As the leaves begin to crunch beneath our feet and the air turns crisp, there’s a certain warmth that awaits in the kitchen—a cozy, spiced aroma that fills the air and beckons friends and family to gather. This recipe for baked pumpkin donuts with maple glaze is my go-to for celebrating the best of the fall season. I stumbled upon this delightful treat during one of those rainy afternoons spent experimenting, and I knew I had found something special.
With a tender crumb and the perfect balance of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, these donuts are not just easy to whip up but also a delightful way to elevate any brunch or festive gathering. In just 15 minutes of prep, you can indulge in a bite of autumn bliss that pairs beautifully with your morning coffee or as an afternoon pick-me-up. So, if you’re ready to trade in the fast food for homemade goodness, let’s dive into this recipe that’s sure to impress, delight, and warm your heart!
Why Love Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze?
Comforting, cozy flavors: These baked pumpkin donuts transport you straight into fall with their spiced pumpkin goodness.
Beginner-friendly: Even novice bakers can create bakery-style donuts with ease.
Quick prep time: With just 15 minutes of active work, you’ll be savoring these treats in no time.
Versatile pairing: Perfect for breakfast or a delightful afternoon snack, they go beautifully with coffee or tea.
Unforgettable glaze: The irresistible maple glaze adds a luxurious touch, making these donuts the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Ready to indulge further? Check out my other easy recipes for more homemade goodness!
Baked Pumpkin Donuts Ingredients
For the Donuts
• All-purpose flour – Structure to the donuts; can substitute with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
• Baking powder – Leavening agent to help the donuts rise.
• Baking soda – Additional leavening for a light texture.
• Pumpkin pie spice – Flavor base that brings warmth and a fall-inspired flavor; homemade mix can replace store-bought.
• Salt – Enhances sweetness and balances flavors.
• Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and texture; can be reduced for a less sweet donut.
• Brown sugar – Contributes moisture and rich flavor.
• Canned pumpkin puree – Provides moisture with a hint of earthy sweetness; fresh pumpkin can be used by cooking and pureeing.
• Large eggs – Acts as a binding agent, contributing to texture.
• Unsalted butter – Adds richness and flavor; can substitute with vegetable oil for a dairy-free version.
• Vanilla extract – Delivers aromatic flavor enhancement.
• Buttermilk – Keeps the donuts moist and adds a slight tang; can substitute with milk plus vinegar.
For the Maple Glaze
• Powdered sugar – Sweetness and texture for the glaze.
• Pure maple syrup – Provides a deep flavor and sweetness in the glaze.
• Whole milk – Adjusts the glaze consistency for perfect dipping.
Enjoy creating these baked pumpkin donuts with maple glaze that fill your home with comforting aromas!
How to Make Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze
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Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your baked pumpkin donuts cook evenly and come out fluffy. Don’t forget to grease your donut pan to prevent sticking!
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Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Whisk these together until they’re well combined, and then set the mixture aside.
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Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and buttermilk until smooth. Take a moment to enjoy the wonderful fall aroma as you mix!
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Blend mixtures: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this helps keep your donuts light and airy.
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Fill the pan: Spoon or pipe the batter into the greased donut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full. This will give your donuts some rise without overflowing.
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Bake: Place the donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean when ready.
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Cool the donuts: Once baked, allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Prepare the glaze: For the maple glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and whole milk until smooth. This glaze should have a lovely, creamy consistency that is perfect for dipping.
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Glaze the donuts: Dip each cooled donut into the glaze, letting any excess drip off before placing them back on the wire rack. The glaze should set beautifully over the warm, spiced donuts.
Optional: Dust with a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra touch of fall flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These baked pumpkin donuts with maple glaze are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to savor delicious fall flavors even on the busiest mornings. You can prepare the donut batter up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the dry and wet ingredients separately and refrigerating them in airtight containers. Just before baking, combine them and fill your donut pan. The glaze can also be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—just re-whisk it before dipping. By prepping in advance, you’ll enjoy warm, delightful donuts with minimal last-minute effort, perfect for brightening your mornings!
What to Serve with Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze?
Indulging in these delightful pumpkin donuts is just the beginning of a seasonal celebration. Let’s create a full meal experience that warms the heart and satisfies the palate.
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Spiced Chai Latte: A creamy, spiced-chai latte perfectly complements the warm flavors of the donuts, creating a cozy, autumn-inspired drink pairing.
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Apple Cinnamon Muffins: These soft, fluffy muffins offer a burst of fresh apple flavor, and their warm spices echo the donut’s comforting taste.
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Crunchy Granola: A bowl of crunchy granola with dried fruits adds texture and a wholesome feel, making it a delightful contrast to the soft donuts.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: Brighten up the spread with a medley of seasonal fruits like pears, grapes, and pomegranates to add freshness and a pop of color.
