Delightful Baked Pumpkin Spice Donuts: Your Ultimate Fall Treat Recipe with Maple Glaze & Sugary Coating
Embrace the cozy flavors of autumn with these incredibly moist and tender baked Pumpkin Spice Donuts. Forget the deep fryer – these delightful cake donuts are baked to perfection, offering a lighter, less messy alternative without sacrificing an ounce of flavor. Each bite delivers the comforting essence of pumpkin and a warm blend of spices, making them the ideal companion for your morning coffee, a delightful afternoon snack, or a sweet dessert. What makes them even more special? You have the choice to top them with either a classic, aromatic pumpkin spice-sugar mixture or a luscious, smooth maple glaze, or even both for an extra touch of decadence. Super easy to whip up, these homemade treats are a fun and delicious way to welcome the fall season into your kitchen.
Why These Baked Pumpkin Spice Donuts Are a Must-Try
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked goods filling your home, especially when those goods are these incredibly delicious pumpkin spice donuts. They are an absolute delight, particularly when enjoyed warm with a steaming cup of coffee or a comforting mug of tea. What sets these treats apart is that they are moist, flavorful cake donuts that are baked, not fried. This means you get to enjoy a lighter texture, less oil, and an easier cleanup process without compromising on that irresistible donut experience.
We believe in offering choices, which is why this recipe includes two fantastic topping options. Whether you crave the rich, sweet notes of maple glaze frosting or the classic, aromatic crunch of a sugary pumpkin spice coating, we’ve got you covered. You can even enjoy a mix of both! If you prefer just one type of coating, feel free to halve the recipe for the one you choose. These donuts are not just a seasonal treat; they represent comfort, warmth, and the simple joy of homemade baking, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a satisfying dessert.
RELATED: For another amazing fall-inspired baked treat, you may also love these Baked Apple Cider Donuts – topped with a wonderful cinnamon sugar mixture, they are another autumnal favorite that’s hard to beat!
Essential Ingredients for Your Homemade Pumpkin Spice Donuts
Crafting the perfect pumpkin spice donut starts with gathering high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that wonderfully moist texture and unforgettable fall flavor. While all measurements and detailed instructions are available in the printable recipe card at the end of this post, here’s a closer look at what you’ll need for the donut batter and the two delightful topping options.
For the Pumpkin Spice Donut Batter:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of our cake donuts, providing structure.
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar: Adds sweetness, a rich, molasses-like flavor, and contributes to the donut’s moistness.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the donuts rise and become fluffy.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin spice mix: The star of the show! This blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves delivers that signature fall taste. You can use a store-bought mix or easily make your own.
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda: Another leavening agent that works with the pumpkin puree’s acidity to create a tender crumb.
- 1 cup pumpkin puree: Provides the distinct pumpkin flavor, moisture, and a lovely orange hue. Ensure you’re using pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.
- 2 large eggs: Act as a binder, adding richness and helping with the donut’s structure.
- 1/4 cup whole milk: Contributes to the moistness and helps create a smooth batter.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled: Adds richness and flavor, making the donuts truly irresistible.
For the Rich Maple Glaze (for 12-13 donuts):
- 1 1/2 cups confectioner’s sugar: The base for a smooth, sweet glaze.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled: Adds a creamy texture and rich flavor.
- 2 tablespoons 100% pure maple syrup: Provides that authentic, deep maple flavor that pairs perfectly with pumpkin.
- 2-3 tablespoons water: Helps achieve the desired consistency for dipping.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and adds a warm, inviting aroma.
For the Sweet & Spicy Sugar – Pumpkin Spice Coating (for 12-13 donuts):
- 1 cup sugar: The base for our crispy, sweet coating.
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice mix: Infuses the sugar with warm fall spices.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Essential for adhering the sugar mixture to the donuts.
How to Make Your Delicious Baked Pumpkin Spice Donuts
Making these homemade pumpkin spice donuts is a straightforward and rewarding process, perfect for bakers of all skill levels. For a visual guide, there is a helpful video in this post that demonstrates each step.
- **Prepare Your Oven and Pan:** Begin by preheating your oven to 325 degrees F (160 degrees C). Generously spray a donut pan with cooking spray oil. This prevents sticking and ensures your donuts release easily.
- **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, dark brown sugar, baking powder, pumpkin spice mix, Kosher salt, and baking soda. Whisk them together thoroughly until they are evenly combined. This step ensures that the leavening agents and spices are well distributed throughout the batter.
