Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze

These Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze are a delightful treat perfect for fall mornings. Their soft, spiced texture and rich maple glaze make them an irresistible choice for breakfast or brunch. Easy to prepare without a mixer, these donuts can be enjoyed at family gatherings, cozy holiday breakfasts, or as a special snack any day of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: No mixer is needed, making preparation straightforward and quick.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin spice and maple gives these donuts a warm, inviting taste.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert, they fit any occasion.
• Homemade Goodness: Enjoy the satisfaction of baking from scratch with simple ingredients you probably already have.
• Family-Friendly: Kids will love helping out in the kitchen and devouring these tasty treats.

Tools and Preparation

To create your delicious baked pumpkin donuts, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Donut pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Donut pan: This specialized pan shapes your donuts perfectly and ensures even baking.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls helps keep your ingredients organized and makes mixing easier.
• Whisk: A whisk allows for thorough blending of dry and wet ingredients for a smooth batter.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, melted (4 Tbsp)
• 1/2 cup (130g) canned pumpkin puree
• 1/3 cup (66g) brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Maple Glaze Ingredients

• 1 cup (113g) powdered sugar
• 2 Tablespoons (40g) maple syrup
• 1 Tablespoon (15g) milk (dairy or non-dairy both work)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

How to Make Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your donut pan lightly to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the following:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Baking powder
3. Baking soda
4. Cinnamon
5. Pumpkin pie spice
6. Salt

Whisk until all dry ingredients are well blended.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together:
1. Melted unsalted butter
2. Canned pumpkin puree
3. Brown sugar
4. Egg
5. Vanilla extract

Stir until smooth and fully combined.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

Spoon the batter into each donut cavity in your prepared pan, filling them about halfway.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool & Prepare Glaze

Allow donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

For the glaze:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
– Powdered sugar
– Maple syrup
– Milk
– Vanilla extract
– Salt

Drizzle over cooled donuts as desired.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze!

How to Serve Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze

Serving baked pumpkin donuts with maple glaze is a delightful way to enhance your breakfast or brunch experience. These soft, spiced treats can be enjoyed in various ways, making them perfect for any occasion.

Pair with Coffee

• A hot cup of coffee complements the flavors of pumpkin and maple perfectly, creating a cozy morning vibe.

Add Fresh Fruit

• Slices of fresh apples or pears provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the donuts, adding texture and flavor.

Serve with Yogurt

• A dollop of yogurt, whether plain or flavored, balances the sweetness and adds creaminess to each bite.

Create a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the donuts alongside other fall-themed desserts, such as pie or caramel apples, for a festive touch.

Drizzle Extra Maple Syrup

• For those who love maple flavor, an extra drizzle of syrup on top enhances the sweetness and makes each bite more indulgent.

How to Perfect Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze

Perfecting baked pumpkin donuts with maple glaze is easy with a few handy tips. Follow these suggestions to elevate your baking game.

• Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices will enhance the flavor profile of your donuts significantly compared to pre-ground options.
• Measure Flour Accurately: Too much flour can lead to dry donuts. Use the spoon-and-level method for precise measurements.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined when adding wet ingredients to dry. Overmixing can make your donuts tough instead of soft.
• Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into a donut; it should come out clean when they are fully baked.

Best Side Dishes for Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze

Baked pumpkin donuts with maple glaze pair wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance their flavor. Here are some great options:

1. Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs add protein and richness, balancing the sweetness of the donuts beautifully.
2. Sausage Links: The savory flavor of sausage links contrasts nicely with sweet donuts for a hearty breakfast.
3. Oatmeal: A warm bowl of oatmeal topped with cinnamon provides a wholesome side that complements pumpkin flavors well.
4. Cinnamon Apples: Sautéed apples in cinnamon offer a sweet yet tart accompaniment that pairs perfectly with pumpkin spice.
5. Chia Seed Pudding: This light and nutritious side dish adds creaminess, making it an excellent choice alongside sweet donuts.
6. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad made from seasonal fruits brightens up the plate and adds freshness to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making baked pumpkin donuts with maple glaze can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for.

• Using stale ingredients: Always check the expiration dates on your baking powder and spices. Fresh ingredients ensure the best flavor and rise in your donuts.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough donuts instead of the light, fluffy texture you want.
• Skipping the glaze: The maple glaze is essential for flavor. Don’t skip this step; it adds sweetness and a beautiful finish to your donuts.
• Not preheating the oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking. This ensures even cooking and helps your donuts rise properly.
• Ignoring cooling time: Allow the donuts to cool before glazing. If you glaze them while they’re warm, the glaze will melt off instead of setting nicely.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store baked pumpkin donuts in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze

• Freeze donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat one donut at a time for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes on each side, keeping an eye on them to avoid burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

You can use fresh pumpkin puree! Just make sure it’s well-cooked and thoroughly blended for the right consistency.

How do I make my donuts more flavorful?

Consider adding extra spices like nutmeg or ginger for added warmth, or try mixing in chocolate chips or nuts.

Can I make these baked pumpkin donuts gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour.

What is the best way to store leftover donuts?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them to keep them fresh longer.

Final Thoughts

These Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even swapping flavors in the glaze. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, these delightful treats are sure to impress your family and friends. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy every bite!