Can doughnuts be baked instead of fried?

Absolutely. Baked donuts are made using a simple batter that rises in the oven instead of frying in oil. This gives them a soft, cake-like texture rather than the deep-fried crispiness you find in traditional donuts. The best part? They’re lighter, less greasy, and easier to make, no hot oil required.

Can you bake doughnuts in the oven?

Yes, and it’s easier than you might think. You’ll need a donut pan to shape them, but otherwise, the process is similar to baking muffins or cupcakes. Bake them at 350°F (177°C) for about 10–11 minutes until the tops spring back lightly when touched. The result is perfectly baked pumpkin donuts with tender centers and a golden finish.

What are the common mistakes when baking donuts?

The biggest one is overmixing the batter, which makes donuts dense instead of fluffy. Another is overfilling the pan, donuts expand as they bake, so filling the cavities halfway is ideal. Finally, avoid overbaking. A few extra minutes in the oven can dry them out, so test for doneness early.

Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe: Soft, Spiced, and Perfect for Fall

Name: Baked Pumpkin Donuts
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 16 donuts
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 and 3/4 cups (219g) all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice; 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil; 3/4 cup (150g) packed brown sugar; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 1 cup (226g) pumpkin puree; 1/3 cup (80ml) milk, room temperature; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; Brown Sugar Icing:; 3/4 cup (150g) brown sugar; 1/4 cup (60ml) milk; 1 tablespoon (14g) unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 and 1/2 cups (170g) confectioners’ sugar; Pinch of salt, optional; Optional: chopped walnuts or pecans for topping

Description

Soft, spiced, and baked to golden perfection, these Baked Pumpkin Donuts are a cozy fall treat dipped in a brown sugar icing that tastes like caramel. They’re easy to make, lighter than fried donuts, and ready in under 45 minutes.

Ingredients

1 and 3/4 cups (219g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
3/4 cup (150g) packed light or dark brown sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 cup (226g) pumpkin puree
1/3 cup (80ml) milk, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Brown Sugar Icing:

3/4 cup (150g) packed brown sugar
1/4 cup (60ml) milk (whole milk preferred)
1 tablespoon (14g) unsalted butter
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 and 1/2 cups (170g) sifted confectioners’ sugar
Pinch of salt, to taste
Optional topping: chopped walnuts or pecans

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease donut pan(s) with nonstick spray and set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice.
In another bowl, whisk together oil, brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin puree, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Combine wet and dry ingredients just until no flour streaks remain. Do not overmix.
Spoon or pipe batter into the donut pan cavities, filling each about halfway.
Bake for 10–11 minutes or until donuts spring back when touched.
Cool in the pan for 2 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Repeat with remaining batter.
For the icing, simmer brown sugar, milk, and butter until melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
Whisk in vanilla and confectioners’ sugar until smooth; add a pinch of salt if desired.
Dip cooled donuts into the warm icing, add toppings if desired, and let the glaze set for 1 hour.

Notes

Store donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 days or in the fridge for up to a week. Freeze unglazed donuts for up to 2 months.
To refresh, warm slightly before serving.
Try adding a drizzle of maple syrup to the glaze for extra depth or topping with crushed pecans for crunch.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 11 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American