Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze

Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze are the perfect autumn treat that brings comfort and joy to any occasion. These donuts are incredibly soft, crumbly, and topped with a warm maple glaze that makes them irresistible. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, these baked delights are sure to impress family and friends!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these delicious donuts in no time.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin puree and warm spices creates a cozy flavor that’s perfect for fall.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy these donuts warm or at room temperature; they make an excellent addition to any gathering.
• Healthier Alternative: Baking instead of frying keeps these donuts lighter without sacrificing taste.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 12 servings, these donuts are great for sharing at parties or family events.

Tools and Preparation

To create the best Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze, having the right tools will help ensure your success in making this delightful recipe.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Donut pan
• Electric mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Donut pan: This specialty pan shapes your donuts perfectly while allowing them to bake evenly.
• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when mixing ingredients, ensuring a smooth batter.
• Whisk: Ideal for combining dry ingredients or making the glaze smooth without lumps.

Ingredients

These are the best Fall pumpkin donuts ever. So soft, so crumbly and so perfectly smothered in a warm maple glaze!

For the Donuts

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Maple Glaze

• 3/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar

How to Make Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Coat your donut pan with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine:
– All-purpose flour
– Baking powder
– Pumpkin pie spice
– Kosher salt
– Baking soda

Mix well to ensure even distribution of all dry ingredients.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment:
– Beat together melted butter and light brown sugar on medium-high until well combined, about 1-2 minutes.
– Add eggs one at a time, mixing until each is fully incorporated.
– Mix in canned pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until just combined.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet mixture at low speed. Mix just until incorporated; do not overmix.

Step 5: Bake the Donuts

Scoop the batter evenly into each cavity of your donut pan. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until slightly browned and springy when touched.

Step 6: Make the Maple Glaze

In a small saucepan over medium heat:
– Heat maple syrup until reduced to about 1/2 cup (approximately 5 minutes).
– Whisk in unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and kosher salt until melted.
– Gradually whisk in confectioners’ sugar until smooth.

Step 7: Glaze and Serve

Once your donuts are done baking:
– Allow them to cool for about 10 minutes.
– Dip the tops into the warm maple glaze.
Let the glaze set before serving. Enjoy these baked pumpkin donuts warm or at room temperature!

How to Serve Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze

Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze make for a delightful treat any time of day. Their soft texture and sweet glaze pair well with various accompaniments that enhance the overall experience.

With a Hot Beverage

• Coffee – A warm cup of coffee complements the sweetness of the donuts beautifully.
• Tea – Choose a spiced chai or herbal tea for a cozy pairing.
• Cocoa – Rich hot chocolate can elevate the dessert experience, especially in cooler months.

As a Dessert Platter

• Fruit Salad – Fresh fruit adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the donuts.
• Yogurt Parfait – Layered yogurt with fruits and nuts offers a creamy balance to the donuts.
• Ice Cream – Serve with vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for an indulgent treat.

For Breakfast or Brunch

• Scrambled Eggs – A savory side like scrambled eggs balances the sweetness of the donuts nicely.
• Oatmeal – A bowl of oatmeal topped with fruits can create a wholesome breakfast spread.

How to Perfect Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze

Perfecting your Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze is easy with these simple tips. Follow them to ensure your donuts turn out delicious every time.

• Use fresh pumpkin puree – Fresh pumpkin puree enhances flavor and moisture compared to canned options.
• Measure flour accurately – Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off for precise measurements; too much flour can lead to dense donuts.
• Don’t overmix – Mix just until combined to avoid tough donuts; overmixing activates gluten in the flour.
• Check doneness carefully – Use a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean when they are done baking.
• Allow cooling before glazing – Let donuts cool for 10 minutes before dipping in glaze so it adheres better and doesn’t slide off.

Best Side Dishes for Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze

Pairing side dishes with your Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze can enhance their flavors. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Apple Slices – Crisp apple slices provide a crunchy contrast, making them a perfect refreshing side.
2. Pumpkin Spice Granola – This adds texture and complements the pumpkin flavor beautifully; serve it as a topping on yogurt if desired.
3. Cheese Platter – A selection of mild cheeses balances sweetness; consider brie or goat cheese for unique flavors.
4. Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips – Sweet, crispy tortilla chips add fun and crunch; serve them with fruit salsa for extra flavor.
5. Nut Mix – A blend of almonds, walnuts, and pecans gives a satisfying crunch alongside sweet donuts.
6. Maple Syrup Dipping Sauce – Enhance indulgence by serving extra maple syrup on the side for dipping!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze can be simple, but a few common mistakes can ruin the experience. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:

• Incorrect Oven Temperature: Always preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. If the temperature is off, your donuts may not rise properly.

• Overmixing the Batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense and tough donuts instead of light and fluffy ones.

• Skipping the Donut Pan: Using a regular muffin pan instead of a donut pan will alter the texture and shape. Ensure you have the right equipment for perfect donuts.

• Ignoring Cooling Time: Letting the donuts cool for at least 10 minutes before glazing is crucial. This prevents the glaze from melting off and gives a better finish.

• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Use measuring cups and spoons for precision. Incorrect measurements can lead to poor texture or flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover donuts in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze

• Allow donuts to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separated by parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze

• Oven: Preheat to 350 degrees F. Bake for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one donut at a time on high for about 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place in a covered skillet over low heat for a few minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze:

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. Just make sure it’s well-cooked and blended smooth.

What if I don’t have maple syrup?

You can substitute maple syrup with agave nectar or honey for similar sweetness, but it will change the flavor slightly.

How do I customize my Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze?

Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits into the batter before baking for extra flavor and texture.

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking, and adjust as needed.

Final Thoughts

These Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze are not only delicious but also versatile enough for various occasions. You can customize them with different mix-ins or glazes to suit your taste. Enjoy this delightful fall treat!