Name: Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 21 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all purpose flour; ¾ teaspoon pumpkin spice; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon fine sea salt; ¼ cup unsalted butter; ½ cup brown sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; ¾ cup pumpkin purée; 1 cup confectioners’ sugar; 1 tablespoon maple syrup; ¼ teaspoon maple extract; 3-4 tablespoons milk

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 8 reviews

The moment you take a bite of these fluffy, tender Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe, you’re instantly wrapped in cozy autumn vibes and the warm aroma of pumpkin spice. These donuts strike the perfect balance between lightness and richness, with the pumpkin purée adding moisture and a subtle earthiness that pairs beautifully with the sweet, shiny maple glaze on top. Whether you want a sweet treat for breakfast or an indulgent snack, these baked donuts offer the perfect combination of comforting fall flavors with an irresistibly elegant finish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, containing a mixture with two main layers: a thick, light brown liquid base and a raw egg yolk with a bright yellow-orange color resting in the center. A silver whisk with thin wire loops is partially submerged in the mixture, angled toward the left side of the bowl. The liquid base has a smooth, slightly shiny texture, and the egg yolk appears untouched and glossy, creating a distinct contrast between the two layers photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting ready to make your own Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe is a joy because the ingredients are simple, familiar, and each one plays a key role in creating the perfect texture and flavor. From the warm spices to the creamy pumpkin purée, every element works harmoniously to bring this dish to life.

1 cup all purpose flour: Provides the structure and softness essential for tender baked donuts.

¾ teaspoon pumpkin spice: Adds that signature fall flavor that elevates the pumpkin base.
½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the donuts rise and keeps them light and airy.
½ teaspoon baking powder: Works alongside baking soda to give a perfect fluffy texture.

½ teaspoon fine sea salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor complexity.
¼ cup unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture for a melt-in-your-mouth bite.
½ cup brown sugar: Gives a deep, caramelized sweetness that complements pumpkin beautifully.

1 large egg: Binds the batter and contributes to tenderness.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth to every bite.
¾ cup pumpkin purée: The star ingredient that brings earthy moisture and flavor.

1 cup confectioners’ sugar: The base of the delectable maple glaze for that perfect sweet finish.
1 tablespoon maple syrup: Infuses the glaze with natural sweetness and that irresistible maple flavor.
¼ teaspoon maple extract: Intensifies the maple notes, making the glaze truly special.

3-4 tablespoons milk: Helps achieve the ideal glaze consistency for coating the donuts.

How to Make Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two standard donut pans thoroughly or use a baking spray to ensure your donuts pop right out once baked. Since you’ll bake 10 donuts total, make sure your pans are ready to go so you don’t lose any precious dough sticking to the sides.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, pumpkin spice, baking soda, baking powder, and sea salt. This step ensures your dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which is essential for a consistent texture and flavor throughout every donut.

Step 3: Combine Butter and Sugar

Melt the butter in a large bowl and whisk in the brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This creamy, sweet base adds incredible moisture and depth to your donut batter.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Whisk in the egg, vanilla extract, and pumpkin purée into your butter and sugar mixture. These ingredients bring moisture and richness that make every bite delightfully soft and flavorful.

Step 5: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients with a spatula, being careful not to overmix. This keeps your donuts light and tender rather than dense.

Step 6: Fill the Donut Pans

Fit a piping bag with a large round tip and fill it with batter, or use a spoon if you prefer. Pipe or spoon the batter into the donut pan cavities, filling each about three-quarters full to allow room for rising without overflowing.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake your donuts for 9 to 11 minutes until they turn a lovely golden brown and a toothpick inserted into one comes out clean. Let them cool in the pans for 5 minutes before transferring them to a rack to cool completely to room temperature.

Step 8: Prepare the Maple Glaze

In a medium bowl, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, maple syrup, maple extract, and milk until smooth and glossy. Adjust milk quantity if needed to achieve a glaze that’s thick but still dippable.

Step 9: Glaze the Donuts

Dip each cooled donut into the maple glaze, give a little twist as you lift it out to allow any excess glaze to drip off. Place glazed donuts on a rack or parchment paper and let the glaze set up before serving.

How to Serve Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe

A stack of three round donuts with a light brown, fluffy texture is shown, each topped with a smooth, white glaze that slightly drips down the sides, with a light dusting of cinnamon or spice on top of the glaze. Around the stack, more similar donuts can be seen lying flat, and to the lower right, a small orange fruit is partially visible, all set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the maple glaze is stunning on its own, you can elevate your donuts by sprinkling chopped toasted pecans or a pinch of cinnamon on top while the glaze is still wet. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a delicate touch that’s perfect for a special occasion.

Side Dishes

These donuts pair wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a spicy hot chocolate for cozy fall mornings or afternoon breaks. For brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit or yogurt to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe on a rustic wooden board or a pretty cake stand for a festive fall display. You can even stack them next to small pumpkins, autumn leaves, or cinnamon sticks for that extra seasonal flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep them fresh and soft. Avoid refrigeration as it tends to dry them out.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these delicious donuts later, freeze them in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They will stay fresh for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To refresh frozen or leftover donuts, pop them in a microwave for about 10 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes. This brings back their tender, just-baked texture without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin purée for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin purée works perfectly and is often the go-to ingredient for convenience and consistent flavor in the Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe.

What if I don’t have pumpkin spice?

No worries. You can make your own blend using cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. This way, you control the flavor profile and keep your donuts deliciously spiced.

Why are my donuts dense instead of fluffy?

Overmixing the batter can result in dense donuts. Be sure to gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stop as soon as it’s combined for the best light texture.

Can I make these donuts vegan?

With some adjustments like using a flax egg and plant-based butter, this recipe can be adapted for vegans. The flavor will still shine, especially with that heavenly maple glaze.

Is it necessary to use maple extract in the glaze?

Maple extract intensifies the maple flavor, but you can skip it if unavailable. Just using pure maple syrup still gives an amazingly sweet and authentic glaze for the donuts.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a cozy, flavorful treat that’s as comforting as it is beautiful, you have to try this Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe. It’s simple to prepare, packed with fall’s favorite flavors, and perfect for sharing or savoring all by yourself. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a cherished seasonal favorite you’ll come back to year after year.