Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe
If you’re craving a cozy autumn treat that feels both indulgent and a little wholesome, these Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze are exactly what your kitchen needs. Imagine soft, tender donuts bursting with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, perfectly complemented by a luscious, sweet maple glaze that adds just the right touch of silky sweetness. These donuts bake up light and fluffy, making them a delightful way to enjoy pumpkin beyond the pie—whether it’s for a weekend breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a festive gathering with friends. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a seasonal staple you’ll reach for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze is in their simple, down-to-earth ingredients that come together to create a masterpiece of flavor and texture. Each item is essential, from the pumpkin puree that brings moistness and color, to the warming spices that evoke all things cozy and comforting.
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure and a tender crumb.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: This helps the donuts rise to light, airy perfection.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds that signature autumnal warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Delivers a subtle spicy kick that wakes up the palate.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Offers a gentle hint of sweet earthiness.
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves: Just a whisper for depth and complexity.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Creates sweetness without overpowering.
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed: Adds moisture and a rich caramel note.
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree: The star ingredient, bringing moistness, flavor, and that vibrant orange hue.
- 2 large eggs: Binds everything while contributing to the donut’s tender texture.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the donuts moist and soft.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a sweet, floral aroma that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- For the Maple Glaze: A dreamy topping—1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, 1-2 tablespoons milk, and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract to create that irresistible, shiny finish.
How to Make Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze
Step 1: Prepare Your Donut Pan and Oven
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is just right for baking the donuts evenly without drying them out. Lightly grease your donut pan with a non-stick spray, ensuring each cavity is well-coated so the donuts can pop out easily once baked.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. This blend of spices gives the donuts that signature fall flavor, while the flour and leavening make sure they rise just right. Whisking also helps distribute everything evenly, so no single bite is too spicy or bland.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. The sugars add sweetness and moisture, while the pumpkin puree is what makes these donuts wonderfully soft and giving that perfect autumn taste.
Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, stirring just until everything comes together. Be careful not to overmix, or the donuts might turn out dense. The key here is to keep the batter a little lumpy for that tender, light crumb.
Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan
Using a spoon, fill each cavity in the pan about three-quarters full. This allows enough room for the donuts to rise without overflowing, giving you beautifully shaped rings.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the donuts for 15 to 18 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The kitchen will fill with a heavenly scent of pumpkin and spices, a sure sign that something delicious is underway!
Step 7: Cool Before Glazing
Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial for the glaze to stick properly without melting away into the warm donuts.
Step 8: Whip Up the Maple Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, 1 tablespoon of milk, and vanilla extract. Add a bit more milk if needed to get a smooth, drizzly consistency—just perfect for that glossy finish.
Step 9: Glaze Your Donuts
Dip the cooled donuts’ tops into the maple glaze, then place them back on the wire rack to let the glaze set. This glaze adds an irresistible sweetness and a beautiful shine that makes these donuts truly special.
How to Serve Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze
Garnishes
Top your Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze with a sprinkle of toasted chopped pecans or a dusting of cinnamon sugar for extra texture and flavor. You can also add a few chocolate shavings or pumpkin seeds for a festive touch. These little details turn a simple donut into a stunning treat.
Side Dishes
Pair these donuts with a warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a cold glass of milk. For brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or creamy yogurt with honey and granola. The richness of the donuts complements both savory and sweet sides beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your donuts on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment paper, garnished with small pumpkins or autumn leaves for a cozy seasonal vibe. For gatherings, place individual donuts in pretty cupcake liners or boxes, making them perfect grab-and-go delights that everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover donuts fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This prevents them from drying out and keeps the glaze intact. After that, they might start to lose their soft texture, so enjoy them soon.
Freezing
If you want to save them longer, freeze the donuts (without glaze) in a single layer on a baking sheet first to avoid sticking. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before glazing and serving.
Reheating
Warm your donuts in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a low oven (300°F) for about 5 minutes. This revitalizes their softness and makes the glaze shine again. Just avoid overheating so they don’t become rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?
Absolutely! Just roast and puree fresh pumpkin until smooth, making sure it’s well-drained so the batter isn’t too wet. Fresh pumpkin can add an even more vibrant flavor to your baked pumpkin donuts with maple glaze.
Is it possible to make these gluten-free?
Yes, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum. This keeps the donuts tender and fluffy without sacrificing taste.
Can I substitute the vegetable oil with butter?
You can, but melted butter will give the donuts a richer flavor and a slightly denser texture. Vegetable oil keeps them lighter and moister, which works beautifully for this recipe.
How sweet are these donuts? Can I reduce the sugar?
These donuts strike a nice balance between sweet and spiced but feel free to reduce the granulated and brown sugar by up to 1/4 cup if you prefer a less sweet treat. The maple glaze adds additional sweetness, so keep that in mind.
What other toppings work well besides maple glaze?
Cream cheese frosting, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a simple cinnamon sugar mix can all work wonderfully. You can even dip them in melted dark chocolate for a decadent twist on baked pumpkin donuts with maple glaze.
Final Thoughts
Making these Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze is like wrapping yourself in a warm, flavorful hug. They’re easy to bake, wonderfully moist, and packed with those classic autumn spices that everyone loves. Whether you’re sharing them with family or treating yourself, these donuts create a cozy moment that tastes like pure comfort. Give this recipe a try—you won’t regret welcoming this sweet seasonal delight into your kitchen!
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Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze are a delightful fall-inspired treat featuring warm spices and moist pumpkin flavor. Lightly sweetened and baked instead of fried, these donuts are topped with a luscious maple glaze for the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Ideal for breakfast or a cozy snack, they bring the flavors of autumn right to your table.
Ingredients
Donuts
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Maple Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan with non-stick spray to ensure easy removal of your donuts after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves. These spices give the donuts their characteristic warm, autumn flavor.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine granulated sugar, light brown sugar, canned pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix these together until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing may lead to dense donuts, so stir until there are no more streaks of flour.
- Fill Donut Pan: Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan cavities, filling each about three-quarters full to allow room for rising during baking.
- Bake the Donuts: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a donut; it should come out clean when done.
- Cool the Donuts: Remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
- Make the Maple Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, 1 tablespoon of milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add an additional tablespoon of milk if necessary to reach a pourable, drizzling consistency.
- Glaze the Donuts: Once the donuts have cooled completely, dip the tops into the maple glaze and return them to the wire rack. Allow the glaze to set before serving for a glossy, sweet finish.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sprinkle chopped pecans or cinnamon sugar over the glaze before it sets.
- Donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for best results.
- If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a regular muffin tin but expect a different shape and baking time.
- To make these gluten free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: pumpkin donuts, baked donuts, maple glaze, autumn recipe, pumpkin spice donuts, healthy donuts, fall treats
