Pulling these warm rings of golden goodness from the oven after the final bake feels like autumn arriving in a single bite. These Pumpkin Spice Baked Donuts are your ticket to cozy mornings, complete with a tender crumb and a sweet vanilla glaze that glistens in the morning light. With every mouthful, you’ll taste the perfect blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice dancing alongside rich pumpkin puree. It’s like your favorite fall latte transformed into a handheld treat—you get all the nostalgia of crisp leaves and cozy sweaters without even turning on the stove for frying. And with only 120 calories per donut, these lighter baked versions let you indulge in the season’s best flavors without the guilt.
Whether you’re a kitchen novice or a seasoned baker, this recipe is a breeze. A quick 15-minute prep, a 12-minute bake, and just 5 minutes of cooling time later, you’ll have a dozen fluffy donuts ready to devour or share. The beginner-friendly method involves simple whisking, piping, and a quick dip in a dreamy glaze that sets in minutes. These donuts have become my go-to for holiday brunches and weekday pick-me-ups alike. From the very first test batch—when I accidentally overfilled the pan and ended up with pumpkin “mini cakes”—I’ve learned that the process is forgiving and fun. With every batch, I experiment by tossing in extra cinnamon or trying brown butter in place of oil, and the results are always heartwarming. So grab your mixing bowls and donut pan: it’s time to celebrate fall with these irresistible Pumpkin Spice Baked Donuts!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN PUMPKIN SPICE BAKED DONUTS
Before diving into the step-by-step, let’s get to know the stars of this recipe. Each ingredient plays a unique role, whether it’s building structure, adding spice, or contributing moisture. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: Provides the basic structure and helps your donuts hold their shape.
- Baking powder: Acts as a leavening agent, ensuring your donuts rise into fluffy perfection.
- Baking soda: Works with the brown sugar and pumpkin puree to add extra lift and tenderness.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses warm, sweet spice notes that capture the essence of autumn.
- Ground nutmeg: Brings a slightly sweet and nutty warmth that deepens the spice profile.
- Ground ginger: Adds a gentle zing that balances out the sweetness.
- Ground allspice: Offers a mix of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg flavors in one pinch.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and keeps the sweetness from feeling flat.
- Canned pumpkin puree: Delivers moisture, rich pumpkin flavor, and that lovely orange hue.
- Brown sugar: Contributes deep caramel notes and helps keep the donuts tender.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the crumb moist without altering the flavor.
- Milk: Adds creaminess and melds the ingredients together into a smooth batter.
- Egg: Binds everything together and adds a bit of richness.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with its sweet, floral aroma.
- Powdered sugar: The base of the glaze for a silky, sweet coating.
- Milk (for glaze): Thins the powdered sugar into a smooth dip.
- Vanilla extract (for glaze): Adds a familiar warmth to the glaze.
- Cinnamon (optional, for glaze): A final sprinkle to echo the autumnal spices beneath.
HOW TO MAKE PUMPKIN SPICE BAKED DONUTS
Let’s roll up our sleeves and walk through the simple steps to achieve those perfectly fluffy, spice-packed rings. You’ll love how easy it is to blend everything together and transform your kitchen into fall’s sweetest haven.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan with non-stick spray to ensure easy release.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and salt until everything is evenly distributed.
3. In another bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vegetable oil, milk, egg, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth, homogenous batter.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, using gentle whisking motions until just combined—don’t overmix or you’ll lose that tender crumb.
5. Spoon the batter into a piping bag or a plastic sandwich bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe the batter into each donut cavity, filling to about three-quarters full for that classic donut shape.
6. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the tops spring back with a light touch.
7. Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely—this prevents the glaze from sliding right off.
8. To make the glaze, combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl, stirring until smooth. Adjust thickness by adding more milk if needed.
9. Once the donuts have completely cooled, dip the tops into the glaze, letting any excess drip back into the bowl. Return them to the wire rack to let the glaze set.
