Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts

Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts are the best pumpkin dessert, and/or breakfast, ever. Period. These homemade, soft-baked donuts are frosted with a sweet maple glaze that will put you in a good mood for the rest of Fall! Perfect for cozy mornings or festive gatherings, these donuts offer a delightful balance of spice and sweetness that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can enjoy making these donuts.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy morning at home or a festive gathering, these donuts fit right in.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice creates a rich flavor that defines fall.
• Customizable Toppings: You can add nuts, sprinkles, or even chocolate chips to make them uniquely yours.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week as an easy breakfast option.

Tools and Preparation

To achieve the perfect Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Donut pan: This specialized pan shapes your donuts perfectly while allowing even baking.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes helps keep your ingredients organized during preparation.
• Piping bag: Ensures easy and mess-free filling of the donut wells with batter.

Ingredients

For these delicious Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts, gather 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: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the following until well combined:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Granulated sugar
3. Baking powder
4. Salt
5. Pumpkin pie spice

Set this mixture aside.

Step 3: Prepare Wet Ingredients

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

Mix until smooth and then incorporate your dry ingredient mixture.

Step 4: Pipe the Batter

Transfer the combined 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 your filled donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 8–10 minutes until they spring back when touched.

Step 6: Cool Down

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

Step 7: Make the Glaze

While your donuts cool, whisk together in a bowl:
1. Powdered sugar
2. Milk
3. Maple syrup
4. Vanilla extract

Step 8: Glaze the Donuts

Set a wire cooling rack over a baking sheet to catch any drips. Dunk each cooled donut in the glaze and set them on the rack to harden.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts!

How to Serve Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts

Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them for brunch or as an afternoon snack, these donuts will surely impress your guests.

With a Cup of Coffee

• Enjoy the warm flavors of the donuts alongside your favorite coffee. The rich texture of the donuts pairs perfectly with a creamy latte or a robust black coffee.

As a Breakfast Treat

• Serve these donuts with fresh fruit or yogurt for a balanced breakfast. The combination of pumpkin and maple gives you a satisfying start to your day.

Drizzled with Extra Maple Syrup

• For those with a sweet tooth, drizzle additional maple syrup over each donut. This enhances the maple flavor and adds an extra layer of sweetness.

On a Dessert Platter

• Place them on a festive dessert platter during gatherings. Add seasonal fruits and nuts around the donuts for an attractive presentation.

With Whipped Cream

• Top each donut with a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert option. You can even sprinkle some cinnamon on top for added flavor.

With Ice Cream

• Pair these warm donuts with vanilla or caramel ice cream for an exquisite dessert experience. Let the ice cream melt slightly on the warm donut for a delicious combination.

How to Perfect Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts

Perfecting your Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts is all about technique and attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your donuts turn out just right.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking powder and spices are fresh for the best flavor and rise.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts.
• Pipe Evenly: Use a piping bag to fill the donut pan evenly, ensuring all donuts bake uniformly.
• Test Doneness: Check if the donuts spring back when touched, indicating they’re done baking.
• Cool Before Glazing: Allow the donuts to cool slightly before glazing so that the glaze adheres better.
• Store Properly: Keep any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts

Pairing side dishes with Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts can enhance your dining experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances out the sweetness of the donuts.
2. Greek Yogurt Parfait
   Layer Greek yogurt with granola and berries for a nutritious side that complements the flavors beautifully.
3. Spiced Chai Tea
   The warm spices in chai tea pair well with pumpkin flavors, making it an ideal beverage choice.
4. Cinnamon Sugar Toast
   Simple yet delightful, add cinnamon sugar toast as a crunchy contrast to soft donuts.
5. Cheese Platter
   A variety of cheeses can provide savory notes that balance out the sweetness of the donuts.
6. Maple-Infused Oatmeal
   Serve oatmeal sweetened with maple syrup as it echoes similar flavors found in the donuts, creating harmony on your plate.
7. Nut Mix
   A mix of nuts provides crunch and healthy fats, offering a satisfying bite alongside the soft texture of the donuts.
8. Herbal Tea
   A calming herbal tea like chamomile or peppermint complements these sweet treats nicely after meals or snacks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.

• Incorrect Measuring: Always use the spoon-and-level method for flour measuring. This ensures your donuts have the right texture without being too dense.
• Overmixing the Batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough donuts instead of soft and fluffy ones.
• Not Preheating the Oven: Make sure your oven is preheated to 400°F before baking. This ensures even cooking and helps the donuts rise properly.
• Skipping Cooling Time: Let the donuts cool slightly before glazing. This prevents the glaze from melting into the warm donuts and losing its shape.
• Using Wrong Ingredients: Ensure you use pumpkin puree (not pie filling) for authentic flavor. Double-check all ingredients before starting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts

• Place cooled donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and reheat for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat for about 15-20 seconds for one donut, but be cautious not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Warm on a skillet over low heat for about 1-2 minutes per side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour in my Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but it may change the texture slightly. Start with a mix of both if you’re unsure.

How do I ensure my Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts are fluffy?

Make sure not to overmix the batter and ensure your baking powder is fresh for optimal rising during baking.

What can I use instead of butter in this recipe?

You can replace butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free alternative if you prefer a non-dairy version without losing flavor.

Can I customize my Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts?

Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even different spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for added flavor variations.

Final Thoughts

Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts are not only delicious but also versatile. They make a perfect breakfast or dessert option during fall. Feel free to customize them with your favorite toppings or flavors. Give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!