Name: Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice; 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted); 1 cup light brown sugar (packed); 2 large eggs; 1 cup canned pumpkin puree; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 3/4 cup maple syrup; 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 8 reviews

I absolutely adore fall baking, and these Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe have quickly become one of my all-time favorites to share with friends and family. The combination of tender, fluffy pumpkin-spiced donuts with a luscious, sweet maple glaze brings together the cozy essence of autumn in every bite. I love that these donuts are baked, not fried, making them a lighter way to indulge without sacrificing any of that rich, comforting flavor. Whether it’s a weekend breakfast treat or a festive dessert, these donuts always bring a little extra joy to my table.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe

What really grabs me about this recipe is the perfect balance of flavors. The warm pumpkin pie spice blended with real pumpkin puree creates such a moist, tender base, while the maple glaze adds a deep, buttery sweetness that’s utterly irresistible. Every bite feels like a cozy hug, and the subtle spices never overpower the natural pumpkin goodness. I appreciate how each ingredient complements one another, resulting in a flavor profile that feels just right—not too sweet, but rich enough to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Another reason I’m so passionate about this Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe is how simple and approachable it is. I’m not a fan of complicated baking that requires a dozen steps or rare ingredients, and this recipe hits that sweet spot. With straightforward steps and common pantry staples, these donuts come together quickly. Plus, baking them means less mess and less guilt compared to frying. I find them perfect for holidays, brunches, or even an unexpectedly fun weeknight treat. Honestly, they’re a crowd-pleaser every time!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows various baking ingredients neatly arranged on a white marbled surface. There is a large clear bowl filled with white flour on the right side. Near it are two whole brown eggs. Above the eggs, there is a small white bowl holding a heap of brown powder, likely cinnamon. Next to it is a speckled small bowl with white salt and a tiny wooden spoon. To the left, there is a bowl of melted bright orange butter and a white plate with three blocks of yellow butter. Below the eggs, there is a metal measuring cup filled with smooth orange pumpkin puree. Toward the bottom left, a metal cup contains light brown sugar, and on the bottom right, there are two clear bowls of dark amber liquid, possibly molasses and vanilla extract, and a metal cup with white baking powder. The overall look is clean and colorful with contrasting textures. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple and wholesome ingredients, each bringing its own magic to the texture, flavor, and color of the donuts. From the warm spices to the rich maple glaze, every component is essential for creating that perfect fall-inspired treat.

All-purpose flour: Provides a tender but sturdy base for the donuts to hold their shape and stay soft.
Baking powder: Helps the donuts rise beautifully and become delightfully fluffy.

Pumpkin pie spice: Adds the essential warm fall flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
Baking soda: Works alongside baking powder to boost lift and create perfect texture.

Unsalted butter (melted): Provides richness and moisture without overpowering other ingredients.
Light brown sugar: Adds natural sweetness and a subtle molasses flavor.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the donut’s structure.

Canned pumpkin puree: The star ingredient that gives the donuts their wonderful moistness and vibrant color.
Vanilla extract: Enhances depth and rounds out the sweet, spiced flavors beautifully.
Maple syrup: Reduced for the glaze, it adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness that’s perfect atop the donuts.

Confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens the glaze and helps it adhere smoothly without being grainy.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and generously coat a donut pan with nonstick spray to ensure easy release after baking.

Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, kosher salt, and baking soda until evenly combined. This dry mixture sets the base for your donuts’ flavor and texture.

Step 3: Using an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the melted butter and light brown sugar on medium-high speed for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture looks smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they fully incorporate and create a smooth batter base.

Step 5: Mix in the canned pumpkin puree and vanilla extract just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that could make the donuts tough.

Step 6: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients on low speed, mixing only until just incorporated. This helps keep the batter light and airy.

Step 7: Transfer the batter into a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with the corner snipped off for easy filling. Pipe the batter evenly into the prepared donut pan cavities, filling each about two-thirds full for ideal rise.

Step 8: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the donuts are lightly browned and spring back lightly when touched.

Step 9: While the donuts bake, start the maple glaze by heating the maple syrup in a small saucepan over medium heat until it reduces to about half its original volume, which should take around 5 minutes.

Step 10: Whisk in the butter, vanilla extract, and kosher salt until the butter melts completely, then gradually whisk in the confectioners’ sugar until the glaze is smooth and shiny.

Step 11: Once the donuts have cooled for about 10 minutes, dip the tops carefully into the maple glaze. Set the glazed donuts on a wire rack to allow the glaze to set fully before serving.

Step 12: Serve your Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture experience.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 12 delicious pumpkin donuts, perfect for sharing with family or a small gathering of friends. The prep time takes around 15 minutes to mix everything up and prepare the pan. Baking time is fairly quick, about 10 to 12 minutes, with an additional 10 minutes required for cooling before glazing. Altogether, you can expect the whole process to take approximately 50 minutes from start to finish. It’s a wonderful recipe to make when you want a special treat but don’t have a whole afternoon to spend in the kitchen.

