If you’ve been dreaming of a cozy fall treat that’s light, flavorful, and perfectly spiced, then this Baked Spiced Pumpkin Donuts Recipe is exactly what you need. These donuts come out tender and moist with just the right balance of warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that make every bite unforgettable. What’s even better is how easy and fuss-free they are to make—baked, not fried—so you can enjoy a healthier twist on a classic indulgence without compromising any of the autumnal goodness. Whether for breakfast, a snack, or a sweet treat after dinner, this recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple but essential ingredients come together to create rich flavor, tender texture, and that beautiful pumpkin-orange hue. Each element plays a crucial role, from the fragrant spices to the smooth pumpkin puree, making this recipe both delicious and satisfying every time.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and the perfect base for a tender donut.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Helps the donuts rise beautifully and stay fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Adds a slight lift and balances the acidity from the pumpkin.
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon: The warming spice that defines autumn in a bite.
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle earthy sweetness and depth of flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves: A little goes a long way to intensify the spiced aroma.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- ¾ cup packed light-brown sugar: Provides a rich, caramel-like sweetness and moisture.
- ½ cup pumpkin puree: The star ingredient that adds moisture, color, and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the donut’s tender crumb.
- ¼ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the donuts moist and soft without overpowering the flavors.
- ½ cup milk: Adds creaminess to the batter and helps achieve the right consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the spices with a sweet, aromatic note.
How to Make Baked Spiced Pumpkin Donuts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your donut pan with some non-stick cooking spray or a light brush of oil to ensure those perfectly shaped donuts come out easily without sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This blend of dry ingredients sets the foundation for the punch of warm, spiced flavor that makes these donuts so irresistible.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
Take another bowl, and stir together the brown sugar and pumpkin puree until smooth and well combined. Then add the eggs, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until the batter is smooth and homogenous. This wet mixture creates that lovely moistness and tender crumb you want in every bite.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Gently add the dry ingredients to the wet, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix here—overworking the batter can lead to tougher donuts, and we want them soft and fluffy.
Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan
Transfer your batter to a piping bag or a large resealable plastic bag with a corner cut off. Pipe the batter into your prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full. This method keeps the process neat and gives you evenly shaped donuts.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop your pan into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The donuts are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs clinging to it, ensuring they are fully cooked but still moist.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the donuts cool in the pan for just a few minutes so they firm up a bit, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling is key to maintaining the delicate texture and making them easy to handle for decorating or eating.
How to Serve Baked Spiced Pumpkin Donuts Recipe
Garnishes
The beauty of these baked spiced pumpkin donuts is that they shine on their own but can be dressed up with simple toppings. A dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple glaze, or even a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans adds visual appeal and extra flavor layers.
Side Dishes
Pair these donuts with a warm cup of chai tea, coffee, or a glass of cold milk for a comforting snack. They also complement creamy pumpkin soup or a fresh apple salad for an autumn-themed brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking donuts with layers of whipped cream and cinnamon sugar for a fun pumpkin donut trifle. Wrapped individually in cellophane tied with twine, they also make charming edible gifts during the fall season.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover baked spiced pumpkin donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and moist without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to extend their life, freeze the cooled donuts by wrapping each one individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months and thaw quickly when you’re ready to indulge.
Reheating
To warm leftover donuts, pop them in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or heat briefly in a 300°F oven. This revives that fresh-baked softness and highlights those cozy pumpkin spice notes beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and saves time while giving you consistent flavor and texture.
What if I don’t have a donut pan?
You can use a muffin pan as an alternative, though the shape will be different. Just fill the cups a bit less and bake for the same amount of time.
Are these donuts gluten-free?
This particular recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free. However, you could experiment with gluten-free flour blends designed for baking, keeping in mind texture and absorption may change slightly.
Can I add frosting or glaze?
Of course! A simple vanilla glaze, cream cheese frosting, or maple drizzle would take these donuts to the next level of deliciousness.
How spicy are these donuts?
They have a gentle warmth from the cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves—not overwhelmingly spicy but perfectly balanced for a cozy feel.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so truly comforting about a plate of warm, spiced pumpkin donuts fresh from the oven, and this Baked Spiced Pumpkin Donuts Recipe delivers exactly that joy every time. With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, you can have this fall favorite ready in less than 30 minutes. I can’t wait for you to bake a batch, share them with loved ones, and create your own delicious memories. Happy baking!
Print
Baked Spiced Pumpkin Donuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Baked Spiced Pumpkin Donuts combine warm autumnal spices with rich pumpkin puree, creating a moist and flavorful treat perfect for fall mornings or a cozy snack. Baked instead of fried, they offer a lighter yet indulgent alternative that pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup packed light-brown sugar
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan using non-stick cooking spray or lightly brush it with oil to ensure the donuts don’t stick.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, blend the packed light-brown sugar and pumpkin puree until smooth. Then add the eggs, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until well combined.
- Incorporate Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the donuts tender.
- Fill Donut Pan: Transfer the batter into a piping bag or a large resealable plastic bag with a corner snipped off. Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan cavities, filling each about three-quarters full for even baking.
- Bake the Donuts: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the donut centers; they should come out clean when done.
- Cool: Allow the donuts to sit in the pan for a few minutes post-baking, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or glazing.
Notes
- Be cautious not to overmix the batter to ensure soft and tender donuts.
- If you don’t have a piping bag, a spoon can be used to fill the donut cavities, but piping gives cleaner edges.
- Donuts are best enjoyed the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Optional toppings include powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
