Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts Recipe

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If there’s one treat that perfectly captures the warmth and comfort of autumn, it has to be these delightful Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts. Soft, cakey, and infused with real pumpkin purée, each bite melts on your tongue with cozy fall spices and a luscious maple glaze that’s as silky as it is sweet. Whether you’re looking for a special breakfast or a seasonal dessert, these donuts bring a little festive magic to every occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple yet essential, each playing a vital role in creating that perfect balance of texture, flavor, and fall-inspired color that make Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts so irresistible.

• 1 ¾ cups All-purpose flour: The foundation for a tender, cakey donut that holds together perfectly.
• 1 tsp Baking powder: Helps the donuts rise to fluffy perfection.
• ½ tsp Baking soda: Adds an extra lift and helps balance the acidity from the pumpkin purée.
• 2 tsp Pumpkin pie spice: Brings in that signature warm and fragrant flavor to capture the essence of fall.
• 1 cup Pumpkin purée: The star ingredient that adds moisture, natural sweetness, and that beautiful orange hue.
• ¾ cup Brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements the spices superbly.
• 2 Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the donut’s airy texture.
• ¼ cup Vegetable oil: Keeps the donuts moist and tender without overpowering the flavor.
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall sweetness and brings out the pumpkin’s natural richness.
• Glaze – 1 cup Powdered sugar: The sweet base of the maple glaze that gives a silky finish.
• Glaze – 2 Tbsp Maple syrup: Provides that signature maple flavor and shine.
• Glaze – 1 Tbsp Milk: Adjusts the glaze consistency for a perfect dip-ready texture.

How to Make Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is at the perfect temperature to bake your donuts evenly. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and pumpkin pie spice. This step is crucial because it evenly distributes the raising agents and spices so your donuts bake up light and perfectly spiced.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine your pumpkin purée, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk these together until the mixture is smooth and silky. This helps create the moist, tender crumb that makes these donuts so heavenly.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture light and cakey. At this stage, your batter will be thick, smooth, and perfectly spiced, ready for the next step.

Step 4: Pipe and Bake the Donuts

Grease your donut pan to prevent sticking, then pipe the batter evenly into the molds. You can use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 12 minutes. The donuts should spring back lightly when touched and look golden around the edges.

Step 5: Make and Apply the Maple Glaze

While the donuts bake, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk to create a smooth maple glaze. When the donuts are warm (not hot), dip the tops into the glaze. Let them set on a wire rack so the glaze hardens into that irresistible, silky finish that defines these Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts.

How to Serve Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts

Garnishes

To add an extra touch of charm, sprinkle your glazed donuts with a pinch of cinnamon or crushed toasted pecans. A light dusting of finely grated nutmeg also complements the fall flavors beautifully, enhancing both aroma and look.

Side Dishes

These donuts are a perfect partner to a warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a creamy latte. For a more substantial treat, serve alongside a bowl of spiced apple compote or a supporting platter of seasonal fruit to balance the sweet richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd-pleasing fall gathering, stack the Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts on a rustic wooden board or tiered cake stand. Wrap individual donuts in parchment paper and tie with twine for a charming gift or party favor. They also look fantastic arranged with edible flowers or fresh herbs like rosemary to bring a lovely aroma and pop of color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store your Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps the donuts soft and the glaze intact, ready to enjoy without losing any freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze these donuts before glazing by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature and then dip in the glaze freshly made to maintain that perfect silky finish.

Reheating

For the best experience, warm your donuts gently in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a toaster oven for a minute or two. This revives the soft texture and will slightly re-melt the glaze, giving you that just-made enjoyment every time.

FAQs

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just be sure to check the blend has xanthan gum or another binder for the best texture.

Is it possible to fry these donuts instead of baking?

This recipe is designed for baking to keep them fuss-free and on the lighter side, but you could experiment with frying the batter. Keep in mind it will alter the texture and may need adjustments for thickness.

Can I use canned pumpkin purée instead of homemade?

Yes, canned pumpkin purée works perfectly here and is the most convenient option, especially during the busy fall season. Just ensure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added spices and sugar.

How thick should the maple glaze be?

The glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still runny enough to dip the donuts easily. Adjust by adding a little more milk if it’s too thick, or more powdered sugar if it’s too thin.

Can I add other spices to the donut batter?

Definitely! Feel free to customize your spice mix by adding a pinch of ground cloves, ginger, or even a little allspice for a more complex flavor profile that still complements the pumpkin and maple beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Giving these Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts a try is like welcoming a warm hug on a crisp fall morning. Their tender crumb, perfect spice blend, and that shiny maple glaze make them an instant classic you’ll want to bake over and over again. Trust me, once you taste these delightful treats, they’ll become a favorite in your seasonal baking repertoire that’s as comforting as it is delicious.

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