Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts

Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts are the best pumpkin dessert and breakfast ever. Period. These homemade, soft-baked donuts are frosted with a sweet maple glaze that will instantly elevate your mood throughout Fall! Perfect for cozy mornings, gatherings, or as a delightful treat any time of the day, these donuts combine ease of preparation with rich flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to Make – With straightforward ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up these donuts in no time.
• Deliciously Sweet – The maple glaze adds a unique flavor that complements the pumpkin perfectly.
• Great for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a weekend brunch, these donuts fit right in.
• Customizable – Feel free to add toppings like nuts or sprinkles to make them your own.
• Soft and Moist Texture – The combination of pumpkin puree and eggs gives these donuts their delightful softness.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Donut pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Piping bag
• Wire cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Donut pan – This specialized pan helps shape your donuts perfectly and ensures even baking.
• Mixing bowls – Having multiple sizes allows you to mix dry and wet ingredients separately for better consistency.
• Piping bag – Using a piping bag makes it easier to fill the donut wells evenly without making a mess.

Ingredients

To make your Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts, you’ll need the following ingredients:

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 Maple Glaze

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

How to Make Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Spray a 6 or 12 count donut pan with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:
1. Flour
2. Sugar
3. Baking powder
4. Salt
5. Pumpkin pie spice
until thoroughly combined. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:
1. Eggs
2. Pumpkin puree
3. Vanilla extract
4. Milk
5. Melted butter

Mix until smooth. Gradually add in the dry ingredients, whisking until well combined.

Step 4: Pipe the Batter

Transfer the batter into a large piping bag and cut off the tip. Pipe the donut batter into each well of your prepared donut pan.

Step 5: Bake the Donuts

Place the filled donut pan in the oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until donuts spring back when touched.

Step 6: Cool Down

Let the donuts cool slightly before turning them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Make the Maple Glaze

In a bowl, whisk together:
1. Powdered sugar
2. Milk
3. Maple syrup
4. Vanilla extract

Mix until smooth.

Step 8: Glaze Your Donuts

Place a wire cooling rack over a baking sheet. Dunk each cooled donut in glaze and set them on the rack to allow it to harden.

Enjoy your delicious Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts!

How to Serve Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts

Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts are delightful on their own, but serving them with complementary sides can elevate your experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions that pair perfectly with these sweet treats.

With a Hot Beverage

• Coffee: Pair your donuts with a steaming cup of coffee for a classic breakfast combo.
• Hot Chocolate: Enjoy the sweetness of chocolate with the maple glaze for a cozy treat.
• Herbal Tea: Opt for a calming herbal tea to balance the flavors and add warmth.

As a Dessert

• Ice Cream: Serve warm donuts alongside a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a delicious contrast.
• Whipped Cream: Top them with freshly whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert option.
• Fruit Compote: A side of homemade fruit compote can add a fruity freshness to each bite.

For Brunch Gatherings

• Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can complement the richness of the donuts nicely.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries to create a balanced brunch plate.

How to Perfect Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts

To ensure your Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts turn out wonderfully every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Pumpkin Puree: Ensure that you use pure pumpkin puree instead of pumpkin pie filling for the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Gently mix your wet and dry ingredients to keep the donuts light and fluffy.
• Check Donut Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when they’re done baking.
• Let Cool Before Glazing: Allow your donuts to cool slightly before glazing so that the glaze adheres properly without melting off.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of pumpkin pie spice according to your taste preferences for added warmth.
• Store Properly: Keep leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days for optimal freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts

Pairing side dishes with your Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts can create an exciting meal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt, granola, and berries provide texture and nutrition alongside the donuts.
3. Granola Bars: Crunchy granola bars can serve as an energizing snack option that complements the soft donuts.
4. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses pairs surprisingly well, adding savory notes to your sweet treat.
5. Oven-Baked Apples: Warm baked apples with cinnamon enhance fall flavors and make a comforting side dish.
6. Savory Breakfast Hash: A hash made with potatoes and vegetables offers a savory contrast to sweet donuts.
7. Smoothie Bowl: Blend up a smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds for an invigorating side option.
8. Chia Seed Pudding: This healthy pudding is creamy and adds nutritional benefits while being visually appealing next to your donuts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can help you create the perfect Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts.

• Bold Ingredients: Using incorrect ingredients, such as pumpkin pie filling instead of pure pumpkin puree, can affect the flavor and texture. Always check your labels.
• Bold Overmixing Batter: Mixing the batter too much can lead to dense donuts. Mix until just combined for a light and fluffy texture.
• Bold Incorrect Baking Time: Baking for too long or too short can ruin your donuts. Keep an eye on them for doneness; they should spring back when touched.
• Bold Skipping the Glaze: Not glazing your donuts means missing out on that sweet maple flavor. Don’t skip this step; it makes all the difference!
• Bold Incorrect Storage: Storing donuts in an airtight container without letting them cool completely can make them soggy. Always let them cool down first.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
• Make sure they are completely cooled before storing.

Freezing Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts

• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts

• Bold Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 5-7 minutes for best results.
• Bold Microwave: Heat one donut at a time for 15-20 seconds on high.
• Bold Stovetop: Place in a pan over low heat, cover, and warm for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts.

How do I make Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts vegan?

You can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water or use applesauce. Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, using whole wheat flour will add a nutty flavor and more nutrients. It may alter the texture slightly, so consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour.

What toppings can I add to my Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts?

Feel free to sprinkle chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even chocolate chips on top of the glaze for added flavor and texture!

How should I store leftover Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate to extend their freshness.

Final Thoughts

Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts offer a delightful blend of flavors that perfectly capture the essence of fall. They are versatile enough to serve as breakfast or dessert, making them an ideal treat any time of day. Feel free to customize your donuts by adding toppings or spices according to your taste!