When the first hint of fall’s crisp air greets your window, there’s nothing more comforting than turning on the oven and filling your kitchen with the cozy warmth of spiced pumpkin treats. These Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze are like a hug in donut form—light, tender, and bursting with that irresistible pumpkin flavor we all crave when leaves start to carpet the ground. Each nibble delivers a perfect balance of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, giving a subtle warmth that dances on your palate without overwhelming the gentle sweetness of pumpkin puree. This recipe is a delightful twist on your classic donut, taking advantage of the humble loaf pan’s cousin, the donut pan, to create little rings of autumn joy you can enjoy guilt-free since they’re baked, not fried.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the donut game, this recipe is designed for absolute beginners, with a prep time of just 15 minutes, a baking time of 18 minutes, and a brief 10-minute rest before adding the irresistible glaze. Each donut clocks in at about 200 calories, making them a perfectly portioned dessert or a special breakfast treat. Topped with a luscious maple glaze that’s sweet, silky, and effortlessly drizzled, these donuts transform into a festive centerpiece for holiday gatherings or a cozy weekend brunch. With just 12 simple ingredients plus a handful of staples for the glaze, you’ll find the method straightforward and the results utterly rewarding. Grab your donut pan, preheat your oven, and let’s celebrate fall one delicious ring at a time!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN BAKED PUMPKIN DONUTS WITH MAPLE GLAZE
Every ingredient in these pumpkin donuts plays a starring role in delivering that perfect combination of moist texture, warm spice, and sweet finish. From the foundation of flour to the final drizzle of glaze, each element contributes to a harmonious bite that captures the essence of autumn. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour
Provides the structure and body of the donuts, yielding a tender crumb that holds its shape while still feeling light and fluffy.
- Baking powder
Acts as the leavening agent, creating air pockets for a soft, risen donut that isn’t too dense.
- Salt
Balances the sweetness and enhances the depth of all the other flavors, preventing the donuts from tasting flat.
- Ground cinnamon
Delivers that classic warmth and sweetness with a touch of spice, anchoring the flavor profile in cozy familiarity.
- Ground ginger
Brings a bright, slightly sharp note that complements the cinnamon and pumpkin without overpowering.
- Ground nutmeg
Adds subtle nuttiness and a gentle spiciness that deepens the autumnal flavor.
- Ground cloves
Offers an earthy, aromatic intensity in tiny doses, working in harmony with the other spices.
- Granulated sugar
Sweetens the batter, helps with browning, and gives a slight crispness around the edges of each donut.
- Light brown sugar
Contributes moisture and a hint of molasses flavor that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
- Canned pumpkin puree
The star of the show—provides natural moisture, vibrant color, and that unmistakable pumpkin taste.
- Large eggs
Bind all the ingredients together and add richness, giving the donuts a tender, cake-like texture.
- Vegetable oil
Ensures each bite stays moist without weighing down the batter, plus makes the donuts pleasantly soft.
- Vanilla extract
Rounds out the flavors with its sweet, floral notes, elevating the overall taste experience.
- Powdered sugar
Forms the base of the glaze, dissolving easily for a smooth, glossy finish.
- Pure maple syrup
Infuses the glaze with authentic maple flavor and natural sweetness.
- Milk
Thins the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency, ensuring it coats the donuts evenly.
- Vanilla extract (for glaze)
Adds an extra layer of aromatic sweetness that complements both pumpkin and maple.
HOW TO MAKE BAKED PUMPKIN DONUTS WITH MAPLE GLAZE
Before diving into the step-by-step instructions, take a moment to assemble your ingredients and preheat your oven. This helps ensure a smooth baking experience and consistent results. Ready to get started? Let’s transform these pantry staples into the fluffiest, most flavorful pumpkin donuts you’ve ever tasted.
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan with non-stick spray to guarantee easy release and perfectly clean edges.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves until the spices are evenly distributed. This ensures every donut has the right balance of warm autumn flavors.
3. In another bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth, scraping the sides to ensure there are no lumps of sugar or pumpkin left behind.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, using a spatula or spoon to gently fold until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—overworking the batter can lead to tougher donuts.
5. Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full to leave room for the donuts to rise without spilling over.
6. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. The tops should be firm and spring back slightly when touched.
7. Remove the donuts from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. This resting period helps the donuts hold their shape. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. To make the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, 1 tablespoon milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Add more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach a drizzling consistency.
