As the crisp autumn air rolls in, there’s nothing quite like the comfort of a warm, freshly baked donut. These Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts are the ultimate fall treat, combining the rich, earthy flavor of pumpkin with the sweet warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Topped with a smooth, maple glaze, these donuts are an irresistible indulgence for breakfast, dessert, or a snack. The blend of spices and the pumpkin’s natural moisture make these donuts incredibly soft and fluffy, while the maple glaze adds a sweet finish that will leave everyone asking for seconds. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for cozy mornings, fall gatherings, or anytime you crave a delicious homemade donut. Plus, baking instead of frying means you can enjoy them with less hassle and mess.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect for Fall

These donuts are infused with the flavors of fall—cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin—which make them ideal for seasonal celebrations and cozy mornings.

2. Light and Fluffy Texture

The combination of pumpkin puree and spices gives these donuts a light, airy texture that’s not too heavy, but still satisfying and comforting.

3. Simple to Make

With just a few basic ingredients and a donut pan, these donuts come together quickly and easily, without the need for frying.

4. Maple Glaze for Extra Sweetness

The homemade maple glaze adds the perfect touch of sweetness, balancing the warm spices and making each bite even more irresistible.

5. Great for Sharing

This recipe makes 12 donuts, making it perfect for sharing with friends, family, or bringing to a fall gathering. These donuts are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Allspice
Brown sugar
Canned pumpkin puree
Milk
Melted butter
Egg
Vanilla extract

For the glaze:

Powdered sugar
Maple syrup
Milk

Variations

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these donuts gluten-free, without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Spice Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the spice levels—add more cinnamon or nutmeg for a stronger flavor, or try incorporating ground ginger or cloves for a different twist.
Chocolate Drizzle: For a fun variation, drizzle melted chocolate over the donuts in place of or in addition to the maple glaze.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a donut pan with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice until well combined.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, pumpkin puree, milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just mixed. Be careful not to overmix to keep the donuts light and fluffy.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full. Use a spatula to smooth the tops if needed.

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. Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 7: Prepare the Maple Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until smooth. Add more milk if needed to achieve your desired glaze consistency.

Step 8: Glaze the Donuts

Dip each cooled donut into the glaze, ensuring the top is coated evenly. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Do Not Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in dense, heavy donuts.
Bake Immediately: Once the batter is prepared, fill the donut pan and bake right away for the best texture and fluffiness.
Adjust Glaze Consistency: If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk; if it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, use freshly ground spices, especially cinnamon and nutmeg. They’ll elevate the overall taste of the donuts.

How to Serve

These Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy fall snack. Serve them warm with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or cider for the ultimate autumn experience. They also make a delightful addition to any fall-themed gathering or holiday breakfast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep the glaze from becoming too sticky, store the donuts without the glaze and add it just before serving.

Freezing

These donuts can be frozen for up to 1 month. Allow them to cool completely, then place in an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature or microwave for 10-15 seconds.

Reheating

To reheat the donuts, place them in the microwave for a few seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to warm them up before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree, but make sure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the batter.

2. How do I know when the donuts are done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of a donut. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the donuts are done.

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

If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin. The texture will be slightly different, but they’ll still taste delicious.

4. Can I use a different glaze?

Yes, you can use a cinnamon glaze or even a chocolate glaze for a different flavor profile.

5. How long can I store the donuts?

These donuts will stay fresh for up to 2 days at room temperature, or up to 1 month in the freezer.

6. Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the donuts?

Yes, feel free to add chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter for added texture and flavor.

7. Can I make these donuts vegan?

Yes, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg, and use non-dairy milk and a plant-based butter substitute for a vegan version.

8. How can I make the donuts even fluffier?

To ensure maximum fluffiness, make sure you don’t overmix the batter and avoid pressing the dough into the pan.

9. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe to make more donuts, just be sure to adjust the baking time slightly if needed.

10. Can I use maple extract in place of maple syrup?

Maple extract can be used for flavor, but syrup is best for the glaze to get the right consistency and sweetness.

Conclusion

These Maple Glazed Pumpkin Donuts are a delicious and easy way to enjoy the flavors of fall. With their soft, fluffy texture and the sweet touch of maple glaze, they’re sure to be a hit with anyone who loves a good seasonal treat. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just looking for a sweet breakfast option, these donuts are a perfect choice. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, you can enjoy these delightful, homemade donuts any time the fall mood strikes.