Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze

The warm aroma of spiced pumpkin and the silky sweetness of maple glaze make these Pumpkin Donuts a seasonal must-have. Soft, moist, and perfectly balanced in flavor, they bring together the comforting essence of fall in every bite. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these donuts will disappear fast.

Ideal for cozy mornings, festive gatherings, or as a sweet surprise for loved ones, these donuts are incredibly easy to prepare. Using a simple baked method and pantry staples, you’ll achieve bakery-worthy results without deep frying. Add a drizzle of maple glaze, and you’ve got a soft, tender donut that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup brown sugar

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Maple Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 tablespoons maple syrup

• 1 tablespoon milk (more if needed)

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan or spray with nonstick cooking spray.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Add in the pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

4. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.

5. Spoon the batter into a piping bag or ziplock bag with the corner snipped off, then pipe the mixture into the donut pan.

6. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the donut comes out clean.

7. Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Add more milk for a thinner consistency if desired.

9. Once donuts are cool, dip the tops into the glaze, letting any excess drip off before placing back on the wire rack to set.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 12 donuts

There’s nothing quite like the arrival of fall to ignite cravings for all things pumpkin-spiced. Among the many seasonal delights, pumpkin donuts with maple glaze stand out as a warm, flavorful, and comforting treat that brings the cozy essence of autumn right to your kitchen. Whether you’re planning a festive weekend brunch, preparing treats for a gathering, or simply indulging in a quiet morning with coffee and sweets, these baked pumpkin donuts offer a perfect balance of rich flavor, satisfying texture, and inviting aroma.

Unlike traditional fried donuts, these pumpkin donuts are baked, making them a healthier alternative while still delivering a tender, cake-like texture. They’re spiced just right and topped with a luscious maple glaze that adds depth and a luxurious sweetness. The result? A soft, fragrant donut that melts in your mouth and makes you reach for seconds.

The Appeal of Baked Pumpkin Donuts

One of the biggest draws of baked pumpkin donuts is how easy they are to prepare while still looking and tasting like a bakery-level indulgence. You don’t need a deep fryer or complicated techniques just a donut pan, a few common ingredients, and about 30 minutes.

Using real pumpkin puree gives the donuts a naturally moist texture, while warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves infuse each bite with comfort. The maple glaze complements the pumpkin spice flavor perfectly, creating a balanced taste that’s not too sweet but deeply satisfying.

Home bakers love this recipe not only because it’s easy, but because it’s incredibly adaptable. Whether you’re baking for your kids, preparing a seasonal dessert for guests, or making a batch just for you, the recipe can be doubled or halved, and the donuts freeze well too.

A Perfect Treat for Any Time of Day

These pumpkin donuts are surprisingly versatile. While most people enjoy them as a breakfast or brunch item, they also shine as a mid-afternoon snack or an after-dinner dessert. Serve them alongside a cup of coffee or chai tea for a relaxing moment of indulgence, or offer them as a sweet treat at fall-themed events, Halloween parties, or Thanksgiving breakfasts.

They’re also a popular choice for bake sales and potlucks. Their round shape and golden-brown exterior make them visually appealing, and the maple glaze adds a glossy finish that catches the eye and elevates the presentation.

Parents will appreciate how kid-friendly this recipe is too. Children love the sweet, familiar flavors of pumpkin and maple, and since the donuts are baked and not fried, they’re a little better nutritionally. You can even turn donut decorating into a fun family activity by letting kids drizzle or dip the glaze themselves.

Why Maple Glaze is the Perfect Finishing Touch

The maple glaze on these donuts isn’t just a decorative element it’s a fundamental part of what makes them so irresistible. Made with simple ingredients like powdered sugar, real maple syrup, and a splash of milk or cream, the glaze hardens just enough to create a silky, slightly crunchy layer on top of each donut.

Maple and pumpkin are a classic pairing for good reason. Maple syrup brings a rich, earthy sweetness that complements the spiced pumpkin batter without overpowering it. The result is a well-balanced bite: moist, warmly spiced cake with just the right touch of sugary glaze.

For added texture and visual appeal, you can also sprinkle crushed pecans, chopped walnuts, or a dash of cinnamon on top of the glaze while it’s still wet. This small addition adds complexity and makes the donuts feel even more special.

Healthier Than Traditional Donuts

Let’s face it donuts aren’t typically considered a health food. But compared to their deep-fried counterparts, these baked pumpkin donuts offer a more wholesome option that still feels indulgent. By baking instead of frying, you cut down on unnecessary oils and fats, making them a great choice for those who are watching their calorie intake or simply prefer lighter sweets.

Using real pumpkin adds not just flavor and moisture, but nutritional value. Pumpkin is rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins A and C. While the donuts are still a treat, they’re one you can feel a little better about eating and serving to your loved ones.

If you’re looking to lighten the recipe even further, you can experiment with reducing the sugar or substituting whole wheat flour for part of the all-purpose flour. For dairy-free variations, plant-based milk works well in the glaze, and vegan butter can be used in the batter.

How to Make and Store Them Ahead of Time

One of the practical benefits of this recipe is how well the donuts store. After glazing, the donuts can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5. The glaze helps to keep the donuts moist and flavorful.

If you want to make them ahead of time for a brunch or gathering, consider baking the donuts and storing them unglazed. Just before serving, whip up the glaze and drizzle it fresh this ensures the topping stays glossy and attractive.

These donuts also freeze well. You can freeze them (unfrosted) in a sealed container for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw at room temperature and glaze before eating.

Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Donuts Every Time

• Don’t overmix the batter: To keep the donuts light and fluffy, stir just until the dry ingredients are incorporated. Overmixing can make them tough.
• Use a piping bag: Spoon the batter into a ziplock bag, snip the corner, and pipe it into the donut molds. This makes for even, mess-free portions.
• Allow them to cool before glazing: If the donuts are too warm, the glaze will slide right off. Let them cool completely for the best results.
• Play with toppings: From chopped nuts to a dash of sea salt or even a drizzle of dark chocolate customize them however you like!

Conclusion: A Seasonal Favorite Worth Savoring

Pumpkin donuts with maple glaze are more than just a delicious dessert they’re an invitation to slow down and savor the season. With their soft texture, cozy spices, and that luscious maple glaze, these donuts are everything fall should taste like. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a weekend kitchen adventurer, this recipe offers impressive results with minimal effort.

The warmth of pumpkin and the richness of maple evoke the essence of autumn, making these donuts a go-to recipe whenever you’re craving something sweet, nostalgic, and comforting. Serve them up at your next brunch, bake them with the kids on a chilly weekend, or enjoy one with your favorite fall beverage for the ultimate treat.

Fall may come once a year, but with this recipe in your collection, its flavors can be enjoyed any time. Soft, spiced, glazed, and utterly satisfying these pumpkin donuts are a true celebration of the season.