9. Once the donuts are completely cooled, dip the tops into the glaze and return them to the wire rack. Allow the glaze to set for several minutes before serving to avoid any sticky mess.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR BAKED PUMPKIN DONUTS WITH MAPLE GLAZE
When these donuts come out of the oven and their sweet maple glaze is shining like morning dew, you’ll want to present them in ways that highlight both their visual appeal and flavor. Elevate your fall gatherings, brunch spreads, or office treats with these creative serving ideas that enhance every bite.
- Pair warm donuts with a steaming mug of spiced latte: The rich coffee notes and creamy foam create a delightful contrast with the sweet, spiced rings. Drizzle a little extra glaze on top of the drink foam for an Instagram-worthy sip-and-snack duo.
- Create a donut board display: Arrange the pumpkin donuts alongside mini muffins, apple slices, and cinnamon sticks on a wooden board. Scatter edible flowers or fresh herbs for pops of color and texture—perfect for holiday brunch or a festive get-together.
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon: For an indulgent twist, add a cloud of lightly sweetened whipped cream on each donut, then dust with extra ground cinnamon or pumpkin spice. The creaminess pairs beautifully with the warm spices.
- Serve alongside maple butter or flavored cream cheese: Offer small dishes of homemade maple butter (softened butter mixed with a touch of maple syrup) or cinnamon-infused cream cheese. Guests can spread these luxuriously smooth toppings on each donut for a personalized flavor boost.
HOW TO STORE BAKED PUMPKIN DONUTS WITH MAPLE GLAZE
Keeping your pumpkin donuts fresh and flavorful is all about sealing in moisture and preserving that tender crumb. Whether you’re saving leftovers for later in the week or planning ahead for a cozy gathering, these storage tips will help maintain the perfect texture and taste.
- Room temperature, airtight container: Once the glaze has fully set, place donuts in a single layer inside an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days. This method keeps them soft without condensation forming on the glaze.
- Refrigeration: If you need to store the donuts longer (up to 3 days), arrange them in an airtight container lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Bring donuts to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- Freezer storage: For extended freshness, flash-freeze cooled donuts on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature, then reheat briefly in a warm oven (300°F for 5–7 minutes) to revive that just-baked softness.
- Glaze-on vs. glaze-off: If you prefer to freeze or refrigerate without worrying about soggy glaze, store donuts without the maple glaze. Bring to room temperature, then drizzle fresh glaze just before serving to maintain that perfect, crisp finish.
CONCLUSION
From the moment you whisk together that first bowl of spices and flour, to the final drizzle of sweet maple glaze, these Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze bring all the magic of fall into your kitchen. This easy, beginner-friendly recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional donuts: they’re baked, not fried, resulting in a lighter treat that never sacrifices flavor. With just 12 simple pantry staples and minimal prep time—15 minutes to mix and 18 minutes to bake—you’ll soon have a batch of moist, tender pumpkin donuts that vanish in seconds at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting friends for a crisp morning brunch or sneaking a sweet nibble alongside your afternoon coffee, these donuts are guaranteed to put smiles on every face. Feel free to print this article and save it for later use; you’ll find a handy FAQ section below for any lingering questions or troubleshooting tips.
We always love hearing how your baking adventures turn out, so please leave a comment below if you try this recipe or need any help along the way. Did you experiment with a cinnamon glaze or turn these into muffins? Have ideas on toppings or pairing suggestions of your own? We’d be thrilled to share in your experiences—questions, feedback, or even your first impressions are all welcome. Happy baking, and here’s to savoring the flavors of fall one delicious donut at a time!
Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze
Description
These baked pumpkin donuts are fluffy and bursting with warm spices, perfectly complemented by a sweet maple glaze. Ideal for crisp autumn mornings or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan with non-stick spray.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
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In another bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
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Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
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Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean.
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Remove the donuts from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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To make the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, 1 tablespoon milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Add more milk if needed to reach drizzling consistency.
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Once the donuts are cooled, dip the tops into the glaze and return them to the wire rack. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Note
- Substitute pumpkin spice for a quicker spice mix.
- Donuts taste best on the same day, but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Experiment with different glazes, like cinnamon or vanilla, for variety.
- Perfect for fall gatherings or holiday breakfasts.
- These can be turned into muffins by using a muffin tin instead.
