Description
These Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze are a delightful fall treat, combining moist, spiced pumpkin donuts with a sweet and silky maple glaze. Baked to perfection for a lighter alternative to traditional fried donuts, they offer a flavorful and festive dessert or breakfast option that’s easy to make and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients
Donuts
- 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
Maple Glaze
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C) and lightly coat a donut pan with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, kosher salt, and baking soda to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Cream butter and sugar: Using an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the melted butter and light brown sugar on medium-high speed for 1 to 2 minutes until well combined and slightly fluffy.
- Add eggs, pumpkin, and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Then mix in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract just until combined to keep the batter light.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients at low speed, beating just until the batter is smooth and all ingredients are incorporated without overmixing.
- Fill donut pan and bake: Evenly distribute the batter into the prepared donut pan cavities. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the donuts are lightly browned and spring back when gently pressed.
- Prepare maple glaze: While the donuts bake, heat the maple syrup in a small saucepan over medium heat until reduced to about half (1/2 cup), around 5 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in the butter, vanilla extract, and kosher salt until fully melted and combined. Whisk in the confectioners’ sugar until smooth and glossy.
- Glaze the donuts: Once baked, allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Dip the tops of each donut into the maple glaze, letting the excess drip off, then place on a rack to allow the glaze to set.
- Serve: Enjoy the donuts warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can store the glazed donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute the butter with a vegan margarine and ensure the brown sugar is vegan.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the donuts tender and light.
- Use a light or amber maple syrup for a more pronounced maple flavor in the glaze.
- If you do not have a donut pan, you can use a muffin pan, but the shape will be different.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
