Autumn is in full swing, and there’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a fluffy baked pumpkin donut that’s kissed by warm spices and drizzled with lip-smacking maple glaze. Every bite brings a gentle sweetness from the pumpkin puree, a hint of caramel-like richness from brown sugar, and that nostalgic warmth you get when cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves dance together in perfect harmony. I’ve spent countless crisp Sunday mornings in my kitchen, trading yawns for smiles as I pull a dozen perfectly shaped rings straight from the oven. These donuts are beginner-friendly—no fryer or fancy equipment required—and they come together in just 15 minutes of prep, 12 minutes of bake time at 350°F (175°C), and a quick 5-minute rest. At around 180 calories each, they feel like an indulgent treat without tipping the scale too far.
Rolling up your sleeves and whisking pantry staples into something this magical is the kind of small victory we all need. Since I’m no professional pastry chef, I adore recipes that forgive a little overmixing or a too-enthusiastic sprinkle of spice. The secret is resisting the urge to glaze right away—letting these beauties cool completely before dunking them guarantees that perfect glossy finish. Younger cooks in the family will love piping the batter into the pan, and everyone can join in on the decorating, whether it’s a dusting of extra cinnamon sugar, chopped walnuts, or a pop of flaky sea salt. Once you taste that first maple-drizzled bite, you’ll be hooked—and you might even catch yourself hovering around the wire rack, waiting for the glaze to set so you can sneak another.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN BAKED PUMPKIN DONUTS W/ MAPLE GLAZE
Every star recipe starts with straightforward ingredients that work in harmony. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each item plays a crucial role in creating these fall-inspired donuts:
- All-purpose flour
Provides the structure and body of the donuts, allowing them to rise into soft, tender rings without being too dense.
- Granulated sugar
Adds bright sweetness and helps create a lightly crisp exterior as the donuts bake.
- Brown sugar
Contributes moisture and a rich, caramel-like depth that complements the pumpkin’s natural sweetness.
- Baking powder
Acts as the leavening agent, giving the donuts their fluffy lift and airy texture.
- Salt
Balances all the sweetness and enhances the flavor of the spices and pumpkin.
- Ground cinnamon
Offers that quintessential autumn warmth and fragrant spice.
- Ground nutmeg
Brings a slightly sweet, nutty note that layers beautifully with the other spices.
- Ground ginger
Adds a subtle kick and plays off the sweetness with a warm, zesty undertone.
- Ground cloves
Imparts a deep, slightly pungent spice that rounds out the blend.
- Pumpkin puree
The star of the show, delivering moistness, color, and a gentle pumpkin flavor in every bite.
- Eggs
Bind the batter together and help provide lift and richness.
- Vegetable oil
Keeps the donuts tender and moist without overpowering the pumpkin taste.
- Milk
Balances the batter and ensures a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Vanilla extract
Enhances the overall flavor profile with a sweet, aromatic lift.
- Powdered sugar
The base of the maple glaze, it dissolves into a silky-smooth coating.
- Pure maple syrup
Infuses the glaze with authentic maple flavor and natural sweetness.
HOW TO MAKE BAKED PUMPKIN DONUTS W/ MAPLE GLAZE
This recipe combines simple steps and pantry-friendly ingredients to bring you a batch of warm, spiced donuts that feel like a hug in pastry form. Follow these detailed directions to ensure perfect donuts every time.
1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan—either with a nonstick spray or a thin layer of vegetable oil—to ensure easy release.
2. Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and ground cloves until evenly combined and fluffy.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform in color.
4. Fold Batter
Add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold everything together until just combined—do not overmix, or the donuts can become tough.
5. Fill Donut Cavities
Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each well about three-quarters full. Using a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped helps keep shapes neat.
6. Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean.
7. Cool in Pan
Remove the pan from the oven and let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, allowing them to firm up slightly before handling.
8. Transfer to Rack
Carefully pop the donuts out and transfer them to a wire rack. Let them cool completely before glazing to prevent the sugar from melting off.
9. Prepare Maple Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, pure maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust with more milk if you prefer a thinner consistency.