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Maple Pecan Coffee Cake: Serve alongside a slice of this rich coffee cake to pinch the sweet essence from those maple flavors, making it a festive brunch treat.
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Nutty Hot Chocolate: A warm cup of nutty hot chocolate or coffee helps to accentuate the cozy, spiced flavors of the donuts and wraps everything in velvety bliss.
Pairing these treats will not only enhance the experience of your baked pumpkin donuts but also create new memories filled with warmth and joy!
Expert Tips for Baked Pumpkin Donuts
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Grease Well: Thoroughly grease your donut pan to prevent sticking. A light coating of cooking spray or butter does wonders.
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Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts; we want them light and fluffy!
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Fresh vs. Canned: If using fresh pumpkin, ensure it’s properly cooked and pureed until smooth. This ensures the right consistency of your baked pumpkin donuts.
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Glaze Timing: Pour the glaze over the donuts immediately after mixing. This helps it maintain the perfect viscosity for dipping.
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Flavor Boost: For an extra touch, add a pinch of nutmeg to the glaze for more depth in flavor.
Baked Pumpkin Donuts Variations
Customize these delightful donuts to your heart’s content, creating your own perfect fall treat!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil and buttermilk with almond milk plus vinegar for a completely dairy-free donut.
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Whole Wheat Twist: Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and a wholesome texture. They’ll still be deliciously soft!
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Nutty Delight: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a delightful crunch that complements the spices beautifully.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your batter for a surprising heat that balances the sweetness of the maple glaze.
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Pumpkin Spice Lovers: For a richer flavor, bump up the pumpkin pie spice by a teaspoon, allowing the warm spices to shine even brighter.
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Choco-Lover’s Dream: Mix in dark chocolate chips or drizzle a bit of melted chocolate over the glazed donuts for a decadent treat.
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Flavor Infusion: Replace vanilla extract with maple extract for an even deeper maple flavor in both the donuts and the glaze.
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Glazed Perfection: Experiment with different glazes—like a brown butter glaze or spiced cream cheese frosting—for an extra layer of indulgence.
Have fun exploring these variations, allowing your creativity and taste preferences to craft the ideal baked pumpkin donuts!
Storage Tips for Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze
Room Temperature: Store baked pumpkin donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to retain freshness and flavor.
Fridge: If you want to extend their lifespan, keep donuts in the fridge for up to a week—just ensure they’re tightly wrapped.
Freezer: Freeze unglazed donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours, then transfer to an airtight container for up to 2–3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy your donuts warm, reheat from frozen in a microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes.
Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best pumpkin for my donuts?
Absolutely! If you decide to use fresh pumpkin, look for small, firm pumpkins, often labeled as “sugar pumpkins” or “pie pumpkins,” which are sweeter and more flavorful for baking. Check for any bruises or dark spots that signal overripeness. Fresh pumpkin should feel heavy for its size, indicating it’s full of moisture.
How should I store leftover baked pumpkin donuts?
Very simple! Keep your donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their freshness. If you wish to store them longer, transfer them to the fridge for up to a week, ensuring they are well-wrapped. Just remember to let them cool completely to prevent condensation.
Can I freeze unglazed pumpkin donuts?
Yes! Freezing your baked pumpkin donuts is easy and a great way to enjoy them later. To freeze, arrange the unglazed donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about 1-2 hours until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag, where they can last for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours.
What should I do if my pumpkin donuts are dense?
If you find your donuts turned out denser than expected, it might be due to overmixing your batter. To avoid this, combine your wet and dry ingredients just until they are mixed, as overmixing can create more gluten than desired. Also, ensure your leavening agents (like baking powder and baking soda) are fresh, as expired ingredients won’t help your donuts rise properly.
Are these pumpkin donuts safe for children or those with allergies?
Absolutely! These baked pumpkin donuts can be made suitable for little ones, but always consider dietary restrictions. If allergies are a concern for children or guests, you might want to substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce. Make sure to check for any specific allergies related to ingredients like eggs, dairy, or gluten.
How can I make these baked pumpkin donuts healthier?
Very easily! One of my favorite variations includes substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to boost fiber content. You can also reduce the amount of granulated sugar or use a natural sweetener. Another tip is to replace unsalted butter with coconut oil for a lighter option—both for flavor and health benefits!
Irresistible Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your donut pan.
- In a large bowl, mix all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and buttermilk.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently.
- Fill the donut pan about two-thirds full with the batter.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- For the glaze, mix powdered sugar, maple syrup, and whole milk until smooth.
- Dip each cooled donut into the glaze and let excess drip off.