Fall wouldn’t be complete without pumpkin spice, and these pumpkin spice donuts are the coziest way to enjoy it. Soft, fluffy, and baked instead of fried, they’re a quick treat you can make in under 30 minutes with pantry staples like pumpkin purée, flour, sugar, and warm spices.
They’re perfect with morning coffee, as a sweet snack, or as a festive dessert for gatherings. Top them with cinnamon sugar or glaze for extra indulgence. Easy, versatile, and packed with autumn flavor—this is the recipe you’ll come back to every year.
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Spice Donuts
These donuts check all the boxes: flavorful, easy, and healthier than fried. The pumpkin adds moisture, the spices bring warmth, and the baked method makes them fuss-free.
They’re endlessly adaptable—gluten-free, vegan, or simply jazzed up with chocolate chips or maple glaze. Best of all, the aroma of pumpkin spice filling your kitchen feels like pure fall comfort. One bite, and you’ll know why they’re a seasonal must-bake.
What You’ll Need
Making pumpkin spice donuts is simple—most ingredients are probably already in your pantry. You’ll need:
- Dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves (or pumpkin pie spice).
- Wet ingredients: pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling), eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, melted butter (or oil), milk, and vanilla extract.
Optional toppings include cinnamon sugar, maple glaze, or cream cheese glaze. A donut pan is essential for baking them into the perfect shape.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Donuts
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your donut pan.
- Mix dry ingredients: 1 ¾ cups flour, 1 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, ½ tsp salt, 1 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp nutmeg, ¼ tsp ginger, ¼ tsp cloves.
- Mix wet ingredients: 1 cup pumpkin purée, 2 large eggs, ½ cup brown sugar, ½ cup white sugar, ½ cup melted butter (or oil), ⅓ cup milk, 1 tsp vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry until just mixed.
- Fill donut pan ¾ full and bake 12–14 minutes until springy.
- Cool slightly, then coat with cinnamon sugar or glaze as desired.
You Must Know
A few key tips will make or break your pumpkin spice donuts:
- Pumpkin purée, not pie filling – pie filling has added sugar and spices, which can throw off the flavor and texture.
- Don’t overmix – stir until just combined; overmixing makes donuts dense.
- Use fresh spices – pumpkin spice flavor shines when your cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger are fresh.
- Fill pans correctly – only fill each cavity about ¾ full to prevent overflow.
- Bake time matters – 12–14 minutes is ideal; overbaking will dry them out.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
For bakery-quality donuts, focus on technique. Make sure your oven is fully preheated, and use a piping bag or zip-top bag to neatly fill the donut pan. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even cooking.
Let the donuts cool just a few minutes before glazing or coating so they hold their shape but are still warm enough for toppings to stick. If glazing, let them set on a rack for a clean finish.
These small details elevate homemade donuts from “good” to “amazing.”
Add Your Touch Pumpkin Spice Donuts
Pumpkin spice donuts are easy to personalize. Add chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or a swirl of cream cheese filling for extra richness. Swap the topping: cinnamon sugar for something classic, maple glaze for a fall twist, or cream cheese frosting for a bakery-style treat. You can also bake them as mini donuts or even muffins if you don’t have a donut pan. A sprinkle of powdered sugar or drizzle of caramel makes them look festive for parties.
Storing & Reheating
Keep your donuts fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days, or refrigerate up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze (unglazed) for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or pop them in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes. If frozen, thaw at room temperature before glazing. This way, they stay soft, moist, and ready to enjoy anytime.
Chef’s Helpful Tips for Pumpkin Spice Donuts
- Grease well: Even nonstick pans need a light spray for easy release.
- Pipe the batter: Use a piping bag (or zip-top bag) to fill the pan neatly.
- Check doneness: A toothpick should come out clean or with tiny crumbs.
- Glaze smart: Let donuts cool slightly so glaze sets, not melts.
- Batch baking: Double the recipe and freeze extras for busy mornings.
FAQ for Pumpkin Spice Donuts
Can I make these without a donut pan?
Yes! Use a muffin tin—they’ll be “pumpkin spice muffin bites.”
Can I make them vegan?
Swap eggs with flax eggs and butter with coconut oil or vegan butter.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, cut by ¼ without affecting texture. Or use coconut sugar.
Can I freeze them?
Absolutely—freeze unglazed donuts, then thaw and glaze when ready.
Conclusion
Pumpkin spice donuts are the perfect fall treat—soft, spiced, and simple to make. With basic ingredients, endless topping options, and easy storage, they’re a recipe you’ll reach for again and again. Bake a batch, share with loved ones, and let that pumpkin spice aroma fill your kitchen—it’s autumn in every bite.
Pumpkin Spice Donuts!! Easy Baked Fall Recipe You’ll Love
Description
Soft, fluffy baked donuts with pumpkin purée and warm spices. Perfect for fall mornings, brunch, or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
Mix dry ingredients in one bowl, wet in another.
Combine gently until just mixed.
Fill donut pan ¾ full and bake 12–14 minutes.
Cool slightly, then coat with cinnamon sugar or glaze.
Notes
- Use pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling.
Don’t overmix—keeps donuts light and fluffy.
Store in airtight container for 2–3 days or freeze unglazed.