These Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts are soft, fluffy, and packed with warm pumpkin spice flavor. Topped with a sweet maple glaze, they make the perfect treat for any time of day!
Who knew donuts could be so simple? I love whipping these up in no time. Pair them with a cup of coffee, and you’re in for a cozy moment! ☕🍩
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This forms the base of our donuts. For a gluten-free option, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Pumpkin puree: It’s best to use canned pumpkin puree, but if you have fresh pumpkin, roast and puree it instead. Just make sure to drain any excess moisture.
Spices: Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves offer that warm, cozy flavor. If you’re missing one, you can use pumpkin pie spice as a substitute.
Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes. It will work just as well!
Maple syrup: Pure maple syrup is best for the glaze, but you could substitute with honey or agave syrup for a different flavor.
How Do You Ensure Your Donuts Are Soft and Tender?
The key to soft, tender donuts is in the mixing! When combining the wet and dry ingredients, stir just until everything is blended. Overmixing can make the donuts dense.
- Keep the oven at 350°F and preheat fully to help them rise properly.
- Fill the donut pan only 2/3 full to give them room to rise without overflowing.
- Allow the donuts to cool for just a few minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack. This prevents them from getting soggy.
With these tips and techniques, you’ll have a batch of delicious pumpkin donuts ready in no time!
Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
- ⅓ cup buttermilk or milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Maple Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake. Allow an additional 10 minutes for cooling and glazing, bringing the total time to about 40 minutes. Perfect for a quick and tasty treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, lightly grease a donut pan or give it a spritz with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt until everything is well combined. This will help spread the spices evenly throughout your donuts.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is nice and smooth. This will create a rich and flavorful base for your donuts.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet pumpkin mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this will help keep your donuts soft and tender.
5. Fill the Donut Pan:
Spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full. This gives them enough room to rise without overflowing.
6. Bake the Donuts:
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool the Donuts:
Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps keep them from getting soggy.
8. Prepare the Maple Glaze:
While the donuts cool, make the glaze. In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the milk amount based on how thick or thin you want your glaze to be.
9. Glaze the Donuts:
Once the donuts are completely cool, dip the tops into the maple glaze. You can sprinkle some extra toppings like nuts or sprinkles if you like. Place them back on the wire rack to let the glaze set.
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Your delicious baked pumpkin donuts with maple glaze are ready to enjoy! They’re perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. Share them with family and friends—or keep them all for yourself!
FAQ for Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze
Can I Substitute the Pumpkin Puree?
Yes! If you don’t have canned pumpkin puree, you can use homemade pumpkin puree made from roasted pumpkin. Just be sure to drain any excess moisture to keep the batter from getting too wet.
How Should I Store Leftover Donuts?
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. Just note that they may lose some of their softness when chilled.
Can I Freeze These Donuts?
Absolutely! You can freeze the baked donuts for up to 3 months. Just make sure they are completely cooled, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw them at room temperature and add the glaze just before serving for the best taste.
What Can I Use if I Don’t Have Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute! Mix ⅓ cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice, and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This will give you a similar consistency and acidity to buttermilk.
