Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe

If you’re looking to embrace the cozy flavors of fall in the most delightful way, these Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze are an absolute must-try. They blend the tender, spiced richness of pumpkin with a perfectly sweet and silky maple glaze that whispers autumn in every bite. Lightly baked to perfection, these donuts are the ideal treat to enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or to impress at your next brunch gathering. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become your go-to seasonal indulgence that’s both simple to prepare and irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze starts with a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in delivering their signature flavor and texture. From the warm spices to the creamy pumpkin puree, every element comes together beautifully without fuss.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: This provides the perfect structure for the donuts to stay soft yet hold their shape.
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: A key leavening agent that helps the donuts rise just right, keeping them fluffy.
• 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice: The essential blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that brings that unmistakable pumpkin flavor.
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the spices.
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside baking powder to give just the right lift.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and moisture without overpowering.
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed: Provides both sweetness and a subtle molasses depth.
• 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the tender crumb.
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree: The star ingredient, bringing moisture and that classic autumn taste.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the overall flavor.
• For the maple glaze: A mix of maple syrup, butter, vanilla, salt, and confectioners’ sugar that creates a glossy, luscious coating.

How to Make Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and generously coat your donut pan with nonstick spray. This preparation ensures your donuts will release easily after baking without sticking or breaking apart.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, kosher salt, and baking soda. Combining these ingredients first allows the spices and leavening agents to distribute evenly throughout your batter, helping achieve a balanced flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Beat the Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the melted butter and brown sugar on medium-high speed for about 1 to 2 minutes until well combined and slightly fluffy. This step is vital for creating a tender, moist texture in your donuts.

Step 4: Add Eggs, Pumpkin, and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract just until combined. Overmixing here can lead to dense donuts, so gentle folding is key to keep them light and airy.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients using low speed, mixing just until everything comes together. This helps maintain the delicate crumb we want in our donuts, avoiding overdeveloping the gluten which can make them tough.

Step 6: Fill the Donut Pan and Bake

Scoop the batter evenly into the prepared donut pan, filling each well about three-quarters full. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the donuts are lightly browned on top and spring back when you gently press them. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overbake and dry out.

Step 7: Prepare the Maple Glaze

While the donuts bake, bring the maple syrup to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium heat and reduce it down to about half its original volume, roughly five minutes. Whisk in the unsalted butter, vanilla, and kosher salt until the butter melts completely. Then sift in the confectioners’ sugar and whisk until smooth and glossy. This glaze is the perfect balance of sweet and buttery with that unmistakable maple depth.

Step 8: Glaze the Donuts

Allow the donuts to cool for about 10 minutes once they’re out of the oven so they’re just warm to the touch. Dip the tops of each donut into the maple glaze and set them aside on a wire rack to let the glaze set for a few minutes. This step is what transforms these treats from simple pumpkin donuts to a show-stopping delight.

How to Serve Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a dusting of cinnamon sugar over the maple-glazed tops adds an extra layer of texture and flavor that complements the warming spices in the donuts beautifully. A few flakes of sea salt can also amplify the sweetness of the maple glaze, making each bite more complex and satisfying.

Side Dishes

These donuts pair wonderfully with warm beverages like chai tea, spiced lattes, or classic black coffee. For a heartier brunch, serve alongside a platter of fresh fruit or a creamy yogurt parfait to balance the sweet richness with something light and refreshing.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider stacking your Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze into a donut tower for an eye-catching centerpiece or arrange them artfully on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra glaze for dipping. Wrapping individual donuts in parchment with a tied ribbon makes a charming handmade gift or party favor that friends and family will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The glaze stays lovely and sticky, and the donuts maintain their soft texture. Just be sure to avoid overly humid environments to keep them from becoming soggy.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these donuts later, freeze them without the glaze first. Wrap each donut tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature and add freshly made maple glaze for that fresh-from-the-oven feel.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the donuts in a microwave for about 15 seconds or warm them gently in a low oven for five minutes. This brings back their soft texture and makes the glaze deliciously melty again.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Absolutely! Just make sure to cook and puree fresh pumpkin first to achieve the same smooth consistency. Using fresh pumpkin can add a brighter, slightly less sweet flavor to your donuts.

Is it possible to make these donuts gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum. Keep in mind that texture may vary slightly, but the flavor will still be fantastic.

Can I skip the maple glaze or use a different glaze?

While the maple glaze is what makes these donuts truly special, you can definitely skip it or try other toppings like cream cheese frosting or a simple powdered sugar glaze for a different twist.

How long do the donuts stay fresh once glazed?

Once glazed, it’s best to enjoy the donuts within 1 to 2 days to taste their best. The glaze may begin to soften and the donuts could lose some moisture if stored longer.

Will these donuts be very sweet?

They have a balanced sweetness thanks to the brown sugar in the batter and the natural richness of the maple glaze. If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the sugar slightly or glaze only half the donuts.

Final Thoughts

Creating these Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze is like capturing the essence of fall in one perfect bite. They are easy to make, wonderfully comforting, and guaranteed to bring smiles around the table. Whether you’re treating yourself on a crisp morning or sharing with friends, these donuts will quickly become a cherished favorite. So grab your mixing bowl and get ready to experience autumn magic the delicious way!

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