Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze – Soft, Spiced, and Irresistible

If you’re craving the cozy flavors of autumn, these Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze are your dream come true. Soft, tender, and bursting with pumpkin spice flavor, these donuts are lightly sweetened, baked to perfection, and topped with a luscious maple glaze. Unlike fried donuts, these baked versions are healthier, easier to make, and just as indulgent.

Whether for breakfast, brunch, a snack, or holiday gifting, these donuts will fill your kitchen with the warm aroma of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg, instantly evoking cozy fall vibes.

Why These Donuts Are Special

  • Soft and Moist: Pumpkin puree keeps the donuts tender, while a touch of oil ensures moistness.
  • Perfectly Spiced: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of ginger create a classic pumpkin flavor.
  • Easy and Healthy: Baked instead of fried, with natural sweetness from pumpkin and maple glaze.
  • Versatile: Serve warm with coffee, drizzle extra glaze for dessert, or pack for a lunch treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Dry Ingredients:
    • All-purpose flour for structure
    • Baking powder and baking soda for leavening
    • Salt for balance
    • Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice for warm pumpkin spice flavor
  • Wet Ingredients:
    • Pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) for moistness and flavor
    • Brown sugar for depth and slight caramel notes
    • Vegetable oil for tender crumb
    • Eggs for structure
    • Vanilla extract for aroma
  • Maple Glaze:
    • Powdered sugar for sweetness
    • Pure maple syrup for classic fall flavor
    • Milk or plant-based milk for consistency
    • Optional pinch of cinnamon

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prep
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan with nonstick spray or lightly butter it to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients
    In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin spices. This ensures even distribution and prevents clumps of spice.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients
    In a large bowl, mix pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. The mixture should be thick but pourable.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
    Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, just until combined. Do not overmix, or the donuts may turn dense.
  5. Fill the Donut Pan
    Spoon the batter into a piping bag or zip-top bag (cut the corner) for easy filling. Fill each donut cavity about 2/3 full.
  6. Bake
    Bake 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. Prepare Maple Glaze
    Whisk powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and cinnamon until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
  8. Glaze the Donuts
    Dip cooled donuts into the glaze or drizzle generously over the top. Let the glaze set for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze

Soft, spiced pumpkin donuts baked to perfection and topped with a sweet maple glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or fall celebrations.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 12 donuts
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine: American, Autumn
Calories: 210

Ingredients
  

Donut Batter
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp baking soda
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 0.25 tsp ground ginger
  • 0.25 tsp allspice
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
  • 2 eggs large
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Maple Glaze
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 3 tbsp maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp milk or plant-based milk
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon optional

Equipment

  • Donut pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Wire rack
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease donut pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
  3. In a large bowl, mix pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.
  5. Fill donut cavities 2/3 full and bake 12-15 minutes. Cool in pan 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
  6. Whisk powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and cinnamon until smooth. Glaze cooled donuts.

Notes

Store in an airtight container for 2-3 days at room temperature, or freeze up to a month.

Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Donuts

  • Pumpkin Purée: Use canned 100% pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, to avoid excess sweetness and spices.
  • Donut Pan: Silicone pans work best for easy removal; lightly grease metal pans.
  • Spice Adjustment: Feel free to add more cinnamon or nutmeg to taste.
  • Storage: Store in an airtight container for 2-3 days at room temperature, or freeze for up to a month. Reheat slightly for freshness.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with coffee, chai, or hot cocoa for a cozy breakfast.
  • Add chopped pecans or chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
  • Perfect for brunch gatherings or school snack boxes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze strike the perfect balance between sweet and spiced, soft and slightly chewy, making them a fall favorite. They’re easy to make, fun to serve, and satisfy everyone from kids to adults. Their natural pumpkin flavor, warm spices, and sweet glaze make them a versatile treat for any occasion, from weekday breakfasts to holiday celebrations.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating