Baked Pumpkin Spice Donuts

As the leaves turn to vibrant shades of orange and gold, and the crisp air signals the arrival of autumn, there’s a collective excitement for everything pumpkin spice. This seasonal flavor has become synonymous with cozy evenings, warm sweaters, and the smell of freshly baked treats wafting through the kitchen. Among these delightful concoctions, Pumpkin Spice Heaven Donuts stand out as the perfect embodiment of fall, offering a deliciously sweet indulgence that can be enjoyed at breakfast, as a snack, or even as a dessert.

Embrace the flavors of autumn with these irresistible Pumpkin Spice Heaven Donuts! Perfect for any time of day, this simple recipe will have you whipping up a batch in no time, even if you're a beginner. With warm spices and the sweetness of pumpkin, these donuts are a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall. Enjoy them fresh from the oven, glazed to perfection, and share with family and friends for a cozy seasonal gathering. Indulge in the joy of baking and savor every delicious bite!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)

1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 cup brown sugar, packed firmly

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs, room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup powdered sugar (for the glaze)

1-2 tablespoons milk (for the glaze)

Optional: Extra ground cinnamon for dusting

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a donut pan by greasing it lightly or using a silicone donut mold for easy removal.

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the pumpkin puree, unsweetened applesauce, vegetable oil, packed brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk the mixture vigorously until it's smooth, creamy and well combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, ground cloves, and salt until uniformly mixed.

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing for tender donuts—it's fine if there are a few lumps.

Fill the Donut Pan: Using either a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the corner snipped off, fill each cavity of the donut pan about two-thirds full with the batter. This allows enough space for the donuts to rise.

Bake the Donuts: Carefully place the filled donut pan into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a donut; it should come out clean. Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Glaze: In a small mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon of milk. Mix until the glaze is smooth and pourable. If too thick, add more milk a teaspoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

Glaze the Donuts: Once the donuts are fully cooled, dip the tops into the glaze, allowing the excess to drip off. For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle a dash of ground cinnamon on top of the glaze.

Serve & Enjoy: Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before savoring your delightful pumpkin spice donuts. These treats pair wonderfully with a steaming cup of coffee or tea!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 30 mins | Makes 12 donuts