Name: Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup oat flour (made by grinding old-fashioned oats); 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 3/4 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 large egg (at room temperature); 1/3 cup light brown sugar; 1/4 cup oil; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup canned pumpkin or pumpkin puree (no added spices or sugar); 1¼ cups powdered sugar; 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup; 1 tablespoon dark corn syrup (or Karo dark corn syrup); ½ tablespoon water; ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 41 reviews

There is something irresistibly cozy about the combination of tender pumpkin spice and the luscious sweetness of maple, which is exactly why this Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe has become such a beloved treat in my kitchen. These donuts are delectably soft, boasting the warm flavors of cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice, and finished with a glossy, rich maple glaze that elevates every bite. Perfect for breakfast, snack time, or whenever you want to bring a slice of autumn joy to your day, these donuts are as inviting as the season itself.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a flat lay of various baking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There are thirteen small white bowls and glass containers containing different powders, liquids, and pastes, including white powder, flour, brown sugar, oats, orange pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and maple syrup. An uncracked brown egg is placed on the left side of the frame, and small portions of baking soda, salt, and vanilla extract are in tiny white bowls. The ingredients are spaced evenly, creating an organized and clean composition. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role in crafting donuts that are fluffy, flavorful, and perfectly balanced in sweetness and spice. From the wholesome pumpkin puree to the blend of flours and warm spices, every element adds dimension to these delightful donuts.

¾ cup all-purpose flour: Provides structure and a tender crumb for the donuts.
¼ cup oat flour: Adds a subtle nuttiness and heartiness, while keeping the texture light.
½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: Brings that iconic pumpkin pie warmth with a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Enhances the spiced flavor and aroma.
¾ teaspoon baking powder: Helps the donuts rise and stay fluffy.
¼ teaspoon baking soda: Works with the acidic pumpkin to give lift and lightness.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the other flavors.
1 large egg (at room temperature): Binds ingredients and adds richness.
⅓ cup light brown sugar: Gives gentle sweetness with a hint of molasses depth.
¼ cup oil: Keeps the donuts moist and tender.
½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a sweet, fragrant note that complements pumpkin perfectly.
½ cup canned pumpkin or pumpkin puree: The star ingredient that brings moistness and authentic pumpkin flavor.
1 ¼ cups powdered sugar: The base of the maple glaze for smooth sweetness.
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup: Infuses the glaze with natural, rich maple flavor.
1 tablespoon dark corn syrup (or Karo dark corn syrup): Gives the glaze a beautiful shine and a smooth texture.
½ tablespoon water: Helps thin the glaze to the perfect dipping consistency.
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a final touch of spice to the glaze.

How to Make Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a mini donut pan thoroughly with cooking spray—this step ensures your donuts pop out easily after baking and keep their cute ring shape intact.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, oat flour, pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This blend of dry ingredients builds the deep, cozy flavors and gives the donuts their perfect texture.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, light brown sugar, oil, vanilla extract, and canned pumpkin until smooth. This mixture provides moisture, richness, and that unmistakable pumpkin taste that makes these donuts truly special.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Ingredients Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and whisk until just combined. You'll get a thick donut batter that’s ready for the pan—don’t over mix; just ensure everything is nicely incorporated without any lumps.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

Transfer your batter to a large piping bag. If you don’t have one, a sturdy plastic bag with a small snip at the corner works wonders! Pipe the batter into the greased donut pan cavities, filling about halfway to allow room for rising.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 6 to 7 minutes or until the donuts spring back when touched or a toothpick inserted comes out clean. These quick bake times mean you’ll have fresh donuts in no time!

Step 7: Cool Your Donuts

Carefully transfer the donuts onto a wire rack and let them cool. Cooling is essential because the glaze will stick and set better on a slightly cooled donut rather than a warm one.

Step 8: Prepare and Dip in Maple Glaze

While the donuts cool, whisk together powdered sugar, pure maple syrup, dark corn syrup, water, and cinnamon in a small bowl until silky smooth. Set your wire rack over a parchment-lined baking sheet, then dip the tops of each donut into this luscious maple glaze, turning to coat them beautifully. Allow the glaze to set completely before serving.

How to Serve Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe

The image shows six round donuts with a shiny light tan glaze on top, arranged on a white marbled surface. Each donut has a smooth, slightly thick glaze that covers the entire top and sides, making them look soft and fresh. The donuts are evenly spaced out, with one partially visible on the right edge and a white cup of light greenish tea or coffee in the upper right corner. The lighting highlights the glossy texture of the glaze and emphasizes the soft, fluffy texture of the donuts beneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon, crushed pecans, or even some toasted pumpkin seeds on top of the glaze for an extra flavor and texture pop. These simple touches elevate the donuts from delicious treats to show-stopping delights.

Side Dishes

Serve with a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea to complement the warm spices in the donuts. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream also pairs beautifully for a decadent dessert twist.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the glazed donuts on a rustic wooden board with fall leaves and mini pumpkins around for an inviting autumn centerpiece. You can even thread a few donuts on a string for a fun and festive party display that doubles as a hanging decoration and snack!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keep in mind that the glaze can soften over time, but the donuts will still taste wonderfully fresh.

Freezing

If you want to stash some for later, freeze the baked donuts (before glazing) in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months and can be glazed fresh after thawing.

Reheating

To enjoy your pumpkin donuts warm, gently reheat them in a microwave for about 15-20 seconds or pop them in a toaster oven for a couple of minutes. If the glaze has set, add a fresh dip into the maple glaze for that perfect finishing touch.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of oat flour?

Absolutely! While oat flour adds a lovely nutty flavor and light texture, you can substitute it with an equal amount of all-purpose flour without sacrificing the donut’s softness.

Is canned pumpkin the same as pumpkin pie filling?

No, canned pumpkin is pure pumpkin puree without added spices or sugar, which is what you want for this recipe. Pumpkin pie filling contains sweeteners and spices that can alter the flavor and texture of the donuts.

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

To make these donuts gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and ensure your oat flour is certified gluten-free. This swap works well but may slightly change the texture.

How do I get the glaze to be shiny and smooth?

The dark corn syrup is the secret to that gorgeous glaze sheen and smoothness. It keeps the glaze from crystallizing and adds a slight stickiness that makes it perfectly clingy to the donuts.

Can these donuts be made without eggs?

While eggs add richness and help with structure, you can try substituting with a flax egg or applesauce, but note the texture might be a bit different. This recipe thrives with eggs for that perfect tender crumb.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe has a special way of making any morning or afternoon feel like a comforting celebration. The blend of cozy pumpkin spices paired with the rich, silky maple glaze is truly unforgettable. I can’t wait for you to whip up a batch, share them with loved ones, and create your own pumpkin-spiced memories!

Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need