Baked Pumpkin Spice Donuts
These Baked Pumpkin Spice Donuts are packed with cinnamon and pumpkin…and they’re the perfect sweet treat for a chilly Autumn day!
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A couple of weeks ago, we took Robbie into his first donut shop. He had just gotten his flu shot, and he did it without a single tear. That means donuts were in order! You should’ve seen the look on his face when we stepped into the door. It was like, well, a kid in a 
As we were sitting there with our donuts and coffee (milk for Robbie), I told him that we could make donuts together when we got back home. He immediately said, “What?” I told him, yup, we can make donuts together back home. He got a big smile on his face…and then proceeded to get more powdered sugar on his face and shirt than I would’ve thought possible. Again, like father, like son!
The photo above is from the day after Laura and I got married. We got married in North Carolina, and the State Fair happened to be going on in Raleigh at the same time. Of course, I needed an elephant ear. And of course I got powdered sugar all over everything. Just like Robbie!
Baked Pumpkin Spice Donuts
Baked Pumpkin Spice DonutsIt took a bit of time, but Robbie and I finally got around to making those donuts at home. Since we are officially in Pumpkin Spice Everything season, I figured why not go with Baked Pumpkin Spice Donuts. I debated going with the more traditional fried donut here, but I decided baking ’em would be easier since I had a 4-year-old helping out.
I measured each of the ingredients, and Robbie poured them into the mixing bowl. After spooning the batter into our donut pan, we waited patiently to see what these Baked Pumpkin Spice Donuts would look like. They turned out great! Big, puffy donuts packed with flavor. (And there’s actually a whole can of pureed pumpkin in there, too.)
Of course, Robbie’s favorite part of the process (besides eating the donuts) was putting them in a paper bag and gently shaking them with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. I had to remind him a couple of times to be gentle or he’d end up with a bag full of donut crumbs. He did a great job, and I’d deem our baking adventure a success! As we were sitting around the dinner table that night enjoying Baked Pumpkin Spice Donuts, Robbie said, “Dad, I really enjoyed baking donuts with you today.” Man, that kid. I hope you have as much fun baking (and eating) these donuts as we did!
Did you make a batch of these Baked Pumpkin Spice Donuts at home? Leave a comment, or snap a photo and tag me on Instagram (@Spicedblog). Happy baking!
Baked Pumpkin Spice Donuts
Ingredients
For the Doughnuts
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- ¼ cup vegetable or canola oil
- ½ cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1½ cups canned pumpkin not pumpkin pie filling
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ¾ tsp salt
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 Tbsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Spray 2 doughnut-pans with nonstick baking spray; set pans aside.
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Using a large mixing bowl, add melted butter, vegetable oil, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, both sugars and canned pumpkin; stir until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, add flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, baking powder and baking soda; stir until well combined.
- Pour dry ingredients into bowl with the wet ingredients; stir until just combined.
- Spoon batter into prepared baking pans. (Note: You can fill the doughnut “cups” right to the top.)
- Bake for 9-12 minutes, or until doughnuts are light golden brown on top. (Note: Test the doughnuts by inserting a toothpick into the center of one. If the toothpick comes out clean – or with only a few crumbs attached – then the donuts are done.)
- Let cool in pan for 5 minutes before turning doughnuts out onto a cooling rack.
- While doughnuts are still warm, place them 1-2 at a time in a small paper bag along with the sugar and cinnamon. Shake gently until well-coated. Repeat process with remaining doughnuts. Sprinkle any remaining cinnamon sugar mixture on top of doughnuts before serving.
Looking for more baked donut recipes? Check out these other favorites, too:
Baked Powdered Sugar Doughnuts
Homemade donuts are the best and baked donuts are so easy and just as delicious! No worries about eating these and making a mess – the cinnamon sugar brushes off without a trace! 🙂 These look delicious!
I’m with ya, Kathy – a good homemade donut is hard to beat! I don’t mind frying on occasion, but baking certainly makes cleanup A LOT easier. And you’re right about brushing off the cinnamon-sugar. You can sneak one of these donuts, and no one will be wiser…until they count the remaining donuts, that is! 🙂
A wonderful donut making experience and a lifetime memory made. I have wonderful memories of cooking with my kids at Robbie’s age and older.
Now, I’m thinking one of your Pumpkin Spice Chai Lattes would go good with your donuts.
You are totally right about the lifetime memories, Ron. I used to do all of my cooking while Robbie was in preschool, but now he has become my helper in the kitchen. It might take a little longer, but we have more fun! And, yes, good memory on that Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte. Oh man, now I’m craving one of those myself…with a donut, of course. 🙂
Such fun memories, David! And how delicious do these baked donuts look? The ideal fall treat.
You can say that again, Marissa! Robbie has really taken to cooking with me in the kitchen. I suspect it’s partly because it’s something to do, but he also seems to really enjoy it!
Love that you made these with Robbie! I think he has a future in baking! And, I’m all about pumpkin these days, so these look amazing! I’m glad Robbie likes a well-cinnamon-sugared donut like I do!
Robbie loves (!) to sample the various ingredients as they go into a recipe, so he loves when we bake together. And, of course, these donuts didn’t last long once they were baked either…although I’m not admitting who polished them off in record time. Haha!
I just got my flu shots. I wish someone would treat me with these goodies. The baked pumpkin donuts looks awesome David. I had fried oreos at one such state fair park.
