The aroma of warm spices wafting through your kitchen is a sensory invitation to indulge in the cozy comfort of fall. Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Salted Maple Glaze, a delightful treat that’s perfect for lazy weekend mornings or autumn brunches. These donuts are not only a healthier alternative, being baked instead of fried, but they also come together effortlessly without the need for a mixer. With just the right amount of sweetness from the maple glaze and a warm, spiced flavor from the pumpkin and cinnamon, these baked pumpkin donuts are sure to impress your friends and family. So, why not carve out a little time in your day for these deliciously soft, fluffy delights? Are you ready to transform your kitchen into the ultimate fall haven?
Why are baked pumpkin donuts irresistible?
Deliciously Flavorful: Each bite bursts with the rich spices of cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice, making these donuts the epitome of fall baking.
Easy to Make: No mixer needed! This straightforward recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced bakers alike.
Healthier Option: Baked instead of fried, these donuts offer a lighter dessert, allowing you to indulge guilt-free.
Versatile Treat: Enjoy them warm, with a salted maple glaze, or switch it up by serving as muffins!
Perfect for Sharing: Bake a batch for breakfasts or brunch gatherings, and watch your friends and family swoon over this seasonal delight.
For more cozy recipes, check out my Comforting Charm Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants and Joumou Haitian Pumpkin Soup.
Baked Pumpkin Donuts Ingredients
• Get ready to bake!
For the Donuts
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and texture; can substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
- Baking Powder – Acts as a leavening agent to keep the donuts fluffy.
- Baking Soda – Works with the acidity in the pumpkin to help the donuts rise.
- Cinnamon – Infuses warm, aromatic notes that enhance the pumpkin flavor.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice – Adds a delightful autumnal flavor profile that’s irresistible.
- Salt – Balances sweetness and elevates flavors throughout the donuts.
- Unsalted Butter – Brings richness and moisture to each bite.
- Canned Pumpkin Puree – Key ingredient that gives the donuts their moist texture and characteristic pumpkin flavor; ensure you use pure pumpkin, not pie filling.
- Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and a deep, molasses-like flavor that enhances the dessert experience.
- Egg – Binds the ingredients together, achieving the right texture.
- Vanilla Extract – Adds a lovely depth of flavor that’s hard to resist.
For the Maple Glaze
- Powdered Sugar – Serves as the base for the glaze, ensuring smooth sweetness.
- Maple Syrup – Infuses the glaze with a rich, distinct flavor; makes everything feel like fall!
- Milk – Thins the glaze to the perfect consistency; any non-dairy milk works as a substitute.
- Salt – Enhances the maple flavor, ensuring a balanced and delicious glaze.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). While the oven warms up, grease two 6-cup donut pans with non-stick spray or melted butter to ensure easy release after baking. This will help your baked pumpkin donuts maintain their lovely shape once they’re done.
Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. This combination not only enhances the flavor of your baked pumpkin donuts but also acts as the foundation for your batter. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the melted unsalted butter, canned pumpkin puree, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract using a whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and well blended. The pumpkin puree is essential for achieving the moistness that makes these donuts irresistible, so ensure everything is combined thoroughly.
Step 4: Make the Batter
Gently add the dry ingredient mixture to the bowl containing the wet ingredients. With a spatula, stir until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as you want your baked pumpkin donuts to remain fluffy and airy. The batter should be slightly thick but smooth, indicating it’s ready for the pans.
Step 5: Fill Pans
Using either a spoon or a piping bag, carefully pour the donut batter into the greased cavities of the donut pans, filling each about two-thirds full. This allows space for the baked pumpkin donuts to rise without overflowing. Make sure the batter is evenly distributed to ensure even baking.
Step 6: Bake
Place the filled donut pans in the preheated oven and bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them as they bake, the aroma of pumpkin and spices will fill your kitchen, promising a delicious treat.
Step 7: Cool the Donuts
Once baked, remove the pans from the oven and allow the donuts to cool in the pans for 2-3 minutes. After cooling slightly, carefully transfer each donut to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial to ensure that the glaze adheres well without melting.
Step 8: Prepare the Glaze
In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and maple syrup. Gradually add milk, a little at a time, until reaching your desired glaze thickness. It should be smooth yet thick enough to coat the baked pumpkin donuts without dripping excessively, giving them that perfect sweet finish.
Step 9: Glaze Donuts
Once the donuts are completely cool, dip the tops into the maple glaze, allowing any excess glaze to drip off. Place the glazed donuts back on the wire rack to let the glaze set, which should take just a few minutes. This final touch transforms your baked pumpkin donuts into a delectable treat that’s visually inviting and tasty!
Storage Tips for Baked Pumpkin Donuts
Room Temperature: Store your baked pumpkin donuts at room temperature for up to 1-2 days in an airtight container to keep them fresh and moist.
Fridge: If you plan to enjoy them longer, the donuts can be refrigerated for up to a week. Just ensure they are in a sealed container to prevent drying out.
Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze glazed or unglazed donuts for up to 3 months. Wrap each donut tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating: To enjoy your frozen baked pumpkin donuts, thaw them at room temperature, then warm in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for a few minutes.
