Fall is officially here, and nothing screams cozy autumn vibes more than a batch of baked pumpkin donuts! This is my absolute favorite season, and my favorite thing to do during it is to make all the seasonal treats! These easy, delicious donuts are a great way to welcome the season. They are perfect for a quick breakfast, a coffee companion, or a snack anytime you’re craving a taste of pumpkin spice. With warm spices, a tender crumb, and a golden-brown exterior, these baked donuts are both satisfying and healthier than their fried counterparts. Whether you’re a pumpkin lover or just looking for a simple baking project, this recipe will not disappoint.
Why You’ll Love These Baked Pumpkin Donuts
- Quick and Simple: No fancy techniques needed here! The batter comes together in one bowl, and the donuts bake in just 13-15 minutes.
- Healthier Alternative: These donuts are baked, not fried, so they have less fat while still delivering all the flavor.
- Perfect Fall Flavor: The pumpkin purée and pumpkin spice blend offer that warm, spiced flavor you crave in autumn treats.
- Moist and Tender: Thanks to the pumpkin, these donuts stay moist for days (if they last that long!).
Ingredients and Why They Matter
- Pumpkin Purée: Adds moisture and gives the donuts that perfect pumpkin flavor. Be sure to use 100% pumpkin, not pie filling.
- All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure and helps the donuts rise to a light, fluffy texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the donuts and adds a golden-brown color as they bake.
- Cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger: A mix of warm spices that brings out the pumpkin flavor. You can replace this with 1 ½ teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice.
- Baking Powder : This leavening agent helps the donuts rise and stay airy.
- Sour cream: Adds moisture, creating a smooth batter, and adds a delicious tangy flavor to the batter.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients and give the donuts structure.
FAQs About Baked Pumpkin Donuts
1. Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of purée?
No, pie filling contains added sugars and spices. Stick to pure pumpkin purée for the best results.
2. How should I store these donuts?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
3. Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?
Yes! You can use a muffin tin. They won’t have the classic donut shape, but they’ll taste just as good.
4. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, just substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for structure.
5. Can I add a different glaze or topping?
Absolutely! Try adding a maple glaze for an extra fall touch.
Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts
An easy one-bowl donut recipe that will get you home baked donuts in 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
- Category: Dessert
Ingredients
Donut batter
½ cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
¾ cup pumpkin purée
½ cup sour cream
1 ¾ cups All-Purpose Flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
¾ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ginger
1 teaspoons table salt
Coating
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Grease 2 6-cavity or one 12-cavity donut pan(s) with nonstick cooking spray, set aside.
- In a large bowl whisk together the vegetable oil, eggs, sugar, puree, and sour cream until smooth and combined.
- Add in the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and salt and mix until just combined.
- Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pans until each cavity is almost full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 13-15 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. Let cool slightly.
- In a small bowl whisk together the sugar and cinnamon until combined.
- Dip each donut while still warm into the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
