Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts Irresistible Fall Treat

Name: Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 0.5 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh); 0.5 cup brown sugar, packed; 0.25 cup granulated sugar; 0.5 teaspoon baking powder; 0.5 teaspoon baking soda; 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 0.25 teaspoon ground ginger; 0.25 teaspoon salt; 0.5 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1/2 teaspoon vinegar added); 1 large egg; 0.25 cup vegetable oil; 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze); 2 tablespoons maple syrup (for glaze)

December 17, 2025February 6, 2025 by Mia

Fall is here, and what better way to celebrate than with homemade Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts? These treats are warm, sweet, and filled with the cozy flavors of the season. You’ll love how easy they are to make! In this article, I’ll share my simple recipe, essential tips, and fun variations. Let’s dive into making these irresistible donuts that will have everyone asking for more!

Why I Love This Recipe

Delicious Fall Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and warm spices creates a perfect autumn treat that is both comforting and delicious.
Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
Customizable Glaze: The maple glaze adds a sweet touch, and you can easily adjust its thickness or add toppings like nuts for extra crunch.
Perfect for Sharing: These donuts are great for gatherings, ensuring everyone gets a taste of fall in every bite!

Ingredients

List of Essential Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1/2 teaspoon vinegar added)
1 large egg
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
2-3 tablespoons maple syrup (for glaze)

These ingredients make pumpkin donuts taste great. The pumpkin puree gives them a soft texture. The spices, like cinnamon and nutmeg, add warmth and flavor. Brown sugar adds moisture and a rich flavor.

When choosing your ingredients, fresh pumpkin is good, but canned works well too. Buttermilk makes them fluffy. The glaze uses powdered sugar and maple syrup, adding sweetness. You can adjust the glaze to your liking with more syrup for a thinner coat.

Using these ingredients will help you create a perfect fall treat. Enjoy gathering them for your baking adventure!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut baking pan or use silicone molds.
In a large bowl, mix together:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon salt
In another bowl, blend:
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 large egg
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Combining Ingredients

Pour the wet mix into the dry mix. Stir gently until just combined. It’s okay if it has a few lumps.
Carefully spoon or pipe the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full.

Baking Process

Bake your donuts for about 10-12 minutes. Check if they are done by inserting a toothpick. It should come out clean.
Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Glazing Donuts

To prepare the glaze, whisk together:
1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons maple syrup
If the glaze is thick, add more maple syrup until it reaches the right consistency.
Dip the tops of the cooled donuts into the glaze. Allow the excess to drip off. Place them back on the wire rack to set.

Tips & Tricks

Ensuring Perfect Donuts

To make great donuts, avoid overmixing. When you mix your batter, stop when it is just combined. A few lumps are okay. Overmixing can make your donuts tough.

Next, ensure your oven is at the right temperature. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Use an oven thermometer to check. This way, your donuts will bake evenly and rise well.

Glaze Consistency

The glaze should be smooth and just right. If it is too thick, add more maple syrup. For a thinner glaze, add a little water or milk. This helps it coat the donuts better.

You can also switch up the glaze flavor. Try adding a dash of vanilla or a sprinkle of cinnamon. You can even mix in some cocoa powder for a chocolate twist.

Adding Texture

Donuts are great with a little extra texture. For garnish, sprinkle some cinnamon on top. Chopped nuts, like pecans, also add a nice crunch. You can even use toasted coconut for a fun twist. These little touches make your donuts even more special.

Pro Tips

Fresh Pumpkin Puree: For the best flavor, consider using fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned. Roast a pie pumpkin and blend it until smooth for a richer taste.
Donut Pan: If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin pan to make pumpkin muffins instead. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.
Glaze Consistency: Ensure your glaze is the right consistency for dipping. It should be thick enough to coat without dripping too much off the donut.
Storage Tips: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week for freshness.

