Gluten-Free Baked Pumpkin Spice Donuts
Soft, cake-like donuts infused with pumpkin puree and warm spices create an irresistible fall treat. Using a spice cake mix as the base delivers complex flavors while keeping preparation simple. The tender crumb paired with sweet vanilla glaze makes these perfect for breakfast, dessert, or afternoon snacking. Unlike traditional fried donuts, these baked versions are lighter yet still satisfying, with the pumpkin adding natural moisture and subtle earthiness that complements the warming spices beautifully.
Ingredients
- 1 package spice cake mix, 15.25 ounceyellow cake mix + 1 tsp cinnamon + 1/2 tsp nutmeg1:1gluten-freebudget
use plain mix with added spices
- 15 ounces pumpkin puree
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- 2
Combine cake mix and pumpkin puree in large bowl
- 3
Beat mixture until smooth
- 4
Transfer batter to piping bag and pipe into donut pan
- 5
Bake for 10-15 minutes until donuts spring back when pressed lightly
- 6
Cool on wire rack for 5 minutes, then remove from pan and cool completely
- 7
Whisk together powdered sugar, milk and vanilla for glaze
- 8
Dip donut tops in glaze and return to wire rack
Tips
Use a piping bag or zip-lock bag with corner cut off for even donut shapes and cleaner filling of the pan cavities.
Test doneness by gently pressing the center - properly baked donuts will spring back immediately without leaving an indentation.
Let donuts cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off the warm surface.
Good to Know
Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week
Donuts can be baked up to 2 days ahead and stored covered, glaze just before serving
Serve at room temperature within 2-3 hours of glazing for best texture
Common Mistakes
Don't overmix the batter to avoid tough donuts
Don't skip cooling time before glazing or it will melt off
Fill donut cavities only 2/3 full to prevent overflow during baking
Substitutions
Gluten-Free Swaps
use plain mix with added spices
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make these without a donut pan?
Yes, use a muffin tin and shape into balls, or use silicone donut molds. Baking time may need slight adjustment.
What if I don't have a piping bag?
Use a large spoon to carefully fill each cavity, or put batter in a zip-lock bag and cut off one corner.
How long do these donuts keep fresh?
Store covered at room temperature for 3 days, or freeze unglazed donuts for up to 3 months and glaze after thawing.