There’s something magical about waking up on a crisp autumn morning with the promise of warm, spiced treats in the oven. These pumpkin spice baked donuts bring together the cozy comforts of fall—the gentle sweetness of pumpkin puree, the earthy warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg, and that little hint of ginger and allspice that dances on your palate. When you bite into one, the rich brown sugar and vanilla meld together to form a moist, tender crumb that practically melts in your mouth. These aren’t your average fried donuts; they’re a lighter, baked version that still delivers on flavor and satisfaction, perfect for anyone craving a comforting, seasonal twist on a classic favorite.
I love how simple ingredients transform into something so special, especially when the leaves are turning golden and the air has that unmistakable chill. These donuts are beginner-friendly, with straightforward techniques like whisking and piping, making them a breeze for home cooks of all experience levels. The quick prep time—just about 15 minutes—means you can whip up a batch before work, school drop-offs, or weekend brunch, then let the oven do its magic in just 12 minutes. And don’t even get me started on the glaze: a sweet pour of powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and a dash of vanilla that envelopes each donut in a silky coating. Trust me, sharing these warm, spiced delights with friends or family will turn any ordinary morning into a mini celebration of fall flavors.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN PUMPKIN SPICE BAKED DONUTS
Before diving into the recipe, let’s take a quick tour of the stars of our pumpkin spice baked donuts. Each ingredient plays an essential role, from giving structure and lift to imparting that cozy autumnal flavor we all crave. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, knowing why each component is important helps you bake with confidence and tweak flavors to match your personal taste.
- All-purpose flour
Provides the foundational structure for the donuts, ensuring they hold their shape while remaining tender when baked.
- Baking powder
Acts as a leavening agent to give the donuts a light, airy texture and helps them rise evenly in the oven.
- Baking soda
Works with the natural acidity in pumpkin puree and brown sugar to further boost rise and create a fluffy crumb.
- Ground cinnamon
Introduces that signature warm spice note, infusing each bite with cozy, familiar sweetness.
- Ground nutmeg
Adds a deeper, slightly nutty undertone that complements the cinnamon and highlights the pumpkin’s earthiness.
- Ground ginger
Brings a subtle hint of brightness and mild heat to balance the richer spices.
- Ground allspice
Combines flavor notes of cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon in one, boosting the complexity of the spice blend.
- Salt
Enhances all the sweet and spicy flavors, preventing the donuts from tasting flat.
- Canned pumpkin puree
Provides moisture, color, and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor that defines this recipe’s theme.
- Brown sugar
Lends a deep, caramel-like sweetness that merges perfectly with the pumpkin and spices.
- Vegetable oil
Keeps the donuts moist and tender without weighing them down, ensuring a light crumb.
- Milk
Contributes additional moisture and richness to the batter for a silky mouthfeel.
- Egg
Binds the ingredients together while adding structure and a bit of extra richness.
- Vanilla extract
Rounds out the flavor profile with a sweet, aromatic touch that enhances all the other ingredients.
- Powdered sugar (for the glaze)
Creates a smooth, sweet coating that sets beautifully on top of the cooled donuts.
- Milk (for the glaze)
Thins the powdered sugar to the perfect consistency, allowing it to drip and settle on the donuts.
- Vanilla extract (for the glaze)
Infuses the glaze with a hint of warmth, tying it back to the vanilla in the donut batter.
- Pinch of cinnamon (optional, for the glaze)
Offers an extra pop of spice for garnish, adding visual appeal and an additional flavor layer.
HOW TO MAKE PUMPKIN SPICE BAKED DONUTS
Let’s roll up our sleeves and talk through how these donuts come together. With a few easy steps—most of which involve simply mixing and pouring—you’ll have a pan of golden-baked goodness ready in no time. Follow along for detailed tips to get that perfect texture and flavor in every bite.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan with non-stick spray. This ensures each donut releases cleanly after baking and keeps edges soft.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and salt. Make sure the spices are evenly distributed for consistent flavor in every bite.
3. In another bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vegetable oil, milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and uniform in color. Using a sturdy spoon or whisk, beat until there are no streaks of pumpkin or sugar.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, whisking until just combined. Be careful not to overmix: a few small lumps in the batter are okay and help keep the donuts tender.
