As the leaves crunch underfoot and the air begins to crisp, there’s nothing quite like the heartwarming aroma of freshly baked treats filling your kitchen. That’s when I find myself reaching for my beloved recipe for Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Cinnamon Glaze. These delightful donuts not only capture all the cozy flavors of fall, but they’re also a quick breakfast solution that you can whip up in just 30 to 40 minutes. Imagine serving these soft, tender morsels to your loved ones while savoring the sweet, spicy notes of pumpkin and warm maple glaze! They’re perfect for busy mornings or lazy weekend brunches, and they’re vegetarian-friendly too. Ready to indulge your taste buds? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe together!
Why Are These Donuts a Must-Bake?
Deliciously Easy: These Baked Pumpkin Donuts are a breeze to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time. Perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike!
Flavors of Fall: The warm pumpkin spices and sweet maple glaze create a seasonal celebration for your taste buds—one bite will transport you to cozy autumn days.
Versatile Options: Adapt the recipe to your liking with options like nutty toppings, chocolate chips, or unique glaze flavors, ensuring everyone at your breakfast table is satisfied.
Healthy Indulgence: With wholesome ingredients like pumpkin puree, these donuts provide a guilt-free way to enjoy a sweet treat while adding nutrition to your mornings.
Perfect for Sharing: Whether for cozy family breakfast gatherings or delightful brunch parties, these donuts are sure to impress your guests—serve alongside fresh fruit or a warm beverage for a comforting spread!
Baked Pumpkin Donuts Ingredients
For the Donuts
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; switch to a gluten-free blend for a different option.
- Baking Powder – Helps the donuts rise; no need for substitutes here.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice – Adds traditional fall flavor; substitute with a homemade mix if desired.
- Ground Nutmeg – Enhances the spice profile; you can omit it for a milder taste.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness; essential for flavor enhancement.
- Pumpkin Puree – Adds moisture and rich flavor; use pure pumpkin puree—not pie filling!
- Brown Sugar – Contributes sweetness and caramel notes; coconut sugar is a healthier alternative.
- Milk – Adds moisture; any type of milk (like almond or soy) can be used.
- Egg – Binds ingredients and adds moisture; a flax egg works for a vegan option.
- Unsalted Butter – Provides richness and flavor; substitute with coconut oil for dairy-free.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances overall flavor; no substitutes necessary.
For the Maple Cinnamon Glaze
- Powdered Sugar – Forms the base of the glaze; essential for that sweet coating.
- Ground Cinnamon – Adds depth to the glaze flavor; feel free to omit if not needed.
- Maple Syrup – Sweetens the glaze while offering a delightful taste; you can substitute with honey or agave syrup if preferred.
These baked pumpkin donuts with maple cinnamon glaze are not just a delicious treat; they’re a cozy celebration of fall, ready to charm your breakfast table. Enjoy the comforting flavors while knowing you can whip them up in no time!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Baked Pumpkin Donuts With Maple Cinnamon Glaze
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C) and prepare your 6-count donut pan by spraying it with nonstick spray to ensure easy release. Make sure the pan is well-coated to prevent sticking. This step sets the stage for your Baked Pumpkin Donuts, ensuring they bake evenly and come out fluffy.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, ground nutmeg, and salt. This dry mixture is the foundation for your donuts, so make sure it’s well combined to distribute the leavening agents and spices evenly. You’ll want to see a light, airy blend as you mix.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix these ingredients until the mixture is smooth and homogenous. You’re creating a rich, moist batter for your Baked Pumpkin Donuts, so ensure no lumps remain and all the flavors are well integrated.
Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense donuts. You want to see a batter that is slightly lumpy but cohesive, ensuring your donuts will have that delightful light texture when baked.
Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan
Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full. An easy way to do this is by using a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the corner snipped off. This ensures even, perfectly shaped Baked Pumpkin Donuts that rise nicely during baking.
Step 6: Bake the Donuts
Place the filled donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the edges start to look lightly golden. These visual cues will help ensure your donuts are perfectly baked and ready for cooling.
Step 7: Cool the Donuts
Once baked, allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. This initial cooling helps them stabilize before transferring. After that, gently flip them onto a wire rack to cool completely, which is crucial before glazing, ensuring a better texture without melting the glaze.
Step 8: Prepare the Maple Cinnamon Glaze
While the donuts cool, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, maple syrup, and milk in a small bowl. Adjust the amount of milk as needed to achieve your desired glaze thickness. A smooth, pourable consistency will coat the donuts beautifully, enhancing their flavor perfectly.
Step 9: Glaze the Donuts
Once the donuts are completely cool, dip the tops into the maple cinnamon glaze. Allow the excess to drip off before placing them back on the wire rack. This step creates a lovely sweet coating that hardens slightly as it sets, adding the finishing touch to your Baked Pumpkin Donuts.
Step 10: Let the Glaze Set
Allow the glazed donuts to sit for about 10-15 minutes so the glaze can set properly. This will ensure that the glaze doesn’t run off when you serve them. Once set, your Baked Pumpkin Donuts With Maple Cinnamon Glaze are ready to enjoy—perfect for sharing with family or indulging yourself!
Baked Pumpkin Donuts Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to play around with these ideas to make this scrumptious recipe even more special and suited to your taste!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute regular milk with almond or oat milk, and use coconut oil instead of butter for a creamy, dairy-free treat.
- Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. This way, everyone can enjoy these delightful donuts!
- Spicy Glaze: Add a pinch of cayenne or ginger to the glaze for a warm kick that perfectly complements the pumpkin’s sweetness.
- Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for added texture and a nutty flavor to elevate your donut experience.
- Chocolate Lovers: Incorporate mini chocolate chips into the batter, creating a rich, decadent twist on classic pumpkin flavor.
- Maple-Lemon Glaze: Replace maple syrup with a blend of lemon juice and honey to create a zesty, refreshing glaze!
- Apple-Cinnamon: Add diced apples to the batter and use a sprinkle of cinnamon instead of pumpkin pie spice for a delicious fall flavor fusion.
- Mini Muffins: Use a mini muffin pan instead of a donut pan for tiny, bite-sized treats that are perfect for kids or snacks!
Enjoy creating these unique versions while still embracing the cozy flavors of fall! And if you’re interested in more autumn-inspired delights, check out my recipe for Bananas Foster Cinnamon or indulge in a comforting charm with Baked Ham and Cheese Croissants. Happy baking!
Make Ahead Options
These Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Cinnamon Glaze are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the donut batter up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the dry ingredients and storing them separately. The wet ingredients can be combined and refrigerated for optimal results. When you’re ready to bake, simply mix both components and fill your donut pan. The finished donuts can also be glazed up to 3 days in advance; just store them in an airtight container to maintain their quality. For the best texture, reheat slightly before serving, allowing the warm, spiced flavor to envelop your kitchen once more—just as delightful as the first bake!
Expert Tips for Baked Pumpkin Donuts
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Cool Before Glazing: Allow donuts to cool completely to prevent the glaze from melting off and losing that beautiful finish.
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Don’t Overmix: Gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together; overmixing can lead to dense, heavy donuts instead of light and fluffy ones.
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Mind the Bake Time: If using a mini muffin pan, shorten the baking time to about 6-8 minutes to achieve the perfect texture for your baked pumpkin donuts.
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Thick Glaze Preference: Adjust the milk in your maple cinnamon glaze to reach your desired thickness; thicker glazes cling better to the donuts!
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Flavor Variations: Feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts to the donut batter for an extra twist on the classic baked pumpkin donuts with maple cinnamon glaze.
How to Store and Freeze Baked Pumpkin Donuts
Fridge: Keep your baked pumpkin donuts in an airtight container, where they will stay fresh for up to 2 days. This helps retain their soft, moist texture.
Freezer: Freeze the donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a ziplock bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months. Allow them to thaw before glazing.
Reheating: To enjoy your donuts warm, reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This brings back their delightful texture, making them taste freshly baked again.
Glazing: If you freeze your donuts, wait to glaze them until after they’ve thawed. This prevents the glaze from becoming too runny and ensures the best presentation for your baked pumpkin donuts with maple cinnamon glaze.
What to Serve With Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Cinnamon Glaze
Pairing these delightful donuts with the right sides creates a cozy breakfast experience that everyone will cherish.
- Fresh Fruit: Slices of apples or pears add a refreshing crunch and balance the sweetness of the donuts.
- Warm Beverage: A cup of spiced chai tea or creamy latte complements the flavors beautifully, enhancing that comforting morning vibe.
- Cream Cheese Spread: A dollop of cream cheese adds a tangy richness that pairs perfectly with the sweet, spiced donuts.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and berries for a nutritious, texturally varied side that will keep you full and satisfied.
- Cinnamon Sugar Toast: A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on toast echoes the flavors of the donuts, creating a delightful breakfast theme.
- Homemade Granola: Serve with a topping of nutty granola to add crunch and an irresistible flavor contrast to the fluffy donuts.
Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Cinnamon Glaze Recipe FAQs
What type of pumpkin puree should I use?
Absolutely use pure pumpkin puree! Always look for 100% pumpkin without any added sugars or spices; avoid pumpkin pie filling, as it contains added sweeteners and flavorings that can throw off your donut’s taste.
How should I store leftover donuts?
To keep your baked pumpkin donuts fresh, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them—see below for those instructions!
Can I freeze these donuts?
Yes, you can freeze your baked pumpkin donuts with maple cinnamon glaze! First, let them cool completely on a wire rack. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Then, transfer to a ziplock bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or microwave for 10-15 seconds.
What should I do if my donuts are too dense?
If you find your donuts came out too dense, likely, they were overmixed. Remember to gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together without stirring too vigorously! Also, ensure your baking powder is fresh for the best rise.
Are these donuts safe for pets?
It’s best to keep baked pumpkin donuts away from pets. The sugar and other ingredients like chocolate (if added) can be harmful to them. However, plain pumpkin puree can be a healthy treat for dogs in moderation, as it’s high in fiber!
Can I make these donuts vegan or gluten-free?
Very much so! For a vegan option, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) instead of an egg, and substitute the butter with coconut oil. For gluten-free donuts, swap in a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free as well.
Baked Pumpkin Donuts With Maple Cinnamon Glaze Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and prepare the 6-count donut pan with nonstick spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, ground nutmeg, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, mix pumpkin puree, brown sugar, milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until just combined.
- Spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity two-thirds full.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, maple syrup, and milk to your desired thickness.
- Once cooled, dip the tops of the donuts in the glaze and allow excess to drip off.
- Let the glazed donuts sit for 10-15 minutes to set the glaze.