These pumpkin baked donuts are soft, fluffy, and packed with warm spices. Topped with a sweet maple glaze, they are perfect for a cozy morning treat!
Baking instead of frying means I get to enjoy them guilt-free—at least that’s what I tell myself! 🎃 They’re easy to make and a hit with everyone, especially with a cup of coffee!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is a key base for the donuts. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, almond flour or a gluten-free baking blend can work well, though the texture may differ slightly.
Canned Pumpkin Puree: It gives these donuts that classic pumpkin flavor. If you have fresh pumpkin, you can roast and puree it as a substitute, but make sure it’s well drained!
Buttermilk: This adds moisture and a slight tang. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can mix regular milk with a little vinegar (about 1 tablespoon of vinegar per cup of milk) to create a quick substitute.
Maple Syrup: A must for the glaze! If maple syrup isn’t available, you can use honey or agave syrup, but remember that these will alter the flavor a bit.
Spices: The cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves are essential for that warm autumn taste. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your preferences; allspice can also be a great addition!
How Do You Get Your Donuts to Rise Perfectly?
Getting those donuts to rise and be fluffy comes down to a couple of key points. First, ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh. They need to be active to help the donuts rise properly.
- Preheat your oven before you start mixing your ingredients, as this ensures your donuts start cooking as soon as they hit the hot oven.
- Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined—overmixing can lead to dense doughnuts.
- Fill the donut pan only about ¾ full; this allows the donuts room to rise without overflowing.
Following these tips will help you achieve light and fluffy baked donuts that everyone will love!
Pumpkin Baked Donuts with Maple Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ cup canned pumpkin puree
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Maple Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping:
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation, around 12-15 minutes for baking, and an additional 20 minutes for cooling and glazing. Total time is roughly 1 hour for you to enjoy these delicious donuts fresh out of the oven!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, give your donut pan a light greasing with butter or nonstick spray. This ensures a smooth release later on!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the warm spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Mix until evenly combined for a deliciously spiced donut!
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is nice and smooth. This forms the moist base of your donuts.
4. Combine Mixtures:
Now, pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—you want to avoid overmixing, so a few lumps are perfectly fine!
5. Fill the Pan:
Spoon the batter into your greased donut pan, filling each well about three-quarters full. This gives them space to rise beautifully.
6. Bake the Donuts:
Place the 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. Enjoy the lovely scent filling your kitchen!
7. Cool the Donuts:
Once baked, carefully remove the pan from the oven. Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Make the Maple Glaze:
While the donuts cool, prepare your heavenly maple glaze! In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Add milk a little at a time until the glaze reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
9. Glaze the Donuts:
Now it’s time to glaze! Dip the top of each cooled donut into the maple glaze and let any excess drip back into the bowl. The more glaze, the better!
10. Add the Topping:
If you’d like, sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts immediately after glazing. They add a delightful crunch and extra flavor!
11. Let the Glaze Set:
Finally, place the glazed donuts back on the wire rack and allow the glaze to set for about 15-20 minutes before serving. This sets the stage for a perfectly sweet treat!
Enjoy your fluffy, spiced pumpkin baked donuts topped with a sweet and luscious maple glaze, perfect for any time of day! 🎃✨
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour! Just keep in mind that it may result in denser donuts, so consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose for a lighter texture.
Can I Make These Donuts Without Buttermilk?
Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can create a quick substitute by mixing regular milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using it in the recipe!
How Should I Store Leftover Donuts?
Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn!
Can I Omit the Nuts in the Topping?
Yes, feel free to skip the nuts if you prefer! The donuts will still taste amazing with the maple glaze alone. You could also use mini chocolate chips or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar as an alternative topping!