Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe

There is something truly magical about the cozy flavors of fall baked into a sweet treat, and these Baked Pumpkin Donuts capture that magic perfectly. Soft, moist, and bursting with pumpkin spice goodness, these donuts are an absolute delight any time you want to bring a bit of autumn warmth into your kitchen. Whether you’re a longtime pumpkin fan or just looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe, these donuts promise a tender crumb and a sugary glaze that will keep everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Sometimes the simplest ingredients come together to create the most irresistible treats. For these Baked Pumpkin Donuts, each component plays a key role—from the moist pumpkin puree to the rich layers of spice in the cake mix, to the sweet glaze that finishes them off perfectly. Here is what you’ll need:

• Spice Cake Mix (15.25 ounces): The base that brings all the cozy autumn spices and structure to the donuts.
• Pumpkin Puree (15 ounces): Adds moisture, natural sweetness, and the beloved pumpkin flavor that makes these donuts stand out.
• Powdered Sugar (1 cup): For the glaze that adds a sweet, smooth finish with a hint of creamy texture.
• Milk (2 tablespoons): Helps to thin out the glaze for easy dipping and a delicate shine.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Brings out the depth of flavor both in the batter and the glaze.

How to Make Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures your oven is perfectly ready for those donuts to bake evenly and rise beautifully.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, combine the spice cake mix and pumpkin puree. Beat these ingredients together until the batter is totally smooth and uniform. This step is where the magic starts—the batter should be thick but easy to pipe.

Step 3: Fill the Donut Pan

Transfer your batter into a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe the batter gently into each donut cavity until they’re about three-quarters full. This helps avoid an uneven rise or spillover while baking.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake your donuts for about 10 to 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they spring back lightly to the touch. Timing can vary by oven, so keep a close eye after the 10-minute mark to avoid overbaking.

Step 5: Cool and Glaze

Remove the donuts from the oven and cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then carefully pop them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Meanwhile, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make your luscious glaze. Once the donuts are cool, dip the tops into the glaze, letting any excess drip off, then set them back on the rack to let the glaze harden slightly.

How to Serve Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Garnishes

Enhance your Baked Pumpkin Donuts with seasonal garnishes like crunchy chopped pecans, festive sprinkles, or a dusting of cinnamon sugar. These little touches elevate both appearance and flavor, making each bite even more special.

Side Dishes

Pair these donuts with a rich chai latte or a steaming cup of spiced apple cider for a full autumn experience. They also go wonderfully with a fresh fruit salad or a dollop of whipped cream if you want to add a touch of indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests? Arrange your donuts on a rustic wooden board alongside autumn leaves and small pumpkins for a charming display. You can even stack them with layers of parchment paper and place cinnamon sticks around for an inviting scent and look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (though they’re hard to resist), store the Baked Pumpkin Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours to keep them soft and fresh. After that, they may begin to dry out but will still taste good warmed up.

Freezing

To freeze, place the donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept frozen for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them.

Reheating

For best results reheating, warm the donuts in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a low oven (about 300 degrees) for 5 minutes. This refreshes the soft texture and slightly melts the glaze for a freshly enjoyed treat.

FAQs

Can I substitute canned pumpkin puree with fresh pumpkin?

Yes, fresh pumpkin puree works wonderfully but make sure it is cooked and pureed very smoothly before using. The texture and moisture content should be similar to canned pumpkin for the best results.

Do I need to grease the donut pan before filling it?

If your pan is non-stick, you usually won’t need to grease it; however, if you notice donuts sticking, a light spray or brush of oil will help with a cleaner release.

Can I make these donuts dairy-free?

Absolutely! Simply swap the milk in the glaze for a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk. The donuts themselves are naturally dairy-free, thanks to the ingredients used.

How do I avoid overfilling the donut cavities?

Using a piping bag or zip-top bag with a small cut corner helps you control the batter flow perfectly. Fill each cavity about three-quarters of the way for ideal rise and shape.

Are these donuts suitable for freezing after glazing?

It’s best to freeze the donuts before glazing to maintain the glaze’s texture. Once thawed, apply the glaze freshly for the best shine and flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s such a comforting joy in biting into these soft, flavorful Baked Pumpkin Donuts, especially when shared with family and friends on a crisp fall morning or cozy afternoon. They are straightforward to make, delightfully spiced, and topped with a glaze that’s just the right amount of sweet. I can’t wait for you to try them and then pass along this little taste of autumn happiness!

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