These baked pumpkin spice donuts are warm, soft, and full of cozy flavors. With hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, they’re like a hug in every bite!
Making these treats at home is so easy! You just mix a few ingredients, bake, and enjoy them fresh. Perfect for when you want a sweet snack without the frying mess!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin puree is best for this recipe because it’s consistent in texture and flavor. If you have fresh pumpkin, you can roast and puree it yourself, just be mindful of moisture levels!
Eggs: They help bind the ingredients and add moisture. If you need a vegan alternative, use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg) or applesauce.
Flour: All-purpose flour works well, but for a gluten-free option, try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend!
Oil vs. Butter: I usually prefer butter for a richer flavor, but vegetable oil keeps them moist. Choose based on how you like your donuts!
Pumpkin Pie Spice: This gives the donuts that iconic fall flavor. If you don’t have it, use ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves in similar ratios.
How Do I Get My Donuts Perfectly Light and Fluffy?
The key to light and fluffy donuts is the mixing technique. After combining wet and dry ingredients, fold them together gently:
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed—don’t overmix, as this can make them dense.
- Fill each donut cavity about 3/4 full to allow room for rising without overflowing.
- Keep an eye on baking times and use a toothpick to check for doneness—if it comes out clean, they’re ready!
Perfect baking requires patience, so let them cool before glazing, which helps the glaze stick better!
How to Make Baked Pumpkin Spice Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
- 2 large eggs
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (or a mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional Topping:
- Crushed gingersnap cookies or additional pumpkin pie spice for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 12-15 minutes of baking time. After that, let the donuts cool and glaze them, which only takes about 10 minutes. In no time, you’ll have warm and cozy pumpkin spice donuts ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a donut pan and lightly grease it with baking spray or oil to ensure your donuts come out easily.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil or melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is smooth and well combined—this is where the warm pumpkin flavor starts to come through!
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices, making your donuts fluffy and flavorful.
4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to your pumpkin mixture, folding gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the donuts dense instead of light and airy.
5. Fill the Donut Pan:
Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full to allow room for the donuts to rise without overflowing.
6. Bake the Donuts:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick into the center of a donut; if it comes out clean, they’re ready!
7. Cool the Donuts:
After baking, allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here!
8. Prepare the Glaze:
While the donuts cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed for your preference.
9. Glaze the Donuts:
Once the donuts are completely cool, dip the tops into the glaze, letting any excess drip off. Place them back on the wire rack and sprinkle with crushed gingersnap cookies or extra pumpkin pie spice if you like!
10. Let the Glaze Set:
Allow the glaze to set for about 15-20 minutes before serving. Then, grab your favorite warm beverage and enjoy these delightful baked pumpkin spice donuts!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! If using fresh pumpkin, make sure to roast it until soft and then puree it. Just keep an eye on the moisture level; if it seems watery, strain it slightly to avoid overly moist donuts.
What Can I Substitute for Eggs?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water (let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens). Both options work well to keep the donuts moist!
How Should I Store Leftover Donuts?
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for about a week, and just reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before enjoying!
Can I Freeze These Donuts?
Yes, these donuts freeze well! Place them in an airtight container or zip-lock bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating to enjoy a fresh bite!
