Name: Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
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 packed brown sugar; 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

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 290 reviews

If you’ve been searching for the perfect fall treat to bring warmth and sweetness to your kitchen, this Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe is an absolute must-try. These soft, moist pumpkin donuts offer the perfect balance of cozy spices with the natural sweetness of pumpkin, all topped with a silky maple glaze that takes every bite to cloud nine. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a charming dessert, these donuts are irresistibly delightful and fun to make with simple ingredients that come together quickly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows eleven small clear glass bowls arranged neatly on a white marbled surface, each bowl containing different baking ingredients. Starting from the top left, there is a bowl with two whole yellow eggs in clear liquid, next to it a bowl of white baking soda powder, and a bowl of white granulated sugar. Below the eggs, there is a bowl of brownish pumpkin pie spice powder, a bowl of amber vanilla extract, and a bowl with bright orange pumpkin puree. Under these, there is a bowl with light brown sugar, a bowl with white creamy sour cream, and a bowl with pale yellow oil. At the bottom right, there is a bowl filled with white baking powder and next to it smaller glass bowls with white flour, cinnamon spice powder, milk, and dark maple syrup in a wooden spoon-shaped dish. Each ingredient is labeled in black text near its bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture, flavor, and color. Nothing fancy, just well-balanced pantry staples that make these donuts wonderfully fluffy and bursting with that cozy pumpkin spice charm.

2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of your donuts, providing structure and softness.

1 teaspoon baking powder: Adds lift so your donuts turn out light and airy.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside baking powder to give your donuts a perfect rise.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness while bringing out the spice flavors.

2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice: Infuses those unmistakable autumnal flavors that make pumpkin donuts so special.
1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the donuts moist and tender without weighing them down.
3/4 cup packed brown sugar: Adds rich caramel notes and sweetness that complements pumpkin beautifully.

1/4 cup granulated sugar: Provides a little extra sweetness and helps with structure.
2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness to the batter.
1/3 cup sour cream: Brings tanginess and moisture that makes each bite melt-in-your-mouth soft.

1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Layered warmth that enhances the flavor profile.
1 cup pumpkin puree: The star ingredient giving these donuts their vibrant color and luscious pumpkin taste.
1 cup powdered sugar: For the sweet, smooth maple glaze coating.

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth to the glaze.
2 tablespoons maple syrup: Provides authentic maple flavor for that classic glaze finish.
4 teaspoons whole milk: Adjusts the glaze consistency to perfect dip-ability.

How to Make Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Setup

Start by heating your oven to 350°F. Generously grease a donut pan with baking spray or brush it with oil to ensure your donuts pop out easily after baking. Placing the donut pan on a baking sheet will make handling easier, so set it aside for now.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. This blend of dry ingredients forms the flavorful and fluffy base for your donuts.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a larger bowl, whisk the vegetable oil, both brown and granulated sugars, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. This mixture ensures your donuts bake up moist and rich.

Step 4: Add Pumpkin and Fold In Dry Mix

Gently fold pumpkin puree into your wet ingredients using a silicone spatula. Then, carefully fold the dry flour mixture in until just combined—don’t overmix or you risk tough donuts. That light, tender crumb depends on this delicate touch.

Step 5: Pipe into the Donut Pan

Transfer the batter to a large piping bag and snip the tip off. Carefully pipe the batter into each donut mold, filling about two-thirds of the way full. This helps donuts bake evenly and rise perfectly without spilling over.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes before popping them onto a wire rack to cool completely—this step is crucial for that perfect final texture.

Step 7: Prepare the Maple Glaze

In a clean bowl, whisk powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and maple syrup together. Slowly add milk, one teaspoon at a time, until the glaze reaches a smooth, dippable consistency. This glaze brings that irresistible sweet maple finish.

Step 8: Glaze Your Donuts

Once your donuts are fully cooled, dip each one into the maple glaze, letting the excess drip off. Set the glazed donuts back on the wire rack to let the glaze set before serving.

How to Serve Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe

A close-up shot of seven round donuts stacked and resting on a light brown baking tray placed on a white marbled surface, each donut topped with a smooth, light brown glaze that covers the entire top and drips slightly down the sides, giving a glossy texture with small air bubbles and soft highlights, the donuts have a soft golden-brown base visible through the hole at the center, arranged with one donut prominently in the front and the others grouped closely behind, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a pinch of extra cinnamon or crushed toasted pecans on top of your glazed donuts for a little crunch and added warmth. A dusting of powdered sugar also looks charming and adds a subtle sweetness.

Side Dishes

These pumpkin donuts pair beautifully with a hot cup of spiced chai, pumpkin latte, or even a simple black coffee. For a brunch setting, serve alongside fresh fruit or creamy yogurt to balance their richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the donuts on a rustic wooden board surrounded by autumn leaves or mini pumpkins for a festive display. Serve with a small bowl of extra maple glaze for dipping, making the treat interactive and fun for guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them fresh and soft. Avoid refrigeration as it can dry them out quickly.

Freezing

If you want to keep these pumpkin donuts longer, freeze them unglazed in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To enjoy frozen or stored donuts, gently warm them in a microwave for about 10 seconds or in a low oven until just cozy warm. For the best experience, re-glaze after reheating to revive that glossy maple finish.

FAQs

Can I substitute canned pumpkin for fresh pumpkin puree?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree is convenient and works perfectly in this Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe, providing consistent moisture and flavor.

Is it possible to make these donuts gluten-free?

Yes, by swapping all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend, you can enjoy these donuts gluten-free with minimal texture difference.

Can I bake these donuts without a donut pan?

While a donut pan helps shape the donuts beautifully, you can bake the batter in a muffin tin for mini pumpkin muffins instead—they’ll be just as delicious but with a different shape.

How thick should the maple glaze be?

The glaze should be thick enough to coat the donuts but still fluid to dip smoothly. Add milk gradually to achieve this perfect consistency.

Are these donuts suitable for breakfast?

Definitely! Their balance of spices, pumpkin, and sweetness makes them a comforting and irresistible morning treat that pairs wonderfully with your favorite coffee.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe is truly one of those comforting pleasures that feel like a warm hug in donut form. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just to treat yourself, it’s hard to go wrong with these tender, spiced, and sweet treats. So go ahead—grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and bring a whole lot of joy to your kitchen with these fabulous pumpkin donuts.