If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, flavorful treat that captures the essence of fall in every bite, look no further than this Irresistible Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe. Soft, tender donuts infused with warm pumpkin pie spices and crowned with a shiny, sweet maple glaze offer a perfect balance of comforting flavors and light texture. Whether you’re sharing with friends over coffee or indulging in a quiet moment yourself, these baked delights bring festive joy without any guilt from frying. Trust me, once you try this Irresistible Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe, it will become a staple in your seasonal baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together in harmony to create a moist, fluffy donut full of rich pumpkin flavor and a luscious glaze that ties everything together perfectly. Each component plays a key role—whether it’s the pumpkin pie spice warming up the batter or the pure maple syrup giving the glaze a natural sweetness with just the right depth.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and tenderness to the donuts for that perfect soft crumb.
- Baking powder: Helps give the donuts a light, airy texture that isn’t dense.
- Pumpkin pie spice: The essential blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that brings autumn magic to every bite.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Baking soda: Works with the acid in pumpkin puree to lighten the batter further.
- Unsalted butter: Melted for richness and a tender crumb.
- Light brown sugar: Adds moisture along with a subtle caramel flavor that deepens the donuts.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to that satisfying cakey texture.
- Canned pumpkin puree: The star ingredient—brings moisture, vibrant color, and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Provides a warm, sweet note that rounds out the spices perfectly.
- Maple syrup: For the glaze, it adds natural sweetness with rich undertones unmatched by simple sugar syrups.
- Confectioners’ sugar: Gives the glaze a smooth, glossy finish with just the right touch of sweetness.
How to Make Irresistible Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing your donut pan well ensures the donuts come out effortlessly, forming a smooth golden crust around the tender interior. This little step makes a big difference in presentation and ease.
Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, kosher salt, and baking soda. These dry components blend to give the donuts their structure, leavening, and that signature fall flavor. Taking time to mix them thoroughly ensures even distribution of spices and raising agents.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter with the brown sugar until well combined, creating a luscious base. Add the eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract, stirring until smooth. This mixture infuses the donuts with moisture, richness, and a deep pumpkin essence.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Ingredients Together
Gently combine the wet and dry mixtures, stirring just until smooth without overmixing. This is key to keeping the donuts airy and tender, avoiding a tough texture. The batter should be thick but easy to spoon or pipe into your donut pan.
Step 5: Fill and Bake
Pipe or spoon the batter into the greased donut pan, filling each mold about three-quarters full. This allows space for the donuts to rise without spilling over. Bake them for 12 to 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean—a classic test for perfect doneness.
Step 6: Cool Fully Before Glazing
Once baked, transfer the donuts to a wire rack to cool completely. Waiting ensures the glaze sets beautifully without melting away, keeping each donut shiny and inviting—the perfect canvas for your maple glaze.
Step 7: Prepare the Maple Glaze
To make the glaze, gently heat the maple syrup and butter in a small saucepan until melted and combined. Stir in vanilla extract, salt, and confectioners’ sugar until smooth. This glaze is silky, sweet, and packed with the warm flavors that make the donuts truly irresistible.
Step 8: Dip and Set
Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze, allowing them to soak briefly for full coverage before placing them back on the wire rack to set. This sticky, glossy coating is what elevates this Irresistible Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe from delicious to downright unforgettable.
How to Serve Irresistible Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
For a beautiful finishing touch, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans, a dusting of cinnamon sugar, or even a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the glaze. These garnishes add texture and flavor contrasts that make each bite exciting and delightful to the eye.
Side Dishes
Serve these donuts alongside a steaming cup of chai tea, dark roast coffee, or a creamy latte to complement their spicy-sweet notes. Freshly sliced apples or pear slices also pair wonderfully for a seasonal spread that’s both refreshing and comforting.
Creative Ways to Present
Make a dessert board featuring these donuts with seasonal fruit, nuts, and small bowls of whipped cream or cream cheese frosting for dipping. You can also stack them like a cake and drizzle extra maple glaze over the top to wow guests at brunch or a holiday gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them soft and fresh. If your kitchen is warm, a cool spot or even the fridge can help extend freshness slightly, but be aware that refrigeration can dry baked goods.
Freezing
You can freeze these pumpkin donuts either plain or glazed. For best results, freeze them unglazed first in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Defrost at room temperature, then dip in freshly made glaze right before serving.
Reheating
Warm the donuts gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a low oven to revive that freshly baked softness and the comforting aroma of pumpkin and spice. Avoid overheating to maintain the texture and avoid melting the glaze too much.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! If using fresh pumpkin, roast it until soft, then puree it until smooth. Just be sure to drain any excess water to keep your donuts from becoming too wet.
Is it possible to make these donuts gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures like regular flour. Check that your blend contains xanthan gum or another binder for best results.
Can I substitute the maple glaze with a different topping?
Certainly! Cream cheese frosting, a simple vanilla glaze, or even a cinnamon sugar sprinkle are delightful alternatives that pair well with the pumpkin flavors.
How do I prevent the donuts from sticking to the pan?
Be sure to grease your donut pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray before filling the molds. Letting the pan sit for a few minutes after greasing helps create a slick surface for easy release.
What is the best way to pipe the donut batter into the pan?
Using a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with the corner snipped off gives you the most control and cleanest edges for your donuts. If you don’t have either, a spoon and gentle tapping of the pan to settle the batter works fine too.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing warm, freshly baked donuts—especially when they carry the heartwarming flavors of pumpkin and maple. This Irresistible Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe is a delightful way to bring the taste of fall to your kitchen with ease and joy. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how these donuts bring smiles and cozy moments into your home!
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Irresistible Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These irresistible baked pumpkin donuts are moist, flavorful, and perfectly spiced with pumpkin pie spice. Topped with a rich maple glaze, they make a delightful seasonal treat perfect for fall or any time you crave a sweet, comforting donut without the deep-frying. Easy to prepare and bake in just 30 minutes, these donuts balance the warmth of pumpkin with the sweetness of maple syrup glaze for a cozy dessert or breakfast option.
Ingredients
Donuts
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Maple Glaze
- ¾ cup maple syrup
- 1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan thoroughly to ensure the donuts do not stick during baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, kosher salt, and baking soda. This ensures all leavening and spices are evenly distributed.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, mix the melted unsalted butter with the packed light brown sugar until combined. Then add in the eggs, canned pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract, mixing well to create a smooth wet mixture.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until the batter is smooth and free of lumps, being careful not to overmix.
- Fill Donut Pan: Using a piping bag or spoon, fill each donut mold about ¾ full with the batter, ensuring even distribution for uniform baking.
- Bake the Donuts: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the donuts comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Cool Donuts: Remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Maple Glaze: While the donuts cool, heat the maple syrup and unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat until melted and combined. Remove from heat, then stir in the vanilla extract, kosher salt, and confectioners’ sugar until the glaze is smooth.
- Glaze the Donuts: Dip the cooled donuts into the maple glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Place donuts back on the wire rack and let the glaze set before serving.
Notes
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep donuts light and fluffy.
- For best results, use canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
- The glaze can be warmed slightly if it thickens too much before dipping.
- Store donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- These donuts can also be frosted with cream cheese glaze as an alternative.
