If you’re looking for a cozy and delicious treat that captures all the best flavors of fall, this Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe is your new go-to dessert. Imagine soft, cake-like donuts infused with warm pumpkin pie spice, perfectly moist thanks to real pumpkin puree, and finished with a luscious maple glaze that adds just the right amount of sweetness and shine. These donuts are baked, not fried, making them lighter but just as indulgent. Whether you’re craving a festive breakfast or a comforting treat alongside your afternoon coffee, this recipe will not disappoint.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this recipe is wonderfully simple because each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the perfect pumpkin donut that bakes up moist and tender, while the maple glaze ties everything together with rich sweetness.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for the donuts’ soft structure and tender crumb.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: A gentle leavening agent that helps the donuts rise beautifully in the oven.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice: This warm spice mix adds that iconic autumnal flavor we crave in pumpkin treats.
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside baking powder to ensure light, fluffy donuts.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and moisture, making every bite deliciously soft.
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed): Imparts a deep caramel flavor while keeping the texture wonderfully moist.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure.
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree: The star ingredient that brings moistness, color, and the unmistakable pumpkin essence.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor, giving the donuts a warm, fragrant note.
- 3/4 cup maple syrup: Used in the glaze to create that signature sticky sweetness with rich depth.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Added to the glaze for a silky finish.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash in the glaze for extra aroma and complexity.
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness of the glaze.
- 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar: Gives the glaze that perfect smooth texture and sweet finish.
How to Make Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Donut Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly coating your donut pan with nonstick spray. This initial step ensures your donuts will bake evenly and come out effortlessly when done.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and baking soda. Combining these before mixing with wet ingredients helps distribute the leavening and spices evenly throughout your batter for consistent flavor and perfect rise.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar, then Add Wet Ingredients
Using your mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the melted butter and light brown sugar on medium-high for about 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and slightly fluffy. Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating until each is fully incorporated. Finally, blend in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until combined, making a rich and slightly thick base for your donuts.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture on low speed, mixing just until everything comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep your donuts tender instead of dense.
Step 5: Fill Donut Pan and Bake
Divide the batter evenly among the donut pan cavities — a scoop or spoon works well here. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the donuts turn a light golden brown and bounce back when gently pressed. Your kitchen will start to smell like autumn heaven right about now.
Step 6: Prepare the Maple Glaze
While the donuts bake, pour the maple syrup into a small saucepan and cook over medium heat until it reduces by half, around 5 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in the butter, vanilla extract, and salt until melted and smooth. Stir in the confectioners’ sugar until the glaze achieves a glossy, pourable consistency.
Step 7: Glaze the Donuts
Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then gently dip the tops into the warm maple glaze. Place glazed donuts on a wire rack to let the glaze set, creating a beautifully sticky and shiny finish that makes each bite irresistible.
Step 8: Enjoy Warm or Room Temperature
These baked pumpkin donuts are best enjoyed fresh but also hold their charm when cooled down, so you can savor them however you like.
How to Serve Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these donuts, consider sprinkling some chopped toasted pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon on top of the glaze. Adding a few pumpkin seeds will provide a delightful crunch and a pretty autumn touch.
Side Dishes
These donuts pair beautifully with a cup of hot coffee, chai tea, or even a frothy latte. For a cozy brunch spread, serve alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, or a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness of the donuts.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking a few donuts on a pretty cake stand for a charming centerpiece, or serve them in individual boxes tied with rustic twine for a thoughtful homemade gift. You can also drizzle extra maple glaze on top just before serving for an extra gooey surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The glaze softens a bit over time, so if you prefer a firmer glaze, re-glaze before serving.
Freezing
You can freeze the donuts without glaze by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature, then prepare the maple glaze fresh and dip before serving.
Reheating
Warm donuts slightly in a 300-degree oven for 5 to 7 minutes to refresh their softness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the texture gummy. After reheating, apply a fresh coat of maple glaze for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Yes, but you’ll need to cook and puree fresh pumpkin first to match the consistency and moisture content of canned puree. Make sure it’s well-drained to avoid making the batter too wet.
What if I don’t have a donut pan?
You can bake this batter in a muffin tin for pumpkin muffins or attempt shaping small rounds on a baking sheet, but the classic donut shape and texture will be best with a proper donut pan.
Is it possible to make these donuts gluten-free?
Yes, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that can be used cup-for-cup. Keep in mind that texture might vary slightly depending on the flour blend used.
How thick should the maple glaze be?
The glaze should be pourable but thick enough to cling to the donuts. If it’s too thin, add a bit more confectioners’ sugar; if too thick, thin with a teaspoon of warm water or more maple syrup.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
You can prepare the maple glaze a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Rewarm it gently and whisk before dipping the donuts to ensure it’s smooth and spreadable.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a soft, warmly spiced pumpkin donut kissed with a sweet, glossy maple glaze. This Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe is a trusty way to bring the flavors of fall right into your kitchen with effortless charm. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself baking these delights again and again whenever the craving for something cozy strikes!
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Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze are a deliciously moist and tender treat perfect for fall. Featuring warm pumpkin pie spices and a rich maple glaze, these donuts provide all the comforting flavors of autumn with a light, baked texture rather than fried. They are simple to make in a donut pan and perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
For the Donuts
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Maple Glaze
- 3/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly coat a donut pan with nonstick spray to ensure the donuts don’t stick after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, kosher salt, and baking soda until evenly combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the melted butter and brown sugar on medium-high speed for 1-2 minutes until well combined and slightly fluffy.
- Add Eggs, Pumpkin, and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then add the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients on low speed, mixing just until incorporated—take care not to overmix for tender donuts.
- Fill Donut Pan and Bake: Evenly scoop the batter into the prepared donut pan cavities. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts are lightly browned and spring back when gently pressed.
- Prepare Maple Glaze: While the donuts bake, pour maple syrup into a small saucepan and heat over medium heat. Reduce the syrup until it measures about 1/2 cup, which takes approximately 5 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in butter, vanilla extract, and kosher salt until butter fully melts.
- Finish the Glaze: Gradually whisk in the confectioners’ sugar until the glaze is smooth and glossy with no lumps.
- Glaze the Donuts: After the donuts have cooled for about 10 minutes, dip the tops into the maple glaze. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
- Serve: Enjoy the donuts warm or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the donuts tender.
- You can store glazed donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin but the shape will be different.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative.
- Make sure to let the glaze set fully to avoid it running off the donuts when served.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
