Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

These Ultimate Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze capture all the cozy flavors of fall in one perfect bite. Unlike traditional fried donuts, these are baked to perfection, making them lighter, healthier, and incredibly easy to make at home. The tender, cake-like texture infused with warm pumpkin pie spices creates the ultimate autumn treat that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack with coffee.

What makes this recipe truly special is the irresistible maple glaze that adds the perfect sweet finish to complement the earthy pumpkin flavors. The combination of real pumpkin puree and aromatic spices creates donuts that taste like fall in every bite, while the rich maple glaze provides that bakery-quality finish that will have everyone thinking you’re a professional baker.

These Ultimate Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze are incredibly versatile and foolproof. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting your baking journey, this recipe delivers consistent, delicious results every time. Plus, they’re ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish, making them perfect for weekend brunches, holiday gatherings, or whenever you’re craving something special and seasonal.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Donuts:

2 cups all-purpose flour – The foundation for perfectly tender donuts
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder – Ensures light, fluffy texture

1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice – The signature warm spice blend for fall flavor
¾ teaspoon kosher salt – Enhances all the flavors
¼ teaspoon baking soda – Additional leavening for perfect rise

½ cup unsalted butter, melted – Adds richness and moisture
1 cup light brown sugar, packed – Provides sweetness with molasses notes
2 large eggs – Binds ingredients and adds structure

1 cup canned pumpkin puree – The star ingredient for flavor and moisture
2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor profile

For the Maple Glaze:

¾ cup maple syrup – Use pure maple syrup for best flavor
1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter – Adds richness to the glaze
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Complements the maple beautifully

¼ teaspoon kosher salt – Balances the sweetness
¼ cup confectioners’ sugar – Thickens the glaze to perfect consistency

How to Make Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare Your Kitchen Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a 12-cup donut pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray, making sure to coat all the ridges thoroughly. This ensures your Ultimate Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze will release easily after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, kosher salt, and baking soda until well combined. Make sure there are no lumps and the spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and packed brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Create the Batter Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula, gently fold the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough donuts. The batter should be thick but scoopable.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan Using a piping bag, large zip-top bag with the corner cut off, or a spoon, fill each donut mold about ¾ full with batter. Try to distribute the batter evenly for uniform donuts. A piping bag makes this step much easier and neater.

Step 6: Bake the Donuts Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the donuts spring back lightly when touched and a toothpick inserted into the thickest part comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Don’t overbake, as this will result in dry donuts.

Step 7: Prepare the Maple Glaze While the donuts are baking, make the maple glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the maple syrup, butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and whisk in the confectioners’ sugar until smooth. The glaze should coat the back of a spoon but still be pourable.

Step 8: Cool and Glaze Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack. While still slightly warm, dip the top of each donut into the maple glaze, allowing excess to drip off. Place back on the wire rack and let the glaze set for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Helpful Tips:

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and a more tender texture. You can quickly warm cold eggs by placing them in a bowl of warm water for 5 minutes.

Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing develops the gluten too much, resulting in tough, dense donuts instead of tender ones.

Proper Pan Preparation: Thoroughly grease your donut pan, including all the ridges and curves. This is crucial for easy removal and perfectly shaped Ultimate Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze.

Test for Doneness: The donuts are done when they spring back lightly when touched and start to pull away slightly from the edges of the pan. A toothpick should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Glaze Consistency: If your maple glaze is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk or cream. If it’s too thin, whisk in a bit more confectioners’ sugar until you reach the perfect dipping consistency.

Details:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 12-15 minutes
Glaze Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 donuts
Difficulty: Easy
Category: Breakfast/Dessert
Cuisine: American
Season: Fall/Autumn
Calories: Approximately 285 per donut

Notes:

These Ultimate Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze are incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit different preferences. For a spicier version, add an extra ½ teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice or include a pinch of cayenne pepper for subtle heat. If you prefer a less sweet option, you can reduce the brown sugar slightly or skip the glaze altogether for a more muffin-like treat.

The recipe works beautifully with different mix-ins as well. Try adding mini chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or even a cream cheese swirl for variety. You can also experiment with different glazes – a simple vanilla glaze, chocolate glaze, or even a cinnamon sugar coating all pair wonderfully with the pumpkin base.

For those following specific dietary restrictions, this recipe can be adapted. You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free donuts, or use plant-based butter and a flax egg substitute for a vegan version.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I make these donuts without a donut pan? A: While a donut pan gives the classic shape, you can use a muffin tin to make pumpkin muffins instead. The baking time may need to be adjusted to 18-20 minutes.

Q: How do I store leftover Ultimate Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze? A: Store glazed donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze unglazed donuts for up to 3 months and glaze after thawing.

Q: Can I make the batter ahead of time? A: It’s best to bake the donuts immediately after mixing the batter for optimal texture. However, you can prepare the dry and wet ingredients separately the night before and combine them in the morning.

Q: Why are my donuts dense instead of light and fluffy? A: Dense donuts usually result from overmixing the batter or using too much flour. Measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling off, and mix just until ingredients are combined.

Q: Can I double this recipe? A: Yes! This recipe doubles easily. You may need to bake in batches depending on how many donut pans you have available.

Storage Instructions:

Fresh Ultimate Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze are best enjoyed within 2-3 days of baking. Store glazed donuts in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their texture and prevent the glaze from becoming too sticky.

If you want to freeze the donuts, it’s best to freeze them unglazed. Wrap individual donuts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen donuts will keep for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature and apply fresh maple glaze.

For make-ahead entertaining, you can bake the donuts up to one day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Make fresh glaze just before serving for the best appearance and taste.

Related Recipes:

For more delicious fall baking recipes and seasonal treats, check out these favorites from Run of Life:

Conclusion:

These Ultimate Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze represent everything wonderful about fall baking – warm spices, cozy flavors, and the perfect balance of sweetness that makes every bite feel like a celebration of the season. The combination of tender, cake-like pumpkin donuts topped with rich maple glaze creates a treat that’s both sophisticated enough for special occasions and simple enough for everyday enjoyment.

What makes this recipe truly special is how it transforms simple, pantry-friendly ingredients into something that tastes like it came from a high-end bakery. The baking method ensures these donuts are lighter and less greasy than their fried counterparts, while still delivering all the flavor and satisfaction you crave in a perfect donut.

Whether you’re hosting a fall brunch, looking for the perfect accompaniment to your morning coffee, or simply wanting to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of pumpkin and spices, these Ultimate Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze deliver on every level. They’re proof that homemade treats can be both achievable and absolutely delicious, creating those special moments that make the season memorable. Give this recipe a try, and prepare to fall in love with your new favorite autumn tradition!