Fall is in the air, and what better way to celebrate than with a batch of warm, homemade pumpkin donuts?
These soft, cakey donuts are infused with the flavors of pumpkin and spice, and they're finished with a generous sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. It's the perfect treat for a cozy autumn day!
Be sure to check out all my other easy pumpkin desserts, from pies and cookies to cakes and muffins!
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Walking on Sunshine Recipes.
These homemade pumpkin donuts are surprisingly easy to make and bursting with cozy fall flavors.
With just a few simple ingredients and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, you'll have a delicious treat that the whole family will love!
Looking for more fall breakfast ideas? Try my Puff Pastry with Pumpkin Filling, Homemade Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins, and even my Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls. Yum!
Table of Contents
Tips for Baking Perfect Donuts
If you don't have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin.
Don't forget to spray the cavity of the donut pan with non-stick baking spray.
Be careful not to overbake the donuts. Insert a toothpick into the center of a donut. If it comes out clean, the donut is done.
You can also check the internal temperature of the donuts using a food thermometer. The internal temperature should be 190-200°F (88-93°C).
If the donuts are browning too quickly, try reducing the oven temperature.
🛒Helpful Kitchen Tools
HONGBAKE Donut Pan For Baking, Upgraded Deepened Doughnut Tray, 2 Pack 6 Cavity Mini Bagel Mold for Oven, Nonstick and Heavy Duty - Black
Cinnamon (4.25 inch Hight) Dispenser/Pourer/Shaker – MODREN STILE Brushed Nickel - Stainless Steel Lid - ideal Sugar & cinnamonRtteri 4 Pcs Pumpkin Shaped Melamine Plates Set Thanksgiving Serving Platter 8 Inch Fall Harvest Trays Decoration Salad Dessert Turkey Dish for Autumn Thanksgiving Halloween Party SuppliesCUSINIUM Metal Salt Pepper Dredge Shakers - With Handle - Seasonings Spice Shakers With Holes and Lids - 10 Ounce, 2pcs | Style: Medium
Main Ingredients Needed
Below is a quick preview of the ingredients you’ll need. For exact amounts, check the recipe card below. You can also use the "Shopping List button" to create a printable shopping list, or the "Get Ingredients button" in the recipe card to order groceries online.
Substitutions and Variations
- For a decadent twist, add cocoa powder or chocolate chips to the batter.
- Replace the vanilla extract with maple syrup or maple extract.
- For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You can also experiment with almond flour or oat flour, but the texture may vary.
- Instead of vegetable oil, you can use melted coconut oil or applesauce for a healthier option.
- Instead of the cinnamon/sugar topping, try making a simple powdered sugar glaze to drizzle on top.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, oil, and the egg in a medium bowl.
Step 2: Whisk in the pumpkin puree, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda. Stir till combined.
Step 4: Mix the wet ingredients into the dry until combined.
Kitchen Tool Spotlight
With a donut pan, you can create perfectly shaped donuts with a light and fluffy texture. They're the secret to baking delicious donuts at home!
Baking Instructions
Step 5: Spray the donut pan with nonstick spray then fill with about ¼ cup of batter in each well. To avoid spills and ensure even baking, transfer the donut batter to a pastry bag and pipe it into the prepared donut pan.
Step 6: Bake at 350° for 10-14 minutes. Once they're done, cool for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Step 7: Combine 3 tablespoons of cinnamon with ¼ cup sugar and melt ¼ cup of butter.
Step 8: Dip the cooled donuts in the melted butter then into the cinnamon sugar. Serve and enjoy!
Before you Begin!
If you make this recipe, please leave a review and star rating. This helps my business thrive and continue providing FREE recipes.
Recipe FAQ's
To view the answers, simply click on the down arrow (⬇) next to each question. If you have any other questions not answered here, please leave a comment!
Fried donuts have a classic crispy texture and rich flavor, while baked donuts are a healthier and easier option. Ultimately, the "best" method depends on your preferences!
This recipe is optimized for baking in the oven. Using an air fryer may result in a different texture and may not accommodate a donut pan.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Refrigerate: Leftover homemade donuts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Thaw and Reheat: Allow the donuts to thaw completely in the refrigerator before eating them. Reheat the donuts in a microwave or oven for a few seconds to warm them up.
More Recipes You'll Love!
Check out my recipe for Pumpkin Glazed Donuts with Crumb Topping.
Or you might like this recipe for Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Donuts.
📖 Recipe Card
Homemade Pumpkin Donuts
Ingredients
- ¾ cup light brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- ¾ cup pumpkin puree
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cinnamon
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a donut pan with non stick spray and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, oil, and egg. Whisk thoroughly to combine.
- Once combined, add the pumpkin puree, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk to combine.
- In a large bowl, combine the all purpose flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, and mix with a rubber spatula until combined.
- Fill donut pan with ¼ cup of batter in each well. To easily fill up the donut pan, place the batter in a piping bag or zip top bag with the corner snipped off.
- Bake for 10-14 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then trasfer to a wire cooling rack.
- In a medium bowl prepare the topping by whisking the granulated sugar and cinnamon together.
- Once the donuts are cooled, dip them in melted butter then into the cinnamon sugar mixture until coated well.
- Serve and enjoy!
Luka Jae says
This came out absolutely phenomenal.
My Wife and Daughter were in disbelief that I made these home.
Such a simple recipe, yet delicious.
I added 1/2 Tsp of ginger and 1/2 of nutmeg as well for that Pumpkin Spice flavor. Will be making these again!!
Lois says
I'm glad you enjoyed the donut recipe! It's one of my favorites too! Thank you for the 5-star review!
Libby says
Our youngest daughter loves anything pumpkin flavored. She has cancer, so I'm willing to make her anything if she is willing to eat. I'm definitely going to try out this recipe!
Lois says
Thank you for the 5-star review! I'm so sorry your daughter is not well and struggling with cancer!!! I hope she enjoys the recipe! You're a great mom!
Anabela says
Hello Libby,
I came across your comments and couldn't help myself but to think of you and your dearest daughter. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. I am wishing her the very best! 🙏🏼❣️
Lois says
That was very kind of you Anabela. I do hope Libby's daughter is doing better.