Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe

Quick & Cozy Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe

Baked pumpkin donuts elevate autumn’s most beloved seasonal treat into a delightful culinary experience.

Warm spices dance through soft, pillowy pastries that melt in your mouth with incredible tenderness.

Crafted with wholesome ingredients, these delectable circles enhance ordinary mornings into extraordinary moments of comfort.

Subtle notes of cinnamon and nutmeg weave magical complexity into each bite-sized sensation.

Rich maple glaze adds a luxurious sheen that enhances simple donuts into an irresistible indulgence.

The kitchen fills with an intoxicating aroma that promises pure satisfaction from first whiff to final crumb.

Hearty yet delicate, these donuts represent everything magical about fall’s most cherished flavors.

Best Way to Store and Reheat Glazed Donuts

  • Refrigerate: Store glazed donuts in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Freeze: Wrap unglazed donuts individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag for maximum 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
  • Reheat: Warm donuts in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 3-4 minutes to restore their soft texture and fresh-baked taste.

What to Serve with Your Maple Pumpkin Morning Treat

  • Brew Autumn Coffee Companion: Pair these warm, spiced donuts with a rich medium-roast coffee or a creamy pumpkin spice latte to enhance the seasonal flavor profile and complement the sweet maple notes.
  • Chill with Complementary Beverage: Serve alongside cold apple cider or a crisp chai tea to balance the donuts' richness and add a refreshing contrast that highlights the warm spices.
  • Match with Creamy Dairy: Enjoy with a cold glass of whole milk or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to create a delightful texture combination that softens the donut's spiciness and adds a smooth, creamy element.
  • Elevate with Nutty Sidekick: Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts alongside the donuts to introduce a crunchy texture and nutty depth that perfectly complements the pumpkin and maple flavors.

Glaze Variations to Try All Season Long

  • Chocolate Pumpkin Fusion: Replace maple glaze with rich dark chocolate ganache and sprinkle crushed pecans on top for added crunch and depth of flavor.
  • Cream Cheese Swirl: Incorporate softened cream cheese into the batter and create a marbled effect, adding tangy richness to the classic pumpkin donut recipe.
  • Nutty Autumn Edition: Mix chopped walnuts directly into the batter and top with a brown butter maple glaze for extra warmth and nutty complexity.
  • Spiced Caramel Crunch: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the donuts and dust with extra pumpkin pie spice, creating a more intense seasonal experience.

Why Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Are a Fall Favorite

  • Capture Autumn's Essence: These baked pumpkin donuts burst with warm, cozy fall flavors that instantly transport you to crisp mornings and leaf-covered streets.
  • Effortless Baking Delight: Simple one-bowl mixing method and quick 10-minute baking time make these donuts incredibly easy for bakers of all skill levels, from novice to expert.
  • Healthier Indulgence Option: Baking instead of frying creates a lighter, less greasy treat that feels less guilty while still delivering maximum deliciousness with the rich maple glaze.
  • Gourmet Texture Combo: Soft, tender donut interior meets a smooth, glossy maple glaze, creating a perfect balance of textures that melts in your mouth with each delectable bite.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Donuts and That Maple Drizzle

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Classic base for tender and soft donuts, choose unbleached for best texture.
  • Baking Powder: Essential leavening agent for light and fluffy donuts.
  • Baking Soda: Helps activate other ingredients and provides extra lift.
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice: Warm blend of spices that adds classic fall flavor.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the donut batter.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture, color, and subtle autumn flavor, use pure pumpkin puree.
  • Melted Butter: Creates richness and helps bind ingredients together.
  • Brown Sugar: Offers deep caramel-like sweetness and moisture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complements pumpkin flavor.
Glaze Ingredients:
  • Maple Syrup: Core flavor for the glaze, choose pure maple syrup for best taste.
  • Confectioners' Sugar: Creates smooth, glossy glaze texture.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create silky glaze.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness in the glaze.

How to Bake Pumpkin Donuts with Big Flavor

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Warm up your oven to 400°F. Grab a donut pan and spray it thoroughly with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Pumpkin pie spice
  • Salt
  • Baking soda

Whisk these ingredients until they’re perfectly blended.

Step 3: Create Wet Ingredient Mixture

Grab your electric mixer with the paddle attachment. Blend melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Fold in pumpkin puree and vanilla extract, stirring until just combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add dry ingredient mixture to wet ingredients. Mix on low speed, being careful not to overmix. The batter should look silky and well-incorporated.

