The crisp air of fall often calls for cozy treats, and nothing captures that essence better than homemade pumpkin donuts. Picture this: warm donuts infused with the fragrant spices of cinnamon and nutmeg, each bite delivering a tender crumb that invites you back for more. What sets these baked pumpkin donuts apart is their delightful maple glaze that glistens in the sunlight, making them not just a treat but a centerpiece for any gathering.
When I first discovered this simple recipe, I couldn’t believe how quickly I could whip up a batch—just 15 minutes of prep and I was on my way to creating an autumn delight that can impress guests or simply elevate a quiet brunch at home. Cooking doesn’t always have to be complicated; in fact, these donuts are beginner-friendly, allowing even the most hesitant of bakers to feel like culinary pros. So, grab your donut pan, and let’s bring the flavors of fall to your kitchen with this irresistibly easy baked pumpkin donut recipe!
Why are Pumpkin Donuts a must-try?
Irresistible Flavor: These pumpkin donuts are a celebration of fall, combining the warmth of spices with a luscious maple glaze.
Beginner-Friendly: With just 15 minutes of prep, this recipe is tailored for novice bakers, ensuring success without stress.
Versatile Options: Customize with fresh pumpkin, nuts for crunch, or even a chocolate glaze for a twist on the classic.
Quick Baking: Bake these treats in under 15 minutes, making them perfect for spontaneous gatherings or cozy mornings at home.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether served at brunch or alongside a warm cup of coffee, everyone will be reaching for seconds of these delightful donuts!
Pumpkin Donut Ingredients
• Easy-to-find components for perfect donuts.
For the Batter
- All-purpose flour – Provides structure; swap with whole wheat flour for a healthier treat.
- Baking powder – Essential for rising; don’t omit for fluffy donuts.
- Baking soda – Enhances leavening to achieve that perfect texture.
- Pumpkin pie spice – Adds a blend of warm flavors; mix your own with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger if needed.
- Salt – Balances sweetness for well-rounded flavor.
- Granulated sugar – Sweetens the batter for delightful indulgence.
- Brown sugar – Introduces moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
- Canned pumpkin puree – Infuses flavor and moisture; fresh pumpkin can be used if prepared properly.
- Eggs – Bind the mixture and provide delicious richness.
- Unsalted butter – Adds richness; for dairy-free, use vegetable oil instead.
- Vanilla extract – Deepens the flavor profile beautifully.
- Buttermilk – Keeps the batter moist; substitute with milk and lemon juice or vinegar if necessary.
For the Glaze
- Powdered sugar – Creates a sweet, silky coating; essential for that glossy look.
- Maple syrup – Introduces rich, comforting sweetness that pairs well with the pumpkin.
- Milk – Helps achieve the desired consistency; adjust for a thicker or thinner glaze.
How to Make Pumpkin Donuts
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan. This prevents sticking and allows the donuts to rise perfectly, yielding a soft and fluffy texture.
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Mix together in a large bowl the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Stir until evenly combined, and enjoy the lovely aroma that fills your kitchen!
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Whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, canned pumpkin puree, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and buttermilk in a separate bowl until smooth and creamy. This mixture will add moisture and richness to your batter.
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Combine the dry and wet ingredients gently until just mixed. Be careful not to overmix—this will ensure your donuts remain light and tender!
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Fill the donut pan with batter about two-thirds full, using a piping bag for cleaner filling if desired. This will help create those beautiful donut shapes you’re looking for.
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Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean. Look for a light golden color on top that indicates they are ready.
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Cool the donuts in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step allows them to firm up while preventing them from becoming soggy.
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For the Glaze: In a bowl, combine powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until smooth. This will create that luscious topping that makes these donuts irresistible!
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Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze, ensuring each is well-coated before setting aside to allow the glaze to set. Watching the glaze drizzle down the sides is part of the fun!
Optional: Dust with a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra touch of flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Pumpkin Donuts are perfect for busy cooks looking to save time during the week! You can bake the donuts up to 24 hours in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For the best quality, glaze them just before serving to maintain that delightful shine and texture. If you want to prepare even further, you can mix the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt) and store them in a sealed bag for up to 3 days. On baking day, just blend the wet ingredients with the pre-mixed dry components, bake, and enjoy delicious Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze that feel freshly made!
What to Serve with Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze?
Warm pumpkin donuts drizzled with maple glaze create a cozy aroma in your kitchen, setting the perfect scene for delightful pairings.
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Rich Coffee: A cup of freshly brewed coffee enhances the buttery sweetness of the donuts, making for a lovely breakfast pairing.
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Chai Tea: The spiced flavors in chai tea beautifully complement the warm spices of the donuts, creating a comforting afternoon treat.
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Cinnamon Applesauce: This chunky, sweet side dish mirrors the donut’s spices and adds a delightful fruitiness to your table.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, cold ice cream contrasts perfectly with the warm donuts, creating a deliciously indulgent dessert experience.
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Caramel Drizzle: Drizzling a bit of warm caramel over your donuts will elevate the sweetness, adding a rich layer that truly dazzles.
