There’s nothing quite like the aroma of fresh pumpkin spice filling your home, especially during the cozy autumn months. And what better way to savor those classic Fall flavors than with a batch of warm, perfectly spiced **baked pumpkin donuts**? Forget the greasy mess of deep-frying; our oven-baked and even air-fried versions are not only healthier but incredibly easy to make right in your own kitchen.
These aren’t your typical store-bought donuts. Our recipe empowers you to create a delightful morning treat or a delightful dessert that’s free from excessive grease and full of customizable flavor. Whether you opt for a fully homemade approach or leverage the convenience of a cake mix, you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to whip up these pumpkin delights. They are a staple in our household for weekend breakfasts and holiday gatherings, offering a healthier spin on a beloved classic. (This post may contain affiliate links.)
Baked Pumpkin Donuts: Your Ultimate Fall Recipe
Pumpkin isn’t just for October and November; its rich, earthy sweetness and warm spice notes are welcome year-round. While a boxed moist pumpkin bread is certainly a convenient option, these homemade baked pumpkin donuts offer a special kind of morning fun or afternoon indulgence that’s truly irresistible. Imagine biting into a soft, cake-like donut, infused with aromatic spices and delicate pumpkin flavor, all without the guilt of deep-frying.
Creating these delightful treats at home is incredibly straightforward, especially when armed with a trusty donut pan. You’ll quickly discover how surprisingly easy **cake donuts** are to make from scratch. The beauty of a well-crafted spice mix, like the one used in these donuts, is its versatility. We’ve successfully transformed it into everything from Pumpkin Bars with Cake Mix to fluffy muffins, chewy blondies, and more, proving its adaptable charm.
Homemade vs. Cake Mix: Crafting Your Pumpkin Donuts
We believe everyone should be able to enjoy the magic of homemade donuts, which is why we offer flexible options to suit your baking style and schedule. Whether you prefer the satisfaction of baking from scratch or the efficiency of a cake mix, these pumpkin donuts are designed for success.
Effortless with Cake Mix
For those times when you crave a quick and easy pumpkin fix, a spice cake mix is your secret weapon. This method significantly reduces prep time without compromising on flavor or texture. To create these deliciously easy breakfast creations using a cake mix, you’ll need just a few simple additions:
- One box of spice cake mix (choose your favorite brand!)
- 2 **eggs**
- 3/4 cup **buttermilk** (or regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice/vinegar)
- 4 tablespoons **pumpkin puree**
Simply whisk these ingredients together until you have a smooth, thick batter. This rich, spiced batter is then ready to be baked into perfect donuts using your donut pan. It’s an ideal solution for busy mornings or unexpected cravings!
Homemade from Scratch
For the purists and those who love the art of baking from the ground up, our from-scratch recipe provides the exact measurements for a truly authentic pumpkin donut experience. Building your batter from basic ingredients allows for greater control over the flavor and texture, resulting in a wonderfully tender and moist donut.
A key ingredient here is pumpkin puree. You can easily use canned pumpkin puree for convenience, or for an extra touch of homemade goodness, you can make your own Instant Pot pumpkin. Simply blend your cooked pumpkin with a touch of pumpkin pie spice to achieve that signature flavor. We’ve tried both methods, and can assure you there’s no significant difference in the incredible taste or delightful texture of the final baked donut.
Quick Glaze Idea: A Fall Flavored Topping
While this recipe focuses on baked donuts, sometimes you might just be looking for a quick Fall-flavored glaze to elevate other treats. If you’re not making donuts from scratch or mix, but want to infuse that warm pumpkin essence, consider adapting the glaze we use for our pumpkin bundt cake. To make a simple yet delicious Fall-flavored glaze, whisk together powdered sugar with a bit of milk until it reaches a thick, pourable consistency. Then, gently fold in either pumpkin puree or a few drops of pumpkin extract until the flavor is just right. This versatile glaze can be drizzled over anything from plain store-bought donuts to muffins, cakes, or even quick bread.
Regardless of whether you choose the homemade or boxed mix route, essential equipment includes a donut pan, a wire rack for cooling your masterpieces, and a medium-sized bowl for effortless mixing.
Baking Methods: Oven vs. Air Fryer
You have options when it comes to baking these delightful pumpkin donuts, ensuring flexibility no matter your kitchen setup or how many you plan to make. Both methods yield delicious results, though they each offer unique advantages.