- **Add Wet Ingredients and Mix Batter:** Next, add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture: pumpkin puree, two large eggs, whole milk, and the melted and cooled unsalted butter. Stir gently until all ingredients are just combined. It’s crucial not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to tough, dense donuts. A few lumps are perfectly fine.
- **Fill the Donut Pan:** Spoon the batter carefully into each well of your prepared donut pan. For a cleaner and easier method, you can also transfer the batter into a large zip-top bag, snip off one corner, and pipe the batter into the pan. This helps create perfectly shaped donuts.
- **Bake to Golden Perfection:** Bake the donuts in the preheated oven for 8-11 minutes. The exact baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven. You’ll know they’re ready when they look golden brown and spring back lightly when gently touched in the center.
Crafting the Maple Glaze Topping (for 12-13 donuts):
Once your baked donuts have cooled, it’s time to add a sweet finish. The maple glaze is wonderfully simple to prepare and adds a luxurious touch to these pumpkin spice treats. In a medium bowl, combine the confectioner’s sugar, melted and cooled unsalted butter, pure maple syrup, water, and vanilla extract. Whisk all the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. You want a consistency that is thick enough to coat the donuts but still liquid enough to drip. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more water; if too thin, add a touch more confectioner’s sugar. To apply, hold each donut upside down and dip the top surface into the glaze. Allow any excess glaze to drip off before placing the glazed donuts onto a cooling rack to set. The glaze will harden slightly as it cools, creating a beautiful and delicious finish.
Creating the Sweet and Spicy Sugar – Pumpkin Spice Coating (for 12-13 donuts):
For those who prefer a classic sugar-coated donut with an autumnal twist, this pumpkin spice coating is incredibly simple and equally delicious. In a small-medium mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and pumpkin spice mix, stirring well until the spices are evenly distributed throughout the sugar. In a separate microwave-safe bowl, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in 20-second intervals until it is fully liquid. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush each cooled donut with the melted butter. This helps the sugar mixture adhere. Immediately after buttering, gently toss the donut in the sugar-pumpkin spice mixture until it is fully coated. Place the coated donuts on a plate or rack, and enjoy the sweet, spiced crunch!
Expert Baking Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Spice Donuts
- **Pumpkin Puree vs. Pumpkin Pie Filling:** Always use 100% pure pumpkin puree for this recipe, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sweeteners and spices that will alter the flavor and texture of your donuts.
- **Pumpkin Spice Mix:** You can save time by using a good quality store-bought pumpkin spice mix, or for a fresher, custom flavor, try making your own blend. Adjust the amount to your taste preference.
- **Avoid Over-mixing:** This is perhaps the most important tip for any cake-style baked good. Do not over-mix the donut batter! Mix until the ingredients are just combined. Over-mixing develops gluten, which can result in tough, rubbery donuts instead of the desired tender, moist texture.
- **Room Temperature Ingredients:** Ensure your eggs, milk, and melted butter (cooled, not hot) are at room temperature. This helps them combine more smoothly with the other ingredients, creating a more uniform batter and a better texture in your finished donuts.
- **Filling the Donut Pan:** For easy and mess-free filling, spoon the batter into a piping bag or a large ziplock bag with a corner snipped off. This allows you to neatly pipe the batter into the donut molds without splattering. Fill each well about two-thirds full to allow for proper rising.
- **Doneness Test:** To check if your donuts are baked through, gently press the top of a donut with your finger. If it springs back, they’re ready. If your finger leaves an indentation, bake for another minute or two.
Serving & Storing Your Homemade Delights
These baked pumpkin spice donuts are truly at their peak when served fresh and slightly warm. The flavors are most vibrant, and the texture is perfectly tender straight from the oven. Pair them with a hot beverage like coffee, tea, or even a homemade pumpkin spice latte for an ultimate fall indulgence. While they are best enjoyed right away, any leftover donuts can be stored to enjoy later.
