These pumpkin baked donuts are soft, fluffy, and full of cozy fall flavors. Topped with a sweet maple glaze, they make a perfect treat for breakfast or an afternoon snack!
Honestly, I can’t resist the warm smell of pumpkin spice filling the kitchen. Plus, these donuts are so easy to whip up—you might find yourself making them more often than you want to admit! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin works best for convenience, but you can use homemade pumpkin puree if you have fresh pumpkins. Just roast and puree them until smooth!
Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar adds a nice depth of flavor. If you’re out, you can use granulated sugar with a touch of molasses or coconut sugar for a different taste.
Vegetable Oil: This keeps the donuts moist, but you can substitute with melted coconut oil or applesauce for a healthier twist!
Spices: Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves give these donuts that warm fall flavor. If you run out of any, pumpkin pie spice can serve as a great all-in-one alternative.
How Do I Bake Donuts Without Them Sticking?
Using a donut pan is key, but proper greasing is essential to avoid sticking. Here’s how:
- Use nonstick spray or melted butter to coat the pan well. Be generous but not swimming!
- Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This gives them a chance to firm up.
Another tip is to gently run a knife around the edges to help loosen them before removing. Patience is key—don’t rush them out of the pan!
How Can I Ensure My Donuts Are Moist and Not Dense?
To achieve that soft, fluffy texture, be careful not to overmix your batter! Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated. Here’s a quick guide:
- Combine wet and dry ingredients separately first, ensuring no dry flour remains.
- Use a gentle folding method if necessary, but stop as soon as there’s no visible flour.
Also, avoid opening the oven door frequently while baking as this can cause them to sink. Happy baking!
How to Make Pumpkin Baked Donuts with Maple Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
For the Maple Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (or as needed for consistency)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 20 minutes to prepare and 15-18 minutes to bake, plus an additional 20 minutes to let the glaze set. In total, you’re looking at about an hour for these delicious pumpkin donuts!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan with nonstick spray or a little butter to ensure the donuts come out easily.
2. Make the Wet Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, eggs, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and well combined.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, sift or whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This helps to ensure even distribution of the ingredients.
4. Mix It All Together:
Now, slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently just until everything is combined—be careful not to overmix. It’s okay if there are a few lumps!
5. Fill the Donut Pan:
Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full. This allows room for the donuts to rise while baking.
6. Bake the Donuts:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. They should look golden and slightly puffy!
7. Cool the Donuts:
Once baked, let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Whip Up the Maple Glaze:
While the donuts are cooling, make the glaze! In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. Adjust the milk for your desired glaze consistency—it should be pourable but not too runny!
9. Glaze the Donuts:
Dip the tops of the cooled donuts into the glaze and let any excess drip off. Place them back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set.
10. Add Optional Garnish:
If you like, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the glaze before it sets. This adds a delicious crunch!
11. Let It Set:
Allow the glaze to set for about 20 minutes before serving. Then, enjoy your delightful and flavorful pumpkin baked donuts!
Indulge in these soft, moist pumpkin donuts topped with a sweet maple glaze for a perfect fall treat!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! You can use fresh pumpkin puree. Just roast a small pumpkin until tender, scoop out the flesh, and blend or mash until smooth. It might add a fresher taste!
How to Store Leftover Donuts?
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week, but note they might lose some of their texture.
Can I Make These Donuts Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for better texture. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly based on the blend used!
What If My Maple Glaze Is Too Thick?
If your glaze is too thick, just whisk in a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. It should be smooth and pourable for easy dipping!
