The Best Pumpkin Spice Donuts

Nothing makes me happier than the smell of fresh homemade pumpkin donuts. That’s why this is one of those recipes that we have to make at the house as soon as September comes and we continuously make it throughout the fall season.

They are baked in the oven which makes them a bit healthier? Or at least that’s why I like to tell myself. This is also a very easy recipe as well that can be made quickly and stored in the fridge to serve for breakfast or even take with you on the go.

This is the best pumpkin spice donut EVER!

So now that it is finally pumpkin season, you deserve to cave into your pumpkin donut craving and try this recipe out!

For best results make sure that you have a large donut pan to get the exact donuts as the ones you see in the picture of this article.

Why you need to make this recipe!

• This recipe is a super easy fall breakfast.
• These baked pumpkin donuts are packed with pumpkin spice flavors.
• This recipe is a great way to use up extra pumpkin puree.
• It’s the perfect make-ahead one-bowl recipe.
• No need to pull out the deep fryer, with this recipe just an oven will suffice.
• With this recipe, you will make large pumpkin donuts, just like the ones you would buy in stores except that these ones are baked!

Ingredients for this pumpkin spice doughnuts recipe.

Here are the ingredients you will need to make this recipe. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full detailed ingredient measurements.

• Flour- AP flour for great for this recipe. You can also use 1:1 gluten-free flour as well.
• Pumpkin pie spice– This will give us that amazing pumpkin spice flavor that we all love during the fall. If you want to make your own pumpkin pie spice, here is the recipe.
• Cinnamon- This is used to make the dipping spiced sugar.
• Baking powder- This is our leavening agent.
• Salt- Always add a little salt to your baked goods to balance out the sweetness.
• Pumpkin puree– Make sure you use pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling.
• Olive oil- You can use olive oil or canola oil. I opted for olive oil to bring out a little extra richness and depth of flavor to our dessert.
• Butter- The melted butter will add extra richness and moisture to our donuts.
• Vanilla extract- This will add extra depth of flavor.
• Egg- Make sure your eggs are at room temperature.
• Brown & granulated sugar- This recipe uses a mixture of sugars to get the perfect textured donuts. You will also use white sugar for the coating.

How to make pumpkin spice donuts?

This is how you can make these baked donuts. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full detailed instructions!

1. Mix the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, olive oil, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract together until combined.
2. Fold in the dry ingredients until the flour disappears. Your donut batter is now ready!
3. Pipe the pumpkin donut dough with a piping bag into greased donut pan and bake in the preheated oven.
4. Let the pumpkin doughnuts cool down for a little bit before coating in cinnamon sugar.

Pro tip:

Use a ziploc bag, fill it with the pumpkin donut mixture, snip off the tip of the bag, and pipe it into the donut mold cavities for a cleaner and easier look.

Make the cinnamon-sugar mixture

1. Mix the granulated sugar and the cinnamon together in a small bowl until combined. You can also use pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon to make pumpkin spice sugar instead.
2. Brush the donuts with butter and dip them into the prepared sugar mixture and serve.

Frequently asked questions – FAQ

How to store pumpkin spice donuts?

These donuts are best eating on the same day!

If you want to save them for another day, store them in an airtight container and don’t coat them with the cinnamon sugar until ready to serve. Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to three days.

Can I freeze pumpkin spice donuts?

You sure can. Let them cool down fully and freeze them in an air tight container for up to 2 months. Once ready to enjoy, pull them out of the freezer and let them thaw in the fridge overnight or on the countertop for a few hours.

Depending on if they are coated with the cinnamon sugar or glazed you might or might not be able to heat them up in the oven or in the microwave.

I always like to freeze my donuts withut any topping for that specific reason. I prefer to have the option of heating them up before enjoying them.

Can I ice these donuts instead?

Of course! If you decide to ice your cake donuts, make sure that you cool the donuts down fully so the icing doesn’t become runny and look messy. Some icing you can use would be:

• Maple syrup icing or maple glaze
• Brown butter icing
• Vanilla icing
• Chocolate icing

Pumpkin spice donuts

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