Delightful Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Sweet Maple Glaze

Baked Pumpkin Donuts Maple Glaze – just hearing those words evokes the quintessential feeling of autumn. Imagine waking up to the inviting aroma of warm spices mingling with sweet pumpkin, a scent that promises comfort and joy. I find immense joy in crafting these delightful treats, especially as the leaves begin to turn and a crispness fills the air.

While the history of donuts is a rich tapestry spanning various cultures, the beautiful combination of pumpkin and maple truly captures the spirit of North American fall harvest traditions. These flavors are deeply rooted in celebrations and family gatherings, making them more than just a dessert; they are a taste of cherished memories and cozy moments.

People absolutely adore this dish for countless reasons. Unlike their often heavy, fried relatives, these baked pumpkin donuts offer a wonderfully tender, cake-like texture that simply melts in your mouth. The warm, inviting spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger blend harmoniously with the subtle sweetness of pumpkin, creating a base that is both comforting and exhilarating. But the real magic happens when they’re generously coated with that luscious, sticky, and perfectly balanced maple glaze.

The rich, sweet, and slightly earthy notes of pure maple syrup elevate the entire experience.

It’s a convenient and incredibly satisfying way to bring the essence of autumn directly to your breakfast table or dessert plate, filling your home with an irresistible fragrance. Prepare to fall in love with our recipe for Baked Pumpkin Donuts Maple Glaze, a truly perfect autumnal indulgence.

this Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Baked Pumpkin Donuts:

• 1 ½ cups (190g) All-Purpose Flour: I always make sure to use a good quality, unbleached all-purpose flour for the best texture in my Baked Pumpkin Donuts Maple Glaze.
• ¾ cup (150g) Granulated Sugar: This provides the perfect level of sweetness, complementing the pumpkin and spices beautifully.
• ¼ cup (50g) Light Brown Sugar, packed: The brown sugar adds a lovely depth and a hint of molasses flavor that pairs wonderfully with pumpkin.
• 2 teaspoons Baking Powder: Essential for that light, fluffy, cake-like texture we want in our baked donuts.
• 1 teaspoon Baking Soda: Works in conjunction with the baking powder and the acidity from the pumpkin and brown sugar to give these donuts a perfect lift.
• 1 ½ teaspoons Ground Cinnamon: The star spice, bringing warmth and classic autumnal aroma.
• ½ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg: A crucial partner to cinnamon, offering a slightly sweet and pungent note.
• ½ teaspoon Ground Ginger: Adds a gentle warmth and a subtle zesty kick.
• ¼ teaspoon Ground Cloves: Just a touch of cloves enhances the overall spice profile without overpowering the other flavors. If you prefer, you can use 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice blend instead of individual spices.
• ½ teaspoon Salt: Don’t skip the salt! It balances the sweetness and brings out all the wonderful flavors in the Baked Pumpkin Donuts Maple Glaze.
• 1 Large Egg: At room temperature, please! Room temperature eggs incorporate more evenly into batters.
• ½ cup (120ml) Milk: Whole milk works best for richness, but 2% will also do. Make sure it’s also at room temperature.
• ½ cup (120g) Pure Pumpkin Puree: And I mean pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling! The label is important here; we want pure cooked pumpkin.
• ¼ cup (55g) Unsalted Butter, melted: Melted butter adds richness and moisture. Allow it to cool slightly before adding to the wet ingredients.
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: A good quality vanilla extract elevates all the flavors.

For the Maple Glaze:

• 1 ½ cups (180g) Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): Sifted, if you want the absolute smoothest glaze. This forms the base of our dreamy glaze.
• ¼ cup (60ml) Pure Maple Syrup: This is where the magic happens for our Maple Glaze! I always recommend using a good quality pure maple syrup, preferably Grade A Amber or Dark for the richest flavor. Avoid imitation syrups; they just won’t give you the same incredible taste.
• 2-3 tablespoons Milk or Heavy Cream: Start with 2 tablespoons and add more as needed to reach your desired consistency. Heavy cream will make the glaze a bit richer and more opaque.
• ½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract: A little vanilla enhances the maple flavor beautifully.
• Pinch of Salt: Just a tiny pinch makes all the difference in balancing the sweetness of the glaze.

Instructions:

Phase 1: Preparing the Baked Pumpkin Donut Batter

1. Preheat and Prepare Your Donut Pans:

   First things first, let’s get that oven ready! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grab your donut pans. I typically use two standard 6-cavity donut pans. Grease each cavity generously with non-stick cooking spray or butter. Even if your pans are “non-stick,” I find that a little extra greasing ensures a perfect release every time. Set them aside.

2. Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients:

   In a large bowl, combine your all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, ground cloves (or pumpkin pie spice), and salt. Use a whisk to vigorously combine these ingredients for about 30 seconds. This step is more important than you might think! Whisking thoroughly ensures that the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which will lead to a perfectly risen and consistently flavored donut. You want to make sure there are no lumps of brown sugar left.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:

   In a separate medium bowl, whisk together your room temperature large egg, room temperature milk, pure pumpkin puree, slightly cooled melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is well combined and smooth. It’s crucial that your butter isn’t too hot here, or it could start to cook the egg. Just warm enough to be liquid is perfect.

4. Marry the Wet and Dry Ingredients:

   Now, pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with your dry ingredients. Using a rubber spatula or a wooden spoon, gently fold everything together. Mix only until just combined. The key here is not to overmix! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, which can result in tough, dense donuts rather than the light, fluffy texture we’re aiming for. A few small lumps are perfectly fine and actually preferred over a perfectly smooth, but overmixed, batter.

5. Fill the Donut Pans:

   This is where a pastry bag or a large Ziploc bag comes in handy! Spoon your batter into a large Ziploc bag, snip off one corner (about a ½-inch opening), and pipe the batter evenly into each greased donut cavity, filling each about two-thirds full. If you don’t have a bag, you can carefully spoon the batter in, but it can be a bit messier. Filling them about two-thirds ensures they have enough room to rise beautifully without overflowing.

Phase 2: Baking the Pumpkin Donuts

1. Bake to Golden Perfection:

   Carefully place your filled donut pans into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 10-14 minutes. Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them. You’ll know they’re done when they spring back lightly to the touch, and a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into one of the donuts comes out clean. They should also be a beautiful golden brown color around the edges. Avoid opening the oven door too frequently during the first 8-10 minutes to allow them to rise properly.

2. Cooling the Baked Pumpkin Donuts:

   Once baked, remove the pans from the oven. Allow the donuts to cool in the pans for about 5 minutes. This brief cooling period helps them firm up slightly, making them easier to handle without breaking. After 5 minutes, carefully invert the pans onto a wire cooling rack. The donuts should pop out easily. If any stick, a gentle tap on the bottom of the pan should release them. Let them cool completely on the wire rack before glazing. Trying to glaze warm donuts will result in a messy, melted glaze that won’t set properly, so patience here is key!

Phase 3: Crafting the Pure Maple Glaze

1. Combine Glaze Ingredients:

   While your Baked Pumpkin Donuts are cooling, let’s get started on that irresistible Maple Glaze! In a medium bowl, combine the sifted powdered sugar, pure maple syrup, 2 tablespoons of milk or heavy cream, vanilla extract, and that tiny pinch of salt. Sifting the powdered sugar is a step I highly recommend; it prevents lumps and ensures a silky-smooth glaze.

2. Achieve the Perfect Glaze Consistency:

   Using a whisk, mix all the glaze ingredients together until you have a smooth, pourable consistency. If the glaze seems too thick, add the remaining tablespoon of milk or heavy cream, a tiny bit at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. I like my glaze to be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still thin enough to drip slightly. You want it to be thick enough to cling to the donut but not so thick that it globs up. If by chance you add too much liquid and it becomes too thin, simply whisk in a little more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it thickens up again. Taste it and adjust if needed; sometimes a tiny bit more maple syrup can really make it pop!

Phase 4: Glazing and Finishing Your Baked Pumpkin Donuts

1. The Dipping Process:

   Once your Baked Pumpkin Donuts are completely cool, it’s time for the fun part – glazing! Place the wire cooling rack with the cooled donuts over a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will catch any excess glaze and make cleanup a breeze. Take each donut and gently dip the top half into the prepared Maple Glaze. I like to twist it slightly to ensure an even coating. Lift the donut, allow any excess glaze to drip off back into the bowl for a few seconds, and then place it back on the wire rack.

2. Setting the Glaze:

   Allow the glazed donuts to sit on the wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes, or until the glaze has set. The Maple Glaze will firm up beautifully, creating a slightly crackly, sweet coating that is absolutely divine. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, you can even double-dip them once the first layer of glaze has set for an even thicker coating. Trust me, that extra layer of maple goodness is worth it!

3. Optional Garnish:

   For an extra touch of flair and flavor, while the glaze is still wet, you can sprinkle your freshly glazed Baked Pumpkin Donuts with a dusting of cinnamon sugar, a pinch of extra ground cinnamon, or even some finely chopped pecans or walnuts. This adds a lovely textural contrast and enhances the autumnal theme.

