These pumpkin baked donuts are soft, fluffy, and full of fall flavors! Topped with a sweet maple glaze, they are perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack.
Who doesn’t love donuts? I always sneak one (or two!) while they’re still warm. 🍩 Plus, they’re baked, so I can pretend they’re a little healthier, right?
Making these donuts is super easy. Just mix everything, pour into a donut pan, and bake! They’re ready in no time, and your kitchen will smell amazing!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin puree is perfect for this recipe, but you can also use homemade puree if you have fresh pumpkin. Just roast and blend the pumpkin until smooth!
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard, but you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier twist. Just note that it might create a denser donut.
Sugar: I love the combo of granulated and brown sugar for depth of flavor. If you want a lower-sugar option, try using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute. Adjust the sweetness to your preference!
Oils: Vegetable oil gives a neutral flavor, but melted butter adds richness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using applesauce in place of some of the oil.
Spices: The cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger are classic fall flavors. Feel free to adjust the amounts or even add a pinch of allspice for an extra kick!
How Can I Make Sure My Donuts Are Fluffy and Not Dense?
The key to fluffy pumpkin baked donuts is in how you mix the batter. Be gentle! Here’s how to keep them light:
- Combine wet and dry only until mixed. Overmixing can lead to tough donuts.
- Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh. Expired leavening agents will affect the rise.
- Fill the donut pan only about 3/4 full. This allows room for rising.
- Don’t skip cooling before glazing! This helps the donuts set and keeps the glaze from melting off.
With these tips, your donuts will be light and fluffy—perfect for enjoying with your morning coffee! 😊
Pumpkin Baked Donuts with Maple Glaze
Ingredients for Deliciousness:
For the Pumpkin Donuts:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
For the Maple Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (optional, for thinning)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings (Optional):
- Chopped walnuts or pecans
- A sprinkle of cinnamon
Time Needed:
This scrumptious recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake, plus some cooling time. Plan for about 30-40 minutes in total before diving into these delightful donuts!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, lightly grease a donut pan with non-stick spray or a bit of butter to prevent sticking later on. This will make it easy to pop those donuts out!
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the canned pumpkin puree, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil (or melted butter), and vanilla extract. Keep whisking until everything is smooth and well combined. The mix should look creamy and inviting!
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, sift or whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. This will help avoid lumps and ensures everything is evenly distributed.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Mix gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could make your donuts a bit tough instead of tender and fluffy!
5. Fill the Donut Pan:
Spoon or pipe the batter into the cavities of the donut pan, filling each one about 3/4 full. This will give your donuts room to rise without overflowing!
6. Bake the Donuts:
Place the filled donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. They’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them toward the end to avoid overbaking!
7. Cool the Donuts:
Once baked, take them out and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the donuts to a wire rack to cool completely. This will keep them from getting soggy.
8. Make the Maple Glaze:
While the donuts are cooling, let’s prepare the maple glaze! In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and milk (if using) until the mixture is smooth and of your preferred consistency.
9. Glaze the Donuts:
Once the donuts are completely cool, dip each one into the maple glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Place them back onto the wire rack to set for a few moments.
10. Add Toppings:
For a little extra crunch and flavor, sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans over the glazed donuts right after glazing. You can also add an extra sprinkle of cinnamon for that lovely fall flavor!
11. Set and Serve:
Let the glaze set for about 15-20 minutes. Then, they’re ready to enjoy! Serve them for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, and watch them disappear!
Enjoy your warm, fluffy pumpkin baked donuts with a sweet maple glaze! These are sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh pumpkin, roast it until tender, scoop out the flesh, and blend it until smooth. Just make sure to measure out 1 cup for the recipe!
How Do I Store Leftover Donuts?
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Substitute Maple Syrup in the Glaze?
Yes, you can substitute maple syrup with honey or agave syrup for the glaze, but keep in mind that it will slightly change the flavor. Adjust the sweetness according to your taste!
How Can I Make the Donuts Healthier?
To make these donuts healthier, consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour, reducing the sugar by 1/4 cup, or replacing some oil with unsweetened applesauce. These changes will still keep your donuts tasty but with fewer calories!