Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe

If you’re craving cozy, irresistible autumn flavors, let me share my absolute go-to recipe for Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze. Picture soft, warmly spiced pumpkin donuts with golden edges, all crowned in a glossy, maple-kissed glaze that’s pure comfort. Each bite captures the spirit of fall, and since they’re baked (not fried), you can enjoy them guilt-free with your morning coffee or as a sweet afternoon pick-me-up. Whether you’re making a batch for brunch, a bake sale, or just because, these beauties are always a surefire hit.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe comes together with a handful of simple, everyday ingredients, yet each one brings something special to the final result—whether it’s flavor, softness, or that picture-perfect donut color. Here’s what you’ll need:

• All-purpose flour: Provides the essential structure and tender crumb for the donuts.
• Baking powder: Helps the donuts rise and stay fluffy.
• Baking soda: Works with the acid in the pumpkin to make the donuts light.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the warm spices.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds a lovely warmth that’s classic for pumpkin desserts.
• Ground nutmeg: Delivers subtle spice and autumn aroma.
• Ground ginger: Brings a gentle zing and depth to the flavor profile.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the donuts just right and helps with tenderness.
• Pumpkin puree: The star of the show, keeping the donuts moist and rich.
• Large egg: Binds everything together for a soft, slightly chewy texture.
• Vegetable oil: Ensures exceptional moistness—don’t skip it!
• Milk: Loosens the batter for perfect donuts and makes the crumb just right.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a layer of cozy, sweet fragrance.
• Powdered sugar: The base for the dreamy maple glaze. Sift if lumpy!
• Maple syrup: Infuses the glaze with natural, earthy sweetness.
• Extra milk (for glaze): Adjusts the glaze thickness to your liking.

How to Make Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your donut pan and give it a generous spritz with nonstick spray or a light greasing—this simple step helps your Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze pop out perfectly after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Take a moment to appreciate the cozy smells—these spices will give your donuts a classic pumpkin pie flavor.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, pumpkin puree, egg, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is smooth and everything is nicely blended—this ensures even texture and pumpkin flavor in every bite.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t overmix—this keeps your donuts tender! The batter will be thick but easily pipeable.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

Spoon the batter into a large piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off. Pipe it into each donut cavity, filling about three-quarters full. This helps your Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze rise into perfect rings.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the donuts spring back gently when touched and a toothpick comes out clean. Let them rest in the pan for a couple of minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool.

Step 7: Make and Apply the Maple Glaze

While the donuts cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and 2 tablespoons of milk in a bowl. If needed, add extra milk a teaspoon at a time to get a silky smooth, pourable consistency. Dip the top of each donut into the glaze, let the excess drip off, then pop them back on the rack to set. You’ll see the glaze turn glossy and just a touch crackly—sheer perfection!

How to Serve Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze

Garnishes

For a little extra flair, sprinkle your glazed donuts with chopped toasted pecans, a dusting of cinnamon, or even a scattering of autumn-inspired sprinkles. Each garnish adds its own crunch and visual appeal, making your Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze look bakery-worthy.

Side Dishes

Enjoy these donuts alongside a big mug of spiced chai, fresh-brewed coffee, or creamy hot chocolate for the ultimate fall treat. Add a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream if you’re feeling fancy—every option complements the sweet, spiced pumpkin so well!

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your donuts on a rustic wooden board for a cozy brunch buffet, stack them on a cake stand for a brunch centerpiece, or wrap them up in twine-tied parchment bags as sweet homemade gifts. However you serve them, these donuts make every gathering feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The glaze will set nicely, keeping the donuts moist and flavorful—but if it’s humid, you might want to keep them in the fridge for optimal freshness.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze these donuts! Let them cool and set the glaze fully, then wrap each donut in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to two months. To thaw, just leave them at room temp for a couple of hours—easy as pie!

Reheating

If you prefer your Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze slightly warm, microwave them in 10-15 second bursts. This softens the crumb and makes the glaze just a little gooey again, giving that fresh-baked feeling any time.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?

Absolutely! If you have fresh pumpkin puree on hand, use it in place of canned—just make sure it’s well-drained and as smooth as possible for the best donut texture.

What if I don’t have a donut pan?

No worries! You can turn this batter into baked pumpkin muffin “holes” using a mini muffin tin, or even a regular muffin tin (just adjust the baking time as needed).

Is there a substitute for maple syrup in the glaze?

If you’re out of maple syrup, try using honey or agave syrup instead. It’ll change the flavor a bit but still gives a wonderful, sweet finish.

How do I make these donuts vegan?

Swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal plus 3 tablespoons water) and use a plant-based milk and oil. Even the glaze works—just use your favorite non-dairy milk!

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Yes, it doubles beautifully! Simply multiply all ingredients by two, and bake in batches as needed. Your kitchen will smell heavenly, and everyone will want seconds.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to welcome fall with open arms (and warm hands!), don’t miss out on making Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze. Each time I bake them, they vanish in a flash—the perfect blend of nostalgia and sweetness. Give them a try and let them become your new autumn staple, too!