How to Serve This Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe

A group of round doughnuts with a smooth, shiny light brown glaze covering the top of each one, arranged closely together on a metal cooling rack. The doughnuts have a soft texture visible under the glaze and a hollow center hole. The metal rack contrasts with the warm tones of the doughnuts and the background is a white marbled texture. The light reflects softly on the glaze, giving the doughnuts a fresh, slightly glossy look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I like to serve these donuts fresh and slightly warm because the maple glaze is glossy and just a little sticky, which makes them feel even more indulgent. Simple presentation works beautifully: a classic white plate or a rustic wooden board highlight their golden color and inviting glaze perfectly. I sometimes sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg on top for an extra pop of spice and to make them look irresistible.

These donuts are stunning on their own, but I also love pairing them with a hot cup of spiced chai or fresh brewed coffee to enhance the warm flavors. For a brunch setting, stacking a few alongside scrambled eggs and crisp bacon makes for a delightful sweet-and-savory balance. They’re a fantastic addition to fall celebrations, Halloween parties, or Thanksgiving breakfasts when you want something comforting and a little unexpected.

For a bit of fun, consider drizzling some extra maple syrup over the donuts just before serving, or add chopped toasted pecans on top of the glaze to add crunch and texture. They’re best served fresh, but if you need to hold them for a bit, room temperature is perfect. Personally, I’d avoid chilling them because I think the texture and glaze shine brightest when enjoyed fresh or warmed gently.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to fit different tastes or dietary needs. If you want a gluten-free option, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend, and keep everything else the same. The donuts stay just as tender and flavorful, which is such a win for those who need to avoid gluten.

If you’re vegan or dairy-free, you can replace the butter with a solid vegetable shortening or coconut oil, and use flax eggs or another egg substitute like applesauce. The maple glaze can also be made vegan by substituting the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based margarine. I’ve found this keeps the spirit of the recipe intact while being kind to different dietary preferences.

For flavor variations, try adding chopped toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts right into the batter, or sprinkle some cinnamon sugar on top of the donuts before baking for a crunchy, sweet crust. Another fun twist is stirring in mini chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks with the flour mixture for a delightful surprise in every bite. If you want to experiment with cooking methods, these donuts can also be made in a muffin tin, though the shape will differ, or even adapted for an air fryer donut mold for quicker baking.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers—which is rare!—store your Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll keep well for up to 2 days. To preserve the glaze’s texture and the donuts’ moisture, avoid refrigeration if possible, as it can dry them out and cause the glaze to become sticky or cloudy.

Freezing

These donuts freeze beautifully if you want to make them ahead of time. I like to freeze them before glazing: simply wrap each donut tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature, then dip in freshly made or pre-made maple glaze. If you freeze them glazed, the texture of the glaze can change and become less appealing, so I recommend glazing after thawing whenever possible.

Reheating

The best way to reheat these donuts and bring back their fresh-baked goodness is to warm them gently in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds or briefly in a preheated 300-degree Fahrenheit oven for 5 minutes. This will help soften any hardened glaze and ensure a tender, moist bite. Avoid overheating, which can dry out the donuts or cause the glaze to become too runny. I prefer warming them quickly rather than leaving them out for too long, so they maintain their irresistible texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin, but you’ll need to cook, peel, and puree it first to achieve the smooth consistency of canned pumpkin. Make sure it’s well drained so your batter isn’t too wet. The flavor will be just as wonderful, with a lovely fresh pumpkin taste.

What if I don’t have a donut pan? Can I bake these differently?

If you don’t have a donut pan, you can bake this batter in a muffin tin to make pumpkin donut muffins instead. Keep the same baking time but watch carefully for doneness, as muffins might take a couple of minutes longer. Alternatively, silicone donut molds work well if you have them.

Is it necessary to reduce the maple syrup for the glaze?

Reducing the maple syrup concentrates its flavor, making the glaze deeper and less runny, which helps it stick perfectly to the donuts. You could skip this step, but the glaze might be thinner and less shiny. I recommend following the reduction step for the best result.

Can I make these donuts ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! You can bake them a day in advance, store in an airtight container at room temperature, and glaze right before serving for freshest taste and presentation. This way, you avoid any sogginess and keep the glaze perfectly glossy.

Are these donuts very sweet? Can I adjust the sweetness?

These donuts have a balanced sweetness with the natural sweetness from the pumpkin and brown sugar, complemented by the maple glaze. If you prefer a less sweet donut, you could reduce the sugar slightly or use less glaze. Remember that the glaze adds a lot of that sweet maple flavor, so adjust according to your taste.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe a try because it’s one of those cozy, feel-good treats that can brighten any morning or celebration. With its tender texture, warm spices, and irresistible maple glaze, it’s a recipe I come back to every fall and sometimes year-round. Sharing these donuts always brings smiles, and I can’t wait for you to experience that same joy. Happy baking!