Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts

If you’re looking for the ultimate fall treat, let me introduce you to Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts! These delightful little bites are not just a dessert; they make a fantastic breakfast option too. Imagine waking up to the warm, inviting smell of pumpkin and spices filling your kitchen. That’s exactly what these donuts bring to the table!

What makes this recipe so special is how it combines simple ingredients with a touch of love. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, these homemade donuts will quickly become a favorite in your home. Plus, the sweet maple glaze adds that extra touch of happiness, making every bite a celebration of fall.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you’ll whip these up in no time—perfect for any skill level!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves donuts! These will be a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the batter ahead of time and bake them fresh in the morning for an easy breakfast.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and maple creates a flavor profile that’s both comforting and unique.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as breakfast, dessert, or even an afternoon snack with your favorite hot beverage.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts feature simple and wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Gather these items from your pantry and fridge, and let’s get baking!

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 variations you can try to make your Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts even more exciting:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ginger for a spicy kick in each bite.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Top with melted dairy-free chocolate instead of maple glaze for a sweet twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap out the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for those with dietary restrictions.

How to Make Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while you prepare your donut pan. This ensures that your donuts bake evenly and rise beautifully!

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 step is crucial because it ensures that all those lovely flavors are evenly distributed throughout your batter.

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 rich base for your donuts.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Whisk gently until everything is just combined—overmixing can lead to dense donuts.

Step 5: Pipe Into Pan

Transfer your batter into a piping bag (or squeeze bottle) and pipe it into each well of your prepared donut pan. Filling them about halfway is key; this allows room for them to rise perfectly without overflowing.

Step 6: Bake

Place the donut pan in the oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes. The donuts should spring back when touched lightly—a sign they’re done!

Step 7: Cool Down

Let your donuts cool slightly before transferring them onto a wire rack. Cooling helps them firm up while maintaining their soft texture inside.

Step 8: Make the Glaze

In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth. This glaze is what makes these donuts shine—literally!

Step 9: Dunk Those Donuts

Place a wire cooling rack over a baking sheet. Dunk each donut into the glaze and let them rest on the rack so that excess glaze can drip off. This step ensures they’re perfectly coated without being overly sweet.

Enjoy every bite of these Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts—they’re sure to bring joy to any occasion!

Pro Tips for Making Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts

Making these delightful donuts is a breeze, and with a few helpful tips, you can ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use fresh pumpkin puree: Fresh puree gives your donuts a vibrant flavor and moisture. If using canned, make sure it’s 100% pumpkin to avoid added sugars and spices.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ones until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts instead of light and fluffy ones.
• Check doneness carefully: Every oven is different! Keep an eye on your donuts around the 8-minute mark, and do the toothpick test – it should come out clean when inserted in the center.
• Cool completely before glazing: Allowing your donuts to cool ensures that the glaze adheres properly and doesn’t melt off, giving you that perfect sweet finish.
• Experiment with spice levels: Feel free to adjust the amount of pumpkin pie spice to suit your palate. A little extra can amplify that cozy fall flavor!

How to Serve Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts

These Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them perfect for various occasions. Here are some ideas on how to present this delightful treat.

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some crushed pecans or walnuts on top of the glaze for added crunch and a nutty flavor that complements pumpkin beautifully.
• Cinnamon sugar: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar can enhance sweetness and provide an inviting aroma that encapsulates fall.
• Candied ginger: Finely chop candied ginger for a zesty kick that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the glaze.

Side Dishes

• Coffee or tea: Pair these donuts with a warm cup of coffee or spiced chai tea for a cozy breakfast or afternoon snack experience. The flavors harmonize beautifully!
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with apples, pears, or citrus will balance the sweetness of the donuts while adding brightness to your plate.
• Yogurt parfait: Serve alongside a yogurt parfait layered with granola and seasonal fruits. This adds creaminess and additional textures to your meal.
• Apple cider: A glass of warm apple cider is a classic fall beverage that pairs perfectly with these pumpkin delights, enhancing their seasonal charm.

Enjoy your homemade Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts at breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon treat! They are sure to warm hearts and fill bellies with joy this season.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts are perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip them up in advance, making your mornings or gatherings a little sweeter and less stressful.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Allow the donuts to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen donuts to a zip-top freezer bag and store for up to 3 months.
• When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature or reheat gently.

Reheating

• To reheat, place donuts in a microwave-safe dish and warm for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, you can pop them in a toaster oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes for that fresh-baked taste.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts.

Can I make Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce. Use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg.

How do I store leftover Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts?

Leftover donuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.

Are Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts suitable for breakfast?

Absolutely! These delicious donuts make an excellent breakfast treat or afternoon snack, perfectly paired with coffee or tea.

Can I freeze Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts?

Yes! Just freeze the cooled donuts individually before transferring them to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts as much as I do! They embody the cozy flavors of fall and bring joy whether enjoyed at breakfast or as a sweet treat throughout the day. Don’t hesitate to share your experience—I’d love to hear how they turned out for you. Happy baking!