Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Your Perfect Fall Treat
Welcome the cozy flavors of autumn with these incredibly soft, baked Pumpkin Donuts! Crafted with real pumpkin puree and generously coated in a shimmering layer of cinnamon sugar, these delightful treats are ready in about 30 minutes. They are the perfect fall indulgence that will transport you straight to a pumpkin patch, evoking memories of crisp air and seasonal joys.
When I first envisioned these delectable donuts, I found myself at a crossroads, debating whether to crown them with a simple cinnamon-sugar coating or a luscious maple glaze. To settle the sweet dilemma, I turned to my wonderful community, sharing a poll in my email newsletter. The verdict was clear: the irresistible sweet spiced coating emerged as the overwhelming winner, and I couldn’t agree more!
Much like our beloved Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins and the ever-popular Cinnamon Honey Pancakes, these baked pumpkin donuts have swiftly claimed their spot as a cherished fall favorite in our home. They’re not just a dessert; they’re an easy breakfast treat that also allows me to seamlessly incorporate nutrient-rich kefir into another part of my day (it’s already a staple in my protein fruit smoothie for lunch!).
As with many of my recipes that benefit from its unique qualities, I was thrilled to partner with my friends at Lifeway to bring you these incredibly fluffy baked donuts! Their high-quality kefir is truly a secret ingredient, contributing to an exceptionally tender crumb and imparting a subtle, delightful tang that perfectly balances and enhances the rich pumpkin and aromatic spices. This partnership ensures that every bite is not just delicious, but also adds a touch of probiotic goodness.
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Why These Baked Pumpkin Donuts Will Be Your New Fall Obsession
There are countless reasons to fall in love with this easy pumpkin donut recipe. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these donuts offer a perfect blend of simplicity, speed, and irresistible flavor. Here’s why they’ll quickly become a staple in your autumn baking repertoire:
- Effortless & Quick: Ready in About 30 Minutes! Perfect for those busy mornings when you crave a special breakfast without the fuss, or when a sudden sweet craving strikes. This recipe streamlines the baking process, getting warm, fresh donuts into your hands faster than a trip to the bakery.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Pantry Staples Shine. You won’t need to hunt for obscure items! This recipe relies on common pantry staples like flour, sugar, and spices, combined with a can of pumpkin puree. The magic happens with minimal effort, transforming everyday ingredients into something extraordinary.
- Baked, Not Fried: Healthier, Safer, and Cleaner! Say goodbye to splattering oil and greasy countertops. Baking these donuts means significantly less mess to clean up, a safer cooking experience (especially with kids around!), and a lighter, less indulgent treat that you can feel good about enjoying more often.
- Versatile Fall Delight: From Breakfast to Dessert. These pumpkin donuts are incredibly adaptable. They make a fantastic, comforting breakfast to start your day, an ideal afternoon snack paired with your favorite coffee or tea, or even a simple, satisfying dessert after a fall meal. Their tender texture and spiced flavor are always a hit!
- Incredibly Tender Crumb: Thanks to Kefir. The addition of kefir not only adds a subtle tang that complements the pumpkin and spices perfectly, but its acidity also reacts with the baking soda to create an incredibly moist and tender crumb. This is key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth donut experience.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Pumpkin Spice Donuts
Crafting these delicious pumpkin spice donuts requires a few key ingredients, each playing a vital role in their flavor and texture. Gather these items, and you’ll be well on your way to a delightful fall treat:
Detailed Ingredient Notes:
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our donut structure. For the most accurate and consistent results, I highly recommend weighing your flour in grams using a kitchen scale rather than relying solely on cup measurements. This prevents over-measuring, which can lead to dense donuts.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These two leavening agents work in harmony to give these donuts their signature fluffy and airy rise. Baking soda requires an acid (like the kefir) to activate, while baking powder provides an initial lift, ensuring a tender crumb.
- Ground Cinnamon & Pumpkin Pie Spice: These are the stars that deliver that quintessential warm, cozy fall flavor. Cinnamon provides a comforting baseline, while pumpkin pie spice, a blend typically containing cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, adds a complex, aromatic depth. You can often find Pumpkin pie spice in the spice aisle near the cinnamon, especially during the fall months. Alternatively, you can easily make your own with individual spices if you prefer.
- Lifeway Organic Plain Whole Milk Kefir: This is a key ingredient for achieving that incredibly tender, moist crumb and a subtle, delightful tang that perfectly complements the rich pumpkin flavor. The acidity in kefir also helps activate the baking soda, contributing to a lighter texture.
