Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts: Soft, Spiced, and Irresistible Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for something that tastes like a cozy autumn morning, look no further than these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts: Soft, Spiced, and Irresistible. These donuts burst with pumpkin flavor, a blend of aromatic spices, and a delightfully tender crumb that makes them feel ultra-indulgent. Best part? They don’t require frying or fancy ingredients—just a handful of pantry staples and a donut pan, and you’ll be serving up bakery-style magic right from your own kitchen. From weekend brunches to fall gatherings, this is the kind of treat that everyone keeps reaching for!

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how just a few simple ingredients can build something so delicious. Each one works its own special magic, delivering flavor, fluffiness, and the irresistible aroma that defines these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts: Soft, Spiced, and Irresistible.

• Pumpkin puree: Gives the donuts their signature moistness and a gorgeous golden hue—make sure to use pure pumpkin, not pie filling.
• Milk: Adds just enough liquid for a soft, pillow-like texture.
• Vegetable oil: Ensures each bite is tender and keeps the crumb moist for days.
• All-purpose flour: Forms the structure while keeping the donuts fluffy, never dense.
• Brown sugar: Adds gentle sweetness with a hint of caramel, boosting both color and flavor complexity.
• Pumpkin pie spice: Infuses warm, fall-inspired notes straight into the batter—you’ll taste clove, ginger, and all the cozy flavors you love.
• Baking powder: Gives the donuts their lift and lightness, so they don’t turn out heavy.
• Cinnamon: Highlights the pumpkin and deepens overall warmth.
• Nutmeg: Just a pinch is all it takes for a subtle, nutty spice that rounds everything out.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and makes every spice pop.
• Granulated sugar (for the coating): Delivers that classic donut sparkle and just the right amount of crunch.
• Butter (for the coating): Helps the cinnamon sugar stick to every curve and corner of the donut.
• Cinnamon (for the coating): Merges with the sugar to bring the irresistible finish you expect from every great donut.

How to Make Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts: Soft, Spiced, and Irresistible

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF. Lightly spritz a donut pan with non-stick cooking spray—this helps each donut slip out perfectly and gives you those bakery-worthy edges.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and milk. This silky base is where all your moisture and rich flavor come from. Make sure the mixture is smooth and thoroughly combined—no stray streaks of pumpkin!

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate, smaller bowl, gently stir together your flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Taking a moment to combine these thoroughly ensures even distribution, so every bite of your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts: Soft, Spiced, and Irresistible comes out perfectly flavored.

Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures

Now, gradually fold your dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Use a spatula and a light touch—stop mixing as soon as the batter comes together. This is the secret to fluffy, tender donuts that stay soft for days. Avoid over-mixing, which can make them tough.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

Spoon your batter into a piping bag or a sturdy zip-top bag, snip off a corner, and pipe the batter into each donut mold. Fill each cavity about three-quarters full for even rising and that iconic donut shape.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 15–16 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick poked into the thickest part comes out clean. Let the donuts cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn them onto a wire rack for another short rest.

Step 7: Cinnamon Sugar Finish

While the donuts are still a bit warm, melt your butter. Either brush each donut or give them a quick dip in the butter, then swirl them in a bowl of cinnamon sugar until they’re coated head to toe. This quick step turns your donuts into Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts: Soft, Spiced, and Irresistible with every single bite.

How to Serve Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts: Soft, Spiced, and Irresistible

Garnishes

For a delightful finishing touch, dust your donuts with a bit of extra cinnamon sugar just before serving. You can also add a drizzle of maple glaze or a few chopped toasted pecans if you’re looking to dress them up. Either way, these donuts shine straight from the oven, beautifully golden and fragrant.

Side Dishes

Pair these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts: Soft, Spiced, and Irresistible with a creamy latte, spiced chai, or a mug of hot apple cider to play up their warm, autumnal notes. Fresh fruit or a bowl of tangy Greek yogurt also balance the sweet, cinnamon-kissed topping.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the donuts on a farmhouse serving board with cinnamon sticks and tiny pumpkins for a rustic brunch, or stack them on a tiered cake stand for a show-stopping dessert centerpiece at your next gathering. Wrap a few up in parchment and twine as edible gifts for friends—they’re guaranteed to bring a smile!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, store your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts: Soft, Spiced, and Irresistible in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you’ve added the cinnamon sugar coating, layer with wax paper to keep them from sticking together.

Freezing

If you’d like to enjoy these donuts beyond a day or two, freezing is a fantastic option. Simply arrange them on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag. They’ll keep their soft texture and bold flavor for up to two months—just leave off the cinnamon sugar coating until after reheating.

Reheating

When you’re ready for a treat, thaw donuts at room temperature or give them a gentle 10–15 second zap in the microwave. For the freshest finish, warm them in a 300ºF oven for 5 minutes, then brush with butter and toss with cinnamon sugar for that just-baked taste.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned?

Absolutely! Homemade pumpkin puree works wonderfully in this recipe. Just be sure it’s not too watery—drain off excess moisture to ensure your donuts have that classic soft, spiced, and irresistible crumb.

Do I need a donut pan?

A donut pan is ideal for achieving that signature round shape, but you can also use a muffin tin—your donuts will look a little different but taste just as amazing. Simply pipe the batter in rings or fill each muffin cup halfway.

Can these donuts be made dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute your favorite non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk) and use dairy-free butter for the coating. You’ll still get those Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts: Soft, Spiced, and Irresistible flavors and that perfect texture.

Why do my donuts sometimes turn out dense?

The secret to light, fluffy donuts is avoiding overmixing the batter. Stop stirring as soon as the wet and dry ingredients come together, and always use fresh baking powder for best results.

When should I coat the donuts with cinnamon sugar?

For the best adhesion, toss the donuts in cinnamon sugar while they’re still slightly warm. If you’re storing them, wait to coat until just before serving so that you get a fresh, sparkly finish every time.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to try these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts: Soft, Spiced, and Irresistible in your own kitchen. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to deliver smiles and second helpings. Happy baking, and may your kitchen always smell as inviting as these cozy donuts taste!

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