In the Oven: Our Recommended Method
Baking your pumpkin donuts in a conventional oven is our suggested method, especially if you’re making a larger batch. The oven allows for more even heat distribution across multiple donuts, often resulting in a slightly more tender interior and a consistent bake. You can easily fill several donut pans and bake them simultaneously, which is perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
The detailed instructions below provide the optimal oven temperature and baking time for consistently perfect, fluffy donuts. Remember, ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your donuts and use the visual cues (lightly browned edges, firm to the touch) as your guide.
In the Air Fryer: For Smaller, Quicker Batches
For a quicker bake or when you’re only making a small quantity, the air fryer is an excellent alternative. It heats up rapidly and cooks efficiently, making it ideal for a spontaneous donut craving. Just be sure your donut mold or pan is small enough to fit comfortably inside your air fryer basket.
To use an air fryer, preheat it to 400˚F for about 5 minutes. Carefully place your donut mold (filled with batter) into the preheated air fryer. Bake at 350˚F for 4-6 minutes, or until the donuts are firm to the touch and lightly golden. Air fryers cook quickly, so watch them closely to prevent overbaking. While air-fried donuts are fantastic, the oven method generally produces a slightly more tender texture overall. We encourage you to try both and decide which method suits your preference best!
Can you make donuts with pumpkin bread mix?
Absolutely! If you find yourself with a box of pumpkin bread mix, commonly available during the holiday season, you can certainly adapt it to make donuts. This is a fantastic shortcut if you’re not in the mood for a “from scratch” project, though sometimes the urge to bake from the beginning is strong! When using a pumpkin bread mix, the main adjustment you’ll need to make is to slightly reduce the liquid content. Pumpkin bread batter is typically thinner than donut batter to ensure a moist loaf. For donuts, you’ll want a thicker consistency that holds its shape well in the pan and produces a cakey texture. Start by adding a bit less milk or water than the box calls for, mixing until you achieve a thick, scoopable batter that doesn’t run too easily. You may also want to add an extra pinch of pumpkin pie spice if the mix isn’t strongly flavored.
Mastering the Donut Glaze: Simple to Decadent
No donut is complete without a delicious glaze or topping! This is where you can truly let your creativity shine and customize your pumpkin donuts to perfection.
Simple Powdered Sugar Glaze
For an elegant and easy finish, a classic powdered sugar glaze is hard to beat. Simply combine about 1 cup of powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of water or milk. Whisk slowly, adding liquid a tiny bit at a time, until you reach your desired thickness. You can keep it plain, or add a splash of vanilla extract, a pinch of cinnamon, or even a tiny amount of pumpkin puree for a subtle pumpkin-flavored glaze. This simple glaze sets beautifully and lets the pumpkin donut flavor take center stage.
Rich Chocolate Glaze
For a more decadent experience, a chocolate glaze perfectly complements the warm spices of pumpkin. To make our suggested chocolate glaze, you’ll mix powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Once your baked donuts have completely cooled on a wire rack, hold the edges and gently dip the top surface of each donut into the prepared glaze. Allow any excess to drip off, then place them back on the cooling rack for the glaze to set. For easy glazing and decorating, we often use pint-sized freezer bags with a snipped corner to pipe glaze or frosting. Alternatively, if you find candy melts on sale, they are an incredibly convenient option for a quick, hardening glaze – just melt and dip!
What to Serve With Your Delicious Pumpkin Donuts
These baked pumpkin donuts are absolutely fantastic just as they are, with or without a glaze. But if you’re looking to elevate the experience, there are countless ways to enjoy and serve them. You don’t have to stick to chocolate or any specific topping; plain is perfectly delicious too! Consider offering a variety of toppings for a fun, interactive experience.
A tub of ready-made frosting can be a lifesaver for last-minute decorating. Let the kids take over once the donuts are cooled, providing them with sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even colorful candy melts. Another wonderful option is a simple dusting of cinnamon sugar, reminiscent of our donut muffins. For a truly perfect morning, serve these warm donuts alongside a freshly brewed cup of Dalgona coffee or your favorite herbal tea.
Don’t let your creativity stop with our **baked pumpkin donuts with glaze**! The versatile donut pan can be used to bake all sorts of wonderful treats. Get the kiddos involved by letting them help spoon frosting and an array of different candies on top. It makes for a yummy and fun afternoon activity for the whole family. You could even use this pan to bake our popular 2-ingredient pumpkin muffins for a bite-sized treat!
