Name: Fall Recipes, Desserts, Pumpkin, Donuts
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour.; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder.; 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice.; ¾ teaspoon kosher salt.; ¼ teaspoon baking soda.; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted.; 1 cup light brown sugar, packed.; 2 large eggs.; 1 cup canned pumpkin puree.; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.; ¾ cup maple syrup.; 1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter.; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt.; ¼ cup confectioners' sugar.

These Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze are the ultimate fall treat. They're soft, perfectly spiced, and topped with a sweet maple glaze. Perfect for cozy autumn mornings or any festive occasion. Made with canned pumpkin puree and a blend of warm spices, these donuts are baked rather than fried, making them a slightly healthier option. The maple glaze adds a delicious touch of sweetness that perfectly complements the spiced donut base. Serve them warm or at room temperature, and they'll be gone in no time!

Looking for a delicious fall treat? These Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze are soft, spiced, and topped with a perfectly sweet maple glaze that will have your family reaching for more. Let’s dive into the ingredients that make this recipe irresistible!

INGREDIENTS

All-purpose flour (2 cups): This forms the base of the donut, giving it structure and softness.
Baking powder (1 ½ teaspoons): Helps the donuts rise, creating that light, fluffy texture.
Pumpkin pie spice (1 ½ teaspoons): A fragrant mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and other spices that give the donuts their warm, autumnal flavor.
Kosher salt (¾ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances the spices.
Baking soda (¼ teaspoon): Adds an extra bit of leavening power for even lighter donuts.
Unsalted butter, melted (½ cup): Adds richness and moisture to the donut batter.
Light brown sugar, packed (1 cup): Brings sweetness and a slight molasses flavor to the donuts.
Large eggs (2): Helps bind the ingredients together, giving the donuts structure.
Canned pumpkin puree (1 cup): The star of the recipe, it adds moisture and flavor while keeping the donuts tender.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances the flavor and adds a warm sweetness.

FOR THE MAPLE GLAZE

Maple syrup (¾ cup): The key ingredient for the glaze, bringing rich maple flavor.
Unsalted butter (1 ½ tablespoons): Adds richness and helps smooth out the glaze.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness with a subtle flavor boost.
Kosher salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness without overpowering the glaze.
Confectioners' sugar (¼ cup): Thickens the glaze and adds that signature sweetness.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and coat a donut pan with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2:: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, kosher salt, and baking soda. Set this mixture aside.
Step 3:: Using an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the melted butter and light brown sugar together on medium-high speed until well combined (about 1-2 minutes).
Step 4:: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully combined.
Step 5:: Mix in the canned pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Step 6:: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until the ingredients are fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
Step 7:: Evenly distribute the batter into the prepared donut pan. Fill each cavity about ¾ full to allow room for rising.
Step 8:: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the donuts are slightly browned and spring back when touched. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool for about 10 minutes before glazing.
Step 9:: For the maple glaze, heat the maple syrup in a small saucepan over medium heat until reduced to about ½ cup (this should take around 5 minutes). Whisk in the butter, vanilla extract, and kosher salt until the butter is fully melted.
Step 10:: Whisk in the confectioners' sugar until the glaze is smooth and lump-free.
Step 11:: Once the donuts are cooled, dip the tops of each donut into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve these donuts warm for the best flavor. The maple glaze is perfect when slightly set but still a little sticky.
They are great for a cozy autumn breakfast or a festive fall brunch.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them, but note that the glaze may harden a bit.

Helpful Notes

You can use fresh pumpkin puree if you prefer, but make sure to strain out excess moisture for the right consistency.
If you don't have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin, though the texture will differ slightly.
Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the batter for extra crunch and flavor.

Tips from well-known chefs

Chef Sarah suggests adding a drizzle of extra maple syrup on top of the glaze for an extra burst of flavor.
Pastry Chef Kevin recommends using browned butter in the glaze for a rich, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the pumpkin spice.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

These donuts are baked, not fried, making them a lighter option compared to traditional donuts.
The combination of pumpkin and maple is the perfect cozy flavor for fall mornings.
They come together quickly with simple ingredients, perfect for when you're craving a homemade treat without a lot of fuss.