Step 5: Fill and Bake Donuts

Carefully scoop batter into donut pan, filling each cavity evenly. Slide pan into preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Donuts are ready when they turn golden and spring back when lightly touched.

Step 6: Craft Maple Glaze

In a small saucepan, simmer maple syrup over medium heat until reduced to half cup. Add:
  • Butter
  • Vanilla extract
  • Salt

Whisk until butter melts completely. Gradually incorporate confectioners’ sugar, stirring until glaze becomes silky smooth.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Let donuts cool for 10 minutes. Dip each donut top into warm maple glaze. Allow glaze to set before serving. Enjoy your homemade treat!

Tips to Get Fluffy Donuts with a Sticky Sweet Glaze

  • Measure Precisely: Use exact measuring cups and spoons to ensure the perfect balance of ingredients for a consistent, fluffy texture.
  • Don't Overmix: Stir the batter gently and briefly to prevent tough, dense donuts; stop mixing as soon as ingredients are just combined.
  • Check Doneness Carefully: Test donuts with a light touch; they should spring back when pressed and have a golden-brown edge.
  • Cool Completely: Let donuts cool fully before glazing to prevent the maple topping from sliding off and ensure a smooth, even coating.
  • Glaze Timing Matters: Reduce maple syrup slowly and whisk glaze until silky smooth for a glossy, professional-looking finish that clings perfectly to the donuts.
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Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe

Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe


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4.7 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Maple-glazed pumpkin donuts bring autumn’s warmth to your kitchen with their irresistible spiced charm. Fragrant, tender pastries crowned with sweet maple drizzle promise a delightful seasonal indulgence you’ll crave long after the last crumb disappears.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (480 milliliters) all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 teaspoons (7.5 milliliters) baking powder
  • 1.5 teaspoons (7.5 milliliters) pumpkin pie spice
  • 0.75 teaspoon (3.75 milliliters) kosher salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon (1.25 milliliters) baking soda

Wet Ingredients:

  • 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) canned pumpkin puree
  • 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) vanilla extract

Maple Glaze Ingredients:

  • 0.75 cup (180 milliliters) maple syrup
  • 1.5 tablespoons (22.5 milliliters) unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract
  • 0.25 teaspoon (1.25 milliliters) kosher salt
  • 0.25 cup (60 milliliters) confectioners’ sugar

Instructions

  1. Prepare your kitchen workspace by setting the oven temperature to 400°F and lightly spraying a donut pan with nonstick coating.
  2. Create the dry ingredient base by combining flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and baking soda in a mixing bowl, ensuring thorough blending.
  3. In a separate electric mixer bowl, cream melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and well-integrated, approximately 1-2 minutes.
  4. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter-sugar mixture, mixing completely after each addition.
  5. Gently fold in pumpkin puree and vanilla extract, stirring until ingredients are just combined and evenly distributed.
  6. Slowly introduce the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing at low speed to prevent overmixing and maintain a light texture.
  7. Carefully distribute the batter evenly across the donut pan cavities, filling each section with consistent precision.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, watching for a slight golden-brown color and a springy texture when lightly touched.
  9. While donuts bake, prepare the maple glaze by reducing maple syrup in a small saucepan over medium heat until volume decreases to approximately ½ cup.
  10. Whisk butter, vanilla extract, and salt into the reduced maple syrup, stirring until butter completely melts and incorporates.
  11. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar to the syrup mixture, whisking continuously to create a smooth, glossy glaze.
  12. Allow donuts to cool for 10 minutes after removing from the oven.
  13. Dip the top of each donut into the prepared maple glaze, ensuring even coverage.
  14. Let the glaze set completely before serving, allowing the sweet coating to slightly harden and create a delicate finish.

Notes

  • Elevate your fall baking with these tender, spiced pumpkin donuts that bring warmth and comfort to your kitchen.
  • Bake these donuts in a specialized donut pan for the perfect shape and even cooking every single time.
  • Reduce maple syrup to concentrate its rich flavor, creating a luxurious glaze that perfectly complements the pumpkin’s earthy sweetness.
  • Cool donuts briefly before glazing to ensure the topping adheres smoothly and sets beautifully without sliding off.
  • Use fresh pumpkin pie spice for maximum flavor intensity and aromatic warmth throughout the donuts.
  • Room temperature ingredients help create a smoother, more consistent batter that bakes into perfectly tender donuts.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 249
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 155 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 38 mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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