Pumpkin Donuts with Sweet Maple Glaze: A Cozy Fall Delight

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pumpkin donuts with sweet maple glaze are the perfect way to embrace the warmth and flavors of autumn. These donuts are soft, tender, and infused with the rich taste of pumpkin and aromatic spices, making every bite a comforting delight. The maple glaze adds a smooth sweetness that complements the pumpkin flavor beautifully, elevating these donuts beyond ordinary baked goods.

What makes this recipe especially appealing is its versatility—it works equally well as a festive holiday dessert, a breakfast indulgence, or a cozy afternoon snack paired with coffee or tea. The donuts are baked instead of fried, making them lighter yet still wonderfully moist and satisfying.

Whether you are hosting a fall gathering or simply looking to add a seasonal touch to your baking, pumpkin donuts with sweet maple glaze are guaranteed to become a crowd favorite. They deliver warmth, sweetness, and a touch of nostalgia in every bite.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pumpkin Puree
The key ingredient that gives the donuts their signature flavor and moist texture. Pumpkin puree also adds a beautiful golden-orange hue.

All-Purpose Flour
Provides the structure for the donuts, ensuring they are soft yet sturdy enough to hold the glaze.

Brown Sugar
Adds sweetness with a subtle molasses undertone, enhancing the richness of the pumpkin.

Granulated Sugar
Balances the flavor and contributes to the tender crumb of the donuts.

Eggs
Help bind the ingredients together while giving the donuts structure and lightness.

Vegetable Oil
Keeps the donuts moist and soft, while also ensuring they bake evenly.

Baking Powder and Baking Soda
These leavening agents allow the donuts to rise properly, resulting in a fluffy, cake-like texture.

Pumpkin Pie Spice
A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves adds the warm, cozy flavors associated with fall.

Salt
Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors in the recipe.

Maple Syrup
Used in the glaze, maple syrup lends a distinct sweetness and depth that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.

Powdered Sugar
Forms the base of the glaze, giving it a smooth, creamy consistency that coats the donuts perfectly.

Milk or Cream
Thins the glaze to the right consistency while adding richness.

Directions

Begin by preheating the oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a donut pan. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until well combined. In a separate bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the donuts dense. Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full.

Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a small splash of milk or cream until smooth and slightly thick. Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze, allowing the excess to drip off, then place them back on the rack to set. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 12 donuts. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, baking requires 15 minutes, and glazing takes another 10 minutes. In total, the recipe comes together in about 40 minutes, making it a quick and festive treat for fall gatherings or weekend baking.

Storage/reheating

Pumpkin donuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days. For best freshness, store them without the glaze and add it before serving. To reheat, warm them briefly in the microwave or oven until soft. The donuts can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature and glaze before serving.

Variations and Customizations

These donuts are highly versatile and can be adapted to suit different tastes. For extra indulgence, consider adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter. A drizzle of white chocolate over the maple glaze can also enhance their sweetness and presentation.

If you want a slightly lighter version, replace some of the oil with unsweetened applesauce. For a bolder spice profile, increase the pumpkin pie spice or add extra cinnamon and nutmeg. The glaze itself can also be customized—swap the maple syrup with honey or caramel for a different twist.

You can even turn the donuts into donut holes by using a mini muffin pan and adjusting the baking time to 8–10 minutes. For a festive touch, sprinkle crushed pecans or autumn-colored sprinkles over the glaze before it sets.

These variations ensure the recipe remains exciting and adaptable, whether you are baking for kids, guests, or simply indulging yourself.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?

Yes, homemade pumpkin puree works perfectly, but make sure it is well-drained to avoid excess moisture.

Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

Yes, you can bake the batter in a muffin tin, though the shape will differ slightly.

Is it possible to fry the donuts instead of baking?

This recipe is designed for baking, but frying is possible with adjustments to the batter’s consistency.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, the glaze can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Whisk before using to restore consistency.

Can I substitute whole wheat flour?

Yes, though the donuts will be denser and slightly less sweet.

Do these donuts taste strongly of pumpkin?

Yes, the pumpkin flavor is distinct but well-balanced by spices and the maple glaze.

Can I make them dairy-free?

Yes, use a dairy-free milk substitute in the glaze and ensure the donut batter uses oil instead of butter.

How do I keep the donuts soft?

Store them in an airtight container and avoid overbaking to maintain their moist texture.

Conclusion

Pumpkin donuts with sweet maple glaze are the perfect autumn-inspired treat, combining warm spices, moist pumpkin flavor, and a silky-sweet glaze. They are quick to prepare, easy to customize, and irresistibly delicious for any occasion. Whether enjoyed as breakfast, dessert, or a festive snack, these donuts are sure to capture the cozy essence of fall and become a seasonal favorite in your home.

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