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Delicious Baked Pumpkin Cake Donuts: Your Ultimate Fall Treat

Get ready to indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of fall with these incredibly tasty and surprisingly simple homemade Baked Pumpkin Cake Donuts. It’s hard to believe these delightful treats are baked to perfection rather than fried, offering a lighter yet equally satisfying experience. Crafted with straightforward ingredients, this recipe yields wonderfully moist, fluffy cake donuts that are infused with an irresistible blend of cinnamon and pumpkin spice. They are an absolute dream for Fall mornings, a perfect brunch addition, or a cozy evening breakfast or dessert.

The versatility of these baked pumpkin donuts truly shines when it comes to toppings. You can effortlessly toss them in a rich, buttery cinnamon and sugar coating for a classic touch, dust them with a delicate layer of powdered sugar, or elevate them with a luscious cinnamon maple glaze. Whichever you choose, you’re guaranteed a treat that’s bursting with the aromatic goodness of pumpkin spices. These donuts are not just a seasonal delight; they’re an easy way to bring the joy of homemade baking into your kitchen without the fuss of deep-frying. If you love fall-inspired baked goods, you’ll also adore our Easy Baked Apple Donuts, flavorful Baked Apple Cider Donuts, and the Delectable Glazed Blueberry Donuts.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Baked Pumpkin Cake Donuts

Everyone loves a good donut, but these particular pumpkin cake donuts hold a special place in our hearts. Imagine donuts that encapsulate all the wonderful flavors of fall – sweet pumpkin, aromatic cinnamon, a hint of nutmeg, and a touch of ginger. That’s precisely what you get with every bite of these amazing fall-flavored pumpkin spice donuts.

One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is that these donuts are *baked*, not fried. This means less mess, less oil, and a lighter texture that still delivers on that satisfying donut experience. Baking also makes them incredibly simple to prepare, perfect for novice bakers or anyone looking for a quick and easy dessert or breakfast option. You’ll simply mix up a thick, flavorful batter and bake them to golden perfection. The result is a moist, cake-like donut that’s hard to resist.

Essential Tools for Perfect Donuts

To achieve those classic donut shapes without the hassle of rolling and cutting dough, you’ll definitely need a donut pan. This recipe uses a thick batter, which makes the process incredibly simple – no need for a donut hole cutter or any complicated shaping. Instead, we’ll pipe the batter directly into the donut pan cavities. It’s a super easy technique to master, even if you’re new to baking!

You have the flexibility to choose between a mini donut pan for bite-sized delights or a regular-sized donut pan for a more substantial treat. Both work beautifully with this recipe. My love for baked donuts extends to other favorites too, like these indulgent Oreo Chocolate Cake Donuts, rich Red Velvet Cake Donuts, and the classic Glazed Fluffy Chocolate Donuts! Which one will you try next?

The Magic of Canned Pumpkin Puree

When it comes to baking, canned pumpkin puree is an absolute pantry essential, especially as the holiday season approaches. It’s the secret ingredient that gives these donuts their signature pumpkin flavor and a gorgeous orange hue. Beyond just color and taste, the pumpkin puree contributes significantly to the donuts’ incredible texture, ensuring they’re wonderfully moist and have that perfect cakey consistency that makes every bite heavenly.

The pumpkin flavor really shines through, especially when paired with the right topping. While both the Buttery Cinnamon and Sugar Topping and the Cinnamon Maple Glaze are fantastic, it’s always a delightful debate which one is truly superior! The choice ultimately comes down to your personal preference, but rest assured, the rich pumpkin base will complement either option beautifully. Experiment and find your favorite way to enjoy these autumnal delights!

Gather Your Ingredients for Irresistible Pumpkin Donuts

Creating these baked pumpkin cake donuts is a joy, and it all starts with a carefully selected list of ingredients. Most of these are likely staples in your pantry, making this recipe not only delicious but also convenient. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these fall-favorite treats:

For the Baked Pumpkin Spice Cake Donuts

All-purpose flour: The foundational dry ingredient for that perfect cake-like crumb.
Baking powder: Provides lift and a tender texture.
Pumpkin pie spice: The heart of the fall flavor, a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Baking soda: Reacts with the acidic pumpkin to create a light and airy donut.
Granulated sugar: For sweetness and tenderizing the crumb.
Brown sugar: Adds a deeper, molasses-rich sweetness and extra moisture.
Vegetable or canola oil: Keeps the donuts moist and contributes to a soft texture.
Eggs: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
Canned pumpkin puree: The star ingredient, for flavor, moisture, and color. Ensure it’s 100% pumpkin, not pie filling.
Vanilla extract: A classic flavor enhancer that complements the spices.

