These pumpkin baked donuts are fluffy, tasty, and full of warm spices. With a sweet maple glaze on top, they are perfect for fall or whenever you need a treat!
Who can resist the combo of pumpkin and maple? I swear, if I didn’t have to share, I’d eat the whole batch myself! They’re super easy to whip up, too. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven for the best taste!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base for your donuts. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead, and it should work just fine!
Pumpkin puree: Canned pumpkin works well, but if you want to use fresh, simply roast or steam pumpkin, then blend it until smooth. Just make sure it’s not too watery.
Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken.
Vegetable oil: You can substitute this with melted coconut oil or even unsweetened applesauce for a lighter option. Both variations work nicely!
Maple syrup: For the glaze, pure maple syrup is ideal for authentic flavor. However, you can use agave syrup or honey if you’re in a pinch.
How Can I Ensure My Donuts Are Light and Fluffy?
The key to light and fluffy donuts is to avoid overmixing the batter. When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until you see no flour. A few lumps are fine! This helps maintain a tender texture.
- Preheat your oven properly; this ensures even baking and helps the donuts rise.
- Fill each cavity in the donut pan about ¾ full; this allows them room to rise without overflowing.
- After baking, allow the donuts to cool slightly in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack. This prevents them from being too moist on the bottom.
These tips should help you make the best pumpkin baked donuts with a delightful maple glaze that everyone will love! Enjoy baking!
Pumpkin Baked Donuts with Maple Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Maple Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1-2 tbsp milk or cream (adjust for consistency)
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
- Rolled oats
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 25 minutes of prep time and another 12-15 minutes to bake. After that, let the donuts cool for a few minutes before glazing. You can enjoy these tasty donuts within an hour of starting!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven and prepare pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan or spray it with non-stick spray to ensure your donuts pop out easily after baking.
2. Mix dry ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt until they are well combined. This will give your donuts a warm, spicy flavor!
3. Mix wet ingredients:
In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and even. This mixture is what makes your donuts moist and flavorful!
4. Combine dry and wet:
Carefully add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can make your donuts tough.
5. Fill the donut pan:
Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut cavities, filling each about ¾ full. This will give them enough room to rise without spilling over.
6. Bake:
Pop the donut pan into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, they’re done!
7. Cool:
Once baked, remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. After that, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing. This will help keep them crisp!
8. Make the maple glaze:
In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk or cream. Whisk until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker one.
9. Glaze the donuts:
Once your donuts are cooled, dip the top of each donut into the maple glaze, allowing any excess glaze to drip back into the bowl. Place them back on the wire rack.
10. Add toppings (optional):
If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts and rolled oats over the glaze while it’s still wet, so they stick nicely!
11. Serve and enjoy!
Your delicious pumpkin baked donuts are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them fresh for the best taste and share them with family and friends for a delightful treat!
Enjoy your deliciously moist baked pumpkin donuts topped with a sweet and smooth maple glaze! They’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin! Just make sure to roast or steam the pumpkin and blend it until smooth. Avoid using any pumpkin that has too much moisture, as it can affect the donut texture.
How Should I Store Leftover Donuts?
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, consider refrigerating them, although this may alter their texture slightly.
Can I Freeze These Donuts?
Absolutely! To freeze, allow the donuts to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them!
Can I Add Different Spices to the Batter?
Definitely! Feel free to customize the spice blend to your liking. You can add more cinnamon, replace some with pumpkin pie spice, or even a pinch of cardamom for a unique twist.