Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Soft and Fluffy – These donuts are light, soft, and perfectly crumbly.
✔️ Autumn Flavors – The pumpkin pie spice and pumpkin puree create a rich, fall-inspired flavor profile that’s perfect for the season.
✔️ Maple Glaze – The maple glaze adds a sweet, warm touch that complements the pumpkin flavor beautifully.
✔️ Baked, Not Fried – These donuts are healthier than traditional fried donuts, yet they’re just as delicious.
✔️ Perfect for Sharing – This recipe makes 12 donuts, ideal for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
For the 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
For the Maple Glaze:
- ¾ cup maple syrup
- 1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Coat a donut pan with nonstick spray to prevent the donuts from sticking.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and baking soda. Whisk the ingredients together until well mixed.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the melted butter and light brown sugar on medium-high until well combined, about 1-2 minutes.
4. Add Eggs, Pumpkin, and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time until well combined. Then add the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract and beat until just combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients at low speed, beating just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Scoop the Batter:
Scoop the donut batter evenly into the donut pan, filling each cavity almost to the top. Smooth the tops of the batter to ensure they bake evenly.
7. Bake the Donuts:
Place the donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts are slightly browned and spring back when touched.
8. Make the Maple Glaze:
While the donuts are baking, make the glaze. Heat the maple syrup in a small saucepan over medium heat until reduced to ½ cup, about 5 minutes. Whisk in the butter, vanilla extract, and salt until the butter has melted. Then, whisk in the confectioners’ sugar until the glaze is smooth.
9. Cool and Glaze the Donuts:
Once the donuts are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for 10 minutes. Then, dip the tops of the donuts into the maple glaze, allowing the glaze to set before serving.
10. Serve:
Enjoy the donuts while they’re still warm or at room temperature. They make a perfect treat for breakfast, dessert, or a snack!
Servings and Timing
- Prep time: 30 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts
- Calories: Approximately 180-200 calories per donut
Tips for Success
- Donut Pan: Be sure to coat the donut pan with nonstick spray to ensure the donuts release easily.
- Pumpkin Puree: Use pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) for the best results.
- Maple Glaze: Adjust the glaze thickness by adding more or less confectioners’ sugar to suit your preference.
- Storage: These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds if desired.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version of this recipe.
Why This Recipe Works
These Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze are perfectly spiced and tender. The use of pumpkin pie spice and pumpkin puree gives these donuts that quintessential autumn flavor, while the maple glaze adds a rich sweetness that complements the warm spices. The best part? These donuts are baked, so you get all the flavor and softness without the mess and extra calories of frying. They’re the perfect fall treat!
FAQs
Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?
Yes, you can! If you don’t have a donut pan, simply spoon the batter into a muffin tin to make pumpkin muffins instead. The baking time may need to be adjusted slightly.
Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the donuts ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh them, you can warm them up in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.
Can I freeze these donuts?
Yes, these donuts freeze well! Let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Can I substitute the maple syrup glaze with something else?
Yes! If you prefer, you can make a cinnamon glaze by mixing powdered sugar, cinnamon, and a little milk or cream. You can also use a simple powdered sugar glaze.
Can I use a different type of spice if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?
Yes, you can substitute pumpkin pie spice with a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Adjust to your taste preference.
Conclusion
These Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze are the ultimate Fall treat, combining the flavors of pumpkin, warm spices, and sweet maple glaze in every bite. They’re easy to make, healthy, and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re having them for breakfast or serving them at a holiday gathering, these donuts are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try this recipe and enjoy the deliciousness of Fall!
Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze: An Incredible Fall Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze are soft, moist, and full of fall flavors, topped with a rich maple glaze. A healthier alternative to fried donuts, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack.
Ingredients
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
¾ cup maple syrup
1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ cup confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Coat a donut pan with nonstick spray.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and baking soda. Whisk until well mixed.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat melted butter and light brown sugar until combined, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add Eggs, Pumpkin, and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then add pumpkin puree and vanilla, and beat until just combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Scoop the Batter: Scoop the donut batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity almost to the top. Smooth the tops.
- Bake the Donuts: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until slightly browned and springy when touched.
- Make the Maple Glaze: Heat maple syrup in a saucepan over medium heat for 5 minutes until reduced to ½ cup. Whisk in butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth, then stir in confectioners’ sugar.
- Cool and Glaze the Donuts: Let donuts cool for 10 minutes before dipping in the maple glaze. Allow the glaze to set.
- Serve: Serve the donuts warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Donut Pan: Coat the donut pan with nonstick spray to ensure the donuts release easily.
Pumpkin Puree: Use pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) for the best flavor.
Maple Glaze: Adjust the glaze thickness by adding more or less confectioners’ sugar.
Storage: These donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds if desired.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour to make these gluten-free.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 180-200
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
