How to Make Pumpkin Spice Donuts Baked in the Oven
This pumpkin spice donuts baked in the oven recipe is the perfect treat for fall or Halloween. These no bake donuts are easy to make and do not require any fancy equipment or frying. Topped off with an orange glaze and triangle chocolate pieces, they smell and taste absolutely delicious!
Can You Make Donuts in the Oven Instead of Frying?
If you’ve ever wanted to have a go at making your own homemade donuts then now’s your chance. This easy oven baked donuts recipe makes donut making simple, quick and mess-free. There’s no need for a fryer because we won’t be deep frying them in oil. Baked donuts is a healthier, easier way to make delicious homemade donuts that taste just as good as store bought alternatives. Once you’ve tried this baked fall donuts recipe, you’ll realize that there is no need to fry donuts because they turn out great when cooked in the oven too!
What is the Secret to Fluffy Donuts?
The secret to fluffy donuts whether baked in the oven or fried, is to properly knead the donut dough before baking or frying. When making these baked pumpkin spice donuts in this recipe, the pumpkin puree also helps to make the donuts light, fluffy, not to mention flavorsome.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Donuts Baked (Not Fried)
Makes: 10-12 donuts
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 10-12 minutes
Ingredients for Making Baked Donuts
For the Donuts:
- 1 ¾ cups plain (all-purpose) flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground ginger (optional)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup pumpkin purée* (or substitute with mashed sweet potato)
- ¼ cup melted butter (or oil)
- ¼ cup milk (any kind)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
*For tips on creating your own homemade pumpkin spice and pumpkin puree, read this recipe here.
For the Orange Glaze:
- 1 cup icing sugar (powdered sugar)
- 1-2 tbsp milk (add gradually until smooth)
- A few drops of orange food colouring (or mix red + yellow)
- A drop of vanilla or orange extract for flavour (optional)
For the Topping:
- Dark chocolate or chocolate chips, melted
- Baking paper for spreading
- Knife or kitchen scissors
How to Bake Donuts
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and lightly grease a donut pan. This donut pan here is perfect for making donuts, plus it’s reusable.
- Mix dry ingredients:
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. - Mix wet ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin purée, melted butter, milk, and vanilla until smooth. - Combine:
Pour wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined (don’t overmix). - Fill the donut pan:
Spoon or pipe the batter into the pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full. - Bake:
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until donuts spring back when touched.
Cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a rack.
How to Decorate Donuts
- Make the glaze:
Mix icing sugar, a little milk, and food colouring until smooth and glossy. Adjust consistency with more sugar (thicker) or milk (thinner). - Dip each cooled donut face-down into the orange glaze. Let excess drip off, then place on parchment paper to set slightly.
- Make the chocolate triangles:
Spread melted dark chocolate thinly on baking paper. Chill until just firm, then cut or break into tiny triangles using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors. - Decorate:
While the glaze is still tacky, sprinkle the chocolate triangles on top in a scattered pattern. Let set completely before serving.
Storing and Freezing Donuts
These donuts last for up to 5 days in an airtight container, stored in a cool, dark place. You can also freeze the donuts with or without the icing for up to 3 months. Make sure you allow them to thaw properly before consuming. Although the donuts can be frozen, the icing can flake off after iced donuts have been frozen. For best results, eat fresh or freeze donuts without icing and ice after defrosting.
