Introduction to Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze
As the leaves start to turn and the air gets a bit crisp, nothing warms my heart quite like the smell of pumpkin donuts with maple glaze wafting through my kitchen. These delightful treats are not only a quick solution for a busy day, but they’re also a perfect way to impress family and friends. With their cozy flavors, they embody everything I love about fall. Whipping up a batch only takes about half an hour, making it easy to bring a little seasonal joy into your life without the kitchen chaos. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you!
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze
These pumpkin donuts with maple glaze are a game changer for busy moms! They come together quickly without any fuss, perfect for those hectic mornings or surprise guests. The rich flavors of pumpkin and maple will make your family swoon. Plus, the delightful aroma will make your home feel like a warm fall wonderland. Trust me, you’ll love how easy and satisfying they are to make!
Ingredients for Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze
Let’s dive into the delightful ingredients that bring these pumpkin donuts with maple glaze to life! Each component plays a vital role in crafting those warm, spiced flavors you crave.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of your donuts, providing structure and a soft texture. Feel free to substitute with a gluten-free blend if needed.
- Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents work together to give your donuts that perfect rise and fluffy bite.
- Salt: Just a pinch! It enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Pumpkin pie spice: This aromatic blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger adds that quintessential fall flavor to your donuts.
- Vegetable oil: Ensures your donuts stay moist and tender. You can substitute it with melted coconut oil for a hint of tropical flavor.
- Brown and granulated sugar: The brown sugar adds moisture and a lovely caramel flavor, while the granulated sugar provides sweetness and texture.
- Large eggs: They bind the ingredients together and create a tender donut that doesn’t crumble.
- Sour cream: This secret ingredient keeps your donuts rich and adds a slight tang. Greek yogurt works in a pinch!
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- Pumpkin puree: This is the star of the show, giving the donuts their signature pumpkin flavor and beautiful orange hue.
- Powdered sugar: Essential for your sweet maple glaze! It creates the perfect smooth, glossy finish.
- Ground cinnamon: A sprinkle adds warmth and coziness to the glaze, reminding you of autumn days.
- Maple syrup: The luscious syrup brings sweetness and a unique maple flavor to the glaze, making this treat irresistible.
- Whole milk: Used to achieve the right consistency for your glaze. You can swap it for almond or oat milk if preferred.
Exact measurements for each ingredient are available at the bottom of the article for printing! So, let’s get ready for some delicious baking!
How to Make Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze
Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, it’s time to dive into the deliciously rewarding process of making pumpkin donuts with maple glaze! I promise you, the steps are simple and straightforward. Let’s get baking!
Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Donut Pan
The first step is crucial. Preheat your oven to 350°F. This helps ensure that your donuts bake evenly and rise beautifully. While the oven warms up, grab your donut pan. Generously spray it with baking spray or brush it with oil to prevent sticking. Placing the pan on a baking sheet will make transferring it to the oven much easier when the batter is ready!
Mix Your Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Use a whisk to blend everything well. This step is important as it ensures an even distribution of the leavening agents and spices throughout the donuts. The aroma will already start to remind you of fall!
Combine Wet Ingredients
In another large bowl, mix together the vegetable oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Whisk until it’s smooth and creamy. The sugars should slightly dissolve into the mixture, and trust me, this rich base is what will make your donuts so irresistible!
Fold in Pumpkin Puree
This is the moment we’ve all been waiting for! Gently fold in the pumpkin puree using a silicone spatula. Be careful not to overmix; we want to maintain that light and airy texture. The pumpkin adds moisture and that signature flavor that makes these donuts so special. Enjoy the vibrant color that enriches the batter!
Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
Now it’s time to marry the dry and wet mixtures! Pour the dry ingredients into the bowl with the wet mixture and use your spatula to carefully fold them together. Take your time here—this is key to creating fluffy donuts. Avoid vigorous stirring; we want to preserve air bubbles for that fluffy texture.
Pipe the Batter into the Donut Pan
Transfer the batter into a large piping bag or a zip-top bag. If using a zip-top bag, snip off one corner. This makes it easy to pipe the batter into the donut pan. Fill each donut cup about two-thirds full. Not only does this keep the donuts from overflowing, but it helps them retain a gorgeous shape!
Bake the Donuts
Once the batter is in the pan, carefully place it in the center of the preheated oven. Bake the donuts for about 12 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center. Keep an eye on them; don’t open the oven door too early! You want them to rise perfectly without any sudden temperature changes.