- Vegetable Oil: Unlike butter, vegetable oil remains liquid at room temperature, which contributes significantly to the donuts’ lasting moisture and tenderness. It helps create a fine, soft crumb without adding a heavy flavor.
- Granulated & Light Brown Sugar: The combination of these two sugars provides the perfect balance of sweetness and moisture. Granulated sugar offers pure sweetness, while light brown sugar adds a deeper, molasses-rich flavor and extra moisture, contributing to a chewier, more tender texture.
- Pumpkin Puree: Absolutely crucial! Ensure you use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling already contains added spices and sweeteners, which would throw off the balance of this recipe. Look for cans labeled “100% Pure Pumpkin.”
- Unsalted Butter (for coating): Melted unsalted butter is brushed onto the baked donuts to create the perfect sticky surface for the cinnamon sugar coating. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the donuts.
For a complete list of ingredients and precise measurements, please refer to the recipe card below.
Delicious Substitutions & Creative Variations
This recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing for a few smart substitutions if you’re missing an ingredient or eager to experiment with new flavors and textures. Here are some ideas to customize your baked pumpkin donuts:
- Kefir Alternatives: If you don’t have kefir on hand, don’t worry! You can easily substitute it with an equal amount of buttermilk. Another great option is to use plain yogurt (full-fat or low-fat) thinned slightly with a splash of milk to achieve a similar consistency to kefir. Both buttermilk and yogurt provide the necessary acidity for leavening and contribute to a tender crumb.
- Maple Glaze for Extra Decadence: For an extra touch of sweetness and a different flavor profile, skip the cinnamon sugar and instead drizzle your cooled donuts with a delightful maple syrup powdered sugar glaze. To make it, whisk together about 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of pure maple syrup and a splash of milk until you reach a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Donuts: For the ultimate sweet indulgence, fold about ½ cup of mini chocolate chips into the batter before piping it into the donut pan. The combination of warm pumpkin spice and melting chocolate is absolutely divine.
- Alternative Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Instead of cinnamon sugar, try a tangy cream cheese frosting (made with softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a touch of vanilla) or a simple vanilla icing. Sprinkles, chopped nuts, or a dusting of powdered sugar can also add a lovely finish.
- Bake as Mini Muffins: No donut pan? No problem! This versatile batter bakes beautifully into mini muffins. Simply grease a mini muffin tin and fill each cavity about two-thirds full. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Please note that this recipe has been thoroughly tested with the original ingredients for optimal results. If you decide to replace or add any ingredients, we’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your experiences and any successful variations in the comments section below to help other bakers.
Recommended Baking Equipment
Having the right tools can make all the difference in ensuring your baked pumpkin donuts turn out perfectly. Here’s what I recommend:
- Donut Pan: A crucial piece of equipment for baked donuts. I highly recommend using a metal donut pan over a silicone one. Metal pans conduct heat more efficiently and evenly, resulting in perfectly golden-brown donuts with a consistent texture. Always remember to grease your pan thoroughly with non-stick baking spray or butter and flour to ensure the donuts release effortlessly.
- Piping Bag: While not strictly essential, a piping bag makes filling the donut cavities significantly easier and much neater. It allows for even distribution of batter, resulting in perfectly shaped donuts. If you don’t have a dedicated piping bag, a large zip-top bag with a corner snipped off works just as well. Alternatively, you can spoon the batter carefully into each cavity. When filling, aim to pipe the batter so it’s level with the height of the center hole.
- Pastry Brush: This handy tool isn’t a requirement, but it’s incredibly useful for applying the melted butter evenly onto the baked donuts before coating them in cinnamon sugar. A silicone brush or a natural bristle brush will both do the job effectively.
- Mixing Bowls, Whisk, Spatula, Measuring Tools: Standard kitchen essentials that you’ll need for combining ingredients and ensuring accurate measurements. A kitchen scale is also highly recommended for precise flour measurements (see expert tips below!).
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Bake Perfect Pumpkin Donuts
Creating these delicious baked pumpkin donuts is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps for a batch of warm, tender, and perfectly spiced treats:
1. Prepare Dry Ingredients
Before you begin, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease your donut pan. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. Whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly for about 30 seconds to ensure they are well combined and evenly distributed. This step is crucial for an even rise in your donuts.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate, larger bowl, whisk together the egg, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, kefir, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and pure pumpkin puree. Whisk until all these wet ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth. Ensure there are no lumps of sugar, and the pumpkin puree is fully incorporated. Using room temperature egg and kefir can help achieve a smoother, more emulsified batter.
