Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy, seasonal treat that feels like autumn in every bite, these Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze are about to become your new favorite. Soft, tender donuts bursting with warm pumpkin flavor and spiced just right, then coated with a sweet, shimmering maple glaze—it’s a combination that’s comforting, delightful, and incredibly easy to make at home. Whether you’re baking for a special breakfast, a festive gathering, or a simple sweet snack, these donuts bring that perfect blend of spice, sweetness, and pumpkin goodness to every mouthful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze lies in their simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create the perfect texture and flavor. Each component plays an important role—from the rich pumpkin puree adding moisture and earthiness, to the fragrant pumpkin pie spice setting the scene for fall in every bite.

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and tender crumb that donut lovers crave.
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree: Brings moistness, natural sweetness, and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor.
• ½ cup brown sugar: Adds caramel notes and enhances the donut’s moist texture.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness and helps create a slightly crisp exterior.
• 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness to the batter.
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the donuts tender and soft without heaviness.
• ¼ cup milk: Adds just enough moisture to unify the batter smoothly.
• 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice: The soul of the donut, delivering warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove notes.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the donuts rise beautifully and become fluffy.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works with the acidic pumpkin to lighten texture and add tenderness.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and prevents the sweetness from being overpowering.
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze): Creates a smooth and sweet coating perfect for the maple-infused topping.
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (for glaze): Delivers authentic maple flavor that’s rich and natural.
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (for glaze): Adjusts the glaze consistency to just the right drizzle thickness.

How to Make Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Donut Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing your donut pan well with nonstick spray is essential to ensure these beauties come out perfectly shaped and ready for glazing.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry mix infuses the donuts with those signature warm spices and lays the foundation for the perfect rise.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, blend the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and milk until you have a smooth, homogenous mixture. The pumpkin and sugars give moisture and sweetness, while the eggs and oil contribute to a tender bite.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Gently stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay and help keep the donuts light and fluffy.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan and Bake

Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each cavity of the donut pan about three-quarters full to allow room for rising. Bake for 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the donuts comes out clean. After baking, let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Make the Maple Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, pure maple syrup, and 1 tablespoon of milk until smooth. Add more milk if needed to achieve a pourable glaze. Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze and set them on a rack to allow the glaze to firm up before serving.

How to Serve Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze

Garnishes

These donuts are beautiful on their own, but a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a dusting of cinnamon sugar on top adds a fabulous texture and extra warmth that complements the maple glaze perfectly.

Side Dishes

Serve these donuts alongside a hot cup of coffee or chai latte to balance their sweet, spiced flavors. For a brunch spread, pair them with fresh fruit or a creamy yogurt parfait for a delightful contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Set out a donut board with a variety of glazes and toppings including crushed nuts, shaved coconut, or mini chocolate chips, inviting guests to create their own signature version of Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze. It’s a fun and interactive way to serve this autumn favorite!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep the glaze from getting sticky, place parchment paper between layers.

Freezing

You can freeze these donuts before glazing by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before applying the maple glaze.

Reheating

For that fresh-baked warmth, gently reheat the donuts in a microwave for about 10 seconds or warm them in a low oven for a few minutes. Add the glaze just before serving to keep it fresh and shiny.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Absolutely! Just roast and puree your pumpkin flesh until smooth, then measure out a cup for the recipe. Fresh pumpkin might be a bit less moist, so adjust the milk slightly if needed.

What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

No problem! You can mix your own using cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a pinch of cloves or allspice. This way you control the spice blend exactly to your taste.

Can these donuts be made gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for best results. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.

Is it okay to use honey instead of maple syrup for the glaze?

Honey can be used as a substitute, but it will change the flavor profile slightly. Maple syrup offers a distinct autumnal sweetness that pairs perfectly with pumpkin, so it’s worth sticking with if you can.

How do I know when the donuts are fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of a donut; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, they’re done. Overbaking can dry them out, so keep an eye near the 15-minute mark.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to fill your kitchen with cozy autumn aromas and enjoy a treat that tastes like a warm hug, look no further than these Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze. They’re easy, fun, and utterly delicious—a perfect way to celebrate the flavors of the season. I promise once you try them, they’ll be a go-to recipe you reach for every fall and beyond.

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