For the Classic Cinnamon Sugar Topping

Granulated sugar: Forms the sweet crunchy coating.
Ground cinnamon: Provides that signature warm, spicy kick.
Unsalted butter, melted: Helps the cinnamon sugar adhere perfectly to the donuts.

For the Luscious Cinnamon Maple Glaze

Powdered sugar: The base for a smooth, sweet glaze.
Maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and a distinct fall flavor to the glaze.
Ground cinnamon: Infuses the glaze with warm spice.
Heavy cream or milk: Adjusts the glaze to the perfect consistency.
Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.

Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Baked Pumpkin Cake Donuts

Making these baked pumpkin cake donuts is a straightforward and enjoyable process. Follow these simple instructions to create a batch of perfect fall treats.

Making the Donut Batter

Prepare Your Pan: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly spray your donut pan cavities with a nonstick baking spray, or use a product like Baker’s Joy which combines oil and flour for easy release. Set the prepared pan aside.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and baking soda. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed, then set this dry mixture aside.
Cream Wet Ingredients: In a separate, larger bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable or canola oil on medium-high speed. Continue mixing until the sugars and oil are well combined and lightened, which should take about one minute.
Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs into the sugar and oil mixture, adding them one at a time. Beat well after each addition until each egg is fully combined and the mixture is smooth.
Mix in Pumpkin & Vanilla: Next, beat in the canned pumpkin puree and vanilla extract. Mix on low speed just until they are fully incorporated into the batter. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.
Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the reserved flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed, just until the flour is incorporated and no dry streaks remain. The batter should be thick and cohesive. Overmixing can lead to tough donuts, so stop as soon as it’s just combined.
Pipe into Pan: Transfer the thick donut batter into a piping bag fitted with a round piping tip, or use a large Ziplock bag with one corner snipped off. Pipe the batter evenly into each cavity of the prepared donut pan, filling them almost to the top for well-shaped donuts.
Bake to Perfection: Place the donut pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 10-11 minutes for regular-sized donuts, or 5-6 minutes for mini donuts. The donuts are done when they are slightly browned around the edges and spring back lightly when gently touched.

Creating the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

Mix Sugar & Cinnamon: In a medium bowl, combine the remaining ½ cup of granulated sugar with the ground cinnamon. Stir well to mix.
Coat the Donuts: Once the donuts are baked, let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. While still warm, gently brush the tops of the donuts with melted butter. Immediately and carefully toss each buttered donut into the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
Serve: Place the coated donuts on a wire rack to cool further, or serve them warm immediately.

Preparing the Cinnamon Maple Glaze

Cool Donuts: Allow the baked pumpkin donuts to cool completely on a wire rack before glazing. This prevents the glaze from melting.
Whisk Glaze Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, heavy cream (or milk), and a pinch of salt until smooth and lump-free. Adjust the consistency with more liquid or powdered sugar if needed.
Glaze & Set: Dip the top of each cooled donut into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the glazed donuts back on the wire rack. For a quicker set, you can place them in the fridge for a few minutes. Serve once the glaze has set.

Expert Tips for Bakery-Quality Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Achieving perfect baked pumpkin donuts is simple with a few insider tips. These pointers will help ensure your donuts are moist, perfectly shaped, and coated to perfection every time.

Proper Pan Preparation is Key: Always thoroughly spray your donut pan with a nonstick baking spray. I highly recommend using Baker’s Joy, which includes flour in its spray, preventing sticking and ensuring easy release without any messy greasing and flouring. If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use muffin tins to make delicious pumpkin donut holes or mini muffins.
Use a Piping Bag for Clean Filling: For the neatest and easiest way to fill your donut molds, transfer the batter into a pastry bag fitted with a round piping tip, or simply use a large Ziplock bag with one corner snipped off. This method makes adding the thick batter a breeze and results in uniform donuts.
Fill Molds Generously: To ensure your donuts have a beautiful, plump, and round shape, fill the donut molds almost to the very top. Underfilling can result in sad, thin donuts with an overly large hole, so don’t be shy with the batter!
Avoid Overbaking: Baked donuts can easily dry out if left in the oven for too long. For the best, moist results, start checking for doneness a minute or two before the recommended baking time is complete. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs attached, not completely clean. This indicates they are perfectly baked and will remain fluffy.
Timing for Sugared Toppings: If you’re coating your donuts in a cinnamon sugar mixture, it’s generally best to do so while they are still warm, right out of the oven. The steam helps the sugar adhere. However, if you are brushing them with melted butter first, like in this recipe, before rolling them in the cinnamon sugar, the donuts don’t need to be piping hot. The sugar will stick wonderfully to the melted butter even after they’ve cooled slightly.
Glazes and Frostings Require Cool Donuts: For glazes and frostings to set properly and not melt off, ensure your donuts are completely cool before applying them. Always cool glazed donuts on a wire rack to allow air circulation.