3. Gently Combine
Pour the dry ingredients into the bowl with the wet ingredients. Using a spatula, gently fold the mixture together just until the flour streaks disappear. The key here is to avoid over-mixing. Over-mixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in tough, dense donuts rather than the soft, fluffy texture we desire. A few small lumps are perfectly fine!
4. Fill & Bake
Carefully transfer the donut batter to a piping bag (or a large zip-top bag with a corner snipped off). Pipe the batter evenly into each cavity of the greased donut pan, ensuring it’s about level with the height of the center hole. This helps create that classic donut shape. Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 10 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown and spring back when gently pressed. Allow them to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating (Optional, but Highly Recommended!)
While delicious on their own, the cinnamon sugar coating takes these pumpkin donuts to an entirely new level of yumminess. These steps are optional, but I highly recommend them for the full fall experience. For best results, I suggest waiting to apply the coating until just before you plan to serve the donuts.
1. Brush with Melted Butter
Once your baked pumpkin donuts have cooled completely on a wire rack, it’s time to prepare them for their sweet coating. Working with one donut at a time, use a pastry brush to lightly and evenly coat its entire surface with melted unsalted butter. The butter acts as an adhesive, ensuring the cinnamon sugar adheres beautifully to every curve and crevice of the donut.
2. Add the Coating
In a small to medium-sized bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for your coating. Once a donut is brushed with butter, immediately place it into this cinnamon-sugar mixture. Gently flip and move the donut around in the bowl, ensuring it gets completely coated on all sides. Repeat this process for each donut, and then serve immediately for the freshest taste and best texture!
Expert Baking Tips for Fluffy Pumpkin Donuts
Achieving perfectly tender and flavorful baked pumpkin donuts is easy with a few simple tricks. Keep these expert tips in mind to ensure your batch turns out wonderfully every time:
- Do Not Overmix the Batter! This is perhaps the most critical rule for tender baked goods. Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until the flour streaks barely disappear. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which will lead to a tough, dense, and chewy donut rather than a light and fluffy one. A gentle hand is key here.
- Test for Doneness with a Gentle Poke. To determine if your donuts are perfectly baked, gently poke one with your finger. If the donut springs back up after being poked, it’s ready to come out of the oven. If it leaves an indentation, give it another minute or two and test again. Overbaking can lead to dry donuts.
- Time the Cinnamon Sugar Coating for Freshness. For the best texture and appearance, wait until you are about to serve the donuts to add the cinnamon sugar coating. If you coat them too early and then store them, the sugar can absorb moisture from the donuts and melt, creating a sticky, less appealing finish. Prepare the coating mix ahead of time, but apply it right before enjoying.
- Weigh Your Dry Ingredients for Accuracy. While cup measurements are provided, for professional-level results, I strongly recommend weighing your flour and sugars in grams using a digital food scale. This eliminates the common issue of over-measuring flour (which can happen when scooping directly from a bag) and ensures consistent, perfect results every single time.
- Ensure Ingredients are at Room Temperature. For a smooth, well-emulsified batter, it’s best to have your wet ingredients like eggs and kefir at room temperature. This helps them combine more easily and creates a more uniform batter, leading to a better texture in the final baked product.
Common Questions About Baked Pumpkin Donuts
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you master these delightful baked pumpkin donuts:
Absolutely! While these donuts are undeniably best enjoyed fresh and warm from the oven, they can certainly be prepared 1-2 days in advance. If making ahead, store the baked donuts uncoated in an airtight container at room temperature. Then, apply the melted butter and cinnamon-sugar coating just before serving to maintain the best texture. You can also prepare the batter a few hours in advance and store it covered in the fridge, then pipe and bake when you’re ready.
The melted butter acts as a crucial adhesive, helping the cinnamon sugar cling beautifully to the donuts. While you can attempt to get the cinnamon sugar to stick without it by coating the donuts while they are still warm, the results won’t be as consistent or as generously coated. The butter creates a more even and lasting layer of sweetness and spice, so I highly recommend including it.
Dense donuts are typically the result of two common issues: over-mixing the batter or over-measuring the flour. When you over-mix, you develop the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough texture. Always mix just until the ingredients are combined. To avoid over-measuring flour, which can add too much dry ingredient to your batter, I strongly recommend weighing your flour in grams using a food scale for consistent and light results.
Yes, these baked donuts freeze wonderfully! For best results, freeze the donuts uncoated. Arrange cooled donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature for an hour or so, and then add the optional cinnamon sugar coating just before serving.
