How to Make Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze

If you’re craving a cozy, comforting treat that perfectly captures the essence of fall, these Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze are just what you need. Packed with warm spices and rich pumpkin flavor, these donuts are moist, tender, and baked to perfection—a healthier alternative to fried donuts without sacrificing any of the deliciousness. The sweet, glossy maple glaze on top adds an irresistible touch that ties all the flavors together. Whether it’s for a weekend breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a festive gathering, this recipe brings glowing warmth and joy to your kitchen effortlessly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy and Quick: This recipe uses simple ingredients and requires no frying, making it a fast way to enjoy homemade donuts.
• Perfect Fall Flavors: Pumpkin and warming spices create a nostalgic taste that’s hard to resist during cooler months.
• Moist and Tender Texture: Baking rather than frying keeps these donuts light and fluffy with a soft crumb.
• Versatile and Customizable: You can tweak spices, toppings, or swap ingredients to suit your dietary preferences easily.
• Maple Glaze Finish: The easy maple glaze adds a touch of natural sweetness, enhancing the flavor without overwhelming it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays an important role in building the flavor, texture, and vibrant color of your Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze. From the pumpkin puree that provides moistness to the spices that awaken your senses, it’s all about balance.

• Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture, natural sweetness, and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor essential for the recipe.
• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the structure of the donuts, keeping them soft but sturdy enough to hold the glaze.
• Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Help the donuts rise and become fluffy without being dense.
• Warm Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger, Cloves): Offer that cozy, warming flavor profile linked to pumpkin desserts.
• Sugar (Brown and Granulated): Brown sugar adds depth while granulated sugar balances sweetness for the perfect donut.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
• Buttermilk or Milk: Keeps the donuts tender and adds a subtle tanginess.
• Vegetable Oil or Melted Butter: Ensures moistness without greasiness.
• Pure Maple Syrup (for the glaze): The star of the glaze, packed with natural sweetness and authentic flavor.
• Powdered Sugar (for the glaze): Creates a smooth, glossy finish when combined with maple syrup.

Variations for Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze

Feel free to personalize your Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze by experimenting with different spices, toppings, or dietary swaps to match your mood or occasion. Customizing is simple and fun!

• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or black pepper for a surprising kick alongside classic pumpkin spice.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for an allergy-friendly dessert.
• Vegan Twist: Use flax eggs and plant-based milk, and swap butter for coconut oil to make it vegan.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Replace or add to the maple glaze with melted dark chocolate for extra richness.
• Nutty Upgrade: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the glaze for delightful crunch and flavor.

How to Make Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your donut pan or use non-stick spray to ensure your donuts come out easily after baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and warm spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. This combines all the components that give your donuts their characteristic flavor and rise.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, oil or melted butter, and buttermilk until smooth and well blended. The pumpkin brings moisture, while the eggs and fats create richness and tender crumb.

Step 4: Bring it All Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently fold using a spatula until just combined—be careful not to overmix to keep your donuts fluffy.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

Fill each cavity of the donut pan about 3/4 full with the batter using a spoon or piping bag for clean edges. This helps ensure even baking and perfect donut shape.

Step 6: Bake the Donuts

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean and the donuts spring back lightly when touched.

Step 7: Prepare the Maple Glaze

While the donuts cool, whisk together powdered sugar and pure maple syrup in a small bowl until smooth and slightly thickened to create that shiny, sweet glaze.

Step 8: Glaze and Serve

Dunk the tops of the cooled donuts into the maple glaze or drizzle it over them with a spoon. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze

• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly to avoid dense donuts.
• Don’t Overmix: Mixing batter just until combined keeps your donuts light and tender.
• Let Donuts Cool Completely: Cooling before glazing prevents the maple glaze from melting and running off.
• Use Fresh Spices: Fresh, fragrant spices make a marked difference in flavor intensity.
• Adjust Glaze Consistency: Add more powdered sugar for thicker glaze or more maple syrup for a thinner drizzle.

How to Serve Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze

Garnishes

Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or chopped toasted pecans on top of the maple glaze for an extra burst of flavor and texture.

Side Dishes

Pair these donuts with a warm cup of chai tea, coffee, or a creamy latte to enhance their sweet, spiced flavors—a perfect match for relaxing mornings.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack donuts on a pretty cake stand for a festive table centerpiece, or arrange them in colorful boxes tied with ribbons to give as heartfelt gifts during the holiday season.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and softness.

Freezing

Wrap donuts individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months; thaw overnight at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

Warm donuts for 10-15 seconds in the microwave or a few minutes in a low oven to revive their softness and enhance the maple glaze’s aroma.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?

Yes! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and is convenient—just make sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling.

Are these donuts gluten-free?

The original recipe uses all-purpose flour, but you can easily swap in a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.

Can I make these donuts ahead of time?

Absolutely! They can be made a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container, or frozen for longer storage.

What’s a good substitute for buttermilk?

Mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar with 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using as a simple buttermilk substitute.

How do I avoid my glaze from being too runny?

Add more powdered sugar in small increments to thicken the glaze until it reaches your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about baking your own Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze—it’s like wrapping up fall in a warm, sweet hug. This recipe is straightforward enough for any skill level yet delicious enough to impress everyone. Whether you’re new to baking donuts or a seasoned pro, these treats bring seasonal joy to your kitchen and smiles all around. So why wait? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy these delightful pumpkin-spiced donuts drizzled with rich maple glaze!

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