Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Seasonal Flavors: Combines the warmth of pumpkin spice with the sweetness of maple, encapsulating the essence of autumn.
- Baked, Not Fried: Enjoy a lighter version of traditional donuts without compromising on taste or texture.
- Easy Preparation: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all levels.
- Perfect for Gatherings: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert during fall festivities.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the maple glaze:
- ¾ cup maple syrup
- 1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a donut pan with nonstick spray.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and baking soda.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the melted butter and brown sugar until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Mix in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure tender donuts.
- Fill Donut Pan: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts are lightly browned and spring back when touched. Allow them to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prepare Maple Glaze: While the donuts are cooling, heat the maple syrup in a small saucepan over medium heat until it reduces to about ½ cup (approximately 5 minutes). Remove from heat and whisk in the butter, vanilla extract, and salt until the butter melts completely. Gradually whisk in the confectioners’ sugar until the glaze is smooth.
- Glaze Donuts: Once the donuts have cooled slightly, dip the tops into the maple glaze. Place them back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: 12 donuts
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 50 minutes
Variations
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.
- Vegan Option: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use plant-based butter.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of pumpkin pie spice to suit your taste, or create your own blend with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Add-Ins: Incorporate chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the batter for added texture and flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Place cooled donuts in an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
- Freezing: Freeze unglazed donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and glaze before serving.
- Reheating: Warm donuts in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
FAQs
What can I use if I don’t have a donut pan?
You can use a muffin pan to make donut muffins; adjust the baking time as needed.
Can I substitute fresh pumpkin for canned pumpkin puree?
Yes, ensure it’s cooked and pureed to a smooth consistency.
How can I make my own pumpkin pie spice?
Combine ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves in desired proportions.
Is it necessary to reduce the maple syrup for the glaze?
Reducing concentrates the flavor, but you can skip this step for a thinner glaze.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.
How do I prevent the donuts from sticking to the pan?
Ensure the pan is well-greased with nonstick spray or butter.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to bake the batter immediately to ensure proper rising.
Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze
- Total Time: ~50 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the comforting flavors of autumn with these Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze. Soft and spiced pumpkin donuts, paired with a rich maple glaze, create the ultimate fall treat for breakfast, dessert, or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Donuts:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
- ¾ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Maple Glaze:
- ¾ cup maple syrup
- 1 ½ tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C) and grease a donut pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and baking soda in a large bowl.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Beat melted butter and brown sugar until combined. Add eggs, one at a time, followed by pumpkin puree and vanilla extract.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually stir dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Fill and Bake: Spoon batter into the pan, filling each cavity ¾ full. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Prepare Glaze: Heat maple syrup over medium heat until reduced by half. Stir in butter, vanilla, and salt, then whisk in confectioners’ sugar until smooth.
- Glaze Donuts: Dip cooled donuts into the glaze and allow to set. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use gluten-free or vegan substitutions as needed.
- Adjust pumpkin spice blend to taste.
- Store unglazed donuts for longer freshness and glaze before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