Baked Pumpkin Donuts
Equipment
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1 donut pan
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1 Bowl
Ingredients
- 2 c all purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 c vegetable oil
- 3/4 c brown sugar
- 2 eggs, room temperature
- 1 c pumpkin, canned, puree
- 1/3 c milk
- 1 tsp vanilla
- glaze, you can melt candy melts and pour over the top to harden once donuts are cooled or use below
- 1 c powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp milk, or more to thin out
- 1 tsp vanilla
Instructions
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Baked Pumpkin Donuts – Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C). Spray donut pan with non-stick spray, ensuring every cavity is thoroughly coated to prevent sticking.
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In a large bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice). In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients (vegetable oil, brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin puree, milk, vanilla) until well combined. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing slowly until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough donuts.
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Transfer the donut batter into a large freezer bag or a pastry bag. Snip off one corner of the bag (about 1/2 inch) to create an opening. Carefully squeeze the batter into the prepared donut pan cavities. Fill each cavity no more than halfway full to allow for expansion and to create that perfect donut shape with a distinct hole in the center.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the outsides are lightly browned and a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean. Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly before you attempt to remove them. Then, gently transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
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If you plan to make a glaze, prepare it while the donuts are cooling. For the chocolate glaze (ingredients listed above), mix all glaze ingredients in a bowl until smooth and lump-free. Once the donuts are completely cool, hold each by the edges and dip the top into the glaze. Place them back on the wire cooling rack (with a baking sheet underneath to catch drips) for the glaze to set. Once cooled and glazed, frost, or top as you’d like and enjoy!
Video
For a visual guide on how to bake these delicious pumpkin donuts, check out our step-by-step video tutorial.
Notes
Cake Mix Pumpkin Donuts
- To make the cake mix version: Mix together 1 box spice cake mix + 2 eggs + 3/4 cup buttermilk + 4 tbsp pumpkin puree (or 4 tbsp melted butter for a different flavor profile) in a bowl. Whisk until smooth but thick.
- Spray your donut pan with non-stick spray and place it into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.
- Cool donuts in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Once fully cooled, melt candy melts or prepare frosting, then dip or pour over the tops of the donuts and decorate each as desired.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.
Additional Info
Tried this recipe? Mention @thetypical_mom or tag #thetypicalmom!
How do you keep cake donuts fresh?
To ensure your delicious baked pumpkin donuts stay moist and fresh for as long as possible, avoid refrigerating them. The cold air in a refrigerator can actually dry them out quickly. Instead, allow your donuts to cool completely on a wire rack. Once fully cooled, wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped donuts together into an airtight container or a large freezer bag. Stored this way on your countertop, they will remain wonderfully moist and delicious for up to 3-4 days.
Can you freeze baked donuts?
Yes, freezing is a fantastic way to preserve your baked pumpkin donuts for longer enjoyment! If you’ve made a large batch or simply want to save some for later, ensure the donuts are completely cooled before freezing. Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a single layer in a large freezer-safe bag or an airtight container. If stacking, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Freeze flat for best results. When you’re ready to enjoy one, remove it from the freezer and allow it to come to room temperature on the countertop. For an even better experience, you can gently warm it in the microwave for a few seconds (about 10-15 seconds) or in a toaster oven until just warm. Avoid prolonged microwaving, as it can make them rubbery.
What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?
No problem! You can easily make your own pumpkin pie spice blend using common pantry spices. Combine 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, and 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves. This blend will give your donuts that classic, warm pumpkin spice flavor without needing a specific pre-mixed jar.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, with a few adjustments! If you’re using the homemade recipe, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum. If you’re using a cake mix, look for a gluten-free spice cake mix. Follow the rest of the recipe as directed. Gluten-free flours can sometimes absorb more liquid, so you might need a tiny bit more milk or buttermilk to achieve the right batter consistency.
Making baked pumpkin donuts at home is a truly rewarding experience. It’s an opportunity to create healthier, delicious treats that bring warmth and joy to any occasion, especially during the autumn season. Whether you choose the from-scratch recipe or the convenient cake mix method, these donuts are sure to become a beloved tradition. Experiment with different glazes and toppings, get your family involved, and most importantly, savor every bite of these irresistible Fall delights!