Pumpkin Spice Baked Donuts: A Cozy Fall Treat Made Easy

These Pumpkin Spice Baked Donuts are the perfect fall dessert, combining warm spices, real pumpkin, and a tender, cakey texture. They’re baked, not fried, making them an easy and lighter way to enjoy a seasonal favorite.

The first time I made these donuts was on a crisp October morning, and the scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves filled my kitchen. My family couldn’t wait to try them, and they disappeared almost as quickly as I pulled them from the oven. These donuts have since become a fall tradition in our home, and I think they’ll be a hit in yours too!

My Take on Pumpkin Spice Baked Donuts

There’s something so comforting about fall baking recipes, and these pumpkin spice baked donuts are no exception. I love how they come together quickly, using simple pantry staples and a can of pumpkin puree. They’re the perfect blend of sweet and spicy, with just the right amount of pumpkin flavor to make them irresistible.

What I enjoy most about these donuts is that they’re baked instead of fried. Not only does that make them healthier, but it also means no messy oil splatters to clean up. Plus, the baked donuts have a wonderful soft texture that pairs beautifully with their warm, spiced glaze or a cinnamon-sugar coating.

Whether you’re serving these at a weekend brunch, packing them in lunchboxes, or enjoying them with a cup of coffee, they’re a cozy, crowd-pleasing treat that you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Baked Donuts

To make these delicious baked donuts, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Dry Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (or mix cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger)
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed

Wet Ingredients

• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• ½ cup whole milk (or substitute with almond milk)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Toppings

• Pumpkin spice glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2–3 tablespoons milk, and ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• Cinnamon-sugar coating: ½ cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon

You’ll also need a donut pan for baking.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Baked Donuts

Making these baked donuts is simple and fun. I’ll guide you step by step, so you’ll feel confident from start to finish!

Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a donut pan with nonstick spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt. Set this aside for now.

Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until smooth. Add the pumpkin puree, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined.

Bring It All Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until the batter is just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this helps keep the donuts light and tender.

Fill the Pan

Spoon the batter into the greased donut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full. You can also transfer the batter to a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped off for easier filling.

Bake to Perfection

Bake the donuts in the preheated oven for 9–11 minutes, or until the tops spring back when lightly pressed. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

Cool and Add Toppings

Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. Once cooled, dip them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture or drizzle with the pumpkin spice glaze for a sweet finishing touch.

How to Serve Your Pumpkin Spice Baked Donuts

These donuts are a delightful fall dessert or snack that’s perfect for any time of day. Serve them warm with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot apple cider for a cozy treat. For a festive presentation, arrange them on a platter with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of extra glaze.

They’re also great for sharing at fall gatherings, bake sales, or family brunches. Pair them with savory dishes like quiche or scrambled eggs to balance the sweetness.

Storing and Enjoying Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (though I doubt you will!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to three months.

To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, or warm them in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes. This will bring back their fresh-from-the-oven taste and texture!

Top Tips for Customizing Your Pumpkin Spice Baked Donuts

• Swap the pumpkin puree for sweet potato puree if you want a slightly different fall flavor.
• Add a handful of mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter for extra texture and sweetness.
• If you prefer a maple glaze, replace the milk in the glaze recipe with pure maple syrup for a rich, autumnal twist.
• Make mini donuts or donut holes using a mini donut pan or a mini muffin pan for bite-sized treats.

Your Questions About Pumpkin Spice Baked Donuts Answered

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour. Be sure to check that all other ingredients, like your baking powder, are gluten-free as well.

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

It’s best to stick with pumpkin puree for this recipe. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices, which can throw off the balance of flavors.

Do I need a donut pan to make these?

A donut pan works best, but if you don’t have one, you can use a muffin pan to make pumpkin donut muffins instead. Just adjust the baking time slightly (about 15–18 minutes).

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe doubles beautifully, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or stocking up your freezer with extra donuts for later.

Pumpkin spice lovers, this one’s for you!

These pumpkin spice baked donuts are everything you love about fall desserts, warm, cozy, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is simple enough to follow and delivers bakery-quality results every time.

I’d love to hear how they turn out for you! Leave a comment below and let me know how you enjoyed them. Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag WandaRecipes.com on social media. I can’t wait to see your creations. And if you’re looking for more fall baking recipes, check out my other pumpkin-inspired treats on the blog. Happy baking!