Name: Fluffy Baked Pumpkin Spice Cake Donuts for Cozy Fall Mornings
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Ingredients: 1 box yellow cake mix (Provides structure and sweetness); 15 oz pumpkin puree (Avoid pumpkin pie filling); 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice (Can substitute with ground cinnamon); 2 cups powdered sugar (Ensure to sift for a lump-free glaze); 1 tsp ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice (Adjust based on taste preferences)

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As the crisp air of fall settles in, I can’t help but crave the cozy comforts of homemade treats. That’s why I’m excited to share my Fluffy Baked Pumpkin Spice Cake Donuts—soft, sweet delicacies that capture the essence of autumn. With a delightful blend of warm spices and a light, fluffy texture, these donuts are perfect for weekend breakfasts or to share with family and friends. The best part? They’re incredibly quick and easy to whip up, making them a fantastic addition to your seasonal recipes. Whether you enjoy them with a warm cup of coffee or as an afternoon snack, these baked donuts offer a delicious escape from store-bought varieties. Curious to learn how to create these delightful fall treats? Let’s dive in!

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Why Are These Donuts So Irresistible?

Fluffy Texture: These donuts are incredibly soft and airy, making each bite a treat.
Quick and Easy: A straightforward recipe that uses yellow cake mix, allowing even novice bakers to shine.
Fall Flavors: Infused with pumpkin and warm spices, they embody everything we love about autumn.
Kid-Friendly: Perfect for little hands, these donuts are sure to please the entire family. Pair them with a cup of coffee or enjoy them alongside some warm Cinnamon Buttermilk Pancakes for a cozy breakfast spread.
Versatile Options: Feel free to experiment by adding chocolate chips or nuts to customize your donuts!

Fluffy Baked Pumpkin Spice Cake Donuts Ingredients

For the Batter
• Yellow Cake Mix – Provides structure and sweetness; using a box mix simplifies the process.
• Pumpkin Puree (15 oz) – Adds moisture and a rich pumpkin flavor; avoid pumpkin pie filling due to added spices and sugar.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice (1 tbsp) – Infuses the donuts with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg; can substitute with ground cinnamon for a simpler flavor.

For the Glaze
• Powdered Sugar (2 cups) – Sweetens and forms a smooth glaze; ensure to sift for a lump-free finishing touch.
• Ground Cinnamon (or additional Pumpkin Pie Spice, 1 tsp) – Enhances the sugar coating flavor; adjust based on your taste preferences.

Embrace these Fluffy Baked Pumpkin Spice Cake Donuts for a delightful fall experience, perfect for sharing with loved ones!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Fluffy Baked Pumpkin Spice Cake Donuts

Step 1: Prep the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice. Use a whisk to blend the ingredients until the mixture is smooth, ensuring no dry pockets remain. This simple step creates the flavorful base for your Fluffy Baked Pumpkin Spice Cake Donuts, and should take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 2: Fill the Pan
Spoon the batter into a greased donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full to allow room for rising. A rubber spatula works well for this task, helping you evenly distribute the batter. It’s important to avoid overfilling, as this keeps your donuts in that classic shape. Once filled, you’re ready to bake!

Step 3: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the filled donut pan in the center of the oven. Bake the donuts for about 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they are done when they spring back gently to the touch. This is where the magic happens, transforming your batter into fluffy, delightful donuts.

Step 4: Cool
After baking, allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 3-5 minutes. Once they are slightly warm to the touch, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling phase is crucial for achieving the perfect texture in your Fluffy Baked Pumpkin Spice Cake Donuts, so be patient!

Step 5: Make the Sugar Coating
In a medium bowl, mix together the sifted powdered sugar and ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice. Stir diligently until well combined, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed throughout the sugar. This sweet coating adds the final touch, elevating your donuts’ flavor and presentation.

Step 6: Coat the Donuts
Once the donuts are completely cool, roll each one in the spiced sugar mixture, making sure they’re thoroughly coated. This step adds a delightful crunch and extra sweetness, making your Fluffy Baked Pumpkin Spice Cake Donuts a true seasonal treat. Each bite will be filled with sugary goodness!

Helpful Tricks for Fluffy Baked Pumpkin Spice Cake Donuts

Filling Tips: Fill the donut pan only 2/3 full to prevent overflow. This helps maintain the classic donut shape and keeps them uniform.
Testing Doneness: Gently press the top of the donuts around the 10-minute mark. If they bounce back, they’re perfectly cooked! Avoid undercooking or overbaking.
Cooling Properly: Let the donuts cool in the pan first for about 3-5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This keeps them from becoming soggy.
Sifting Sugar: Always sift your powdered sugar for the glaze. This ensures a smooth, lump-free coating that gives your Fluffy Baked Pumpkin Spice Cake Donuts a refined finish.
Custom Coatings: Experiment with different spices in the sugar coating for charming variations. Consider adding a hint of nutmeg or cardamom for an extra festive touch.

Make Ahead Options

These Fluffy Baked Pumpkin Spice Cake Donuts are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just mix the yellow cake mix, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice as directed, then cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Additionally, you can bake the donuts and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days without glazing—this way, they remain fluffy and delicious. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply roll them in the spiced sugar mixture after they’ve cooled completely, ensuring each bite is just as delightful as when they were freshly made!

