Pumpkin Donuts

I still remember the first cool morning in October when my kitchen filled with the cozy aroma of cinnamon and warm spice. My youngest had just come inside from crunching through leaves, cheeks pink, nose cold — and asked, “Do we have any more of those soft pumpkin donuts, Mama?” We’d made them the weekend before, and they vanished faster than the fall wind through the trees.

That’s the kind of magic these pumpkin donuts bring: nostalgic, melt-in-your-mouth texture, rolled in cinnamon sugar and kissed with spice cake mix ease. No yeast, no frying — just baked, golden goodness in your favorite donut maker or oven pan. They’re perfect for chilly mornings, school snacks, or sharing a batch with neighbors on the porch swing.

Pumpkin donuts are a seasonal tradition at our house — and after one batch, they just might be at yours too.

Let’s make memories one bite at a time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These pumpkin donuts are the very definition of cozy comfort. With a shortcut from spice cake mix and the richness of canned pumpkin, they’re the kind of treat you’ll find yourself baking again and again all fall long.

They’re incredibly easy — no special skills needed. Just mix, pipe, bake, and dip. Perfect for beginners or a fun family baking project. Even better, they’re ready in about 20 minutes!

The flavor is divine — think deep pumpkin spice layered with cinnamon sugar crunch. These pumpkin donuts hold their shape beautifully while staying moist and tender on the inside.

They’re great for kids’ lunches, brunch tables, or dessert platters at harvest parties. You can even make mini or full-size versions depending on your pan or donut maker.

Whether you serve them warm or store them for later, these pumpkin donuts bring fall straight to your kitchen — no fancy ingredients required.

Print

Ingredient Overview

Imagine biting into a soft, fluffy donut that’s full of pumpkin warmth and rolled in sparkling cinnamon sugar. That’s exactly what you get with these irresistible pumpkin donuts — and they start with simple pantry staples.

• Spice Cake Mix: The shortcut hero here. Infused with warm spices like nutmeg, clove, and cinnamon, it saves time while packing bold fall flavor.

• Pumpkin Purée (15 oz): Adds moisture, richness, and that beautiful deep orange color. Be sure to use pure pumpkin, not pie filling.

• Eggs: Just two large eggs help bind everything together and give the donuts lift.

• Vegetable Oil: A little fat makes the texture soft without being greasy. You could sub in applesauce for a lighter bite.

• Cinnamon Sugar: A quick mix of cinnamon and sugar (white or brown) creates that classic sweet crust when the donuts are dipped after baking.

• Melted Butter: Helps the cinnamon sugar stick and adds buttery depth.

Want to level up presentation? Try dusting with powdered sugar or drizzling with maple glaze. Garnish with crushed pecans or even edible flowers for a harvest brunch centerpiece.

These pumpkin donuts may be easy to make, but their flavor and charm are anything but ordinary.

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, eggs, and vegetable oil until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. This forms the rich, moist base of your pumpkin donuts, giving them their signature texture and fall flavor.

Step 2: Add the Cake Mix

Using a wooden spoon or spatula, gently stir in the spice cake mix. Fold until no dry pockets remain. The batter for these pumpkin donuts should be thick but scoopable, with a lovely cinnamon scent already coming to life.

Step 3: Prep the Donut Maker or Pan

Preheat your donut maker if using, or your oven to 350°F if you’re using a donut pan. Lightly grease each donut well to ensure your pumpkin donuts release easily after baking. Tip: Spray just once unless sticking occurs — no need to repeat between every batch.

Step 4: Pipe the Batter

Spoon the batter into a gallon-size zip-top bag and snip a dime-sized hole in one corner. Pipe the batter into each donut well, filling just the bottom half. This method keeps your pumpkin donuts uniform and easy to handle.

Step 5: Cook or Bake

For donut makers, close the lid and cook for 5 minutes. For oven-baked donuts, bake 15–18 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Either way, you’re just minutes from warm, fresh pumpkin donuts right at home.

Step 6: Cool Completely

Transfer the donuts to a wire rack and allow them to cool fully before coating. Letting them rest ensures the butter and cinnamon sugar topping won’t melt off your beautiful pumpkin donuts.

Step 7: Dip in Butter and Cinnamon Sugar

In two separate bowls, place melted butter and your cinnamon-sugar mix. Dip the top of each donut quickly in the butter, then immediately into the cinnamon sugar. This final step gives your pumpkin donuts that crave-worthy finish.

Now that your pumpkin donuts are golden, coated, and smelling irresistible, let’s explore some pro tips and creative variations to make them even more magical!

Pro Tips

For the softest pumpkin donuts, don’t overmix your batter. Fold gently just until the cake mix is incorporated. Overmixing can make them too dense.

Use a zip-top bag as a piping bag for neat, mess-free donut wells. It also helps ensure all your pumpkin donuts bake evenly and look professional.

If your donuts are sticking to the pan or maker, try brushing lightly with oil instead of spray. Sometimes the coating works better this way, especially for pumpkin donuts that are extra moist.

To keep cinnamon sugar from clumping, stir in a pinch of cornstarch. It helps it coat your pumpkin donuts more evenly and gives a beautiful sparkle.

Store leftover pumpkin donuts in an airtight container lined with paper towel to prevent sogginess. They stay fresh at room temp for up to three days — if they last that long!

If you love seasonal bakes like these, you might also enjoy this pumpkin muffins recipe — a cozy classic for any fall morning.

Variations

Make your pumpkin donuts gluten-free by using a gluten-free spice cake mix — no other changes needed. They’ll still be just as fluffy and flavorful.

Want to add protein? Stir in a scoop of vanilla protein powder and adjust the moisture with a tablespoon of milk if needed. These boosted pumpkin donuts are great for post-workout snacks.

Try rolling the donuts in maple sugar instead of cinnamon sugar for a richer, more complex finish. It pairs beautifully with the pumpkin and spice base.

Looking for something a little extra? Drizzle your pumpkin donuts with a maple glaze or cream cheese icing. They become brunch-party ready in no time.

And for a refreshing pairing idea, serve them with a homemade pumpkin cold foam latte. It’s the ultimate cozy combo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Serving Suggestions

These pumpkin donuts are a dream with a hot mug of coffee, spiced cider, or even a maple latte. They make a cozy addition to a Saturday morning brunch spread alongside scrambled eggs or crisp bacon. If you’re hosting a fall gathering, line them up on a tiered dessert tray with a sprinkle of powdered sugar — they’re as charming as they are delicious. For an extra cozy pairing, serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla yogurt. And if you’re planning a harvest-themed dessert table, try adding our pumpkin French toast and pumpkin dump cake for an irresistible fall lineup.

Conclusion

There’s something incredibly heartwarming about baking pumpkin donuts on a cool afternoon, with cinnamon in the air and laughter in the kitchen. Whether it’s your first time using a donut maker or you’ve made these dozens of times, this recipe brings together simplicity, flavor, and joy in every bite. Recipes like this one remind us that the best moments happen around the table — especially when shared with the people we love.

I’d love for you to try these pumpkin donuts and make them your own. Leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out — or snap a photo and tag me on your favorite social media platform. Your version might just inspire someone else! You can also follow along for more fall recipes and cozy baking inspiration.

Gather around the table — something delicious is waiting!