Baked Pumpkin Cake Donuts are a wonderful treat that’s soft, moist, and packed with warm pumpkin flavor. These donuts have a nice tender crumb, spiced with cozy cinnamon and nutmeg, making them perfect for fall or anytime you want a little taste of autumn. Plus, they’re baked, so they feel a bit lighter than the usual fried donuts.
I love how easy these donuts are to make at home. You just mix up the batter, spoon it into a donut pan, and pop it in the oven—no frying or mess! I always find myself sneaking one warm from the oven, and they’re even better with a simple glaze or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top. They have just the right hint of sweetness without being too heavy.
These donuts make a fantastic breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or tea. I sometimes like to share them with friends when the pumpkin season hits because everyone seems to light up at the sight of homemade pumpkin goodies. There’s something comforting about biting into a pumpkin donut that just makes the day feel a little brighter.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: This gives the donuts their moist texture and lovely pumpkin flavor. Canned pumpkin works well and is super convenient. If you want, you can substitute with sweet potato puree or butternut squash puree.
Flour: All-purpose flour is best for structure here. For a gluten-free option, try a gluten-free baking blend, but the texture might be a bit denser.
Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger create that classic pumpkin spice flavor. You can swap out ginger for cloves or allspice if you like a different spice mix.
Oil: Vegetable oil keeps the donuts moist. Coconut oil is a nice swap for a subtle hint of coconut, or you can use melted butter for richer flavor.
How Do You Avoid Overmixing the Donut Batter?
Overmixing dough or batter can make baked goods tough instead of tender. Here’s how to keep your pumpkin donuts soft and light:
- Combine dry ingredients separately before adding them to wet ingredients.
- Gently fold the flour mixture into the wet batter with a spatula.
- Stop mixing as soon as you no longer see dry flour streaks—some small lumps are okay.
- If you mix too much, the batter gets overworked gluten resulting in dense donuts.
Following these tips helps the donuts bake up tender and moist every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Donut pan – essential for shaping your baked donuts perfectly every time.
- Mixing bowls – one for wet ingredients and another for dry keeps mixing simple and neat.
- Whisk – great for blending wet ingredients smoothly and incorporating air.
- Spatula – helps fold dry ingredients into wet gently to avoid overmixing.
- Measuring cups and spoons – accurate measuring keeps the batter balanced.
- Cooling rack – lets your donuts cool evenly without getting soggy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for a nice crunch that complements pumpkin.
- Stir in ½ cup mini chocolate chips for a sweet surprise in every bite.
- Swap pumpkin for sweet potato puree to change up the flavor while keeping it moist.
- Mix a teaspoon of espresso powder into the batter for a subtle mocha twist that pairs well with pumpkin.
Baked Pumpkin Cake Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (preferably canned or fresh)
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 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 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake. Add cooling time of around 15 minutes before dusting and serving. Overall, expect about 40 minutes from start to finish, perfect for a quick and cozy baked treat.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pan:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your donut pan or spray it with non-stick cooking spray to ensure your donuts release easily after baking.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Mixing the dry ingredients separately helps make an even batter.
4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Gently fold and mix just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the donuts tender and light — a few lumps are okay.
5. Fill the Donut Pan:
Spoon the batter into the donut pan cavities, filling each about three-quarters full. This ensures your donuts have space to rise without overflowing.
6. Bake the Donuts:
Place the donut pan in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into a donut; it should come out clean.
7. Cool and Dust:
Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes, then carefully remove them to a wire rack to cool completely. When cool, dust with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar if you like.
8. Serve and Store:
Enjoy your pumpkin cake donuts fresh with your favorite warm drink. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Can I Use Frozen Pumpkin Puree for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen pumpkin puree. Just thaw it completely in the refrigerator or at room temperature before using. Make sure to drain any extra liquid if it seems watery to keep the batter from becoming too runny.
Can I Make These Donuts Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Just ensure the blend you choose is one that works well for baking. The texture may be slightly different, but they will still be delicious.
How Should I Store Leftover Donuts?
Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Avoid refrigeration to maintain their soft texture. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them in a sealed bag and thaw at room temperature before eating.
Can I Add Toppings or Glazes?
Definitely! Dusting with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar is simple and tasty, but you can also drizzle a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk or try a cream cheese glaze for extra richness.