To keep them fresh, place your pumpkin spice donuts in an airtight container. They will last for up to 2 days when stored in the refrigerator. If you prefer to enjoy them warm after storing, a quick 10-15 second pop in the microwave can revive their tenderness. We don’t recommend freezing already glazed or sugar-coated donuts as the toppings can become watery or sticky upon thawing. However, you can freeze the plain baked donuts for up to 2 months in an airtight freezer-safe bag. Thaw them at room temperature, then add your desired glaze or coating just before serving for that fresh-baked experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Pumpkin Spice Donuts
Here are some common questions you might have when making these delicious fall treats:
- **Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?**
No, it’s very important to use 100% pure pumpkin puree. Pumpkin pie filling already contains sugar, spices, and sometimes other thickeners, which will significantly alter the taste and texture of your donuts. - **What if I don’t have a donut pan?**
While a donut pan is ideal for the classic shape, you can also bake this batter in a muffin tin to make pumpkin spice muffins! Adjust baking time slightly (usually a bit longer for muffins). - **Can I make these donuts gluten-free?**
Yes, you can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum, or add 1/2 teaspoon per cup of flour if it doesn’t. Results may vary slightly in texture. - **Can I freeze these pumpkin spice donuts?**
Yes, you can freeze the *plain, unglazed* baked donuts. Once they are completely cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze for about an hour, then transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature, then apply your chosen glaze or coating before serving. - **How can I make my own pumpkin spice mix?**
A simple homemade pumpkin spice mix typically includes ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Many recipes are available online, or you can use a basic ratio like 3 tablespoons cinnamon, 2 teaspoons ginger, 2 teaspoons nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon cloves.
More Irresistible Pumpkin Recipes for Fall
If you’re as much of a pumpkin enthusiast as we are, you’ll love exploring these other delicious fall recipes. From comforting drinks to decadent desserts, there’s a pumpkin treat for every occasion:
- Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Latte: A cozy beverage perfect for chilly mornings.
- Pumpkin Hand Pies: Individual pies, perfect for parties or a quick treat.
- Pumpkin Cobbler: A warm and comforting dessert, ideal with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Classic Pumpkin Cake: A moist and flavorful cake that’s a fall favorite.
- Pumpkin Magic Cake: A surprisingly easy and delightful cake from a doctored mix.
- Perfect Pumpkin Pie: The quintessential Thanksgiving dessert, made just right.
- Pumpkin Roll: An elegant and delicious dessert, impressive yet easy to make.
- Caramel Pumpkin Cocktail: A festive drink for your autumn gatherings.
- Pumpkin Cake Mix Cookies: Super easy cookies that come together in a flash.
We absolutely love to bake, cook, and share our favorite recipes with you! We understand it can be hard to remember to come back and search for new ideas, so we’ve made it easy with our weekly newsletter. You can subscribe for free, and we’ll send you delicious recipes every week directly to your email inbox. Happy baking!
Pumpkin Spice Donuts
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
Pumpkin Spice Donuts batter:
- cooking spray oil for greasing the donut pan
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup dark brown sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin spice mix
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted and cooled
Maple Glaze
- 1 ½ cups confectioner’s sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted and cooled
- 2 tablespoons 100% pure maple syrup
- 2-3 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Sugar – Pumpkin Spice Coating
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice mix
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
Things You’ll Need
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Mixing bowls
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Baking spatula
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Donut pan
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Pastry brush
Before You Begin
- You will need a donut pan for this recipe.
- Calorie count is for donuts without sugar coating or glaze.
- You can save time by using a store-bought pumpkin spice mix or trying this recipe.
- Do not over-mix the donut batter to avoid making the donuts tough – mix until just combined.
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
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Spray a donut pan with cooking spray oil.
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In a large mixing bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, pumpkin spice mix, Kosher salt and baking soda until evenly combined.
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Add the pumpkin puree, 2 eggs, whole milk, and melted and cooled unsalted butter. Stir until combined; do not over mix. Spoon into a donut pan. (You can also put the batter into a large zip lock bag and cut the corner.)
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Bake 8-11 minutes in a preheat oven. When donuts are ready, they should spring back when touched.
Maple Glaze
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In a medium bowl, mix confectioner’s sugar, unsalted butter (melted and cooled), maple syrup, water and vanilla extract until combined.
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Hold donut upside down and dip the top into the glaze, let it drip off the excess, and place on cooling racks to set.
Sugary Pumpkin Spice Coating
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In a small-medium mixing bowl, mix sugar and pumpkin spice mix until combined. Melt butter in the microwave at 20 second intervals until melted. Using a pastry brush, brush cooled donuts with butter and toss in the sugar – pumpkin spice mixture until coated.
Serving/Storing
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These Pumpkin Spice donuts are best when served right away. Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
This post originally appeared here on Oct 18, 2017.