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The leaves are starting to turn, and that crisp autumn air calls for a treat that captures the essence of the season. Picture this: soft, pillowy pumpkin donuts, their warm sweetness enveloped in a delicate coat of cinnamon sugar. It hit me while preparing for a cozy gathering with friends; I wanted something homemade, yet impressively easy to whip up. These baked pumpkin donuts are exactly what I needed.

What I love most is how they combine the comforting flavors of pumpkin with just the right hint of spice, making them perfect for any fall occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them alongside a steaming cup of coffee or serving them at your next potluck, they promise to be a crowd-pleaser. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s create these delightful treats that celebrate everything we love about autumn!

Why are Pumpkin Donuts a must-try?

Irresistible flavor: These pumpkin donuts burst with a warm, cozy sweetness that embodies fall.

Easy to make: No frying necessary! Simply mix ingredients, bake, and enjoy fluffy, light goodness without the mess.

Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, they disappear quickly, earning compliments every time.

Customizable: Add chocolate chips or swap spices to tailor flavors to your liking, creating endless variations.

Ideal with drinks: Pair them with your favorite hot beverage for the ultimate cozy experience—perfect for crisp mornings.

Don’t miss out on our many delicious baked pumpkin treats, ideal for celebrating the season!

Pumpkin Donuts Ingredients

Explore the delightful components needed to whip up these mouthwatering pumpkin donuts!

For the Donuts

All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
Pumpkin Puree – Adds moisture and flavor; feel free to use canned or homemade for the same rich taste.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the donuts; can be replaced with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option.
Brown Sugar – Enhances flavor with a hint of molasses; light or dark brown sugar works beautifully here.
Baking Powder – Essential leavening agent that helps donuts rise; don’t skip this for that fluffy texture!
Ground Cinnamon – Infuses warm spice flavor; try nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice if you crave a different twist.
Salt – Balances sweetness; no substitutions necessary for the best flavor profile.
Egg – Binds ingredients and adds moisture; for a vegan option, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water).
Milk – Enhances moisture and texture; opt for almond or oat milk for a dairy-free alternative.
Butter – Adds richness; replace with coconut oil if you want a dairy-free version.

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Granulated Sugar – Serves as the base for your sweet coating; use regular granulated sugar for the classic crunch.
Ground Cinnamon – A must-have for that quintessential fall flavor; adjust the ratio to your preference for sweetness.

With these ingredients in hand, you’re all set to create irresistibly delicious pumpkin donuts that will fill your kitchen with the essence of autumn. Happy baking!

How to Make Pumpkin Donuts

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a donut pan. This helps the donuts lift out smoothly after baking, creating a lovely shape!
Whisk together the dry ingredients in a bowl: all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps – a good mix will help them rise perfectly.
Mix the wet ingredients in a separate bowl, combining pumpkin puree, egg, milk, and melted butter. Stir until smooth, ensuring all the ingredients are well blended for maximum moisture.
Combine the wet and dry mixes gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing; the batter should be slightly lumpy for light, fluffy donuts.
Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full. This allows room for the donuts to rise nicely while baking.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. You want them to be fluffy and lightly golden on top.
Cool the donuts for a few minutes in the pan, then gently remove them and dip each into melted butter. Roll them in a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon for that delightful sweet crunch.

Optional: Serve warm for the ultimate cozy experience!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

How to Store and Freeze Pumpkin Donuts

Room Temperature: Store pumpkin donuts in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh while maintaining their fluffy texture.

Fridge: If you prefer longer storage, these donuts can be refrigerated for up to a week. Use a sealed container to prevent them from drying out.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze pumpkin donuts in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Just let them cool completely before freezing.

Reheating: To enjoy pumpkin donuts warm, gently reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes. This will refresh their taste and texture beautifully!

What to Serve with Pumpkin Donuts?

Indulge in the warmth of autumn with delightful pairings that complement every bite of these fluffy treats.