Lifeway Organic Plain Whole Milk Kefir, a fantastic ingredient for these donuts, is widely available! You can typically find it in the refrigerated dairy aisle of most major grocery and convenience stores across the U.S. To locate a store near you, I recommend checking out their convenient store locator on the lifewaykefir.com website.
Storage Solutions for Your Pumpkin Donuts
To keep your baked pumpkin donuts fresh and delicious, proper storage is key. Here are my recommendations for storing them at room temperature and in the freezer:
Room Temperature Storage
For best results, allow your baked donuts to cool completely before storing. Place the cooled, *uncoated* pumpkin donuts in an airtight container. They will stay fresh and tender at room temperature for approximately 3-4 days. Remember to only apply the cinnamon-sugar coating just before serving to prevent the sugar from melting and becoming sticky.
Freezing Instructions
These donuts are excellent for freezing, making them a perfect make-ahead treat! Once the donuts have fully cooled, place the *uncoated* donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (this prevents them from sticking together). Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To enjoy, simply thaw the frozen donuts at room temperature for an hour or two. Once thawed, you can warm them slightly in the microwave or oven if desired, and then proceed with brushing them with melted butter and coating them in cinnamon sugar before serving.
More Irresistible Pumpkin Recipes You’ll Love This Fall
If you’re anything like me, once fall arrives, pumpkin takes center stage in the kitchen! If you adored these baked pumpkin donuts, you’re in for a treat with these other beloved pumpkin-inspired recipes from Broken Oven Baking. They’re perfect for embracing the season’s cozy flavors:
- Easy Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins with Streusel
- Homemade Snickerdoodle Pumpkin Bread
- Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake
- Double Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins
Did you bring the taste of fall into your kitchen with this recipe?
I absolutely adore hearing about your baking successes! If you tried this recipe and loved it, please let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment below. Your feedback helps me create even more delicious recipes for you. Don’t forget to share your beautiful creations on social media and tag us on Instagram, Facebook, & Pinterest! Happy baking!
Warmly,
-Kayla
📖 Recipe
Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts
Kayla Burton
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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Donut pan metal recommended
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Mixing bowls
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Scale/measuring cups
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Measuring spoons
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Whisk
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Spatula
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Pastry brush recommended
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Wire cooling rack recommended
Ingredients
Baked Pumpkin Donuts
- 1⅓ cups (166.67 g) all-purpose flour weighed in grams for best results
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¾ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 large egg room temperature
- ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons (29.57 ml) vegetable oil
- ¼ cup (59.15 ml) Lifeway Organic Whole Milk Plain Kefir
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (55 g) light brown sugar packed
- ¾ cup (167 g) pumpkin puree not pumpkin pie filling
Cinnamon Sugar Coating (Optional)
- 4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅓ cup (66.67 g) granulated sugar
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a standard donut pan with non-stick spray or butter and flour to prevent sticking.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice until thoroughly combined. This ensures even distribution of the leavening and spices.
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In a separate large bowl, whisk together the room temperature egg, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, kefir, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and pure pumpkin puree until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
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Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Using a spatula, gently fold them together just until the flour streaks disappear. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can lead to dense donuts. A few small lumps are fine.
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Transfer the batter into a piping bag (or a large zip-top bag with the corner snipped off). Pipe the batter evenly into each greased donut cavity, filling it so it’s roughly level with the pan’s center hole for perfectly shaped donuts.
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Bake the donuts on the middle rack of your preheated oven for about 10 minutes. To test for doneness, gently poke a donut with your finger – if it springs back up, it’s ready to come out of the oven!
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Allow the baked donuts to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. This helps them set and prevents them from breaking.
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Optional Cinnamon Sugar Coating (apply just before serving for best results): In a small to medium bowl, mix together the additional cinnamon and granulated sugar for the coating. Working one at a time, lightly brush melted butter around the entire surface of each cooled donut. Immediately dunk the buttered donut into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, flipping and moving it around until it’s completely coated. Serve and enjoy!
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Notes
Storage: To maintain optimal freshness and texture, always store cooled, *uncoated* donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you wish to freeze them, place the cooled, uncoated donuts in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Remember to thaw them at room temperature and apply the melted butter/cinnamon sugar coating just before serving for the best experience.
Kefir: This delicious recipe is proudly sponsored by my friends at Lifeway Foods. Their organic whole milk plain kefir is specifically recommended for its quality and the tender crumb it helps create. However, if absolutely necessary, you can substitute it with an equal amount of buttermilk or a thinned plain yogurt (see “Substitutions & Variations” section for more details).
The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving. Accuracy is not guaranteed.