Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe
If you’re yearning for a treat that wraps together cozy fall flavors, easy baking, and a show-stopping finish, these Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze will make your heart—and your kitchen—sing with autumnal joy. Each bite bursts with pumpkin warmth, fragrant spices, and an irresistible maple sweetness. Whether for weekend brunch or a coffee break pick-me-up, this recipe delivers all the indulgence of classic donuts without the fried fuss. Trust me, once you try these Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze, they’ll be on repeat all season long!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making these donuts at home is surprisingly simple, with a handful of staple ingredients that together create a perfect balance of flavor, moisture, and that classic, fluffy donut texture. Each ingredient contributes something special to ensure your Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze taste like they’re straight from your favorite bakery.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for tender, soft donuts that hold their shape but stay light.
- Baking powder: Gives your donuts a gorgeous lift for that bakery-style puff.
- Pumpkin pie spice: The flavor hero, this blend delivers the signature warm spice we crave in pumpkin treats.
- Kosher salt: Adds contrast, wakes up the flavors, and balances the sweetness.
- Baking soda: Teamwork with the baking powder for perfect rise and tender crumb.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Brings rich flavor and that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Light brown sugar (packed): Adds molasses warmth and helps the donuts stay moist.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
- Canned pumpkin puree: Star of the show, for both flavor and ultra-moist texture.
- Vanilla extract: Softens and rounds out the spice with sweetness.
- Maple syrup: Real maple flavor for a truly unforgettable glaze.
- Unsalted butter (for glaze): Adds creamy richness to the maple glaze.
- Vanilla extract (for glaze): Infuses the glaze with extra depth.
- Kosher salt (for glaze): Balances the sweetness in the lush maple topping.
- Confectioners’ sugar: Whipped into the glaze for a silky, pourable finish that sets just right.
How to Make Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Set the stage by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F. Give your donut pan a generous coat of nonstick spray—this way, your donuts will pop out easily, with perfectly crisp edges every time. Getting the pan ready first means you can move quickly once the batter is mixed.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and baking soda. This ensures the leaveners and spices are evenly distributed, so every donut gets equal love, flavor, and rise.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar, Add Eggs and Pumpkin
Let your stand mixer do the work on this one! Beat the melted butter and brown sugar together until they’re well combined and a little fluffy. Then, drop in the eggs one at a time, mixing between each addition for a smooth, cohesive batter. Next, add the pumpkin puree and vanilla, blending just enough to mix—no need to overdo it.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
With your mixer on low, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Beat until everything is just incorporated. At this point, the batter will be thick, creamy, and smell heavenly. Resist the urge to overmix, which keeps the donuts soft and tender.
Step 5: Fill and Bake
Spoon or pipe the batter evenly into your prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full for those satisfyingly round shapes. Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, until the donuts are lightly golden and spring back when touched. Your kitchen will be filled with mouthwatering aromas!
Step 6: Maple Glaze Time!
While the donuts bake, get started on that luscious maple glaze. Simmer the maple syrup in a small saucepan until it reduces to about half. Whisk in the butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth and combined. Finish by whisking in the confectioners’ sugar, transforming it into a silky, glossy glaze that’s pure fall decadence.
Step 7: Dip, Glaze, and Set
Let your donuts cool for about 10 minutes so the glaze doesn’t slide right off. Grab each donut and dip the tops generously into the glaze. Set them aside to let the glaze firm up—if you can wait that long before devouring them!
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze are irresistible warm, but they’ll keep their deliciousness at room temperature too. Pile them high on a platter, get the coffee brewing, and watch them disappear.
How to Serve Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze
Garnishes
The glaze really shines on its own, but for a bit of extra flair, try a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans, a dusting of cinnamon, or just a drizzle more of maple syrup right before serving. These touches add lovely texture and an even bigger wow factor.
Side Dishes
Pair your donuts with a big mug of hot coffee, a spiced chai latte, or even cold milk for a true dunking adventure. Fresh fruit salad or a bowl of creamy Greek yogurt on the side brings a refreshing balance to the sweet, spiced richness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re sharing these at a gathering, stack the Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze on a tiered cake stand for bakery-level elegance. Wrap them up in bags with a ribbon for the ultimate homemade gift, or set up a “decorate your own donut” bar with fun toppings for kids and adults alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll stay moist and delicious, but do store them in a single layer to keep the glaze pretty and intact.
Freezing
If you want to make a batch ahead, freeze the unglazed donuts tightly wrapped, then thaw and glaze them just before serving. This lets you pull out cozy treats at a moment’s notice, even on the busiest mornings.
Reheating
For that freshly baked vibe, warm donuts gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 300-degree oven for about 5 minutes. Add glaze afterwards if needed, or give them a quick dip to freshen up the existing icing.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned?
Definitely! Homemade pumpkin puree works beautifully, just make sure it’s well-drained and not too watery for the right batter consistency in your Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze.
Is it possible to make these gluten-free?
Yes, a good one-to-one gluten-free flour blend should substitute nicely for the all-purpose flour, so everyone can enjoy these delicious donuts.
What if I don’t have a donut pan?
No worry! Use a muffin tin instead and bake as donut muffins; they’ll still be soft, fluffy, and just as satisfying smothered in maple glaze.
Can I add chocolate chips or nuts to the batter?
Absolutely! Fold in a half cup of mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts before filling the pan for a fun twist on the classic Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze.
How do I know when the donuts are done?
Look for donuts that are lightly browned, spring back gently when touched, and pass the toothpick test (it should come out clean) so you know they’re perfectly baked every time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to embrace the beauty of fall or simply need a cozy pick-me-up, don’t hesitate to make these Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze. They’re easy, fun, and absolutely irresistible for any occasion. Grab your ingredients, invite a friend, and bake up a batch—you’ll be glad you did!
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Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze are a delightful fall treat that perfectly blends the warm flavors of pumpkin pie spice with a sweet maple glaze. Soft, moist, and full of seasonal goodness, these donuts are sure to become a favorite for autumn gatherings.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 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
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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 the Oven: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Coat a donut pan with nonstick spray.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and baking soda.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in pumpkin and vanilla. Gradually add in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Bake the Donuts: Scoop the batter into the donut pan and bake for 10-12 minutes until slightly browned.
- Make the Maple Glaze: Reduce maple syrup in a saucepan, then whisk in butter, vanilla, salt, and confectioners’ sugar until smooth.
- Glaze the Donuts: Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze and allow it to set.
- Serve: Enjoy the donuts warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature eggs and butter.
- Ensure the donuts are completely cooled before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting too quickly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Baked Pumpkin Donuts, Maple Glaze, Fall Dessert, Baked Donuts Recipe
