Name: Baked Pumpkin Donuts – Gluten Free Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 17 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 cups canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling); 4 large eggs (at room temperature); 1/4 cup melted coconut oil; 1.5 cups granulated sugar; 1.5 teaspoons baking powder; 1.5 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 + 3/4 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup ground cinnamon; Melted butter (optional, for brushing donuts before coating)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 13 reviews

If you’ve been looking for a cozy, spiced treat that feels just like autumn in every bite, these Baked Pumpkin Donuts – Gluten Free Recipe are about to become your new obsession. They’re soft, subtly sweet, and bursting with warm pumpkin and spice flavors, all while being entirely gluten free. Perfect for a comforting breakfast or an afternoon snack, these donuts combine simple, wholesome ingredients to create an irresistibly delicious baked good that’s lighter than fried donuts but just as satisfying. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it all season long.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of two doughnuts on a white marbled surface, one doughnut lying flat with a hole in the middle and coated with a layer of cinnamon sugar, the other doughnut resting partly on top with a bite taken out, revealing a soft, golden yellow inside; there are more doughnuts and cinnamon sticks scattered softly blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward and essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in crafting the perfect donut texture, taste, and that quintessential pumpkin glow.

1.5 cups canned pumpkin puree: Use pure pumpkin, not pie filling, for authentic flavor and moisture.
4 large eggs: Room temperature eggs help bind the batter while ensuring fluffiness.
1/4 cup melted coconut oil: Adds a subtle richness and keeps the donuts moist without dairy.
1.5 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter perfectly without overpowering the pumpkin.
1.5 teaspoons baking powder: Essential for that lovely rise and light texture.
1.5 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice: The star spice blend that brings warmth and depth to every bite.
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds complexity and a fragrant touch.
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A subtle hint of nutty spice that complements pumpkin beautifully.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances all the sweet and spice elements for harmony.
1 + 3/4 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour: The backbone of the donuts, providing structure without gluten.
1/2 teaspoon cornstarch: Helps tenderize the donuts, giving them a delicate crumb.
1 cup granulated sugar (for topping): Combined with cinnamon for that classic cinnamon sugar coating.
1/4 cup ground cinnamon (for topping): To mix with sugar and add a joyful spice dusting.
Melted butter (optional): Use for dipping donuts before coating in cinnamon sugar to help it stick better.

How to Make Baked Pumpkin Donuts – Gluten Free Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pans

Start by heating your oven to 350°F. Grease your donut pans or mini muffin pans thoroughly so the donuts don’t stick later. This prep step ensures a smooth release so your donuts stay intact and beautiful.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients and Spices

In a large bowl or stand mixer, blend together the pumpkin puree, eggs, melted coconut oil, sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until the batter is completely smooth — this step builds the flavorful base and ensures every donut is perfectly spiced.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Fold in your gluten-free flour and cornstarch until the mixture turns into a thick but smooth batter. Be careful not to overmix; you want the batter uniform, but still tender and light once baked.

Step 4: Fill the Donut Pans

Fill each donut cavity about three-quarters full. For ease and less mess, try putting the batter in a ziplock bag, snip off a corner, and pipe the batter directly into the pan. Alternatively, a spoon works just as well if you prefer.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the pans on the middle rack and bake for 15 to 17 minutes. You’re looking for puffed-up tops and a light golden brown color. That’s your sign these pumpkin donuts have reached their soft, fluffy glory.

Step 6: Cool and Prepare Topping

Let the donuts cool for a few minutes before gently running a butter knife around the edges to release them. Meanwhile, mix together the sugar and cinnamon for coating. If you like, a quick brush of melted butter on each donut before tossing in the cinnamon sugar helps the coating stick perfectly.

How to Serve Baked Pumpkin Donuts – Gluten Free Recipe

The image shows several round donuts with a light brown crust coated in a layer of cinnamon sugar. One donut is placed on top of another, and the top donut has a bite taken out of it, showing a soft yellow inside. The donuts are scattered on a white marbled surface along with a few sticks of cinnamon nearby. The texture of the donuts looks slightly crispy on the outside with a tender and airy interior. The overall color palette is warm with light browns and soft yellows, creating a cozy feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple dusting of cinnamon sugar is all these donuts need to shine. For extra indulgence, drizzle with a vanilla glaze or dust lightly with powdered sugar to make them feel even more special.

Side Dishes

These donuts pair wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a warm chai latte. For a more substantial breakfast, serve alongside creamy scrambled eggs or fresh fruit to balance the spices and sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking your donuts on a tiered dessert stand or threading them onto skewers intertwined with autumn leaves or cinnamon sticks for festive gatherings. You can also sandwich cream cheese frosting between two donuts for a fun twist on a pumpkin donut “whoopie pie.”

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They maintain their softness best when they are stored this way, allowing you to enjoy that fresh-baked texture even after a day or two.

Freezing

If you want to save your donuts for later, freeze them in a sealed bag or container for up to 3 months. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before freezing, so they don’t get soggy upon thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, pop your donuts in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or warm them briefly in a toaster oven. This will revive their soft texture and warm the spices, making them taste freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Absolutely! Just roast and puree fresh pumpkin until smooth, then measure out 1.5 cups for the recipe. Fresh pumpkin may add a slightly different texture but keeps the flavor wonderfully vibrant.

Is it possible to make these donuts dairy-free?

Yes! This recipe already uses coconut oil instead of butter in the batter, and the melted butter in the topping is optional. To keep it fully dairy-free, skip the melted butter or use a plant-based alternative for the coating.

What type of gluten-free flour is best for these donuts?

A gluten-free all-purpose blend with xanthan gum generally works best to mimic traditional flour’s binding qualities and create that soft, fluffy texture essential for donuts.

Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?

Definitely! Fold in chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or even dried cranberries before filling the donuts. Just be cautious not to overload the batter, so the donuts stay tender and bake evenly.

How do I prevent gluten-free donuts from being dry?

Using pumpkin puree adds moisture, but be careful not to overbake. Also, incorporating a bit of coconut oil keeps them tender. Storing them in an airtight container helps maintain softness as well.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly satisfying about baking a batch of these Baked Pumpkin Donuts – Gluten Free Recipe at home—warm, aromatic, and utterly comforting. They’re a fantastic way to enjoy fall flavors without sacrificing your dietary needs or feeling heavy. Once you try this recipe, I bet it will become a staple in your kitchen for seasons to come. So go ahead, grab your donut pans, and dig into this autumnal delight with loved ones or just for yourself. Happy baking!