Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe

If you are looking for a cozy, moist, and utterly delicious treat to celebrate the flavors of fall, these Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze are an absolute must-make. This recipe combines the warm spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger with the natural sweetness and moisture of pumpkin puree, all perfectly balanced with a luscious maple glaze that adds just the right touch of sweetness and shine. Whether you want to impress guests at brunch, enjoy a comforting afternoon snack, or cozy up with a cup of coffee, these donuts are sure to become a beloved favorite in your baking repertoire. Plus, they’re baked to perfection, making them a lighter and easier alternative to fried donuts without sacrificing any flavor or texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze starts with a simple pantry lineup that brings out the best in each donut: the pumpkin puree adds incredible moisture and that iconic fall flavor, while a blend of spices builds depth and warmth. Everything from the flour to the baking powder works together to give you donuts that are soft, fluffy, and perfectly risen. And don’t overlook the glaze ingredients — simple, pure maple syrup and powdered sugar create a classic finish that beautifully complements the pumpkin.

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure your donuts need while staying tender.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the donuts rise and become light and fluffy.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works with the acidic pumpkin for perfect leavening.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Gives warmth and a classic spice note.
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle, woody richness.
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger: Offers a gentle zing that brightens the spice mix.
• ½ cup canned pumpkin puree: The star of the show, delivering moisture and that signature pumpkin flavor.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create a tender crumb.
• ¼ cup brown sugar: Adds caramel notes and keeps the donuts soft.
• 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and give the donuts their structure.
• ½ cup milk (or almond milk): Keeps the batter smooth and moist.
• ¼ cup vegetable oil or melted butter: Adds richness and tenderness to the donuts.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
• ½ cup powdered sugar (for glaze): The base for a smooth, sweet finish.
• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup (for glaze): Brings a deep, natural sweetness with its iconic earthy notes.
• 2 teaspoons milk (or more, for glaze): Adjusts glaze consistency to perfect dip-ability.

How to Make Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your nonstick donut pan with cooking spray or butter to ensure the donuts release easily after baking. Setting the stage well here makes the entire process smoother and guarantees those perfect donut shapes.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger until fully combined. This step ensures your spices are evenly distributed throughout the batter, so every bite has that perfect burst of autumnal flavor.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, milk, oil or melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. This mixture creates a velvety base that’s rich and moist, giving the donuts their tender texture and beautiful depth of flavor.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, combining just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix to keep your donuts light and fluffy instead of dense. A little gentle folding is all you need to create the perfect batter.

Step 5: Fill Your Donut Pan

Spoon or pipe the batter into your prepared donut pan, filling each mold about three-quarters full. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to release any air bubbles, which helps keep the donuts even and smooth on top.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the donuts comes out clean. Once baked, allow them to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling is crucial for the glaze to set properly and for the donuts to hold their shape.

Step 7: Whip Up the Maple Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until smooth. Adjust the milk quantity to get a glaze that’s easy to dip but thick enough to coat the donuts. This glaze brings a sweet, sticky finish that makes these donuts irresistible.

Step 8: Glaze Your Donuts

Dip each cooled donut into the maple glaze, letting the excess drip off before placing them back on the wire rack. Let the glaze set for around 10 minutes before serving or storing. This final touch seals in the flavor and adds that gorgeous glossy look.

How to Serve Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze

Garnishes

For a little extra wow factor, sprinkle some finely chopped toasted pecans or a pinch of cinnamon sugar right after glazing. These simple garnishes add texture and complement the flavors of the pumpkin and maple beautifully, making your donuts even more inviting and festive.

Side Dishes

These donuts pair wonderfully with a steaming cup of coffee, chai tea, or hot apple cider to keep the seasonal vibes going strong. A dollop of whipped cream or a small bowl of spiced yogurt on the side can also elevate the experience for a delightful brunch or afternoon treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange these Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment paper for a charming fall display. You can also stack a few with a drizzle of extra maple syrup on top or pair them with fresh fruit like sliced pears or cranberries to add freshness and color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their moist texture. Beyond that, refrigeration is best to keep the glaze intact and prevent spoilage.

Freezing

If you want to keep them longer, freeze the unglazed donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw overnight at room temperature and glaze fresh before serving to retain the best flavor.

Reheating

Reheat your donuts gently in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a warm oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes, just enough to bring back their fresh-baked warmth without melting the glaze too much. Enjoy them as if they were just out of the oven!

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Absolutely! If you have fresh pumpkin, roast it until soft, then puree it well. Keep in mind fresh pumpkin can have a bit more water content, so you might need to adjust the wet ingredients slightly for the perfect dough consistency.

Is it possible to make these donuts gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to help the donuts hold together well.

Can I use a different glaze instead of maple?

Definitely! While maple glaze is perfect for these pumpkin donuts, you can also try cream cheese glaze, cinnamon sugar, or even a simple vanilla glaze to switch things up. Each will offer a slightly different but delicious taste.

What’s the best way to prevent donuts from sticking to the pan?

Lightly greasing the donut pan with butter or using a nonstick spray works wonders. Additionally, allowing the donuts to cool for a few minutes before trying to remove them helps prevent breakage and sticking.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just give it a gentle stir before spooning into the pan, as the ingredients may settle or thicken slightly.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about sharing a batch of Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze fresh from the oven, their warm spices filling your kitchen and the sticky, sweet glaze beckoning you in. This recipe is not only a celebration of fall flavors but also an approachable way to enjoy homemade donuts any time you want. So why wait? Gather those ingredients, get baking, and treat yourself and your loved ones to these delightful pumpkin treats that are every bit as comforting as they are delicious.

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