5. 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 each about three-quarters full to allow room for rising.
6. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the donuts spring back when lightly pressed and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
8. To make the glaze, combine the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl, stirring until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if you prefer a thinner glaze.
9. Once the donuts have cooled, dip the tops into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Return them to the wire rack so the glaze can set and form a delicate shell.
10. Optional: Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon over the glazed donuts for an extra hint of spice and a little visual flair.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR PUMPKIN SPICE BAKED DONUTS
When it comes to serving these delightful pumpkin spice baked donuts, presentation and pairing can elevate the experience even further. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, cozying up with a good book, or packing them for a holiday brunch, these suggestions will help you get the most enjoyment out of every bite. The warm, spiced flavors are versatile enough to accompany a variety of beverages and toppings, so have fun experimenting to find your favorite combinations.
- Pour a steaming mug of pumpkin spice latte to echo the flavors in the donut. The frothy milk and coffee bring out the brown sugar and vanilla notes in each bite.
- Serve alongside a small pot of spiced apple cider for dipping. The fruity acidity and cinnamon-infused warmth complement the donut’s texture and highlight its autumn spices.
- Create an elegant brunch display with a charcuterie board featuring sliced pears, sharp cheddar, and candied pecans. The fresh fruit and crunchy nuts add texture contrasts that make the donuts shine even more.
- Offer a sweet and salty twist by adding a drizzle of salted caramel sauce on top of the glaze. The rich, buttery sweetness balanced with a hint of salt turns these treats into an indulgent dessert.
HOW TO STORE PUMPKIN SPICE BAKED DONUTS
Once you’ve baked and glazed your pumpkin spice baked donuts, you’ll want to keep them fresh so every bite tastes just as delightful as the first. Proper storage helps maintain their softness, prevents the glaze from becoming sticky, and preserves those warm spices. Follow these tips to ensure your donuts are ready whenever the craving strikes.
- Room-temperature container
Store donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent the glaze from sticking together.
- Refrigeration
For longer shelf life (up to 5 days), place the donuts in a sealed container and keep them in the fridge. Allow them to come back to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to revive that tender crumb.
- Freezing
Freeze donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge or for a few hours at room temperature before enjoying.
- Glaze-on vs. glaze-off
If you plan on storing them for more than a day, consider keeping the glaze separate. Store plain donuts and dip them in freshly made glaze just before serving to preserve the ideal texture.
CONCLUSION
What a joyful journey we’ve taken through the world of pumpkin spice baked donuts! From gathering our simple yet flavorful ingredients to watching those perfectly spiced rings rise golden in the oven, this recipe brings the essence of autumn right into your kitchen. You’ve learned how each element—from all-purpose flour and pumpkin puree to that dreamy vanilla glaze—plays an essential role in creating a tender, aromatic treat that’s as fun to make as it is delightful to eat. Because this recipe is beginner-friendly, it’s a wonderful way to introduce friends, family, or even little helpers to the joys of baking. The spices fill your home with a comforting warmth, and that gentle sweetness balances the cozy notes perfectly. Plus, with quick prep and bake times, you’re only minutes away from savoring that first bite of pumpkin perfection.
Feel free to print this article and stash it in your recipe binder or kitchen drawer so you can whip up a batch of these donuts whenever autumn craving strikes—or really, any time of year you need a sweet, spiced pick-me-up. Below you’ll find a FAQ section to address common questions, but don’t hesitate to leave a comment if you have any feedback, questions, or creative twists you’d like to share. Did you try the recipe with a gluten-free flour blend, or did you experiment with a maple glaze instead? I’d love to hear how your donuts turned out. Your tips and stories help our baking community grow, so please drop a note with your thoughts or let me know if you need any help fine-tuning the recipe. Happy baking and may your kitchen always be filled with the scents of fall!
Pumpkin Spice Baked Donuts
Description
These pumpkin spice donuts are soft, moist, and filled with the warm spices of autumn. The sweet glaze adds the perfect finishing touch for an irresistible treat any time of day.
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.
