Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall, you’ve come to the right place! These Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts are not just a dessert; they make the perfect breakfast too. Imagine biting into a soft, fluffy donut topped with a sweet maple glaze that warms your heart and brings a smile to your face. It’s hard to resist!

This recipe is a family favorite that I love to whip up for busy mornings or cozy weekend gatherings. Whether you’re serving them at a brunch with friends or enjoying them solo with your morning coffee, these donuts are sure to please everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have warm donuts ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids love helping out with the glazing process, making it a fun activity for everyone.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin spice and maple syrup creates an irresistible taste that screams autumn.
• Make Ahead: These donuts stay fresh for days and can be easily stored for whenever a sweet craving strikes!
• Customizable: Feel free to get creative with toppings or spices—there’s no wrong way to enjoy these!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For these Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts, you’ll need some simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need for this delightful recipe!

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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to make it your own! Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Spice It Up: Experiment by adding extra spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an even warmer flavor profile.
• Chocolate Drizzle: For chocoholics, drizzling melted dairy-free chocolate over the glaze adds a delicious twist.
• Swap the Sweetener: Try using coconut sugar or maple sugar instead of granulated sugar for a different sweetness.

How to Make Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial as it ensures that your donuts bake evenly and rise beautifully. While your oven heats up, spray a donut pan with non-stick cooking spray so those tasty treats don’t stick when it’s time to pop them out!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice until everything is well combined. This blend of dry ingredients provides structure and flavor, setting the stage for those scrumptious donuts.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another large bowl, whisk together the eggs, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, milk, and melted butter until smooth. Mixing these wet ingredients thoroughly ensures a uniform batter that will produce moist donuts.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Add the dry mixture into the wet mixture gradually while whisking continuously. This prevents lumps from forming and helps create that dreamy texture we all love in homemade donuts.

Step 5: Pipe the Batter into the Pan

Transfer the batter into a large piping bag (or use a zip-top bag with one corner snipped off) for easy pouring. Pipe the batter into each well of your prepared donut pan. Filling them about three-quarters full allows room for rising while baking!

Step 6: Bake Your Donuts

Place your donut pan in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes or until they spring back when lightly touched. Keep an eye on them—you want that golden-brown perfection!

Step 7: Cool and Glaze

Let your donuts cool slightly in the pan before transferring them onto a wire rack to cool completely. While they cool, prepare your maple glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 8: Dunk Those Donuts!

Finally, place each cooled donut into the glaze until coated! Then set them back on that wire rack to let any excess glaze drip off and harden slightly.

Enjoy every bite of these delightful Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts—perfectly sweetened with just enough fall flavor!

Pro Tips for Making Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts

Making donuts at home can be a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you’ll be sure to impress your family and friends!

• Use fresh pumpkin puree: Fresh puree enhances the flavor of your donuts, making them richer and more aromatic compared to canned options. If using canned puree, choose one that is labeled as 100% pumpkin.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Gently mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough donuts instead of the soft, tender texture we all love.

• Check doneness with a toothpick: Instead of relying solely on baking time, insert a toothpick into the center of a donut. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready to come out of the oven!

• Allow cooling before glazing: Letting the donuts cool slightly before glazing helps the glaze adhere better and prevents it from melting off.

• Experiment with flavors: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to your glaze for an extra layer of flavor! This little tweak can make your maple glaze even more irresistible.

How to Serve Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts

These Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts are not only delicious but can also be presented in fun and creative ways that will wow your guests!

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the glazed donuts for added crunch and flavor.

• Cinnamon sugar dusting: Lightly dust with cinnamon sugar right after glazing for a sweet finish that enhances the pumpkin spice notes.

Side Dishes

• Coffee: A warm cup of coffee pairs perfectly with these donuts, balancing their sweetness and creating a cozy breakfast experience.

• Apple cider: Serve alongside freshly pressed apple cider for a seasonal touch that complements the fall flavors beautifully.

• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds brightness to your plate. Choose fruits like apples, pears, or oranges to enhance the autumn vibe.

• Yogurt parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and seasonal fruits for a nutritious side that balances out the indulgence of the donuts while keeping things light.

Enjoy your baking adventure and savor every bite of these delightful Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time to enjoy throughout the week. Here’s how to store and preserve their deliciousness.

Storing Leftovers

• Store donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you live in a humid climate, consider refrigerating them to maintain freshness.

Freezing

• Allow donuts to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour.
• Once frozen, transfer donuts to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, simply microwave a donut for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Alternatively, you can place them in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes for a freshly baked taste.

FAQs

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

Can I make these Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.

How do I achieve the best maple glaze on my donuts?

Ensure your powdered sugar is sifted before mixing with maple syrup and milk. This will help create a smooth glaze that perfectly coats your donuts!

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Definitely! Just make sure to cook and puree your fresh pumpkin until it’s smooth and creamy. Let it cool before adding it to the donut batter.

What spices can I add to enhance my Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts?

Feel free to get creative! You might consider adding nutmeg or cinnamon for extra warmth and flavor.

How long do Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts last?

When stored properly, these donuts will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days or can be frozen for up to 2 months!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts as much as I do! They’re not just great for breakfast but also make a perfect treat any time of day. The sweet maple glaze adds such a wonderful touch that’s sure to brighten your day. Happy baking, and enjoy every bite of this seasonal favorite!