Tips for the Best Baked Pumpkin Donuts Maple Glaze Experience:

• Storage:

  These Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze are best enjoyed on the day they are made. However, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. The glaze might become a little sticky over time, but the flavor will still be fantastic. I find they rarely last that long in my house!

• Make Ahead:

  You can bake the pumpkin donuts a day in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Prepare the Maple Glaze just before serving for the freshest taste and best texture. Glaze them right before you plan to serve them for optimal results.

• Spice It Up:

  Feel free to adjust the spices in your Baked Pumpkin Donuts to your liking. If you love a stronger ginger kick, add a bit more. If you prefer less clove, reduce it. The beauty of homemade is customizing it to your personal preference!

• Pure Pumpkin Puree vs. Pumpkin Pie Filling:

  I cannot stress this enough: always use pure pumpkin puree for this Baked Pumpkin Donuts Maple Glaze recipe. Pumpkin pie filling is already spiced and sweetened, which would throw off the flavor balance of your donuts. Check the label carefully!

• Room Temperature Ingredients for Baked Pumpkin Donuts Maple Glaze:

  Having your egg and milk at room temperature is a small step that makes a big difference. Room temperature ingredients emulsify better, creating a smoother, more uniform batter and ultimately a better-textured donut. This is a pro tip for almost all baking!

Conclusion:

So there you have it, my friends! We’ve journeyed together through the delightful process of creating what I truly believe will become a staple in your fall baking repertoire. This isn’t just any donut recipe; it’s a comforting hug in edible form, a warm invitation to embrace the coziness of the season. What makes these donuts an absolute, undeniable must-try? Well, for starters, there’s the incredibly moist and tender crumb, a direct result of using real pumpkin puree, which not only imparts that beautiful orange hue but also a subtle, earthy sweetness that’s simply irresistible. Then, we have the perfect blend of autumnal spices – the cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves – dancing together to create that quintessential fall flavor profile that instantly transports you to apple orchards and pumpkin patches. But perhaps the most compelling reason to dive into this recipe is its surprising simplicity. Forget the messy, often intimidating world of deep-frying; these are baked to golden perfection, meaning less oil, less fuss, and a lighter treat that you can feel a little bit better about indulging in. They offer all the decadent flavor of a classic donut without the greasy aftermath.

This particular combination, our star player, the Baked Pumpkin Donuts Maple Glaze, brings together the robust warmth of pumpkin with the unparalleled, buttery sweetness of pure maple syrup. It’s a match made in heaven, creating a glaze that sets beautifully, adding an extra layer of sweetness and a hint of that signature maple aroma that is just divine. The moment you take that first bite, you’ll understand why I’m so passionate about this recipe. It’s not overly sweet, allowing the natural flavors of the pumpkin and spices to truly shine, while the glaze provides just the right amount of sugary kiss to finish it off. The texture is profoundly satisfying – light and airy, yet substantial enough to feel like a proper treat. It’s the kind of wholesome, homemade goodness that store-bought versions simply can’t replicate.

Elevate Your Donut Experience: Serving Suggestions

Now, once you’ve pulled these beauties from the oven and carefully adorned them with that luscious maple glaze, the fun doesn’t have to stop there! How you serve them can elevate the experience even further. Imagine a crisp autumn morning, a steaming mug of your favorite coffee or a spiced chai latte, and one of these warm, fragrant donuts. Pure bliss, right? They make an absolutely splendid addition to any brunch spread, perhaps alongside some fresh fruit and a savory egg dish, offering that perfect sweet counterpoint. For an evening treat, consider serving them lightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream – trust me, the contrast in temperatures and textures is simply divine.

Customization is Key: Creative Variations

But wait, there’s more! The versatility of this recipe is one of its hidden strengths. While the maple glaze is undeniably exquisite, don’t hesitate to experiment with variations to suit your mood or pantry. You could easily swap out the maple for a simple vanilla bean glaze, or even a decadent cream cheese frosting for an extra layer of richness. For those who adore chocolate, a rich chocolate ganache drizzle over the maple glaze would be an indulgent twist. Want to add some crunch? Sprinkle a few toasted pecans, walnuts, or even candied ginger bits onto the wet glaze before it sets. A dash of flaky sea salt on top of the maple glaze can also create a wonderful sweet and savory dynamic.