Cool and Glaze the Donuts
After baking, let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes. This prevents them from breaking apart. When they’re cool enough to handle, gently pop them out onto a wire rack. While they’re cooling, prepare your maple glaze. Once the donuts are completely cooled, dip them into the glaze, letting the excess drip off. Set them back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set. The sight of those shiny, glazed donuts will make your heart sing!
Tips for Success
- Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
- Don’t overmix the batter; it’s okay if there are a few lumps.
- Use a kitchen scale for more accurate flour measurements.
- Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick—if it comes out clean, they’re done!
- Let donuts cool completely before glazing to avoid melt-off.
Equipment Needed for Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze
- Donut pan: Essential for those perfect donut shapes. If you don’t have one, muffin tins work as a fun alternative.
- Mixing bowls: A couple of medium-sized bowls will do. Mixing is much easier with a larger bowl.
- Whisk: A great tool for blending ingredients. A fork can work in a pinch!
- Silicone spatula: Perfect for folding and scraping. A regular spatula or wooden spoon can substitute.
- Piping bag or zip-top bag: For easy batter transfer. A spoon can also get the job done, but it’s messier.
Variations on Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze
- Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Donuts: Fold in mini chocolate chips into the batter for a sweet surprise in every bite.
- Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for a crunchy texture that pairs beautifully with the soft donuts.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a celiac-friendly treat.
- Spiced Maple Glaze: Enhance your glaze with additional cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg for an extra layer of warmth and spice.
- Vegan Pumpkin Donuts: Substitute eggs with flax eggs and use non-dairy milk and yogurt for a completely plant-based version.
Serving Suggestions for Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze
- Pair your donuts with a steaming cup of spiced chai or pumpkin spice latte for a cozy morning vibe.
- Serve alongside fresh fruit, like apple slices, for a nutritious balance to the sweet treats.
- For a festive touch, garnish with chopped pecans or fall-themed sprinkles.
- Present them on a rustic wooden platter for a charming display at gatherings.
FAQs about Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! Just make sure to cook and puree the fresh pumpkin until smooth. It will enhance the flavor of your pumpkin donuts with maple glaze.
How should I store leftover donuts?
Store your pumpkin donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them for up to two months!
Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?
Yes! A muffin tin will work just fine. Just adjust the baking time accordingly; the muffins may take a few minutes longer to bake.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
You can use Greek yogurt or even cottage cheese for a similar creamy texture in your pumpkin donuts with maple glaze.
How can I achieve a thicker glaze?
If you want a thicker glaze, simply add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency. You can also reduce the milk slightly to thicken it!
Final Thoughts
Creating these pumpkin donuts with maple glaze is more than just a baking project; it’s a delightful way to embrace the spirit of fall. Each bite is a warm hug, filled with the rich flavors of pumpkin and sweet maple goodness. As you share them with loved ones, you’re not just offering treats but also creating memories. Whether it’s a cozy morning at home or a festive gathering, these donuts bring joy and warmth to any occasion. So roll up your sleeves, soak in the delightful aromas, and relish in the satisfaction of sharing a little slice of happiness!
Print
Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious pumpkin donuts topped with a sweet maple glaze, perfect for fall.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 4 teaspoons whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Generously spray a donut pan(s) with baking spray or brush with oil. Place the donut pans onto a baking sheet and set aside.
- Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice into a mixing bowl and whisk to combine. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl add the oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla and whisk until combined.
- Fold in the pumpkin puree with a silicone spatula.
- Add the flour mixture and gently fold into the wet mixture with the spatula.
- Transfer the mixture to a large piping bag and snip the end off. Pipe the mixture into each donut cup filling about two-thirds full.
- Place the donut pan(s) into the center of the oven and bake for 12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the middle of the donuts comes out clean.
- Leave to cool in the pan for a few minutes. When they are cool enough to handle, pop out the donuts and put them onto a wire rack to continue cooling.
- Add the powdered sugar, cinnamon, and maple syrup into a large bowl and whisk together.
- Add the milk a teaspoon at a time until the glaze reaches the correct consistency.
- When the donuts have cooled, dip each of them into the glaze shaking off any excess and leave to set on the wire rack until ready to serve.
Notes
- Ensure the donuts are fully cooled before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