Variations

Different Flavors

You can easily play with flavors in these donuts. Here are two tasty options:

Chocolate maple glazed pumpkin donuts: Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dry mix. This gives the donuts a rich chocolate flavor. The maple glaze pairs so well with chocolate.
Spiced apple version: Mix in 1/2 cup of finely chopped apples. You can also add 1/2 teaspoon of apple pie spice for extra flavor. This makes a perfect fall treat.

Dietary Modifications

You can also adapt these donuts to fit different diets. Here are ways to modify the recipe:

Vegan version adaptations: Use flaxseed meal instead of an egg. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes. Replace buttermilk with plant-based milk mixed with vinegar.
Gluten-free alternative suggestions: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure it has a good binding agent. This will help keep the donuts light and fluffy.

These variations let you enjoy maple glazed pumpkin donuts in new ways!

Storage Info

Storing Donuts

To keep your maple glazed pumpkin donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. Place a paper towel in the container to absorb moisture. This keeps the donuts soft.

For the best taste, eat them within two days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing.

To keep the glaze fresh, store the donuts without glaze if possible. Glaze can soften over time. If you must glaze them, enjoy within a day or two.

Freezing Donuts

Freezing unglazed donuts is simple. First, let the donuts cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for an hour. Once frozen, transfer the donuts to a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as you can from the bag. This helps prevent freezer burn.

When you’re ready to eat, thaw them at room temperature. If you want a warm donut, reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. This keeps their texture nice and fluffy. Enjoy your delicious treat anytime!

FAQs

Common Questions

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Just cook and puree it first. This will give your donuts a fresh taste. Make sure to measure it like you would with canned pumpkin.

How do I know when the donuts are done?

To check if the donuts are ready, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, they are done. They should also be golden brown on the outside.

Troubleshooting

Why are my donuts dense?

Dense donuts often mean the batter was overmixed. Mix just until combined. Also, check your baking powder and baking soda for freshness.

What can I do if my glaze is too runny?

If the glaze is too runny, add more powdered sugar. Mix until you reach the right thickness. A thicker glaze will stick better to the donuts.

Serving Suggestions

Best drinks to pair with donuts

Coffee is a classic choice with donuts. You can also try chai or spiced apple cider. These drinks enhance the fall flavors of the donuts.

Serving ideas for special occasions

Serve these donuts at fall parties or Thanksgiving. Arrange them on a colorful platter. Add some fresh apple slices or whipped cream for a lovely touch.

Making delicious pumpkin donuts is easy when you know the right steps. You need key ingredients like pumpkin puree, spices, and sugars. The step-by-step guide covers mixing, baking, and glazing. Tips help you avoid mistakes and create perfect donuts every time.

In the end, enjoy trying different flavors and finding your personal favorites. Store them well or freeze for later. With this guide, you can impress anyone with your baking skills. Happy bakin

