Baked Pumpkin Donuts Maple Glaze Recipe

Fluffy Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe

Autumn whispers its sweet secrets through these delectable baked pumpkin donuts with maple glaze that dance between comfort and indulgence.

Cozy spices nestle inside a tender crumb, promising warmth in every delightful bite.

Soft and pillowy, each donut carries the essence of seasonal magic.

maple rich caramel notes weave through the pastry, creating an irresistible treat.

Homemade baking becomes an adventure when you transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Crisp mornings call for these golden beauties that will make your kitchen smell like pure happiness.

Wake up your senses and savor every single crumb of this irresistible morning delight.

Baked Pumpkin Donuts: Maple Morning Magic

  • Capture Autumn's Warmth: Dive into a cozy baking experience that brings the essence of fall right to your kitchen with these delightful pumpkin donuts.
  • Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: Whip up these donuts with simple ingredients and basic baking skills, making it a perfect recipe for both novice and experienced bakers.
  • Family-Friendly Treat: Create a delicious dessert that everyone from kids to grandparents will love, perfect for weekend breakfasts or afternoon snacks.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare these donuts in under an hour, making them an ideal last-minute treat for unexpected guests or sudden sweet cravings.

Pumpkin Donut Ingredient Checklist

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A staple ingredient that provides structure and texture to the donuts.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness and moisture to the baked goods.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the donuts rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the donuts.
Spices:
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger, Cloves: Warm spices that create a classic fall-inspired flavor profile for the pumpkin donuts.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Pumpkin Puree: The star ingredient that gives the donuts their signature orange color and earthy flavor.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the donut batter.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures the donuts remain moist and tender.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle, sweet aromatic flavor to the donuts.
Glaze Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar, Maple Syrup, Milk: Combine to create a sweet and glossy maple glaze that complements the pumpkin donuts.

How to Bake Maple Pumpkin Donuts

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F and give your donut pan a loving spray of cooking oil to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Blend Dry Goodies

Grab a mixing bowl and toss in:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Brown sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • Ginger
  • Cloves

Whisk these ingredients until they’re perfectly mingled and looking fabulous.

Step 3: Whip Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, create a smooth symphony by mixing:
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Eggs
  • Vegetable oil
  • Vanilla extract

Stir until everything looks silky and well-incorporated.

Step 4: Create Magic Batter

Slowly fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients.

Stir gently until just combined – no overmixing allowed!

The batter should look tender and inviting.

Step 5: Fill Donut Molds

Carefully spoon batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full.

Keep things neat and even.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes.

The donuts are done when they’re golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool Down

Let donuts rest in the pan for a few minutes, then gently transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Craft Maple Glaze

Whisk together:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Maple syrup
  • Milk

Stir until smooth and drizzle-ready.

Step 9: Dress Your Donuts

Dunk each donut into the maple glaze, letting excess drip off.

Place on a rack and let the glaze set.

Enjoy your tasty creation!

Pumpkin Donut Pro Tricks

  • Avoid overmixing batter to keep donuts tender and light, stopping just when ingredients are combined.
  • Let donuts cool completely before glazing to prevent runny, thin coating and ensure a thick, glossy finish.
  • Freshly ground spices enhance the warm, aromatic flavor profile of these seasonal donuts.
  • Replace milk with almond milk or coconut milk for a vegan-friendly version that maintains rich moisture.
  • Store glazed donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, keeping them soft and delicious.

Maple Donut Flavor Variations

  • Gluten-Free Pumpkin Donuts: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend for celiac-friendly option.
  • Vegan Spice Donuts: Swap eggs with flax eggs and use coconut oil instead of regular oil for plant-based version.
  • Low-Sugar Maple Treats: Substitute brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener and use sugar-free maple syrup for diabetic-friendly alternative.
  • Keto Pumpkin Rounds: Use coconut flour, almond flour, and sugar substitute to create a low-carb, ketogenic-friendly donut with similar spice profile.

Serve Donuts with Maple Drizzle

  • Autumn Breakfast Companion: Pair these warm, spiced donuts with a steaming mug of apple cider or pumpkin spice coffee for the ultimate morning treat.
  • Dessert Elegance: Serve as a sophisticated after-dinner sweet alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or whipped cream garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
  • Brunch Showstopper: Create a festive brunch spread by arranging donuts on a rustic wooden platter with fresh seasonal fruits like sliced pears or caramelized apples.
  • Party Presentation: Arrange donuts on a tiered cake stand for a stunning display at fall gatherings, perfect for Halloween or Thanksgiving celebrations.

Storage for Maple Pumpkin Donuts

  • Store glazed donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent sticking.
  • Place unglazed donuts in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying.
  • Warm refrigerated or thawed donuts at 300F for 3-5 minutes to restore their soft texture. Avoid overheating to prevent dryness.
  • Heat donuts for 10-15 seconds on low power. Check frequently to prevent toughening and maintain their delicate texture.

FAQs

  • Are these donuts healthier than traditional fried donuts?

Yes, these baked donuts are a healthier alternative to fried donuts since they’re baked, using less oil and reducing overall fat content while maintaining a delicious texture.

  • Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to create a gluten-free version of these pumpkin donuts.

  • How can I ensure my donuts are moist and not dry?

The key is to not overmix the batter and to carefully monitor baking time. Remove the donuts from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out clean to prevent drying out.

Print
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Baked Pumpkin Donuts Maple Glaze Recipe

Baked Pumpkin Donuts Maple Glaze Recipe


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4.5 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 28 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Seasonal Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts bring warm autumn comfort straight from your kitchen. Rich spices and sweet maple create a delightful breakfast treat you’ll crave all season long.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 3/4 cups (220 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup (185 grams) pumpkin puree
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) vegetable oil

Spices and Leavening Agents:

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Glaze Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 12 tablespoons milk (as needed)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and thoroughly coat a donut pan with non-stick spray to ensure easy removal.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly blend all dry ingredients including flour, brown sugar, leavening agents, spices, and salt until uniformly combined.
  3. Separately, whisk together pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture achieves a smooth, consistent texture.
  4. Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring minimally to prevent overworking the batter, which can result in dense donuts.
  5. Carefully transfer the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity approximately three-quarters full to allow room for rising during baking.
  6. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 11-13 minutes, monitoring until donuts develop a golden-brown exterior and a inserted toothpick emerges clean.
  7. Remove from oven and allow donuts to rest in the pan for 5 minutes before gently transferring to a wire cooling rack.
  8. Craft the maple glaze by whisking powdered sugar, pure maple syrup, and milk until achieving a silky, pourable consistency.
  9. Immerse each cooled donut into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off, then place on a wire rack to set the glaze completely before serving.

Notes

  • Check donut pan cavity size to ensure perfect donut shape and even baking, using a standard 6-cavity pan for consistent results.
  • Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free blend for celiac-friendly version, maintaining similar texture and taste.
  • Swap vegetable oil with applesauce or mashed banana to reduce fat content and add natural sweetness.
  • Store donuts in airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness up to 5 days.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 13 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 160 kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 140 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 2.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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