These baked pumpkin spice donuts are soft, fluffy, and oh-so-tasty! Packed with the warm flavors of pumpkin and spice, they’re perfect for a cozy morning treat or an afternoon snack.
Let’s be real, who can resist a donut? I love pairing them with a hot cup of coffee. They make the perfect combo, and I might even pretend to share… but you know I won’t! ☕️🍩
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin puree is super convenient and consistent. If you have fresh pumpkin, roast it, scoop out the flesh, and blend until smooth. It might take more time, but the flavor is fantastic!
Sugars: I love using a mix of granulated and brown sugar—the brown sugar adds a nice depth of flavor. If you’re looking to cut down on sugar, try using a sugar alternative like coconut sugar or even maple syrup (but remember to adjust the liquid in the recipe).
Vegetable Oil: While vegetable oil is great, I often opt for melted coconut oil for a hint of coconut flavor. It’s healthier too! You can also use melted butter if you prefer a richer taste.
Spices: Pumpkin pie spice is perfect, but you can customize it to your liking. I sometimes add a pinch of allspice or cardamom for extra warmth if I want to mix things up!
How Do I Get My Donuts Light and Fluffy?
A common challenge is ensuring that your donuts are light and fluffy rather than dense. The trick lies in a few key steps:
- Do not overmix your batter. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated. This helps keep the donuts tender.
- Use fresh baking powder and baking soda. Expired leavening agents can prevent your donuts from rising properly.
- Fill the donut pan only 3/4 full. This allows space for the donuts to rise without overflowing.
- Don’t open the oven door while they’re baking! It can cause them to collapse.
- Cool slightly before coating. If too hot, the butter won’t stick well to the donuts.
Follow these tips, and you’ll be rewarded with perfect baked pumpkin spice donuts every time!
Baked Pumpkin Spice Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice (or 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, 1/4 tsp ginger, and 1/4 tsp cloves)
For Coating:
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
(Optional) For Decoration:
- Sprinkles for decoration
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 12-15 minutes to bake. You’ll have these delicious donuts ready in about 30 minutes, with a little time to cool before you sink your teeth into them. Perfect for a quick morning treat or an afternoon snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan or spray it with nonstick cooking spray so your donuts can come out easily after baking.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is smooth and well combined. It should have a nice creamy texture!
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Sifting helps remove lumps and ensures an even distribution of the baking powder and spices. This is what gives your donuts that lovely flavor!
4. Blend Ingredients Together:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until they’re combined. Be careful not to overmix. We want to keep those donuts nice and tender!
5. Fill the Pan:
Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full. This allows room for the donuts to rise while baking. If you’re using a piping bag, it can help keep things neat!
6. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the donut pan into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. Keep an eye on them toward the end to avoid overbaking.
7. Cool Down:
Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help them firm up a bit.
8. Add the Butter and Coating:
While they’re still warm, brush each donut with melted butter. In a shallow bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Dip each buttered donut into the cinnamon sugar mixture, making sure it’s coated evenly. Yummy!
9. Optional Decoration:
If you want to get a little fancy, sprinkle colored sprinkles on a few of the donuts while the sugar coating is still set. This adds a delightful pop of color!
10. Serve and Enjoy!
These baked pumpkin spice donuts are best served warm or at room temperature. Enjoy them with your favorite hot beverage. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Although they probably won’t last that long!
Now go ahead and treat yourself to these delightful homemade donuts. Happy baking!
Can I Use Canned Pumpkin Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree is a great time-saver and works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure it’s 100% pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugars and spices.
What If I Don’t Have Pumpkin Pie Spice?
No worries! You can easily make your own blend using 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon cloves. Adjust the quantities to suit your taste!
How Should I Store Leftover Donuts?
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn!
Can I Make These Donuts Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Just remember that the texture might be a bit different, but they will still be delicious!
