Pumpkin Spice Baked Donuts Recipe

If fall had a signature treat, these Pumpkin Spice Baked Donuts would be it. Imagine all the cozy, inviting flavors of pumpkin, maple, and warm spices coming together in a fluffy, oven-baked donut—finished with a glittering coat of cinnamon sugar. Not only are these donuts deliciously satisfying, but they’re also surprisingly simple to make and far lighter than their fried cousins. Whether you’re sharing them for brunch, a coffee break, or a special breakfast, these donuts just might become your new favorite autumn tradition.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes these Pumpkin Spice Baked Donuts truly shine is how each ingredient plays a starring role—some bring distinctive sweetness, others boost tender crumb, and a handful deliver that iconic, cozy spice. Here’s a run-down to guarantee every bite bursts with flavor, color, and comfort:

• All purpose flour: This forms the perfect base, giving structure without heaviness.
• Brown sugar: Brings deep, caramel-like sweetness and helps keep the donuts moist.
• Pumpkin pie spice: The heart of the recipe, this blend infuses every bite with warmth and autumnal aroma.
• Baking powder: Ensures your donuts bake up fluffy and light.
• Baking soda: Works with the other leaveners to maximize tenderness and lift.
• Kosher salt: Just enough to balance and intensify the sweetness and spice.
• Pumpkin puree: Adds lovely moistness and authentic pumpkin flavor—be sure to use pure puree, not pie filling.
• Maple syrup: Infuses smoky sweetness and extra moisture.
• Eggs: Bind the batter for optimal texture and help with rise.
• Coconut oil (melted): Gives a tender crumb and slight richness, while keeping the donuts dairy-free.
• Vanilla extract: A splash rounds out all the comforting flavors.
• Non-stick cooking spray: Key for mess-free donut removal and an even bake.
• For the cinnamon sugar topping – coconut oil (melted), granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice: This classic coating delivers that irresistible, sparkly finish and extra burst of spice.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Baked Donuts

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F—this ensures your donuts bake up evenly and rise beautifully. Go ahead and grab your donut pan, then give it a thorough coating with non-stick cooking spray. This little step guarantees that your Pumpkin Spice Baked Donuts slip right out and keep their perfect ring shape.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir well with a whisk or fork. This not only distributes the spice and leaveners evenly, but also breaks up any lumps—giving your donuts a smooth, uniform texture.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients

In a separate, smaller bowl, add your pumpkin puree, maple syrup, eggs, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until everything comes together into a rich, creamy mixture. Don’t you just love that gorgeous pumpkin color?

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir with a spatula or spoon until just combined—stop mixing as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour. Overmixing can make donuts tough, and we want these Pumpkin Spice Baked Donuts to be delightfully tender!

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

Transfer the batter into a large zip-top bag, then snip off one corner to create a piping bag (or use a spoon if you prefer). Pipe or spoon the thick batter into each donut mold, filling each about three-quarters full. This prevents overflow as they rise in the oven.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide your pan into the oven and bake for about 18 minutes. When a toothpick comes out clean or with just a crumb or two, they’re ready! Use a spoon to carefully lift the donuts from the pan and place them on a wire rack. Let them cool for about five minutes—this makes them easier to handle and helps set their shape.

Step 7: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

While your Pumpkin Spice Baked Donuts are cooling, mix the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice in a shallow bowl. Use a brush to lightly coat each donut with melted coconut oil, then dip or twist each side into the cinnamon sugar mixture. You can sugar just the tops for a classic look, or both sides for extra flavor. Serve them fresh—the aroma and sparkle are simply irresistible!

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Baked Donuts

Garnishes

A simple roll in cinnamon sugar is pure magic, but you can make these Pumpkin Spice Baked Donuts extra-special with a drizzle of maple glaze, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a tiny sprinkle of chai spice. For a pretty fall-inspired touch, add some orange zest or a few candied pecans on top right before serving.

Side Dishes

Pair your donuts with a creamy homemade latte, steaming cup of chai, or a cool glass of spiced apple cider. For brunch spreads, they’re lovely alongside fresh fruit, vanilla yogurt parfaits, or even a warm baked oatmeal. These pairings make the Pumpkin Spice Baked Donuts feel like the star of a cozy, celebratory table.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your donuts on a cake stand in a donut tower, arrange them in mini bakery boxes for a sweet gift, or string them onto twine for a whimsical brunch display. For autumn parties, serve with little dipping bowls of whipped cream cheese or caramel sauce—watch as everyone lights up over these playful, fragrant Pumpkin Spice Baked Donuts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any Pumpkin Spice Baked Donuts left, let them cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep their texture and flavor fresh. Be sure to separate layers with a bit of parchment if you’ve sugared both sides, to prevent sticking.

Freezing

These donuts freeze beautifully! Simply wrap each one in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze plain and add the cinnamon sugar coating after you reheat them—this way, the exterior stays crisp and sparkly.

Reheating

To reheat, let your Pumpkin Spice Baked Donuts thaw at room temperature, then pop them in a 300°F oven for 5–8 minutes, or until warmed through. If you froze them uncoated, brush with a little melted coconut oil and toss in fresh cinnamon sugar for that just-made magic.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree for Pumpkin Spice Baked Donuts?

Absolutely! Homemade pumpkin puree adds a lovely freshness, but make sure to blot it with paper towels if it’s extra watery. Too much moisture can make the donuts dense, so aim for the consistency of canned puree.

Do I have to use coconut oil, or can I substitute another fat?

You can swap coconut oil for melted butter or a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil. Coconut oil does add an appealing hint of flavor and moisture, but any mild oil will work for Pumpkin Spice Baked Donuts.

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Yes, simply use your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend—ideally one that substitutes cup-for-cup. The texture may be a tiny bit different, but you’ll still get that classic, cozy donut experience.

Is there a way to reduce the sugar in this recipe?

You can try using a little less brown sugar or maple syrup in the batter, and skip or lighten the coating if you prefer. The donuts will taste a little less sweet, but the warm spices are so flavorful that they’ll still be a delicious treat!

What if I don’t have a donut pan?

You can make these as donut holes (in a mini muffin tin) or even as regular muffins. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as smaller shapes may finish a bit sooner.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a fall treat that’s as easy as it is comforting, give these Pumpkin Spice Baked Donuts a try! They fill your kitchen with warm, spiced aromas and are sure to become a staple for chilly mornings or festive gatherings. Grab your donut pan and get baking—your friends and family will thank you!

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