If you are on the lookout for a treat that perfectly captures the cozy flavors of fall and makes your kitchen smell absolutely divine, then this Irresistible Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe is exactly what you need. These donuts strike the perfect balance between light, fluffy texture and rich, warm pumpkin spice flavor, all topped with a silky-smooth maple glaze that brings a lovely sweetness and shine. Not only are they baked, making them a lighter alternative to fried donuts, but they are also incredibly simple to whip up, promising a comforting homemade delight that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, and every component plays an important role in delivering that perfect pumpkin donut experience. From spices that bring warmth to the fluffy crumb to the maple glaze that offers a luscious touch, each one is essential to getting these treats just right.
- All-purpose flour: The base that gives structure to our donuts ensuring a tender bite.
- Baking powder: Helps the donuts rise beautifully and become light and airy.
- Pumpkin pie spice: The soul of these donuts, packed with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for that signature autumn flavor.
- Kosher salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness and spices perfectly.
- Baking soda: Helps achieve a light texture alongside the baking powder.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture, making the donuts tender and flavorful.
- Light brown sugar: Brings a touch of deep caramel sweetness to the batter.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the donut’s structure.
- Canned pumpkin puree: The star ingredient delivering moistness and that irresistible pumpkin flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
- Maple syrup: The key ingredient in our glaze, giving a natural sweetness and lovely glossy finish.
- Confectioners’ sugar: Thickens the maple glaze and gives it a smooth consistency.
How to Make Irresistible Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the oven and pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease your donut pan. This step is crucial because it ensures your donuts will come out easily without sticking, giving you a perfect shape every time.
Step 2: Mix dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, kosher salt, and baking soda. This combination of dry ingredients is what brings the classic pumpkin donut flavor and fluffy texture—make sure to mix well to evenly distribute those warming spices.
Step 3: Combine wet ingredients
In a separate large bowl, stir together the melted unsalted butter and light brown sugar until smooth. Then add the eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is fully incorporated. This wet mix is where the moisture and richness of your donuts come from.
Step 4: Combine wet and dry mixes
Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until the batter is smooth and well-combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the donuts fluffy and light.
Step 5: Fill the donut pan
Using a piping bag or spoon, fill each donut mold about three-quarters full with the batter. This will give the donuts room to rise without overflowing and keeps their shape nice and neat.
Step 6: Bake until golden
Bake the donuts for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You’ll notice a lovely golden color and a slight springiness when they’re done, which means they are perfectly baked and ready for the decadent glaze.
Step 7: Cool the donuts
Remove the donuts from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling is important before glazing, so the glaze doesn’t melt off the surface and can stick beautifully.
Step 8: Prepare the maple glaze
In a small saucepan, heat the maple syrup and butter together over medium-low heat until melted and smooth. Stir in vanilla extract, kosher salt, and confectioners’ sugar until the glaze becomes thick but pourable—a luscious coat that will take these donuts to the next level.
Step 9: Glaze the donuts
Dip each cooled donut into the maple glaze, allowing any excess to drip back into the pan. Place glazed donuts back on the wire rack to let the glaze set into a shiny, irresistible finish.
How to Serve Irresistible Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon or a few chopped toasted pecans on top of the glaze for an added crunch and a visual boost that enhances both flavor and presentation.
Side Dishes
Pair your donuts with a warm cup of spiced coffee or chai tea to complement the pumpkin spice notes, making a perfect cozy breakfast or afternoon snack.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the donuts on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra maple glaze and whipped cream on the side for a fun, interactive treat-sharing experience. Adding fresh autumn leaves or seasonal fruit like sliced apples makes the presentation festive and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This helps maintain their softness while keeping the glaze intact and delicious.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the donuts individually on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to 2 months, ready to thaw whenever a pumpkin craving hits.
Reheating
To refresh your donuts, warm them briefly in a microwave for about 15 seconds or in a low oven to regain their tender texture and bring back that lovely glaze softness.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! If you use fresh pumpkin, cook and puree it first to achieve that smooth consistency like canned pumpkin. Make sure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
What can I substitute for pumpkin pie spice?
A simple mix of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves or allspice works wonderfully if you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand. Mix your preferred amounts to match the warm, spiced flavor.
Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
Yes, try replacing all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions for best results, as texture may vary slightly.
Why are my donuts not fluffy?
If your donuts turn out dense, it could be due to overmixing the batter or using expired baking powder. Mixing gently and ensuring your leavening agents are fresh usually fixes this issue.
How thick should the maple glaze be?
The maple glaze should be smooth but thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If too thin, add a little more confectioners’ sugar; if too thick, stir in a tiny splash of maple syrup or warm water.
Final Thoughts
Making these Irresistible Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe is like bringing a little piece of autumn magic into your home. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you get a spectacularly flavorful and moist donut that’s perfect for sharing or savoring on your own. I hope you’ll enjoy baking and eating these warm, spiced treats just as much as I do. Happy baking and pumpkin-loving!
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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
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These irresistibly moist and flavorful baked pumpkin donuts are perfect for fall or any time you crave a sweet treat. Made with warm pumpkin pie spices and topped with a luscious maple glaze, they offer a delightful combination of soft texture and rich, autumn-inspired flavors. With easy-to-follow steps and a simple donut pan preparation, these donuts are sure to become a favorite for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
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 to ensure the donuts release easily after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, kosher salt, and baking soda until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, stir together the melted unsalted butter and light brown sugar until smooth. Then add the eggs, canned pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine.
- Form the Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until the batter is smooth and uniform with no lumps.
- Fill Donut Molds: Pipe or spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each mold about three-quarters full to allow room for expansion while baking.
- Bake Donuts: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean.
- Cool Donuts: Remove the donuts from the oven and allow them to cool thoroughly on a wire rack before glazing.
- Prepare Maple Glaze: In a small saucepan, heat the maple syrup and unsalted butter over medium heat until the butter melts completely. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, kosher salt, and confectioners’ sugar until smooth and glossy.
- Glaze Donuts: Dip the cooled donuts into the maple glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the glazed donuts back on the wire rack to let the glaze set before serving.
Notes
- Use canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to maintain the correct consistency and sweetness.
- For easier donut removal, lightly grease the pan or use a non-stick spray specifically designed for baking.
- Donuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- To reheat, warm the donuts briefly in the microwave or oven to refresh texture and flavor.
- Feel free to customize the spice level by adjusting the pumpkin pie spice to your taste.
