If you’re a fan of donuts with a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch, these Glazed Maple Pecan Donuts are just what you need. The light, fluffy texture of the donuts is complemented by a rich, maple glaze and the satisfying crunch of pecans. This recipe provides an easy way to make bakery-quality donuts at home, with the added bonus of the wonderful maple flavor that’s perfect for any time of the year.

With just a few simple ingredients, you can create warm, freshly baked donuts that are golden on the outside, soft on the inside, and covered in a sweet maple glaze. These donuts make a great treat for breakfast, brunch, or a snack and are guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch or just treating yourself to something special, these glazed maple pecan donuts are sure to delight.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Glazed Maple Pecan Donuts are a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The fluffy, lightly sweetened donuts are elevated by the crunchy, toasted pecans that add a nutty richness. The maple glaze, made with pure maple syrup and powdered sugar, creates a smooth, glossy finish that adds just the right amount of sweetness. Not only are they delicious, but they are also quick and easy to make, requiring only a few basic ingredients.

The best part about these donuts is their versatility. You can enjoy them as a simple breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or even as a dessert. They’re the perfect comfort food, and the combination of maple and pecans will leave you craving more.

Ingredients

All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Baking powder
Salt
Milk
Large egg
Vanilla extract
Chopped pecans
Maple syrup
Powdered sugar

Variations

Add More Nuts

If you love nuts, you can add more variety by including walnuts or almonds along with the pecans for extra texture and flavor.

Chocolate Glaze

For a chocolatey twist, you can substitute the maple glaze with a rich chocolate glaze made with cocoa powder and heavy cream.

Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Instead of glazing, roll the warm donuts in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a more classic donut flavor.

Vegan Version

For a vegan version, substitute the egg and milk with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and flaxseed eggs, and use a maple syrup glaze without powdered sugar.

Glazed Apple Donuts

Incorporate small pieces of diced apples into the batter for a fruity twist that pairs beautifully with the maple glaze.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan with non-stick spray to ensure the donuts come out easily after baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. These dry ingredients form the base of your donut batter.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Stir in the milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can result in dense donuts.

Step 4: Fold in Pecans

Fold the chopped pecans into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This adds a delightful crunch to every bite.

Step 5: Pipe the Batter

Transfer the donut batter into a piping bag, or use a plastic sandwich bag with the tip cut off, to pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan. Fill each mold about three-quarters full.

Step 6: Bake the Donuts

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. The donuts should be lightly golden on top.

Step 7: Cool the Donuts

Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them maintain their shape and prevents them from becoming soggy.

Step 8: Prepare the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup and powdered sugar to make the glaze. You can adjust the consistency by adding more syrup for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze.

Step 9: Glaze the Donuts

Dip each donut into the maple glaze, ensuring it’s fully coated. Allow any excess glaze to drip off before placing the donuts on the wire rack to set. The glaze will firm up slightly as it cools.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Piping the batter into the donut pan ensures that the donuts have a uniform shape and texture. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can spoon the batter into the pan, but piping makes it easier.
If you prefer a lighter glaze, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the maple glaze, giving it a more subtle sweetness.
Chop the pecans into small pieces to ensure they distribute evenly throughout the batter and provide a nice bite in every donut.
If you want a crispier crust, bake the donuts a little longer, but be careful not to overbake them, as they can become dry.
For a unique texture, toast the pecans before folding them into the batter to bring out their natural oils and flavor.

How to Serve

These Glazed Maple Pecan Donuts are perfect served fresh out of the oven or at room temperature. Serve them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for the perfect breakfast or brunch treat. They also make an excellent addition to any holiday breakfast spread, or you can enjoy them as a sweet snack during the day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These donuts are best enjoyed the day they are made, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The donuts will remain soft, though the glaze may lose some of its glossy finish.

Freezing

To freeze the donuts, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or oven for a few minutes until heated through.

Reheating

To enjoy the donuts again, warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to refresh their softness.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of nut?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts, depending on your preference.

2. Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

Yes, you can bake these donuts in a muffin tin. The texture will be slightly different, but they will still taste great.

3. Can I use maple-flavored syrup instead of pure maple syrup?

While pure maple syrup gives the best flavor, maple-flavored syrup can be used as a substitute in a pinch.

4. How do I make the glaze thicker?

To make the glaze thicker, add more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.

5. Can I make these donuts ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the donuts ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. Glaze them just before serving for the best presentation.

6. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Whole wheat flour can be substituted, but the donuts will have a denser texture. Consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for a lighter result.

7. Can I make the donuts without eggs?

You can substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg or an egg replacer to make these donuts egg-free.

8. Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?

Yes, you can add chocolate chips or chunks to the batter for a chocolatey twist.

9. How long do these donuts stay fresh?

These donuts are best enjoyed within 1-2 days of baking. After that, they may lose some freshness.

10. Can I freeze the glazed donuts?

It’s best to freeze the unglazed donuts, then glaze them after thawing for the best texture and presentation.

Conclusion

These Glazed Maple Pecan Donuts are a delightful treat that combines the warmth of maple syrup with the crunch of toasted pecans. With their light, fluffy texture and sweet glaze, they’re perfect for any occasion—whether you’re enjoying a lazy Sunday morning or treating guests to a homemade dessert. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can enjoy bakery-quality donuts right at home, bringing a touch of sweetness to your day.