10. Optional: Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top for an extra hint of cozy spice.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR PUMPKIN SPICE BAKED DONUTS
When it comes to serving these Pumpkin Spice Baked Donuts, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re hosting a fall brunch, packing a sweet snack for school lunches, or treating yourself to a cozy morning moment, presentation and pairing can elevate these simple baked treats into an unforgettable experience. Think about the warm hues of autumn leaves as you arrange your donuts on a rustic wooden board or china platter. A scattering of fresh cranberries, a few sprigs of rosemary, or a drizzle of extra glaze can turn these humble rings into a stunning centerpiece. Pairing them with seasonal beverages—from spicy chai tea to silky lattes—creates an immersive experience that highlights the donuts’ blend of spices. And don’t forget the power of contrasting textures: crunchy pecans, candied ginger pieces, or a dollop of whipped cream on the side can add delightful pops of flavor. Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve them:
- Rustic Brunch Board: Arrange donuts on a wooden board alongside sliced apples, a small bowl of nuts, and a caramel drizzle for a stunning, shareable display.
- Coffee House Style: Serve each donut with a steaming mug of spiced latte or cappuccino, garnished with a cinnamon stick and a dusting of cocoa powder for that café feel at home.
- Elegant Dessert Plate: Place two donuts on a dessert plate, add a quenelle of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, and scatter pomegranate seeds for a pop of color and tartness.
- On-the-Go Treat: Wrap individual donuts in parchment paper and tie with twine for a charming, portable snack perfect for lunchboxes or picnic baskets.
HOW TO STORE PUMPKIN SPICE BAKED DONUTS
Keeping your donuts fresh ensures you can enjoy them beyond the first blissful morning. Proper storage will maintain their tender crumb, vibrant spice flavors, and that irresistible glaze shine. Remember that moisture and air are the enemies of freshness, so choose the right container and environment. If you plan to eat them within a day, simple room-temperature storage works, but for longer life, refrigeration or freezing is your friend. Always allow donuts to cool completely before storing to prevent sogginess, and keep the glaze set to avoid sticky messes. Here are a few tried-and-true methods:
- Airtight Container at Room Temperature: Once glazed and fully dry, store in a single layer inside a sealed container; they’ll stay fresh for up to 24 hours without losing their soft texture.
- Refrigeration: Layer donuts between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container and chill; they’ll keep well for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature or microwave briefly before serving to revive that just-baked warmth.
- Freezing for Longer Storage: Flash-freeze individual donuts on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.
- Gentle Reheating: To restore that fresh-baked feel, heat a donut in the microwave for 8–10 seconds or pop it in a toaster oven at 300°F for 3–4 minutes—just enough to soften the crumb and gently melt the glaze.
CONCLUSION
From the very first whisk of fragrant spices to the last glossy dip of sweet glaze, these Pumpkin Spice Baked Donuts have everything you need for a cozy culinary journey. They’re beautifully simple—perfect for beginners—and versatile enough to dress up for holiday gatherings or keep casual for weekend breakfasts. With just a handful of pantry staples and a trusty donut pan, you can whip up a batch in under half an hour, delighting family and friends with that warm pumpkin flavor and irresistible fall spice blend. Be sure to print this article and save it for later; the easy-to-follow steps, handy tips on serving and storage, and beginner-friendly approach make it a recipe you’ll return to again and again. And if you’re curious about common questions, don’t worry—you can find a FAQ below!
I can’t wait to hear how your Pumpkin Spice Baked Donut adventure unfolds. Please leave your comments, questions, or feedback if you give this recipe a try—let me know if you swapped in a flaxseed egg for a vegan twist or experimented with different spice ratios. Your experiences help shape this cooking community, and I’m here to support you every step of the way. Happy baking!
Pumpkin Spice Baked Donuts
Description
These baked donuts are infused with spices that evoke autumn, featuring a rich pumpkin flavor with a sweet glaze that caramelizes perfectly. Perfect for breakfast or as a delightful snack!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan with non-stick spray.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and salt.
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In another bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vegetable oil, milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, whisking until just combined without overmixing.
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Spoon the batter into a piping bag or a plastic sandwich bag with the tip cut off. Pipe the batter into the donut pan cavities, filling about three-quarters full.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a donut comes out clean.
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Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
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To make the glaze, combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl, stirring until smooth. Add more milk if necessary for a thinner glaze.
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Once the donuts have cooled, dip the tops into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Place back on the wire rack to let the glaze set.
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Optional: Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top of the glazed donuts for extra flavor.
Note
- These baked donuts are a healthier alternative to fried ones, and they capture the delightful flavors of autumn.
- Adjust the spices according to your taste preference; add more cinnamon if desired for a stronger spice profile.
- If you don't have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin instead, though baking time may vary slightly.
- For a vegan version, substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg and use non-dairy milk.
- These donuts are perfect for a cozy breakfast or a treat to share with friends and family during holiday gatherings.