$- 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh) - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1/2 teaspoon vinegar added) - 1 large egg - 1/4 cup vegetable oil - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze) - 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup (for glaze) These ingredients make pumpkin donuts taste great. The pumpkin puree gives them a soft texture. The spices, like cinnamon and nutmeg, add warmth and flavor. Brown sugar adds moisture and a rich flavor. When choosing your ingredients, fresh pumpkin is good, but canned works well too. Buttermilk makes them fluffy. The glaze uses powdered sugar and maple syrup, adding sweetness. You can adjust the glaze to your liking with more syrup for a thinner coat. Using these ingredients will help you create a perfect fall treat. Enjoy gathering them for your baking adventure! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut baking pan or use silicone molds. - In a large bowl, mix together: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger - 1/4 teaspoon salt - In another bowl, blend: - 1/2 cup pumpkin puree - 1/2 cup buttermilk - 1 large egg - 1/4 cup vegetable oil - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - Pour the wet mix into the dry mix. Stir gently until just combined. It's okay if it has a few lumps. - Carefully spoon or pipe the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full. - Bake your donuts for about 10-12 minutes. Check if they are done by inserting a toothpick. It should come out clean. - Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. - To prepare the glaze, whisk together: - 1 cup powdered sugar - 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup - If the glaze is thick, add more maple syrup until it reaches the right consistency. - Dip the tops of the cooled donuts into the glaze. Allow the excess to drip off. Place them back on the wire rack to set. To make great donuts, avoid overmixing. When you mix your batter, stop when it is just combined. A few lumps are okay. Overmixing can make your donuts tough. Next, ensure your oven is at the right temperature. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Use an oven thermometer to check. This way, your donuts will bake evenly and rise well. The glaze should be smooth and just right. If it is too thick, add more maple syrup. For a thinner glaze, add a little water or milk. This helps it coat the donuts better. You can also switch up the glaze flavor. Try adding a dash of vanilla or a sprinkle of cinnamon. You can even mix in some cocoa powder for a chocolate twist. Donuts are great with a little extra texture. For garnish, sprinkle some cinnamon on top. Chopped nuts, like pecans, also add a nice crunch. You can even use toasted coconut for a fun twist. These little touches make your donuts even more special. Pro Tips Fresh Pumpkin Puree: For the best flavor, consider using fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned. Roast a pie pumpkin and blend it until smooth for a richer taste. Donut Pan: If you don't have a donut pan, you can use a muffin pan to make pumpkin muffins instead. Just adjust the baking time accordingly. Glaze Consistency: Ensure your glaze is the right consistency for dipping. It should be thick enough to coat without dripping too much off the donut. Storage Tips: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week for freshness. {{image_2}} You can easily play with flavors in these donuts. Here are two tasty options: - Chocolate maple glazed pumpkin donuts: Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dry mix. This gives the donuts a rich chocolate flavor. The maple glaze pairs so well with chocolate. - Spiced apple version: Mix in 1/2 cup of finely chopped apples. You can also add 1/2 teaspoon of apple pie spice for extra flavor. This makes a perfect fall treat. You can also adapt these donuts to fit different diets. Here are ways to modify the recipe: - Vegan version adaptations: Use flaxseed meal instead of an egg. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes. Replace buttermilk with plant-based milk mixed with vinegar. - Gluten-free alternative suggestions: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure it has a good binding agent. This will help keep the donuts light and fluffy. These variations let you enjoy maple glazed pumpkin donuts in new ways! To keep your maple glazed pumpkin donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. Place a paper towel in the container to absorb moisture. This keeps the donuts soft. For the best taste, eat them within two days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. To keep the glaze fresh, store the donuts without glaze if possible. Glaze can soften over time. If you must glaze them, enjoy within a day or two. Freezing unglazed donuts is simple. First, let the donuts cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for an hour. Once frozen, transfer the donuts to a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as you can from the bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to eat, thaw them at room temperature. If you want a warm donut, reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. This keeps their texture nice and fluffy. Enjoy your delicious treat anytime! Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned? Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Just cook and puree it first. This will give your donuts a fresh taste. Make sure to measure it like you would with canned pumpkin. How do I know when the donuts are done? To check if the donuts are ready, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, they are done. They should also be golden brown on the outside. Why are my donuts dense? Dense donuts often mean the batter was overmixed. Mix just until combined. Also, check your baking powder and baking soda for freshness. What can I do if my glaze is too runny? If the glaze is too runny, add more powdered sugar. Mix until you reach the right thickness. A thicker glaze will stick better to the donuts. Best drinks to pair with donuts Coffee is a classic choice with donuts. You can also try chai or spiced apple cider. These drinks enhance the fall flavors of the donuts. Serving ideas for special occasions Serve these donuts at fall parties or Thanksgiving. Arrange them on a colorful platter. Add some fresh apple slices or whipped cream for a lovely touch. Making delicious pumpkin donuts is easy when you know the right steps. You need key ingredients like pumpkin puree, spices, and sugars. The step-by-step guide covers mixing, baking, and glazing. Tips help you avoid mistakes and create perfect donuts every time. In the end, enjoy trying different flavors and finding your personal favorites. Store them well or freeze for later. With this guide, you can impress anyone with your baking skills. Happy baking!$