How to Store and Freeze Fluffy Baked Pumpkin Spice Cake Donuts

Room Temperature: Keep your donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This ensures they retain their fluffy texture and delicious flavor.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the donuts for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container before adding the glaze.

Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw the donuts at room temperature for about 1-2 hours. If you prefer them warm, microwave them for 10-15 seconds.

Reheating: After thawing, if you want to add the glaze later, simply roll them in the spiced sugar mixture once they’re fully cooled post-thawing for a delightful treat!

Fluffy Baked Pumpkin Spice Cake Donuts Variations

Feel free to explore these delightful twists and substitutions to make these donuts uniquely yours!

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix instead of yellow cake mix for a charmingly fluffy version. It’s perfect so everyone can join the fall fun!
Nut-Free: Omit nuts or chocolate chips in the batter to accommodate nut allergies while keeping the sweetness intact. These donuts are delicious just as they are!
Vegan: Substitute the pumpkin puree for mashed bananas and use a vegan cake mix for a plant-based treat. It adds a delightful fruity twist!
Filled Donuts: Pipe in a cream cheese filling after baking for a surprise treat inside. This extra step transforms your donuts into something truly indulgent.
Spice Boost: Add a touch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick to your pumpkin pie spice mix. It’s a bold flavor adventure perfect for those who crave a bit of heat!
Maple Glaze: Replace powdered sugar with maple syrup for an earthy glaze that complements the pumpkin beautifully—delicious for a cozy fall morning!
Peanut Butter Drizzle: Top with a drizzle of melted peanut butter for a nutty contrast that pairs well with pumpkin. It elevates the flavor profile to new heights!

Need ideas on what to pair with your donuts? Consider serving them with warm Baked Pesto Salmon or a batch of Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges for an inviting meal experience!

What to Serve with Fluffy Baked Pumpkin Spice Cake Donuts

Indulging in these airy donuts is only half the fun; creating a comforting meal around them elevates the experience.

Warm Apple Cider: This classic fall beverage, with its sweet apple aroma, provides the perfect spiced pairing with the pumpkin flavors.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The buttery, smooth texture of the potatoes creates a delightful contrast, making for a satisfying brunch combo.
Maple Bacon: Crispy, savory strips of bacon drizzled with maple syrup bring a flavorful punch that balances the sweetness of the donuts.
Fresh Fruit Salad: Vibrant seasonal fruits like apples and pears add freshness, enhancing the overall meal while keeping it light.
Scrambled Eggs with Herbs: Fluffy scrambled eggs, seasoned with chives or parsley, provide a wonderful savory touch to your breakfast spread.
Pumpkin Spice Lattes: For a full fall experience, sip on a cozy latte infused with pumpkin spice, echoing the flavors of the donuts.
Chocolate Milk: This childhood favorite can be a fun twist to go alongside your baked treats, melding sweetness with nostalgia.
Cinnamon Buttermilk Pancakes: Serve these pancakes for an augmented breakfast feast; their warm spices impress while complementing the donuts seamlessly.
Whipped Cream Topping: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream turns your donut experience into a delightful dessert moment.
Spiced Tea: A cup of aromatic tea with cinnamon notes can elevate the warmth of the meal, providing a cozy accompaniment.

Fluffy Baked Pumpkin Spice Cake Donuts Recipe FAQs

What type of pumpkin puree should I use?
Absolutely use pure pumpkin puree! Avoid pumpkin pie filling as it contains added spices and sugars that will throw off the balance of flavors in your donuts. Look for brands that list pumpkin as the only ingredient for the best results.

How should I store my baked donuts?
I recommend storing your Fluffy Baked Pumpkin Spice Cake Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and maintains that soft, fluffy texture. To ensure they stay delicious, keep them away from direct sunlight and moisture.

Can I freeze these donuts?
Yes indeed! You can freeze your donuts for up to 3 months. To do this, let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure not to add the glaze before freezing. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw at room temperature for about 1–2 hours or microwave them for a quick 10-15 seconds.

What should I do if my donuts are too dense?
If your donuts come out too dense, it’s likely due to overmixing the batter or not measuring your ingredients correctly. When combining the ingredients, mix just until combined to keep that fluffy texture. Also, ensure you’re using the right amount of pumpkin puree, as too much can also weigh them down.

Are these donuts safe for kids with allergies?
While these donuts can be enjoyed by many, they do contain gluten and potential allergens like eggs or dairy found in the cake mix, as well as sugar. If you’re preparing these for someone with food allergies, I suggest checking the specific ingredients in the yellow cake mix and using gluten-free alternatives if necessary. Always consult with a healthcare provider for individual dietary concerns.

How can I make these donuts more flavorful?
Very! You can enhance the flavor of your Fluffy Baked Pumpkin Spice Cake Donuts by adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter, or even increasing the amount of pumpkin spice or ground cinnamon for a more robust fall flavor. Consider experimenting with spices like nutmeg or cloves for a unique twist!