Are you ready to fill your kitchen with the cozy aromas of fall? These baked pumpkin donuts with maple glaze are just the treat you need to celebrate the season. They’re soft, fluffy, and oh-so-delicious, combining the rich flavor of pumpkin with warm spices. Plus, the maple glaze adds that perfect touch of sweetness, making them the ideal snack or breakfast treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need For Baked Pumpkin Donuts
Before you roll up your sleeves and get started, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need:
For the Donuts:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk (or a milk substitute)
For the Maple Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (or milk substitute)
How to Prepare the Donuts
Follow these steps for perfectly baked pumpkin donuts:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will allow your donuts to rise and bake evenly, resulting in a fluffy texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Donut Pan
Lightly grease your donut pan with cooking spray or oil. This helps to ensure that your donuts come out easily after baking.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Give it a good stir to combine everything evenly.
Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, canned pumpkin puree, applesauce, egg, vanilla extract, and milk. Mix until smooth and well blended.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Using a spatula, gently fold the two mixtures together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps.
Step 6: Fill the Donut Pan
Using a piping bag or a spoon, carefully fill each donut cavity approximately 2/3 full with the batter. This allows room for the donuts to rise without overflowing.
Step 7: Bake
Place the donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the donuts spring back when touched and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool the Donuts
Once baked, remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer the donuts to a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Maple Glaze
While the donuts are cooling, it’s a great time to whip together the maple glaze.
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In a medium bowl, sift the powdered sugar to remove any lumps. Add the maple syrup and 2 tablespoons of milk. Mix well until you have a smooth glaze. If it’s too thick, add an extra tablespoon of milk until you achieve your desired consistency.
Step 2: Glaze the Donuts
Once the donuts have cooled, dip the top of each donut into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the glazed donuts back on the wire rack to set.
Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Donuts
To ensure your baked pumpkin donuts turn out perfectly every time, consider these handy tips:
Use Fresh Ingredients
Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh. Expired ingredients can lead to dense donuts that don’t rise properly.
Don’t Overmix
When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough donuts.
Fill the Pan Correctly
Filling the donut pan too full can cause your donuts to overflow, while filling it too little can lead to donuts that are flat. Aim for about 2/3 full.
Keep an Eye on the Bake Time
Ovens can vary, so start checking your donuts a minute or two before the recommended baking time.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best parts about this baked pumpkin donut recipe is its flexibility. Here are a few ideas to customize your donuts:
Add Chocolate Chips
For a decadent twist, mix in some semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter before baking. The sweetness of the chocolate complements the pumpkin perfectly.
Spice It Up
Feel free to increase the amount of spices if you love that warm flavor. A dash of allspice or cardamom can add a unique kick.
Gluten-Free Option
You can substitute the all-purpose and whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these donuts gluten-free. Just make sure your baking powder is also gluten-free.
Vegan Variation
Replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use a non-dairy milk alternative. Substitute applesauce with extra pumpkin puree or a vegan yogurt if preferred.
How to Store Your Donuts
If you manage to have some donuts leftover (which can be a challenge!), here’s how to store them:
Room Temperature
Store any uneaten donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh, you can place a paper towel in the container to absorb moisture.
Refrigeration
If you want to keep your donuts a bit longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just make sure to seal them well in the container to prevent them from drying out.
Freezing
For longer storage, baked donuts can be frozen. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container after they’ve cooled completely. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven.
Serving Suggestions
Here are a few ideas on how to serve your delicious baked pumpkin donuts:
With a Cup of Coffee
Nothing pairs better with these donuts than a warm cup of coffee or a chai latte. The spices in the donuts beautifully enhance the flavors in your beverage.
Add a Whipped Cream Topping
For extra indulgence, top your glazed donuts with a dollop of whipped cream and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Make a Breakfast Sandwich
Slice a donut in half and fill it with cream cheese or whipped cream for a delightful breakfast sandwich that’s both sweet and satisfying.
Conclusion
Making baked pumpkin donuts with a maple glaze is a delightful way to embrace the flavors of fall. This recipe is not only simple but also adaptable to fit different dietary needs and personal preferences. Whether you enjoy them as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or a sweet indulgence at any time of the day, these donuts are sure to impress.