Soft Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe

Charming Maple-Glazed Baked Pumpkin Donuts Recipe

Autumn’s golden embrace brings these delectable maple glazed pumpkin donuts dancing to your kitchen counter.

Warm spices weave through soft, pillowy rounds of seasonal comfort.

Each bite promises a rich, velvety texture that melts on your tongue with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg.

The maple glaze drizzled generously adds a luxurious sweetness that complements the pumpkin earthy depth.

Baking these donuts fills your home with an irresistible aroma that whispers of cozy sweater weather and falling leaves.

Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

Fall dessert magic awaits in every tender, glazed morsel.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients for Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze

For Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our donuts, providing structure and soft texture.
  • Baking Powder: Gives the donuts their light and airy rise.
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice: Infuses warm, autumnal flavors that complement the pumpkin.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances the overall sweetness of the donuts.
  • Baking Soda: Helps with browning and additional leavening.
For Wet Ingredients:
  • Melted Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the donut base.
  • Brown Sugar: Brings deep caramel notes and helps keep the donuts tender.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients and provide structure to the donuts.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Delivers classic fall flavor and helps keep the donuts moist.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and rounds out the warm spice flavors.
For Maple Glaze:
  • Maple Syrup: Creates the signature sweet and rich glaze topping.
  • Butter: Adds smoothness and helps create a glossy finish.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the glaze.
  • Confectioners' Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps thicken the glaze.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the maple flavor.

Must-Have Tools for Pumpkin Donut Baking

  • Donut Pan: Essential for creating perfectly shaped baked donuts.
  • Electric Mixer with Paddle Attachment: Crucial for combining wet ingredients smoothly and efficiently.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: Needed for combining dry ingredients.
  • Small Saucepan: Required for reducing maple syrup and preparing the glaze.
  • Whisk: Used for mixing dry ingredients and creating a smooth glaze.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Important for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Spatula: Helpful for scraping batter and folding ingredients.
  • Cooling Rack: Allows donuts to cool evenly and prevents soggy bottoms.

Baking Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze

  • Oven Preparation

Warm up the oven and get your baking pan ready for a sweet adventure.

  • Dry Ingredient Blend

Mix all the powdery ingredients in a spacious bowl until they’re perfectly combined.

  • Wet Ingredient Magic

In a mixer, combine melted butter and brown sugar, creating a smooth base. Add eggs one by one, then fold in pumpkin puree and vanilla for extra richness.

  • Batter Creation

Gently combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just mixed to keep the texture light and fluffy.

  • Donut Shaping

Pour the batter into the donut pan, filling each section evenly for perfectly shaped treats.

  • Baking Moment

Slide the pan into the oven and bake until the donuts are golden and bouncy to the touch.

  • Maple Glaze Technique

Simmer maple syrup, then whisk in butter and other glaze ingredients until silky smooth.

  • Finishing Touch

Let donuts cool slightly, then dip them into the glossy maple glaze. Allow the coating to set before serving your delightful homemade treats.

Tasty Tips for Maple Pumpkin Donuts

  • Adjust the pumpkin pie spice to match your taste preferences, adding more or less depending on how intense you want the warm, autumnal flavor.
  • Experiment with different sweeteners like honey or agave nectar instead of maple syrup, creating unique flavor profiles that complement the pumpkin base.
  • Replace butter with coconut oil or vegetable oil to create a delicious vegan-friendly version of these soft, fragrant donuts.
  • Sprinkle chopped pecans, toasted pumpkin seeds, or crushed graham crackers over the maple glaze for added texture and nutty undertones that enhance the overall taste experience.

Presenting Baked Pumpkin Donuts Perfectly

  • Autumn Breakfast Companion: Pair these warm, spiced donuts with a steaming mug of cinnamon coffee or classic chai tea for a cozy morning treat.
  • Dessert Presentation Elegance: Stack the glazed donuts on a rustic wooden board, sprinkle with chopped pecans or candied walnuts for an impressive after-dinner sweet.
  • Weekend Brunch Centerpiece: Create a delightful display by arranging donuts on a tiered cake stand, accompanied by fresh seasonal fruits like crisp apple slices or caramelized pear wedges.
  • Gifting Gourmet Option: Package donuts in clear cellophane bags tied with autumn-colored ribbons, perfect for sharing with friends or bringing to a fall gathering.

