If you’ve been searching for an irresistibly cozy treat that tastes just like autumn in every bite, these Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are about to become your new obsession. Perfectly fluffy, gently spiced, and coated in sweet cinnamon sugar, they’re deceptively simple but guaranteed to wow anyone who tries them. Whether you’re a pumpkin lover all year or only indulge when the leaves start to fall, this recipe brings bakery-style results right to your kitchen—no frying or fuss required!

Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts lies in how a handful of everyday ingredients transform into something so soft and flavorful. Each one plays a role—whether it’s adding moistness, rich color, or that signature pumpkin spice aroma wafting through your home.

Pumpkin Puree: Brings moisture and that wonderful earthy pumpkin flavor; make sure you use plain puree, not pumpkin pie mix.
Milk: Adds softness and helps bind the batter for a tender crumb.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps your donuts moist and gives them a beautiful, cake-like texture without overpowering the flavor.
All Purpose Flour: The backbone of your donuts, giving them structure and holding everything together.
Brown Sugar: Sweetens with a hint of caramel, deepening the flavor profile without being overly sweet.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: The heart of autumn! This pre-blended spice mix offers warmth and complexity in every bite.
Baking Powder: Ensures your donuts puff up light and fluffy in the oven.
Cinnamon: Enhances both the batter and the sugar coating for that distinctively cozy quality.
Salt: Just a touch to balance and sharpen all the other flavors.
Nutmeg: Adds subtle depth and warmth, acting as a quiet superstar in harmony with the other spices.
Granulated Sugar (for coating): Creates that delightful crunchy-sweet exterior that makes donuts truly special.
Butter (for coating): Helps the cinnamon sugar adhere and introduces luxurious richness to each bite.

How to Make Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Step 1: Prep the Donut Pan and Preheat the Oven

Kick things off by preheating your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Give your donut pan a thorough misting with non-stick cooking spray—this ensures a perfect release later and that irresistible golden crust. Set the pan aside within easy reach.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and milk. This step is where the wet magic happens! You’ll know it’s well-mixed when the sugar is dissolved and everything looks creamy and uniform. The rich, orange color will give you a hint of the autumnal goodness on the way.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Grab a smaller bowl and stir together the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This is your flavor base—the pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and nutmeg release their aroma the moment you stir. Make sure there are no lumps to guarantee even baking.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Add the dry mixture gradually to the wet ingredients, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Mix only until you no longer see streaks of flour; over-mixing can make your donuts tough instead of soft and tender. The finished batter will be thick, almost like a soft cookie dough.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

Transfer your batter to a piping bag or a large ziplock bag with the corner snipped off. This little trick makes filling each donut cavity neat and effortless. Pipe the batter evenly into the six molds, filling each about three-quarters full for the perfect rise.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 15 to 16 minutes. The donuts are ready when a toothpick inserted in the thickest part comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes—this helps them firm up—then carefully flip the pan to release the donuts onto a cooling rack. Allow at least 10 more minutes for them to cool completely before the next step.

Step 7: Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Melt your butter until just liquid. You can use a pastry brush to paint the butter over the cooled donuts or quickly dip each side—either method works! In a shallow bowl, stir together the granulated sugar and cinnamon. One by one, coat each donut in the cinnamon sugar mixture, flipping to ensure all sides are generously covered. The coating clings best when the donuts are cool and the butter is still just warm.

How to Serve Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Garnishes

For something extra, dust your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts with a touch more cinnamon sugar right before serving for sparkle and a satisfying crunch. A tiny drizzle of maple glaze or a simple vanilla icing can add bakery-style flair, while chopped toasted pecans or walnuts give a lovely contrast, both visually and in texture.

Side Dishes

Pair your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts with a piping hot mug of spiced chai latte or fresh autumnal apple cider to play up those cozy flavors. Creamy Greek yogurt with a swirl of honey or fresh fruit salad brightens up the plate and balances the richness of the donuts, making for an energizing breakfast or the ultimate brunch spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the box with a “donut bar” for your next brunch: serve your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts alongside different toppings like mini chocolate chips, warm caramel, or whipped cream and let guests customize their own. For a sweet twist on an ice cream sandwich, slice a donut in half, fill with creamy vanilla ice cream, and roll the edges in cinnamon sugar. Or present them stacked on a pretty cake stand as the centerpiece of your dessert table—guaranteed to tempt every guest!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts (a rare occurrence!), simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Slip a piece of parchment paper between layers to keep the coating from sticking. They stay surprisingly fresh and maintain that dreamy, tender crumb.

Freezing

Yes, these donuts freeze beautifully! Once they’re completely cooled (and, if possible, before adding the cinnamon sugar coating), arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually. After a couple of hours, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to two months—just thaw and coat with butter and cinnamon sugar right before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven feel.

Reheating

To recapture that just-baked magic, warm your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven (about 300ºF) for 5-7 minutes. If they’ve lost a bit of their coating, brush lightly with more melted butter and toss in cinnamon sugar after reheating. It’s a quick trick that brings them back to life!

FAQs

Can I make Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts if I don’t have a donut pan?

Absolutely! Try using a muffin tin and simply pipe the batter into circles to mimic donut shapes—they’ll have a slightly different look but all the same wonderful flavor and texture. You can also make “donut holes” with mini muffin tins.

What can I substitute for pumpkin pie spice?

If you’re out of pumpkin pie spice, just mix together cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch each of ginger and cloves. This DIY blend captures the warm, spicy notes that define Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts.

Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes, a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend works well. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum, which is essential for binding and texture. Otherwise, swap cup-for-cup and proceed as usual for reliably fluffy donuts.

Is there a dairy-free option?

Of course! Use your preferred plant-based milk (like almond, soy, or oat milk) and swap in dairy-free butter for the coating. These swaps leave the core flavors and texture of your Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts totally intact.

How do I keep the cinnamon sugar coating from falling off?

Timing is key: coat the donuts while the butter is still slightly warm and the donuts are cooled but not cold. Rolling gently and ensuring enough butter is used as “glue” guarantees the cinnamon sugar sticks beautifully every time!

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly irresistible about making Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts at home—they’re cozy, simple, and fill the kitchen with the most delightful autumn aroma. Whether you’re enjoying them as breakfast, a snack, or an after-dinner treat, I hope you’ll fall in love with how easy and delicious they are. Your fall mornings just found a new star!