Baked Pumpkin Donuts – Quick, Delicious & Simple Recipe

Baked Pumpkin Donuts are the cozy hug we all need when the weather turns crisp—or even when it doesn’t. These cake-mix-based donuts skip the frying mess, giving you warm, spiced treats in just 25 minutes. Perfect for busy mornings, school snacks, or an afternoon pick-me-up, these donuts pack all the pumpkin spice vibes without a ton of effort. With just a cake mix and pumpkin puree, you’re halfway to fall-flavored bliss. And let’s be real: anytime you can sneak a pumpkin dessert into your week, it feels like a win. Yes, baked pumpkin donuts can be your guilt-free indulgence.

Table of Contents

What is Baked Pumpkin Donuts?

Baked Pumpkin Donuts are soft, cake-style donuts made in a donut pan instead of fried in oil. They’re lighter, easier, and much less messy, yet they still deliver that classic spiced pumpkin flavor we love when the leaves start turning. The best part? This recipe calls for just two main ingredients—spice cake mix and pumpkin puree—plus a simple glaze on top. The result: fluffy, moist donuts that taste like fall in every bite. Add sprinkles if you’re feeling festive, or enjoy them plain with a cup of coffee for a comforting snack.

Reasons to Try Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Why should these baked pumpkin donuts be on your must-bake list? First, they’re ridiculously easy—no yeast, no frying, no waiting for dough to rise. Second, they’re lighter than traditional donuts, which makes them perfect for when you want a treat without the heavy aftermath. Third, they’re versatile: serve them glazed, sugared, or even plain. And let’s not forget: they’re done in under 25 minutes. Busy moms, professionals, or anyone who loves fall flavors will appreciate a recipe that delivers bakery-style results without hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients Needed to Make Baked Pumpkin Donuts

The beauty of baked pumpkin donuts is that you don’t need a mile-long list of ingredients or a chef’s pantry to pull them off. In fact, this recipe keeps things refreshingly simple while still delivering all that cozy pumpkin spice magic we crave. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Spice Cake Mix (15.25 oz package) – This is your shortcut to bakery-quality flavor without all the measuring. The mix already includes warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, which give these donuts that unmistakable autumn aroma.
• Pumpkin Puree (15 oz can) – Pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling. It adds natural sweetness, a moist crumb, and of course that rich pumpkin flavor. Plus, it sneaks in some fiber, so you can almost call these donuts a little wholesome.
• Powdered Sugar (1 cup) – Essential for the glaze. Its fine texture dissolves easily, creating a smooth, sweet topping that clings to each donut.
• Milk (2 tablespoons) – Just enough liquid to bring the glaze together. You can use whole milk for richness, or swap in almond, oat, or coconut milk if you’d like to keep things dairy-free.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon) – That tiny splash of vanilla deepens the flavor of the glaze, balancing the sweetness and giving each bite a warm finish.

That’s it—five basic ingredients for donuts that taste like they came straight out of a bakery. If you’re the kind of person who stocks up on canned pumpkin every fall (guilty here), you’ll always be ready to whip up a batch. For another easy pumpkin fix, you’ll probably love these Pumpkin Streusel Bars that also use pantry staples in a big way.

Instructions to Make Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Making baked pumpkin donuts at home is easier than you think. With just a few steps, you’ll have soft, spiced donuts that taste like fall mornings wrapped in a cozy blanket. Follow this step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep Your Pan

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s perfectly heated by the time your batter is ready. Grease your donut pan lightly with cooking spray or butter. This ensures the donuts pop out clean and hold their classic donut shape.

Step 2: Mix the Pumpkin and Cake Mix

In a large mixing bowl, add the entire box of spice cake mix and the pumpkin puree. Stir with a hand mixer or sturdy whisk until the batter is smooth, thick, and free of lumps. The aroma of warm spices mixed with pumpkin will already smell like autumn in your kitchen.

Step 3: Fill the Donut Pan

Spoon the batter into a piping bag (or a resealable plastic bag with the tip cut off). Pipe the batter evenly into each donut mold, filling only halfway. This prevents overflow and gives your donuts a perfect rise.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the pan in the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes. The donuts are done when they spring back lightly to the touch or when a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Watch carefully—overbaking can dry them out, and we want these baked pumpkin donuts to stay tender and moist.

Step 5: Cool Before Glazing

Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack. Cooling allows them to firm up slightly, so they won’t break when glazed. Patience here pays off!

Step 6: Whisk Together the Glaze

In a medium bowl, combine the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and glossy. You can adjust the texture—add more sugar for a thicker glaze or more milk for a light drizzle.

Step 7: Dip, Glaze, and Decorate

Once the donuts are completely cool, dip the tops into the glaze and set them back on the rack. If you want to go festive, toss on some sprinkles or even a drizzle of caramel. For another fun pumpkin dessert that kids love decorating, check out these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Your baked pumpkin donuts are ready to eat! Pair them with a hot cup of coffee, spiced tea, or even a glass of milk for the ultimate fall treat.

What to Serve with Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Pair these baked pumpkin donuts with a steaming cup of coffee, chai, or hot apple cider for the ultimate fall treat. They also make a fun brunch addition alongside scrambled eggs or yogurt parfaits for balance. If you’re in dessert mode, serve them with a drizzle of caramel sauce or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For more pumpkin-filled inspiration, you might love these Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls or cozy Spiced Baked Pumpkin Muffins.

Key Tips for Making Baked Pumpkin Donuts

For perfect baked pumpkin donuts, don’t overfill the pan—halfway is plenty to let them rise. Use a piping bag to avoid messy edges and uneven donuts. Check them early; ovens vary, and these cook quickly. If you like a thicker glaze, add less milk, or for a thinner drizzle, add more. Want a crunchy sugar topping instead of glaze? Brush warm donuts with melted butter and dip them in cinnamon sugar. Keep it simple, and let the pumpkin flavor shine.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Store your baked pumpkin donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5. For longer storage, freeze them unglazed in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or pop in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. If reheating glazed donuts, use short bursts so the glaze doesn’t melt away completely. Pro tip: warm donuts taste like they just came out of the oven—comfort food at its best.

FAQs

Can I use yellow cake mix instead of spice cake mix?
Yes! Just add 1–2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice for that cozy flavor.

Do I need a donut pan?
It helps for shape, but you can bake these in a muffin pan if needed.

Can I make these dairy-free?
Absolutely—swap the milk in the glaze for almond or oat milk.

How do I keep my donuts soft?
Don’t overbake, and store them in a sealed container to lock in moisture.

Final Thoughts

Baked Pumpkin Donuts are proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few ingredients, you get donuts that taste like a cozy fall morning, minus the deep fryer. Whether you’re making them for your kids, a brunch gathering, or just because you had a rough Tuesday, these donuts deliver joy in every bite. Try them once, and you’ll find yourself making them year-round.

Visit our Pinterest for regular slow cooker recipe updates, or join our Facebook discussions where cooking fans exchange their favorite hearty meal ideas.

Print