Somehow, pumpkin and maple were destined to be best friends, especially when they come together in these baked donuts. Perfect for cozy mornings or as a sweet treat any time of day.
Why This Recipe Works
- The combination of pumpkin puree and warm spices creates a moist, flavorful donut that’s irresistibly tender.
- Baking instead of frying makes these donuts a lighter option without sacrificing taste or texture.
- The maple glaze adds the perfect amount of sweetness and a glossy finish that makes these donuts as beautiful as they are delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons milk
Equipment Needed
- Donut pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Piping bag or ziplock bag
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease your donut pan. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and spices. This ensures your donuts will have a uniform flavor in every bite.
Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the oil, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla until well combined. Stir in the pumpkin puree and milk. The mixture should be smooth and slightly thick, perfect for piping into your donut pan.
Combine and Pipe
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough donuts, so stop as soon as you no longer see dry flour. Transfer the batter to a piping bag or ziplock bag with a corner snipped off, and pipe into the prepared donut pan.
Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts spring back when lightly touched. Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Glaze and Enjoy
Whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until smooth. Dip each cooled donut into the glaze, then return to the rack to let the glaze set. Enjoy your delicious baked pumpkin donuts with maple glaze!
Tips and Tricks
For the best results, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This helps them combine more smoothly. If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin, though the baking time may need to be adjusted slightly. For an extra flavor boost, try adding a pinch of cardamom to the dry ingredients. And if you’re in a hurry, you can skip the glaze, but why would you want to?
Recipe Variations
- Add chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey twist.
- Swap the maple glaze for a cream cheese frosting for a tangy contrast.
- Top the glazed donuts with chopped nuts or sprinkles for added texture and fun.
- Use sweet potato puree instead of pumpkin for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Make them vegan by substituting the egg with a flax egg and using almond milk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
Absolutely! These donuts keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze the unglazed donuts for up to a month and glaze them after thawing.
Can I use canned pumpkin pie mix instead of pumpkin puree?
It’s best to stick with pure pumpkin puree, as the pie mix contains added sugars and spices that could throw off the balance of the recipe.
Why did my donuts turn out dense?
This usually happens if the batter is overmixed or if the baking powder is old. Make sure to mix just until combined and check the expiration date on your baking powder.
Summary
These baked pumpkin donuts with maple glaze are a delightful treat that combines the warmth of pumpkin spices with the sweet richness of maple. Perfect for fall mornings or any time you crave something sweet and comforting.