Keep Baked Donuts Fresh and Moist

  • Fresh Batch Strategy: Prepare these delightful donuts early in the morning for a perfect breakfast treat or afternoon snack. They taste best when enjoyed within 24 hours of baking.
  • Chilled Storage Method: Carefully place donuts in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Cover the bottom with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture and maintain their delicious texture.
  • Freezer-Friendly Approach: Wrap individual donuts in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container for maximum 2 weeks. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying their soft, spicy goodness.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Mix dry ingredients the night before to streamline morning baking. Store the flour mixture in a sealed container at room temperature, ready to transform into quick and delectable donuts whenever cravings strike.
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Soft Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe

Soft Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze


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4.8 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Seasonal Maple Pumpkin Donuts deliver classic autumn comfort with rich, spiced flavors. Bakery-style treats offer warm spices and sweet maple glaze that you’ll savor to the last delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (240 ml) brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup (240 ml) pumpkin puree, canned
  • 0.5 cup (120 ml) butter, unsalted, melted
  • 2 tsps (10 ml) vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 tsps (7.5 ml) baking powder
  • 1.5 tsps (7.5 ml) pumpkin pie spice
  • 0.75 tsp (3.75 ml) kosher salt
  • 0.25 tsp (1.25 ml) baking soda
  • 0.75 cup (180 ml) maple syrup
  • 1.5 tbsps (22.5 ml) butter, unsalted
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
  • 0.25 tsp (1.25 ml) kosher salt
  • 0.25 cup (60 ml) confectioners’ sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat Preparation: Warm the oven to 400°F and mist a donut pan with nonstick spray for seamless release.
  2. Dry Ingredient Assembly: Blend flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and baking soda in a mixing bowl until uniformly combined.
  3. Wet Mixture Creation: Cream melted butter and brown sugar in an electric mixer until silky smooth, then integrate eggs individually, ensuring complete incorporation after each addition.
  4. Moisture Integration: Fold in pumpkin puree and vanilla extract, stirring gently to maintain a light, airy batter without overworking the mixture.
  5. Batter Composition: Gradually introduce dry ingredients to the wet mixture at low speed, mixing until just combined to preserve the delicate texture.
  6. Pan Filling: Distribute batter evenly across donut pan cavities, using precise movements to create uniform donuts.
  7. Baking Process: Bake for 10-12 minutes, monitoring for a golden-brown hue and a springy texture that indicates perfect doneness.
  8. Glaze Preparation: Reduce maple syrup in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in butter, vanilla extract, and salt until thoroughly blended.
  9. Glaze Refinement: Gradually incorporate confectioners’ sugar, whisking continuously to create a glossy, smooth maple glaze.
  10. Finishing Touch: Cool donuts for 10 minutes, then dip each top into the maple glaze, allowing the coating to set and create a delectable, glistening finish.

Notes

  • Measure Precisely: Use exact measuring tools for flour, spices, and sugar to guarantee consistent donut texture and flavor.
  • Prevent Overmixing: Stir batter gently and minimally to maintain a light, tender crumb structure without developing tough gluten.
  • Check Donut Doneness: Test baked donuts by lightly pressing the surface; they should spring back quickly and display a golden-brown color.
  • Glaze Application Tip: Dip donuts when slightly warm to help maple glaze adhere smoothly and create a glossy, professional finish.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Sophie Martin

Sophie Martin

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Nutrition and Healthy Eating
  • Creating Balanced Recipes
  • Meal Planning
  • Food Safety
  • Teaching About Nutrition

Education

Stellenbosch University, South Africa

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition
  • Focus: Studying how food affects health, learning about balanced diets, and understanding the nutritional needs of different people.

South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town

  • Program: Professional Culinary Arts Diploma
  • Focus: Practical cooking skills, focusing on healthy meal preparation and understanding various cooking methods.

Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.

Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.

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