10. Glaze & Set
Once the donuts are cool, gently dip the top of each one into the maple glaze, letting any excess drip back into the bowl. Place the glazed donuts back on the rack and allow the glaze to set before serving.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR BAKED PUMPKIN DONUTS W/ MAPLE GLAZE
These baked pumpkin donuts are so versatile that you can dress them up for a fancy brunch or keep them casual for a quick weekday treat. Whether you’re layering them on a dessert table or packing them into lunchboxes, there are endless ways to make each donut shine. Think about contrasting textures, complementary flavors, and playful presentations to elevate the experience for your friends and family. Grab your favorite mugs, set out a selection of toppings, and let everyone build their own perfect bite. The sweet-spicy flavor profile of the donuts pairs exceptionally well with warm beverages and even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent finish.
- Brunch Platter Highlight
Arrange the donuts on a large platter alongside sliced fruit, mini quiches, and hot coffee. The color contrast between the orange-hued rings and fresh berries makes for an eye-catching centerpiece.
- Coffee Shop Vibe
Serve warm donuts with a side of brewed espresso or chai latte. The bold coffee notes or spiced tea beautifully complement the sweet maple glaze.
- Dessert Board Addition
Pair with a cheese board featuring sharp cheddar, salted nuts, and honeycomb. The interplay of sweet, savory, and nutty creates a memorable treat spread.
- On-the-Go Snack Packs
Individually wrap donuts in parchment and secure with twine or a sticker. Perfect for lunchboxes or afternoon pick-me-ups at the office.
HOW TO STORE BAKED PUMPKIN DONUTS W/ MAPLE GLAZE
Proper storage ensures your pumpkin donuts stay moist, flavorful, and just as inviting as the moment they came out of the oven. Whether you need to stash a few for the next morning or freeze extras for later, these methods will help you maintain that fresh-baked goodness. Always let the glaze set completely before packing to avoid sticky messes, and consider layering between parchment sheets if you stack multiple donuts. Storing at room temperature is fine for short-term enjoyment, but refrigeration or freezing can extend their life. Follow these tips to treat yourself on demand—no waiting required.
- Room Temperature Airtight Container
For same-day enjoyment, place fully cooled and glazed donuts into an airtight container with layers separated by parchment or wax paper. Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight for up to 24 hours.
- Refrigerator Storage
If you need to keep them longer (up to 2 days), wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap or beeswax wrap, then place in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature or microwave briefly before serving.
- Freezer-Friendly Packs
Flash-freeze unglazed donuts on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container with parchment between layers. Freeze for up to one month. When ready, thaw at room temperature, glaze, and enjoy.
- Travel-Ready Wrapping
For picnics or lunchboxes, wrap glazed donuts in parchment paper and seal in a small zip-top bag. This keeps them fresh and prevents the glaze from sticking to other items.
CONCLUSION
Congratulations—you’ve just unlocked the secret to effortless, show-stopping baked pumpkin donuts with a luscious maple glaze. From whisking simple pantry staples to decorating each ring with glossy, amber-hued sweetness, this recipe guides you step by step toward a dozen irresistible treats. Beginner cooks will appreciate the foolproof process, and seasoned bakers will love experimenting with extra spice or mix-ins like chopped nuts and dark chocolate. With just 15 minutes of prep, a 12-minute bake, and a quick 5-minute rest, these donuts come together faster than you can pick up your favorite mug for a cozy coffee pairing. You can easily print this article and tuck it into your recipe binder or bookmark for autumn afternoons when the craving hits. Don’t forget: there’s a handy FAQ section below if you need troubleshooting tips or want to dive deeper into ingredient swaps.
I’d love to hear how your batch turns out! Did you dust them with cinnamon sugar or sprinkle crunchy pecans on top? Leave a comment, share your photos, or ask any questions if you run into hiccups. Your feedback helps me refine recipes and inspires other home cooks to bring these warm, spiced delights into their own kitchens. Happy baking, and may every bite bring a little autumn cheer!
Baked Pumpkin Donuts w/ Maple Glaze
Description
These baked donuts are light and fluffy, packed with warm spices, and drizzled with a luscious maple glaze that brings everything together in a delightful bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan.
-
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
-
In a separate medium bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
-
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
-
Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
-
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean.
-
Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
-
For the glaze, in a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk if necessary to reach the desired consistency.
-
Once the donuts are cooled, dip the top of each donut into the glaze, letting any excess drip off.
-
Place the glazed donuts back on the wire rack for the glaze to set.
Note
- For a spicier flavor, add more cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger according to your taste preference.
- These donuts are best eaten fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle chopped nuts or cinnamon sugar on top of the glaze before it sets.
- Consider using a piping bag to fill the donut pan for more evenly shaped donuts.
- Feel free to experiment with different glazes or toppings to make them uniquely yours.
