Name: Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice; 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup light brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs; 1 cup canned pumpkin puree; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 3/4 cup maple syrup; 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar

Jump to Recipe·4 from 2 reviews

If you love the cozy flavors of fall and crave a sweet treat that feels homemade but is surprisingly simple to pull off, then this Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine soft, tender donuts infused with warm pumpkin pie spice and pumpkin puree, baked to perfection instead of fried, then topped with a glossy, rich maple glaze that adds just the right touch of sweetness. It’s comfort in every bite and perfect for sharing with friends or keeping all to yourself on a chilly morning.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a metal baking tray with 11 round, glazed donuts arranged in an uneven grid. Each donut has a light brown, glossy icing that covers the entire top and sides, creating a shiny, smooth texture. The donuts are placed on a worn, brownish surface of the tray that has dark spots and marks. The background surrounding the tray is a blue color. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward staples, each playing a crucial role in creating the ideal balance of flavor, texture, and autumnal charm in this recipe. From the fluffy all-purpose flour to the richly spiced pumpkin pie blend, every component is essential to the magic of these donuts.

2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives your donuts structure and tenderness.
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the donuts rise light and fluffy.
1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice: The essential mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that brings fall warmth.
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
1/4 teaspoon baking soda: Adds extra lift and helps with the tender crumb.
1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and moisture to the donuts.
1 cup light brown sugar (packed): Provides deep, caramel notes complementing the pumpkin.
2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure.
1 cup canned pumpkin puree: The star ingredient that delivers moist texture and classic pumpkin flavor.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a sweet, aromatic touch.
3/4 cup maple syrup: For the glaze’s natural sweetness and signature maple flavor.
1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds silkiness to the maple glaze.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the maple glaze’s overall depth.
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the glaze’s sweetness.
1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar: Creates a perfect smooth glaze texture that sticks beautifully to the donuts.

How to Make Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Don’t skip coating your donut pan with nonstick spray; it ensures your donuts pop out easily without any sticking, saving you from a baking headache later on.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and baking soda. This dry mix is your fragrant spice base and will guarantee even flavor distribution throughout your donuts.

Step 3: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Eggs

Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the melted butter and light brown sugar on medium-high speed until they’re silky and combined, about 1-2 minutes. Then, add the eggs one at a time to keep the batter smooth and luscious. Lastly, mix in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract, which provide that signature moistness and warm flavor punch.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients on low speed, mixing just until everything comes together. Be careful not to overmix — you want your donuts tender, not dense.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

Scoop the batter evenly into your donut pan cavities. Filling them about three-quarters full will help your donuts bake up perfectly without overflowing.

Step 6: Bake the Donuts

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the tops are lightly browned and spring back to the touch. Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool further.

Step 7: Make the Maple Glaze

While your donuts cool, place the maple syrup in a small saucepan over medium heat and reduce it to about half a cup — this intensifies that lush maple flavor. Whisk in butter, vanilla, and salt until the butter melts fully, then stir in the confectioners’ sugar until the glaze is perfectly smooth and ready for dipping.

Step 8: Glaze the Donuts

Dip the cooled donut tops into the glaze, letting the excess drip off gently. Set them on a wire rack so the warm glaze can firm up before serving.

How to Serve Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe

A close-up view of many round doughnuts with a glaze on top, stacked randomly on a white marbled surface. Each doughnut has a shiny, light brown color with smooth and slightly rough textures, and the glaze layer appears glossy and unevenly spread, creating a silky shine over the doughnuts. The doughnuts have a hole in the center, and their edges are slightly darker and crisper. The overall look shows several layers of the doughnut base with a thin glaze coating on top. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans, a dusting of cinnamon, or a pinch of crispy pumpkin seeds on the glaze while it’s still wet to add a delightful crunch and extra seasonal flair. These little touches make your donuts look as good as they taste!

Side Dishes

Pair your donuts with a steaming cup of spiced chai tea, fresh brewed coffee, or creamy hot chocolate for the ultimate autumnal treat. A bowl of fresh fruit, like sliced pears or apples, also complements the rich sweetness nicely, balancing the indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests or brighten up a brunch? Serve your Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe on a rustic wooden board with small jars of extra glaze and whipped cream on the side. For a party, consider stacking the donuts into a sweet, glazed ‘donut tower’ for a stunning centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your baked pumpkin donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep them tender and moist. If you have more than that, refrigeration is better to maintain freshness, though the texture can firm up a bit.

Freezing

You can freeze the donuts without glaze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. Freeze the glaze separately in a small container. Thaw everything at room temperature before glazing and serving.

Reheating

For that fresh-baked experience, warm your donuts in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a toaster oven for about 3 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Add the glaze after reheating for that perfect shiny finish and melt-in-your-mouth texture once again.

FAQs

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture, and the rest of the recipe can stay the same.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, you can. Just roast a small pumpkin until tender and puree it well. Fresh pumpkin is a bit more watery, so you might want to strain excess liquid to keep the donut batter from becoming too thin.

Is it okay to use regular sugar instead of brown sugar?

You can, but brown sugar adds a depth of flavor and moisture due to its molasses content. If you only have white sugar, add a teaspoon of molasses or honey to bring back that rich note.

Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?

For best results, it’s recommended to bake the donuts right after mixing the batter. The leavening agents start working immediately, so waiting too long may affect how much the donuts rise.

How thick should the glaze be?

The glaze should be thick enough to coat the donuts without running off excessively but still fluid enough to dip easily. If it’s too thin, add a bit more confectioners’ sugar; if too thick, whisk in a little warm maple syrup until it reaches the right consistency.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly comforting about these Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe that makes them irresistible all season long. Whether you’re sharing them at a festive gathering or sneaking bites for yourself with a hot cup of coffee, their soft crumb and sweet glaze never disappoint. Give this recipe a try — I promise it will become your favorite way to celebrate pumpkin season in the coziest, most delicious way possible.