Hot Coffee: The rich, bold flavor of coffee beautifully balances the sweetness of the pumpkin donuts, creating a cozy morning ritual.
Mascarpone Cream: A dollop of this creamy delight adds a rich, velvety texture that enhances each fluffy bite. Spread it delicately atop a still-warm donut for pure bliss.
Spiced Apple Cider: Whether warm or chilled, a cup of this spiced drink brings out the fall flavors in pumpkin donuts, making every bite feel festive.
Chai Latte: With its warm spices, a chai latte harmonizes perfectly with the donut’s cinnamon sugar topping, offering a comforting and aromatic experience.
Maple Icing: A drizzle of sweet maple icing over your donuts introduces a luscious sweetness that pairs with the pumpkin flavor for an indulgent treat.
Pecan Toppings: Chopped pecans add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, elevating the pumpkin donuts’ texture while embracing autumn’s essence.
Chocolate Ganache: For those with a sweeter tooth, a rich chocolate ganache provides a luxurious contrast to the soft donuts, making them even more irresistible.
Fruit Compote: A mix of fresh berries or a stone fruit compote adds a burst of freshness, balancing out the sweetness of your pumpkin donuts.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Transform your pumpkin donut experience into a dessert dream by serving them warm alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream.

Expert Tips for Pumpkin Donuts

Preheat the Oven: Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 350°F (175°C) to achieve perfectly baked pumpkin donuts without the risk of undercooking.
Avoid Overmixing: Stir the batter until just combined; overmixing can lead to dense donuts instead of the fluffy texture you desire.
Proper Filling Technique: Use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off for easy and mess-free filling of the donut pan.
Cool Before Coating: Let the donuts cool slightly before dipping them in melted butter and rolling in cinnamon sugar. This prevents the sugar from melting away.
Experiment with Spices: Feel free to substitute ground cinnamon with nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice to create your own unique twist on classic pumpkin donuts.

Make Ahead Options

These fluffy baked pumpkin donuts are perfect for meal prep, saving you time on busy mornings! You can prepare the donut batter up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it in an airtight container. For the best results, just be sure to mix the wet and dry ingredients separately and combine them right before baking to maintain fluffiness. Additionally, you can bake the donuts, let them cool, and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the donuts in the oven for a few minutes, dip them in melted butter, and roll in cinnamon sugar for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste!

Pumpkin Donuts Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to sprinkle your own magic on these pumpkin donuts with some delicious variations!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to cater to those with gluten sensitivities.
Dairy-Free: Swap out milk for almond or oat milk and replace butter with coconut oil for a completely dairy-free treat.
Vegan Option: Use a flax egg instead of regular egg to make these donuts vegan-friendly without sacrificing flavor.
Spice It Up: Experiment with spices by replacing ground cinnamon with nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom to enhance those cozy fall flavors.
Sweeten the Deal: Add chocolate chips or butterscotch chips to the batter for extra sweetness and a delectable twist.
Citrusy Zest: Fold in some orange or lemon zest for a refreshing citrus note that complements the pumpkin beautifully.
Glazed Delight: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled donuts for an extra sweet touch.
Nutty Crunch: Top with chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture and a satisfying crunch.

Your pumpkin donuts can be a canvas for endless creativity. So go ahead, explore these variations and find your unique favorite!

Pumpkin Donuts Recipe FAQs

What kind of pumpkin puree should I use?
You can use either canned pumpkin puree or homemade. If you opt for homemade, roast fresh pumpkins until tender, then blend until smooth for that wonderful, natural flavor.

How long can I store baked pumpkin donuts?
You can store your pumpkin donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last a little longer, refrigerating them will keep them fresh for up to a week.

Can I freeze the pumpkin donuts?
Absolutely! To freeze, let the donuts cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or zip-top freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven for a few minutes.

How can I prevent my donuts from sticking to the pan?
Great question! Generously greasing your donut pan before filling it is essential. You might also consider using parchment paper circles in the bottom of each cavity for extra protection against sticking.

Are these pumpkin donuts suitable for people with allergies?
While this recipe contains common allergens like eggs and dairy, you can easily modify it. For a vegan option, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and replace milk with almond or oat milk. Just keep in mind to use gluten-free flour if someone has a gluten intolerance.

What can I do if my donuts come out dense?
If your donuts turn out dense, it might be due to overmixing the batter. Remember, it should be just combined. Ensure your baking powder isn’t expired and that you’re accurately measuring the flour. Lightly spoon the flour into the measuring cup instead of scooping it to avoid packing too much in.