Haha – I know, right? Why can’t adults get fun treats as a reward for getting our flu shots? 🙂
These pumpkin donuts look so good. Cake donut are my favorite. A perfect treat for the fall. You and Robbie are making so many great memories. I am sure that as Robbie grows up he will cherish all of those memories.
Cake donuts are my favorite, too, Dawn! I can’t be trusted around a box of blueberry cake donuts – yum. 🙂 And, yes, Robbie and I have had a great time baking together in the kitchen. I do hope he has good memories as he gets older – I know I do!
Looks like you had a great little helper. A win-win for sure! These sound so lovely for fall, especially on a chilly morning with coffee (or milk!). What fun cooking memories to be creating with your son. 🙂 ~Valentina
Yes! I definitely appreciate the help in the kitchen. Granted, things might take longer when Robbie is helping, but it’s a lot more fun! Thanks so much, Valentina!
Yes, a donut would definitely be in order after a flu shot! Nothing like making donuts at home, too! And it’s incredible how quickly they come together. I’m totally craving some right now and thinking they would be a wonderful way to kick off the way…any excuse, right 😉 ?? Bet these smell as good as they taste! Have an awesome week ahead, David 🙂
It really is crazy how simple it is to bake donuts at home! Whenever I make them, I often wonder why I don’t make them more…but then I remember it’s because I eat the entire darn tray. 🙂 Nevertheless, these pumpkin spice donuts are perfect for the season! Thanks, Dawn!
Just the powdered sugar and cinnamon-sugar donuts? I am quite disappointed David – I have always thought that Robbie is the one in your family who would pick a lavender-flavoured donut lol. Jokes apart, there’s nothing wrong in some old good classic, especially when you visit a donut shop first time. In fact, it’s a good strategy starting from the simple stuff, I’d say. These pumpkin donuts look fantastic! I am not a fan of sugar-covered donuts, but I know for sure that pumpkin donuts and dulce de leche (glaze) or even maple (glaze) go excellently together!
Haha – oh, you haven’t met Robbie yet, Ben. There is no way that kid would pick a lavender donut! Well, I say that, but he has shown a willingness to try anything and everything in the dessert category. So maybe… Also, I really like your idea of a dulce de leche or maple glaze here. These donuts don’t need a glaze, but I wouldn’t be disappointed if you handed me a glazed pumpkin spice donut either!
As far as I’m concerned, that practice should never stop, David. If a grown man gets a shot and doesn’t cry, he also deserves a doughnut! Or two! And let’s face it, powdered sugar was DESIGNED to get all over you.
I love pumpkin anything, and I love doughnuts, so this is for me. I also love that they’re baked!
You know what? I agree with you, Jeff. I didn’t cry for my flu shot, so that means I get a donut, right?
Awwww there’s nothing sweeter than baking with our little ones! What an amazing father/son experience. LOVE it! How lucky for Robbie that he’s learning how to bake so young! He’ll be an expert before he’s ten!! (And I can’t think of a better treat than elephant ears! How awesome that you and Laura got to enjoy a fair on your honeymoon!!). These baked pumpkin spice donuts look and sound absolutely DIVINE. I’ve been craving that pumpkin flavor and donuts lately, and you’ve managed to put them both in one recipe!
I totally agree with you, Shannon! Robbie has really enjoyed baking various things with me. He’s tasted all of the ingredients (for the most part), and he enjoys seeing the look on Laura’s face when she tastes a dessert he made. If you’re looking for pumpkin + donuts, then I highly (!!) recommend these. Just don’t be surprised when they disappear magically. Haha!
How brave is Robbie! no single tear, I remember my first one and that brought me to a lot of tears 🙂
Love those donuts and nice to see pumpkin spice as a flavour for that
Oh, I’m pretty sure my flu shots involved lots of tears, too. I remember being terrified of going to the doctor whenever we had to get shots! Either way, I say everyone deserves donuts after shots. 🙂 Thanks, Raymund!
okay i’ll admit it now – i am not a pumpkin fan:( Tho we did have a Premier with a wife who was famous for her pumpkin scones – tee hee. hubby loves a plain doughnut too – just with sugar on the outside. i like ’em with jam and cream and chocolate and all sorts of delish fillings…
Hey, I get it, Sherry! I used to think I didn’t like pumpkin either. But when baked in desserts? Oh man, I love it now! 🙂 I think I’m more in line with your husband when it comes to donuts. I don’t like to bite into a donut to find a hidden surprise – I want to know what I’m getting up front. Haha!
Robbie indeed did such a fantastic job helping you make these Donuts! So fantastic that if I were there he’d probably throw his milk at me for running off (or trying to) with the whole batch! These look so good! I cannot wait to try these out – after we move on the 21st!!!!
Haha! Robbie would definitely chase you down if you tried to steal his donuts. Either that or start crying – and then you’d feel so bad that you’d have to bring them back! 🙂 Good luck with the move, my friend!
Amazon can attest to how quickly I purchased donut pans after I read this! Lol!
We enjoyed these for breakfast this morning- a fine kick-off to our long weekend. Oh the endless possibilities! As always, thanks for sharing!
Haha – it’s so easy to buy things on Amazon, right? Click and done! I’m SO glad you guys enjoyed these donuts – they’re a simple recipe, but packed with flavor. Perfect for this time of the year. 🙂 Thanks so much, Marla! Have a great long weekend!