Thinking beyond the glaze, you can also play with the donut batter itself. A handful of mini chocolate chips or dried cranberries folded into the batter would add delightful bursts of flavor and texture. If you’re a spice enthusiast, feel free to amp up the ginger or add a pinch of allspice to the dry ingredients for an even bolder autumnal kick. You could even get creative with decorative sprinkles for a festive touch, especially if you’re making them for a special occasion or holiday gathering. For a lighter touch, a simple dusting of powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar after they’ve cooled is also a lovely option. Don’t feel limited to just donut shapes either; this batter works wonderfully in a muffin tin for delightful pumpkin muffins, or even a loaf pan for a quick bread, though you’ll need to adjust baking times accordingly. The possibilities for customization are truly endless, allowing you to make this recipe uniquely your own.

Your Turn to Bake and Share!

So, my dear readers, I implore you: don’t let this fall season pass by without experiencing the sheer joy of baking and tasting these incredible donuts. Block out an afternoon, gather your ingredients, put on some cozy music, and let the aroma of pumpkin and spices fill your kitchen. There’s something profoundly satisfying about creating something so delicious from scratch, and I promise you, the effort (minimal as it is!) will be richly rewarded with every single bite.

Once you’ve made them, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you stick to the classic Baked Pumpkin Donuts Maple Glaze or did you venture into exciting new variations? What was your favorite part of the process? Did they bring smiles to the faces of your family and friends? Please, don’t be shy! Share your stories, your tips, your triumphs, and even your questions in the comments below. Better yet, snap a photo of your culinary masterpiece and share it on your favorite social media platform. Tag me, if you like, and let the world see the deliciousness you’ve created! Your feedback and shared experiences are what truly bring recipes to life and build a wonderful community of fellow food lovers. This recipe is more than just ingredients and instructions; it’s an invitation to create memories, share joy, and savor the simple pleasures of homemade goodness. Go on, give these delightful donuts a try – your taste buds will thank you!

Baked Pumpkin Donuts Maple Glaze

Delightful Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Sweet Maple Glaze are a perfect fall treat. These fluffy, spiced donuts are baked, not fried, offering a lighter option with rich pumpkin flavor and warm spices. Topped with a luscious pure maple glaze, they’re easy to prepare in just 15 minutes, ideal for cozy mornings or seasonal gatherings.

Prep Time
15 Minutes

Cook Time
14 Minutes

Total Time
29 Minutes

Servings
12 donuts

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups (190g) All-Purpose Flour
• ¾ cup (150g) Granulated Sugar
• ¼ cup (50g) Light Brown Sugar, packed
• 2 tsp Baking Powder
• 1 tsp Baking Soda
• 1 ½ tsp Ground Cinnamon
• ½ tsp Ground Nutmeg
• ½ tsp Ground Ginger
• ¼ tsp Ground Cloves (or 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice blend)
• ½ tsp Salt
• 1 Large Egg, room temperature
• ½ cup (120ml) Milk, room temperature
• ½ cup (120g) Pure Pumpkin Puree
• ¼ cup (55g) Unsalted Butter, melted, cooled
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1 ½ cups (180g) Powdered Sugar, sifted
• ¼ cup (60ml) Pure Maple Syrup
• 2-3 tbsp Milk or Heavy Cream
• ½ tsp Vanilla Extract
• Pinch of Salt

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease two standard 6-cavity donut pans.
2. Step 2
   In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, ground cloves (or pumpkin pie spice), and salt until thoroughly combined.
3. Step 3
   In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the room temperature large egg, room temperature milk, pure pumpkin puree, slightly cooled melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Step 4
   Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Avoid overmixing; a few small lumps are acceptable.
5. Step 5
   Spoon the batter into a large Ziploc bag, snip off one corner (about a ½-inch opening), and pipe the batter evenly into each greased donut cavity, filling each about two-thirds full.
6. Step 6
   Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 10-14 minutes, or until the donuts spring back lightly to the touch and a wooden skewer inserted comes out clean. They should be golden brown.
7. Step 7
   Remove pans from the oven and let the donuts cool in the pans for 5 minutes. Then, carefully invert them onto a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
8. Step 8
   While donuts cool, in a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, pure maple syrup, 2 tablespoons of milk or heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and pourable. Add more milk/cream, a tiny bit at a time, if a thinner consistency is desired.
9. Step 9
   Once donuts are completely cool, place the wire rack over a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Dip the top half of each donut into the prepared Maple Glaze, allowing any excess to drip off, then place back on the wire rack.
10. Step 10
    Allow the glazed donuts to sit on the wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes, or until the glaze has set. Optionally, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar or finely chopped nuts while the glaze is still wet.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.