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Fall Fruit Salad: Toss together seasonal fruits like pears and cranberries for a fresh, tangy side that balances the richness of the donuts.
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Pumpkin Spice Latte: Treat yourself to a pumpkin spice latte; the flavors harmonize beautifully with the donuts, making for a festive pairing.
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Maple Bacon: For a savory touch, crispy bacon with maple glaze offers a sweet and salty contrast that’s simply irresistible.
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Hot Chocolate: On cooler days, nothing warms the heart quite like a rich hot chocolate, pairing seamlessly with sweet pumpkin donuts fresh from the oven.
Expert Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Donuts
Don’t Overmix: Avoid overmixing the batter; this keeps your pumpkin donuts tender and light. Overmixed batter can create dense donuts.
Use a Piping Bag: For a clean fill, use a piping bag to add the batter to the donut pan. This helps create neat, uniform shapes.
Cool Before Glazing: Ensure donuts are completely cool before dipping in glaze; glazing warm donuts can lead to a runny texture that doesn’t set properly.
Check Doneness: Use a toothpick to test for doneness. If it comes out clean, your pumpkin donuts are ready to come out of the oven for that perfect bite!
Experiment with Spices: If you’re out of pumpkin pie spice, substitute with a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to capture those lovely autumn flavors seamlessly!
Storage Savvy: Store glazed pumpkin donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for maximum freshness, or freeze unglazed ones for later cravings.
Pumpkin Donuts Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative and make these pumpkin donuts your own! Each variation offers a delightful twist to the classic recipe.
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Fresh Pumpkin: Swap canned pumpkin for fresh pumpkin puree for a more vibrant flavor. Roasting and blending your pumpkin brings out its natural sweetness.
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Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a satisfying crunch. The nuts will complement the spices and enhance texture, creating a delightful surprise in every bite.
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Chocolate Glaze: Switch out the maple glaze for a rich chocolate glaze. Melt dark chocolate with a touch of cream for a decadent twist that pairs perfectly with pumpkin.
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Spiced Variations: Try adding a teaspoon of ginger or allspice for an extra kick, enhancing the warmth and comfort of your donuts. Your friends will be asking how you made such flavorful treats!
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose for a gluten-free version. Just ensure the blend includes xanthan gum for the right texture.
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Dairy-Free: Replace buttermilk with almond milk and the butter with coconut oil for a completely dairy-free donut. Your taste buds won’t miss a beat!
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Maple Sweetness: For an elevated touch, drizzle additional maple syrup over your glazed donuts after they set. This extra layer of flavor makes each bite pure bliss.
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Pumpkin Spice Latte Twist: Stir in a shot of espresso powder into the batter to give these donuts a delightful coffee flavor, reminiscent of your favorite coffeehouse drink. Perfect for fall mornings!
Storage Tips for Pumpkin Donuts
Room Temperature: Store glazed pumpkin donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them fresh and delicious.
Freezer: If you want to enjoy them later, freeze unglazed pumpkin donuts in a single layer, wrapping each in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer bag. They can be kept for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To enjoy frozen donuts, let them thaw at room temperature and then warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that freshly baked taste.
Glaze Freshness: If you’re storing unglazed donuts, consider glazing them just before serving to ensure the glaze remains silky and appealing on your pumpkin donuts!
Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe pumpkins for the puree?
Absolutely! When selecting pumpkins, look for ones that are firm, with smooth, unblemished skin. You want a pumpkin that feels heavy for its size, with a rich, orange color. Avoid those with soft spots or dark blemishes, which can indicate spoilage.
What is the best way to store baked pumpkin donuts?
Baked pumpkin donuts should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them fresher for longer, place them in the refrigerator; they should last for about 3 to 4 days that way.
Can I freeze pumpkin donuts? How should I do that?
Absolutely! Freeze unglazed pumpkin donuts by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until they are firm. Then, wrap each donut in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months. To enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature, then warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Why are my donuts dense instead of fluffy?
Very good question! Dense donuts may result from overmixing the batter, which develops gluten and leads to a tough texture. Make sure to mix just until combined. Additionally, be certain you are using enough baking powder and baking soda for proper leavening.
Can pets eat pumpkin donuts?
While plain pumpkin is safe for pets in moderation, the sweeteners (like sugar) and glaze in these donuts may not be suitable for them, especially for dogs. Always keep your treats out of reach of your furry friends, and if you want to share, consider making an unsweetened pumpkin treat just for them!
Are there any allergy considerations?
Certainly! This recipe includes eggs and dairy in the form of butter and buttermilk. If someone has allergies, you can substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and replace the buttermilk with dairy-free milk and vinegar or lemon juice for a safe and delicious alternative.
Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze That Will Wow Your Taste Buds
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
- Mix together in a large bowl the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
- Whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, canned pumpkin puree, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and buttermilk in a separate bowl.
- Combine the dry and wet ingredients gently until just mixed.
- Fill the donut pan with batter about two-thirds full.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool the donuts in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- In a bowl, combine powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until smooth.
- Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze, ensuring each is well-coated.