These soft pumpkin donuts are baked to perfection and topped with a sweet maple glaze that makes them extra tasty! They’re perfect for a cozy fall treat.
Making these donuts is a breeze, and the smell will have everyone rushing to the kitchen. I love enjoying them with a warm cup of coffee—just the best combo! ☕️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: This is essential for flavor and moisture. You can use homemade pumpkin puree if you prefer, just make sure it’s smooth. If you want a different flavor, try using sweet potato puree.
Flour: All-purpose flour works well, but you can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Just note that it may make the donuts denser.
Buttermilk: This adds tang and helps with moisture. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for a few minutes.
Oils: Vegetable oil is commonly used for a neutral taste. However, melted coconut oil adds a nice flavor. If you want to use butter, just melt it first.
What’s the Best Way to Mix the Donut Batter Without Overmixing?
Mixing the batter correctly is key for light and fluffy donuts. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by combining your wet and dry ingredients separately before mixing them together.
- When you’re ready to combine, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Use a spatula and make sweeping motions.
- Stop mixing as soon as you see no more flour. It’s okay if there are small lumps; overmixing will lead to tough donuts.
With these tips and insights, your baked pumpkin donuts will turn out delicious every time! Happy baking!
Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Sweet Maple Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Baked Pumpkin Donuts:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup canned pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Sweet Maple Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (or cream)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and around 12-15 minutes to bake. Plus, let’s add some cooling time and glacing for about 10 more minutes. So, about 45 minutes total until you can enjoy these tasty donuts!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, lightly grease a donut pan with non-stick spray or butter so the donuts won’t stick.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This will be the base for your donuts, giving them that warm, spiced flavor. Set your bowl aside once mixed.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate large bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs using a whisk or mixer until the mixture is smooth and light in color. This will help create fluffy donuts!
4. Add Pumpkin and Other Ingredients:
Add the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract to the sugar and egg mixture. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and smooth.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gently add the dry ingredients to the wet mix. Stir carefully until everything is just combined. It’s okay if it’s a little lumpy—just don’t overmix or your donuts might be tough!
6. Fill the Donut Pan:
Using a spoon or a piping bag, fill each cavity of the donut pan about ¾ full with batter. This lets them rise nicely without overflowing.
7. Bake the Donuts:
Pop the pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. They’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This is the perfect time to enjoy the delicious aroma wafting through your kitchen!
8. Cool the Donuts:
Once baked, remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Make the Maple Glaze:
While your donuts are cooling, prepare the sweet maple glaze. In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until you have a smooth and pourable glaze. Adjust the thickness by adding a bit more milk if necessary.
10. Glaze the Donuts:
Once the donuts are completely cool, dip the tops into the maple glaze or spoon it over them where you like. Let them sit for a few minutes to let the glaze set before you dive in.
Enjoy your warm, soft pumpkin donuts with sweet maple glaze! Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a little pick-me-up any time of day!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! If you want to use fresh pumpkin, make sure to cook and puree it until smooth. One medium pumpkin should yield about 1 cup of puree. Just make sure to strain any excess moisture for the best results!
Can I Make These Donuts Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. This will help maintain the texture while making them suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Just check that the blend contains xanthan gum for proper binding!
How Should I Store Leftover Donuts?
Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw them before enjoying!
Can I Add Chocolate Chips or Nuts to the Batter?
Definitely! Adding chocolate chips, walnuts, or pecans can enhance the flavor and texture of the donuts. Just fold in about ½ cup of your choice of mix-ins before spooning the batter into the donut pan.