Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious autumn treat that balances cozy spices with a luscious finish, you have to try these Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze. They’re soft, moist, and perfectly spiced, then topped with a shiny maple glaze that adds just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you’re baking for a family breakfast or an indulgent brunch treat, these donuts bring fall flavors to life in the most delightful way. Plus, they’re baked, not fried, so you get that rich donut experience without the extra heaviness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the key to making these Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze shine. Each one plays a crucial role in creating that soft texture, warm flavor, and beautiful color that make these donuts irresistible.

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of your donut dough, providing structure and just enough chew.
• Baking powder: Ensures your donuts rise nicely and stay light.
• Pumpkin pie spice: Brings those cozy autumnal notes like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
• Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• Baking soda: Helps with leavening to create an airy texture.
• Unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and moisture to the batter.
• Light brown sugar: For mellow sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.
• Large eggs: Bind everything together and add tenderness.
• Canned pumpkin puree: Brings moistness and that iconic pumpkin taste without overpowering.
• Vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor profile, making your donuts fragrant and inviting.
• Maple syrup: The star of the glaze, adding natural sweetness with a rich, earthy undertone.
• Confectioners’ sugar: Provides perfect sweetness and texture to the glaze.

How to Make Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

First things first, heat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to give your donuts a nice rise and slightly golden color. Grease your donut pan with a non-stick spray so the donuts release easily after baking without losing their delicate shape.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together all your dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, kosher salt, and baking soda. This combines your leavening agents with the warm spices so they evenly distribute throughout every donut.

Step 3: Whip the Wet Ingredients

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the melted butter and light brown sugar on medium-high speed. This helps dissolve the sugar and incorporate air for lighter donuts. Next, add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Then mix in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and inviting.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on a low speed just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your donuts might become dense instead of tender.

Step 5: Fill and Bake

Spoon or pipe the batter into your prepared donut pan, about three-quarters full to allow room for rising. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the donuts turn slightly golden and spring back when you gently press them.

Step 6: Make the Maple Glaze and Dip

While the donuts cool for 10 minutes, prepare the glaze by warming together maple syrup, butter, vanilla extract, kosher salt, and confectioners’ sugar until smooth and slightly thickened. Dip the tops of the warm donuts into the glaze for that perfect shiny finish with a sweet maple punch.

How to Serve Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze

Garnishes

To take your Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze to the next level, sprinkle some toasted pecans or chopped walnuts on top of the glaze while it’s still sticky. A light dusting of cinnamon sugar or a few flakes of sea salt also add lovely texture and flavor contrasts that make each bite a little more special.

Side Dishes

These donuts pair beautifully with a cup of hot coffee, chai tea, or creamy latte. For a heartier brunch, serve them alongside fresh fruit salad or yogurt parfaits to balance the sweetness with refreshing, tangy notes.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting friends or an event, arrange your donuts on a festive platter with autumn leaves or mini pumpkins for decoration. Layering donuts on tiered stands or stacking them in a donut tower can create a stunning centerpiece that invites everyone to indulge.

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 two days. This keeps them moist and fresh, though they’re best enjoyed the day they’re made.

Freezing

You can freeze the donuts without the glaze for longer storage. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready, thaw and add the fresh maple glaze for that perfect finish.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the donuts gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds or pop them in a low oven (around 275°F) for a few minutes. Then reapply the maple glaze if needed to bring back that irresistibly sticky sweetness.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, you can, but fresh pumpkin needs to be cooked, peeled, and pureed thoroughly before use. It should be well-drained to avoid making the donut batter too wet, which can affect texture.

Is it necessary to use a donut pan?

A donut pan helps achieve the classic donut shape and even cooking. If you don’t have one, you can use a muffin tin to make pumpkin cupcakes and glaze them the same way.

Can I make these donuts vegan?

To make a vegan version, try substituting eggs with flax eggs and use vegan butter. Keep in mind the texture might be slightly different, but the spices and flavors will still be delicious.

How thick should the maple glaze be?

The glaze should be pourable but not too runny—thick enough to coat the donuts and set slightly after dipping. Adjust the confectioners’ sugar to get the consistency just right.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter?

Absolutely! Toasted nuts or mini chocolate chips folded into the batter add extra texture and flavor. Just don’t overfill the donut cavities, so they bake evenly.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze that makes any morning feel special. With their tender crumb, warming spices, and that sweet, shiny glaze, these donuts are a cozy hug on a plate. I can’t wait for you to try making them—you might just find your new favorite way to celebrate pumpkin season!

Print