These incredibly tasty pumpkin cake donut treats are perfect for those busy days when you crave something special but are short on time. From start to finish, you can have a fresh batch prepared and baked in under 20 minutes! Who can resist the allure of freshly baked donuts, especially when they’re infused with the delightful essence of pumpkin?

This pumpkin donut recipe is not just a seasonal favorite; it’s a versatile delight perfect for breakfast, a quick snack, or a charming fall dessert that everyone, from kids to adults, will adore. Can you feel the cozy pumpkin vibes permeating your kitchen? Don’t forget to pair these with our Homemade Pumpkin Spice Syrup & Pumpkin Spice Latte for the ultimate fall experience! For more festive fun, check out these 3 Easy Halloween Cupcake Ideas too!

More Glorious Pumpkin & Donut Recipes to Explore!

If you’ve fallen in love with these baked pumpkin cake donuts, you’re in for a treat! There’s a whole world of delicious pumpkin and donut recipes waiting to be discovered. Expand your baking repertoire with these fantastic ideas:

Fruity Pebbles Fluffy Baked Donuts: A fun and colorful twist on baked donuts.
Pumpkin Bundt Cake: A stunning and flavorful centerpiece for any fall gathering.
2 Ingredient Pumpkin Donut Muffins: Incredibly easy and quick to make!
Pumpkin Streusel Muffins: Perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon treat.
RumChata Pumpkin Donuts: An adult-friendly version with a delightful kick.
“CopyCat” Starbucks Pumpkin Pound Cake: Recreate your favorite coffee shop treat at home.
Fun Chocolate Sprinkle Donuts: A classic everyone loves.
Easy Baked Apple Donuts: Another wonderful fall-inspired baked donut.
Lemon Glazed Lemon Donuts: A bright and zesty option.
Delicious Baked Biscoff Donuts: For fans of cookie butter!
Super Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes: Start your day with a stack of pumpkin goodness.

Printable Recipe Card: Baked Pumpkin Cake Donuts

best pumpkin cake donuts with cinnamon sugar

Baked Pumpkin Cake Donuts

Recipe by Kim Lange

Hard to believe these super-tasty Pumpkin Cake Donuts are baked instead of fried in oil. The recipe ingredients are pretty simple to mix together & in the end you’ll get moist, fluffy cake donuts that are irresistibly cinnamon pumpkin-spiced and perfect for Fall.

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 10 mins

Course: Breakfast, Dessert

Servings: 12 Servings

Keywords: baked donuts, brown sugar, cinnamon, donuts, fall desserts, glazed donuts, maple, pumpkin, pumpkin spice

Ingredients

Baked Pumpkin Cake Donuts

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon baking soda
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup dark brown sugar
⅓ cup vegetable or canola oil
2 large eggs
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Cinnamon Sugar Topping

½ cup granulated sugar
¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

Cinnamon Maple Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons maple syrup
½ teaspoon cinnamon (add more if desired)
2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
Pinch of salt

Instructions

How to Make Pumpkin Cake Donuts

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a donut pan with nonstick spray or Baker’s Joy. Set aside.
In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, salt and baking soda, set aside.
Using mixer, beat granulated sugar, brown sugar and oil on medium-high until well combined, about a minute.
Beat in eggs, one at a time, until well combined.
Beat in pumpkin and vanilla until just combined.
Gradually add flour mixture to sugar mixture at low speed, beating just until incorporated. You should have a nice, thick batter.
Using a piping bag fitted with a round piping tip or a large Ziplock bag with the corner cut off, pipe the batter evenly into the donut pan.
Place into oven and bake for 10-11 minutes for regular sized donuts and 5-6 minutes for mini donuts or until donuts are slightly browned and spring back when touched.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Topping

In a medium bowl, combine remaining 1/2 cup granulated sugar and cinnamon.
When the donuts are done, cool for 10 minutes and brush the tops with butter, gently tossing in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Place the donuts on a wire rack and serve donuts warm or at room temperature.

How to Make Cinnamon Maple Glaze

Cool the donuts on a wire rack.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, heavy cream or milk and pinch of salt together.
Dip donut tops into the glaze and place them back on wire rack until glaze has set. Place in fridge for quick glaze set. Serve.

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