Make Ahead Options
These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Salted Maple Glaze are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can mix the donut batter up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. For best results, fill the donut pans and refrigerate them as they are; this helps them hold their shape and rise beautifully when baked. You can also prepare the maple glaze ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days; simply re-whisk before dipping the cooled donuts. When you’re ready to bake, just take the batter out of the fridge, bake as directed, and glaze them after they cool—resulting in fresh, delightful donuts with minimal morning fuss!
Expert Tips for Baked Pumpkin Donuts
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Cool Completely: Ensure your baked pumpkin donuts are fully cooled before glazing. This prevents the glaze from melting and ensures a beautiful finish.
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Thick Glaze: Add milk to your glaze gradually, aiming for a semi-thick consistency. A too-thin glaze may not adhere properly, so take it slow!
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Avoid Overmixing: When combining wet and dry ingredients, stir until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts instead of light and airy baked pumpkin delights.
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Substitutions: If you’re going gluten-free, swirl in gluten-free flour! Ensure it’s a 1:1 blend for best results.
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Use a Muffin Tin: Don’t have a donut pan? No problem! This batter can be baked in a muffin tin for delightful pumpkin muffins.
What to Serve with Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze
Indulging in these fluffy delights fresh from the oven is only the beginning of your culinary adventure.
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Fresh Brewed Coffee: The rich, deep flavors of coffee beautifully complement the warm spices in the donuts, creating a cozy pairing for breakfast.
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Autumn Fruit Salad: A mix of crisp apples and juicy pears tossed with a honey-lemon dressing adds freshness and balances the sweetness, enhancing the fall vibes.
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Cinnamon Sugar Coated Pecans: Crunchy and slightly sweet, these pecans provide a delightful texture contrast, while the cinnamon ties the flavors of the meal together harmoniously.
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Whipped Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of either serves as a creamy accompaniment, enriching each bite with an extra layer of indulgence without overwhelming the palate.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzling a touch of caramel over your baked pumpkin donuts adds a decadent twist, making them feel even more like a special treat.
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Spiced Apple Cider: Warm spiced apple cider served alongside adds a comforting autumn touch, immersing you fully in the flavors of the season.
Baked Pumpkin Donuts Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative and personalize your baked pumpkin donuts with these delightful variations!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour (such as Bob’s Red Mill 1:1) for a perfect gluten-free treat.
- Muffins: Bake the batter in a muffin tin instead of donut pans for about 20 minutes—quicker and just as tasty!
- Choco-Pumpkin: Add semi-sweet chocolate chips to the batter for a rich, indulgent twist that chocolate lovers will adore.
- Nutty Delight: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture that complements the soft pumpkin perfectly.
- Spiced Up: Increase the amount of pumpkin pie spice or add a pinch of nutmeg for an extra kick of comforting flavor.
- Cinnamon Sugar: Skip the glaze and instead sprinkle warm donuts with cinnamon sugar for a delightful alternative.
- Caramel Drizzle: Top with a warm caramel drizzle for a decadent, sweet finish that will make every bite irresistible.
Looking for more delicious ideas? Try enhancing your breakfast table with a side of Garlic Butter Baked Chicken or savoring the sweet warmth of Carrot Cake Cheesecake alongside your favorite morning beverage!
Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe FAQs
What type of pumpkin puree should I use?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, use canned pumpkin puree that is pure pumpkin—not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also make your own puree by roasting and blending fresh pumpkin.
How should I store leftover baked pumpkin donuts?
You can store your baked pumpkin donuts at room temperature for up to 1-2 days in an airtight container to maintain freshness. For longer storage, they can be refrigerated for up to a week. Just be sure they’re sealed well, so they don’t dry out!
Can I freeze my baked pumpkin donuts?
Very much so! To freeze, wrap each baked pumpkin donut tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature and warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or in an oven preheated to 350°F (177°C) for a few minutes.
What should I do if my donuts are too dense?
If your baked pumpkin donuts turn out dense, it may be due to overmixing the batter or using too much flour. Always stir the wet and dry ingredients until just combined to keep them airy! If you’re still facing problems, ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh. Using leveled measurements for dry ingredients helps achieve the right texture.
Are these donuts suitable for people with gluten sensitivities?
Yes! You can easily make gluten-free baked pumpkin donuts by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, such as Bob’s Red Mill. This way, everyone can indulge in this fall treat! Just be sure to read the labels to check for cross-contamination if you have severe allergies.
Can pets eat baked pumpkin donuts?
While pumpkin itself is generally safe for pets in moderation, the ingredients in these donuts (like sugar, butter, and other additives) are not suitable for animals. It’s best to keep these delicious baked pumpkin donuts as a human treat!
Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease two 6-cup donut pans.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
- In a large bowl, mix together melted butter, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Fill the donut pans about two-thirds full with the batter.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until lightly browned and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool the donuts in the pan for 2-3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and add milk gradually until desired thickness is reached.
- Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze and allow excess to drip off before setting on a wire rack.