Introduction

These pumpkin donuts are a simple and delicious treat perfect for fall or any time you’re craving a cozy, spiced dessert. Made with just cake mix and pumpkin puree, they come together quickly and offer a moist, tender texture that’s easy to love.

Ingredients

1 package yellow cake mix (15.25 oz.)
1 can (15 oz.) pumpkin puree

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the dry yellow cake mix with the pumpkin puree until well blended. You can add optional flavorings like cinnamon or nutmeg if desired, but it’s not required.
Step 3: Grease your donut pan. For easier filling, transfer the batter to a piping bag and pipe the batter into each donut cavity, filling about halfway, since the batter is thick.
Step 4: Bake the donuts for 8 to 10 minutes. To check doneness, press gently on the top of a donut—if it springs back, they’re ready.
Step 5: Allow the donuts to cool completely before adding any toppings like caramel drizzle, frosting, sprinkles, or powdered sugar. Serve immediately for best flavor.

Tips & Variations

Add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon for extra warm flavor.
Try topping the donuts with cream cheese frosting for a rich finish.
If you don’t have a piping bag, use a spoon to fill the donut pan, but clean edges help donuts bake evenly.

Storage

Store plain pumpkin donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. Avoid adding toppings before storing, as they may get messy or affect texture. Reheat gently in the microwave for a few seconds before serving if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin that’s been cooked and pureed, but be sure it’s thick and drained of excess liquid to avoid altering the batter consistency.

How can I make these donuts gluten-free?

To make gluten-free pumpkin donuts, substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix of the same quantity and follow the recipe as usual.

Pumpkin Donut Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 81 reviews

This easy Pumpkin Donut Recipe combines the warm flavors of pumpkin with a moist yellow cake base to create delicious baked donuts perfect for fall or any time of year. Made with simple ingredients and baked to fluffy perfection, these donuts can be enjoyed plain or topped with caramel drizzle, frosting, sprinkles, or powdered sugar.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 12 donuts 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 package yellow cake mix (15.25 oz.)
1 can (15 oz.) pumpkin puree

Optional Toppings

Caramel drizzle
Frosting
Sprinkles
Powdered sugar

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare it for baking the donuts.
Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the dry yellow cake mix with the pumpkin puree. Stir until the mixture is well blended and smooth. You may add any additional flavorings such as cinnamon or nutmeg if desired, though this is optional.
Fill Donut Pan: Grease your donut pan thoroughly. Using a piping bag, fill each donut cavity about half full with the thick batter. This method helps achieve even and neat filling without a mess.
Bake Donuts: Place the filled donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. To check if the donuts are done, gently press the top of a donut; if it springs back, they are ready.
Cool Donuts: Remove the donuts from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan before removing. Cooling before decorating ensures toppings adhere properly without melting.
Add Toppings and Serve: Once cooled, drizzle with caramel, frost as desired, add sprinkles, or dust with powdered sugar. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Storage: Unfrosted plain donuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. Avoid adding toppings before storage to maintain freshness.