Introduction
There is something magical about the smell of pumpkin and spices baking in the oven. It instantly brings warmth into your home and makes you feel like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket with a cup of coffee. Pumpkin donuts are a fall favorite, but why wait for a special occasion or a trip to the local bakery when you can make them right in your own kitchen?
This baked pumpkin donut recipe is simple, quick, and healthier than fried versions. You don’t need fancy equipment or frying oil. All you need is a donut pan, some basic ingredients, and about 30 minutes of your time. These donuts are soft and moist on the inside, with a slightly crisp edge. They are flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger which pair perfectly with the pumpkin puree.
Whether you are baking for your family, hosting a brunch, or just treating yourself, these donuts never disappoint. Plus, you can easily customize them with different glazes or toppings to suit your taste. You will be surprised how something so easy to make can taste so good. And the best part? Your whole kitchen will smell like a cozy fall day.
Now let’s get into what you’ll need and how to make these mouthwatering pumpkin donuts from scratch.
Ingredients Needed
To make these baked pumpkin donuts, you’ll use simple pantry staples along with some seasonal ingredients. The combination of flour, pumpkin, warm spices, and a little sweetness creates the perfect balance in both taste and texture. You can also tweak the ingredients slightly depending on your dietary needs or flavor preferences.
Here is a full list of ingredients you’ll need for around 12 regular-sized donuts. You can double the recipe if you are serving a crowd or want to freeze a batch for later.
Ingredients Table with Calorie Count
| Ingredient | Quantity | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1¾ cups (220g) | 750 |
| Baking powder | 1½ teaspoons | 3 |
| Baking soda | ½ teaspoon | 0 |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon | 0 |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon | 6 |
| Ground nutmeg | ¼ teaspoon | 2 |
| Ground ginger | ¼ teaspoon | 2 |
| Brown sugar | ½ cup (100g) | 380 |
| Granulated sugar | ¼ cup (50g) | 200 |
| Pumpkin puree | 1 cup (240g) | 80 |
| Eggs | 2 large | 140 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | 12 |
| Vegetable oil | ¼ cup (60ml) | 480 |
| Milk (any kind) | ¼ cup (60ml) | 40 (based on 2%) |
Estimated Calories Per Donut: 180 to 200 kcal
You can swap ingredients like milk for plant-based options and use coconut or olive oil if you prefer. If you want to cut sugar, you can replace some of it with a sugar substitute or reduce it slightly without changing the flavor too much.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F or 175°C. Grease your donut pan lightly with oil or non-stick spray. This helps the donuts release easily and keeps them from sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, combine your dry ingredients. This includes the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Mix well so all the spices are evenly distributed. This will ensure the flavor is consistent in every bite.
In a separate bowl, whisk together your wet ingredients. Combine the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well blended. You want a uniform, creamy texture before adding the dry mix.
Slowly pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until the two are fully combined. Do not overmix the batter. Overmixing can make the donuts dense and chewy instead of soft and fluffy.
Spoon the batter into a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the tip cut off. This makes it easier to fill the donut pan evenly. Fill each donut mold about three quarters full. They will rise slightly during baking.
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 13 to 15 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick. If it comes out clean, your donuts are ready. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely before adding any glaze or topping.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
You can personalize this recipe in so many ways. If you like bold flavors, increase the spices slightly. If you prefer a more subtle sweetness, reduce the sugar or use maple syrup for a natural touch.
Add mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter for a little extra texture. Swirl in some cream cheese or Nutella for a richer version. If you want to go dairy-free, use almond milk or oat milk and swap the eggs for flax eggs.
For toppings, the possibilities are endless. A simple cinnamon sugar coating gives them a classic finish. Dip them in maple glaze or drizzle with melted chocolate. You can also make a cream cheese frosting and spread it on top for a more decadent dessert.
These donuts can also be made in mini pans for bite-sized treats. Just reduce the baking time by a few minutes and keep an eye on them.
Nutritional Information
Each baked donut has an estimated 180 to 200 calories. That is significantly lower than most fried donuts, which can have over 300 calories each. Here is a closer look at the nutritional breakdown per donut:
Calories: 180 to 200
Total Fat: 7 to 9 grams
Carbohydrates: 28 to 32 grams
Sugars: 14 to 18 grams
Protein: 2 to 3 grams
Fiber: 1 to 2 grams
These donuts provide a satisfying treat without overwhelming your daily calorie intake. You can make them even lighter by using less sugar, switching to whole wheat flour, or using applesauce in place of some of the oil.
Serving Suggestions
These baked pumpkin donuts are perfect for any time of day. Serve them warm for breakfast with a hot cup of coffee or tea. They also make a delicious dessert after dinner or a sweet addition to a brunch spread.
If you are hosting a party or holiday gathering, arrange them on a platter with small bowls of dipping sauces like chocolate, caramel, or cream cheese glaze. You can even pack them into treat bags and hand them out as edible gifts during the fall season.
Want a fancier presentation? Stack them on a cake stand, drizzle with icing, and sprinkle with chopped nuts or cinnamon for an eye-catching dessert table centerpiece.
Conclusion
Baked pumpkin donuts are the kind of recipe you will come back to again and again. They are soft, flavorful, easy to make, and much healthier than their fried counterparts. With just a few ingredients and about half an hour of your time, you can create a bakery-style treat in your own kitchen.
These donuts are great for fall, but once you try them, you will want them all year long. They are the perfect balance of comfort and indulgence without going overboard. Whether you keep them classic or experiment with toppings and mix-ins, this recipe is incredibly versatile and always a hit.
So the next time you’re craving something cozy, skip the store-bought pastries and make these baked pumpkin donuts instead. They are full of flavor, easy to prepare, and a true seasonal delight.