Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Introduction

If you love the warm, cozy taste of pumpkin spice, you will adore these baked pumpkin donuts. They are soft, tender, and slightly sweet, with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg that makes them perfect for fall—or any time you crave a comforting treat. Unlike fried donuts, these are baked, making them lighter and easier to make at home. You don’t need fancy equipment, and even beginners can enjoy baking them. Plus, they smell amazing while baking!

These donuts are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a dessert. You can enjoy them plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with a simple glaze for extra sweetness.

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Cooking Time & Prep Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking/Baking Time: 12–15 minutes
• Total Time: 27–30 minutes

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Ingredients

For 12 baked pumpkin donuts, you will need:

• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 cup (120ml) pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
• 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Glaze:

• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp milk or cream
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan with butter or non-stick spray. You can also lightly flour the pan to make sure the donuts don’t stick.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. Whisk them together until evenly mixed. This helps the donuts rise nicely and evenly.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Make sure the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Tip: Use room temperature eggs for a lighter texture.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently stir with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix; a few small lumps are okay. Overmixing can make the donuts tough.

5. Fill the Donut Pan

Spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full. For cleaner edges, you can use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner cut off.

6. Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes. Check with a toothpick in the center of a donut—it should come out clean. Avoid overbaking; the donuts should be soft and moist.

7. Cool

Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then gently remove them and place them on a wire rack. Let them cool completely before glazing or serving.

8. Optional Glaze

Mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze or drizzle it over the top. Let it set for 10 minutes before serving.

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Tips & Variations

• Flavor Twists: Add 1/4 cup chocolate chips or 1/4 cup chopped nuts for extra texture.
• Vegan Option: Replace eggs with flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flax + 6 tbsp water, let sit 5 mins). Use a plant-based milk.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Add 1/4 tsp xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t include it.
• Spice Adjustments: Increase cinnamon or add pumpkin pie spice for a bolder flavor.
• Sweetener Swap: Use coconut sugar instead of granulated/brown sugar for a natural sweetness.

Small Tip: Lightly spraying donuts with cooking spray before glazing can help the glaze stick better.

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Nutritional Information (per donut, without glaze)

• Calories: 160 kcal
• Protein: 3 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fat: 7 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Sugar: 10 g

Note: Adding glaze increases calories and sugar content.

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Health Benefits

• Pumpkin: Rich in vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants, supporting vision and digestion.
• Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg): Help regulate blood sugar and add antioxidants.
• Baked, Not Fried: Lower in fat and calories compared to traditional fried donuts.

Tip: Pairing these donuts with a cup of tea or coffee adds a cozy, satisfying treat without extra calories.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm or at room temperature. Warm donuts taste extra soft and fragrant.
• Pair with coffee, tea, or warm milk.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days.
• You can freeze baked donuts (without glaze) for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes before serving.

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Conclusion

These baked pumpkin donuts are simple, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. They are soft, flavorful, and a healthier alternative to fried donuts. You can enjoy them plain, glazed, or even sprinkled with powdered sugar.

Give this recipe a try and share it with family or friends—they’ll love the warm spices and tender texture. Perfect for cozy mornings, fall gatherings, or just a sweet snack to brighten your day!