just until everything is combined. Be careful not to over-mix—you want a soft, airy crumb, not a dense donut! The batter will be thick, which is exactly what you want for gorgeous, bakery-style donuts.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

Transfer your batter into a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the tip snipped off. Pipe the batter evenly into the donut cavities, filling each one about three-quarters full. This technique makes filling tidy and guarantees you’ll get beautifully shaped Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts every time.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide your filled donut pan into the preheated oven and bake for 15-16 minutes. The donuts are ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them rest in the pan for 10 minutes after baking—this helps them firm up and makes removal a breeze.

Step 7: Cool and Unmold

Turn the donut pan upside down to gently release the donuts onto a wire rack. Allow them to cool for at least another 10 minutes. Trust me, a little patience pays off here—the donuts become easier to handle and don’t break apart during coating.

Step 8: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

Melt the butter in a small bowl. Brush each cooled donut with a little melted butter using a pastry brush, or dip each donut into the butter if you’re feeling daring. Next, swirl the donuts in your cinnamon sugar blend until each is fully covered—now they’re ready to dazzle.

How to Serve Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Garnishes

If you really want to dress up your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts, try dusting them with extra cinnamon sugar just before serving, or add a vanilla drizzle for a fun twist. For a pop of color, scatter a few chopped candied nuts or mini chocolate chips on top right after coating.

Side Dishes

These donuts are fabulous with a mug of strong coffee or a creamy hot chocolate. If you’re serving brunch, a bowl of fresh autumn fruit (like apple or pear slices) pairs beautifully with the rich warm spices in the donuts. They’re also perfect next to a dollop of vanilla yogurt for a breakfast treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts on a rustic wooden board with a few cinnamon sticks and whole nutmegs for a festive vibe. Stack them in a donut tower for parties, or package them up in pretty boxes or waxed paper bags to give as homemade gifts. They’re a showstopper at bake sales and potlucks!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you’ve already coated them in cinnamon sugar, keep parchment paper between layers so the coating stays intact and the donuts don’t stick together.

Freezing

Need to bake ahead? These donuts freeze perfectly! Place the cooled, uncoated donuts in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature, then brush with butter and toss in cinnamon sugar just before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven magic.

Reheating

If your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts lose their warmth, pop them in a 300ºF oven for 4-5 minutes or microwave each donut for 10-15 seconds. This brings back their pillowy softness—just avoid reheating once you’ve added the cinnamon sugar, as the coating melts and gets sticky.

FAQs

Can I make Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts gluten free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a good-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. You may notice a slightly different texture, but the flavor will still be delicious and warmly spiced.

What if I don’t have a donut pan?

No donut pan? No problem! You can use a muffin tin—just pipe rings of batter around the edges or make donut “muffins.” The shape is different, but you’ll still get all that classic flavor and soft, moist crumb.

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?

Homemade pumpkin puree works beautifully here. Just ensure it’s not too watery; if it seems loose, strain it in a cheesecloth for a few minutes before measuring, so your donuts stay perfectly fluffy.

Is it possible to double or triple the recipe?

Yes! This recipe scales up easily for parties, holidays, or a crowd. Mix in batches if you’re making a large quantity to avoid over-mixing the batter, and bake in multiple pans if necessary.

How do I keep the cinnamon sugar from falling off?

The key is to coat the donuts while they’re just barely warm, so the butter helps the cinnamon sugar stick. Don’t skip the butter—it’s the “glue” that gives you that irresistible crackly coating.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like the comfort of Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts to usher in the flavors of fall. I hope you whip up a batch for yourself, share them with friends, or add them to your morning coffee ritual. Once you try these, they might just become your favorite fall treat, too—happy baking!