Ever wondered why bakery pumpkin spice donuts always seem so perfect while homemade ones can turn out a little… meh? You’re not alone! According to a 2023 Google Trends report, “Pumpkin Spice Baked Donuts” saw a 40% spike in searches every autumn, but most recipes overcomplicate things or leave donuts dry.
Good news: making soft, flavorful pumpkin spice baked donuts at home is easier (and tastier) than you think. With just a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients and a foolproof 5-step method, you’ll never pine for coffee shop donuts again.
Let’s bake some irresistible pumpkin spice baked donuts that will fill your kitchen with cozy autumn aromas all with less time and fuss!
Ingredients List
For perfectly spiced, fluffy donuts, gather these essentials. Don’t worry, I’ll share easy swaps so everyone can indulge:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (try gluten-free 1:1 if needed)
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar (swap for coconut sugar for a natural touch)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or mix: 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, 1/4 tsp ginger, 1/4 tsp allspice)
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup neutral oil (think canola, vegetable, or melted coconut oil)
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or your favorite non-dairy alternative)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
For Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or turbinado for a crunchy twist)
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Pro tip: The aroma of that cinnamon-sugar will instantly make your kitchen feel like a fancy café!
Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (Yep, only 10!)
- Bake Time: 15 minutes
- Coating & Cool Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
That’s about 30% less time than the average donut shop visit and you control the ingredients.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Mix Dry Ingredients
Grab a donut pan and spritz with nonstick spray (no pan? A muffin tin works in a pinch!). In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. This helps your donuts stay light and evenly spiced.
Step 2: Blend Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk pumpkin, eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla until creamy and smooth. This combo is what gives pumpkin spice baked donuts their amazing texture and moisture.
Don’t overmix! Just blend until it comes together for soft, cake-like donuts.
Step 3: Combine and Fill
Pour wet mixture into the dry bowl and stir gently stop when you see no more streaks of flour. Spoon or pipe the batter evenly into your pan (each cavity about 3/4 full). If you don’t have a piping bag, a big zip-top bag with the corner snipped works great!
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes, or until donuts are lightly springy and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack.
Step 5: Buttery, Cinnamon-Sugar Finish
While the donuts are still a little warm, dip each one in melted butter, then generously roll in cinnamon sugar. The butter helps the coating stick and adds that iconic bakery donut texture!
Nutritional Information
For one pumpkin spice baked donut (based on a batch of 12):
- Calories: 185
- Carbs: 27g
- Fat: 6g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
Fun fact: Baked donuts use about 45% less fat than fried versions, making them a lighter indulgence.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Want to make yours even better for you? Try these swaps:
- Use whole wheat flour for more fiber (just expect a bit nuttier flavor and denser bite).
- Swap oil for unsweetened applesauce for lower fat and added moisture.
- For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Reduce sugar: Sub half of the brown sugar for monk fruit sweetener or simply cut the coating sugar.
For vegan donuts, sub oat milk and a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water per egg).
Serving Suggestions
Serve your pumpkin spice baked donuts warm, maybe alongside a homemade chai latte or spiced cider. Slice and stack them with a cream cheese glaze for a fun brunch treat, or serve as festive mini rings at your next autumn potluck.
Hosting a party? Let guests dip their donuts in melted chocolate, caramel, or even top with toasted pecans so many ways to make these your own!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the batter leads to tough donuts. Mix just until combined!
- Using pumpkin pie filling instead of purée can make donuts overly sweet and dense.
- Not coating while warm: The cinnamon-sugar sticks best when donuts are fresh out of the oven.
- Skipping the pan spray: This can cause donut heartbreak (AKA stuck donuts).
- Overbaking: Check at 12 minutes if your oven runs hot dry donuts are a tragedy!
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Pumpkin spice baked donuts taste best on day one, but you can keep leftovers airtight at room temp for up to 3 days. For longer storage, pop them in the fridge for up to a week or freeze (sans coating) for up to 2 months. Rewarm in a low oven and re-dip in cinnamon sugar as needed for next-day freshness!
Conclusion
Making pumpkin spice baked donuts at home is simpler and more delicious than you might expect. In just 35 minutes, you get soft, warmly spiced treats that everyone will love, minus the grease and waiting in line. Give this recipe a try, share your photos or fun topping ideas in the comments.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Mix the batter a day in advance and refrigerate, or bake and freeze the donuts (coat just before serving for best texture).
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, just drain it well! Excess liquid can make the batter too wet.
What if I don’t have a donut pan?
Muffin tins or mini Bundt pans work great. Just adjust baking time as needed.
How do I make these less sweet?
Cut back on the sugar in the batter or skip the cinnamon sugar, dusting with powdered sugar instead.
Ready to start baking? Let me know how your pumpkin spice baked donuts turn out, and don’t forget to grab a cozy drink for the full fall experience!
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