Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall, you’ve come to the right place! Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts are truly a cozy hug in dessert form. These soft-baked donuts are not only perfect for breakfast but also serve as a warm afternoon snack or a sweet addition to family gatherings. The combination of pumpkin and maple creates a flavor that is simply irresistible!

What makes this recipe even more special is how easy it is to whip up. Whether you’re baking on a busy weeknight or preparing for a weekend brunch, these donuts will fill your kitchen with an inviting aroma that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have homemade donuts ready in no time.
• Family favorite: These donuts are sure to impress kids and adults alike, making them perfect for any occasion.
• Make-ahead option: You can prepare the batter ahead of time and bake fresh donuts whenever you want!
• Deliciously comforting: The sweet maple glaze paired with pumpkin spice creates a delightful flavor that screams autumn.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make these Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts. You likely have most of these in your pantry already!

For the Donuts:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter (melted)

For the Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ideas to tweak the donuts just how you like them:

• Add chocolate chips: Stir in some chocolate chips into the batter for a sweet surprise.
• Experiment with spices: Swap out pumpkin pie spice for cinnamon or nutmeg, or add both for extra warmth!
• Try different glazes: Instead of maple glaze, use a simple vanilla glaze or even a chocolate glaze for variety.

How to Make Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s warming up, spray your donut pan with non-stick cooking spray. This step ensures that your delicious creations pop out easily once they’re baked!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice until well combined. This is an important step because it evenly distributes the leavening agents and spices throughout the flour mixture.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, milk, and melted butter until smooth. Mixing these ingredients well helps create a fluffy texture in your donuts.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture. Gently whisk until everything is just combined—be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to dense donuts instead of light and fluffy ones.

Step 5: Pipe Into Pan

Transfer your batter into a large piping bag and cut off the tip. Pipe the batter into each well of your donut pan. This method helps achieve nice, uniform shapes as they bake!

Step 6: Bake

Place your donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes. They’re done when they spring back lightly when touched. This short baking time keeps them soft and tender.

Step 7: Cool and Glaze

Allow your donuts to cool slightly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Meanwhile, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to create your glaze. Dunk each donut into this sweet mixture and place them back on the wire rack so that they can harden beautifully.

And there you have it—your homemade Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts are ready to be enjoyed! They’re perfect for sharing or savoring all on your own with a warm cup of coffee or tea. Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts

Creating the perfect Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts can be a delightful experience, especially when you have some handy tips up your sleeve!

• Use fresh pumpkin puree: Freshly made pumpkin puree enhances the flavor and texture of your donuts. Canned versions can work, but they may lack that vibrant taste.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined will keep your donuts light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to denser donuts that are less enjoyable.

• Check for doneness: Since oven temperatures can vary, keep an eye on your donuts during baking. They’re done when they spring back after being touched lightly.

• Cool before glazing: Allowing the donuts to cool slightly before glazing helps the glaze adhere better and prevents it from melting away. This step is key to achieving that beautiful finish!

• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the glaze for an extra flavor boost. Small tweaks can make a big difference!

How to Serve Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts

These Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts are delicious on their own, but presenting them well can turn an ordinary moment into something special. Here are some ideas on how to serve them for any occasion!

Garnishes

• Chopped pecans or walnuts: A sprinkle of crunchy nuts adds texture and a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the glaze wonderfully.
• Cinnamon sugar dusting: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar gives an extra sweet kick and makes each bite even more indulgent.

Side Dishes

• Coffee or chai tea: Pair these donuts with a warm cup of coffee or chai tea for a cozy breakfast or afternoon treat. The spices in chai enhance the fall flavors beautifully.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances the sweetness of the donuts. Choose seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and pomegranate seeds for a colorful twist.
• Yogurt parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for a delightful side that adds creaminess and crunch alongside your sweet treats.
• Maple syrup dipping sauce: Serve a small bowl of maple syrup on the side for dipping—because who wouldn’t want more maple goodness with their pumpkin donuts?

With these serving suggestions, your homemade Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts will shine at any gathering or cozy morning at home! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the donuts to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, consider refrigerating them, where they will last up to a week.

Freezing

• Let the donuts cool entirely before freezing.
• Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped donuts in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the donuts on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Alternatively, you can microwave each donut for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

If you’re wondering about these delightful treats, here are some common questions that might help!

Can I make Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts without eggs?

Absolutely! You can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce. For each egg, mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water and let it sit until it becomes gelatinous, or use 1/4 cup applesauce as a replacement.

How do I store leftover Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them individually wrapped!

Are Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts healthy?

While these donuts are considered a treat, they do contain pumpkin, which is packed with vitamins and fiber. Enjoy them in moderation as part of your fall festivities!

How long do Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts take to bake?

These delicious donuts take just about 8-10 minutes to bake once you’ve prepared the batter. Quick and easy!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making these Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts as much as I do! They bring warmth and joy to any autumn day and are perfect for sharing with family and friends. Remember to savor each bite and embrace the fall flavors that make this season so special. Happy baking!