If you’re craving a treat that captures everything cozy about autumn, look no further than these Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze. With a tender, pumpkin-packed crumb and a dreamy maple glaze that sparkles as it sets, these donuts are a pure celebration of fall flavors. One bite, and you’ll be transported to a pumpkin patch on a golden October morning, whether you serve them at brunch, as a snack, or any time you need a sweet pick-me-up!

Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every great recipe starts with the perfect blend of ingredients, and these donuts are proof that a handful of pantry staples can create something truly special. Each component brings its own magic—whether that’s comforting spice, vibrant pumpkin color, or melt-in-your-mouth sweetness—making these Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze irresistible.

All-purpose flour: This is the sturdy foundation for soft, bakery-worthy donuts with the classic crumb we all love.
Baking powder: Gives the donuts their light, airy lift—don’t skip it if you want that satisfying springiness!
Pumpkin pie spice: Adds that signature warm, autumn flavor; think cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice all in one.
Kosher salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness and enhance all the other flavors.
Baking soda: Works alongside the baking powder for just the right amount of rise and fluffiness.
Unsalted butter (melted): Ensures every bite is rich and tender; melting it helps blend everything smoothly.
Light brown sugar (packed): Brings gentle caramel notes and keeps the donuts perfectly moist.
Eggs (large): These bind everything together for a cohesive, tender donut texture.
Canned pumpkin puree: Hello, gorgeous orange color and that deep, earthy fall flavor—make sure it’s 100 percent pumpkin!
Vanilla extract: Two kicks of vanilla—one for the donut, one for the glaze—increase the cozy aroma and mellow the pumpkin spice.
Maple syrup: An all-star in the glaze, bringing bold sweetness and that unmistakable maple essence.
Unsalted butter (for glaze): Adds silkiness and shine to the maple glaze, letting it coat the donuts smoothly.
Kosher salt (for glaze): Just a pinch rounds out the glaze and keeps it from being too sweet.
Confectioners’ sugar: Whisked into the glaze for a perfectly smooth, sweet finish that sets beautifully on the donuts.

How to Make Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Begin your journey to donut delight by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F. Coat a donut pan generously with nonstick spray—this ensures every donut pops out effortlessly and holds its perfect shape. If you’ve never used a donut pan before, get ready to fall in love!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and baking soda. This even distribution is key—it guarantees that every single donut is speckled with warming spice and rises consistently in the oven.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar, Then Get Festive with Pumpkin

Using an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the melted butter and light brown sugar together until the mixture is creamy and well combined, about 1–2 minutes. Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing until each is just merged in. Don’t forget the star ingredient: gently beat in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until the batter is a gorgeous, spiced orange.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry for the Perfect Batter

With the mixer running on low, gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until everything is incorporated—overmixing can make your donuts tough, so stop as soon as you no longer see dry streaks. The result? A seriously luscious batter that already smells like fall holidays.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan and Bake

Scoop the batter evenly into each donut cavity. A piping bag or even a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off works wonders for a neat and easy fill. Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 10‒12 minutes, until the donuts are lightly browned and spring back when touched. Don’t overbake—they can dry out quickly!

Step 6: Make the Maple Glaze

While your donuts are baking, start the glaze magic. Pour the maple syrup into a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat until it’s reduced to half a cup—this intensifies its flavor. Whisk in the butter, vanilla, and salt until silky, then blend in the confectioners’ sugar for a glossy, pourable glaze.

Step 7: Glaze and Enjoy!

Let the donuts cool for about 10 minutes (if you can wait that long!), then gently dip the tops into the maple glaze. Set them on a rack to let the glaze firm up. Now comes the best part: take a bite while they’re still a little warm and delight in that sweet, spiced, maple-kissed bliss.

How to Serve Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze

Garnishes

Give your Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze a festive finishing touch! Try a scattering of toasted chopped pecans, a pinch of extra pumpkin pie spice, or even a fine dusting of confectioners’ sugar for an irresistible bakery-style look. Each garnish boosts flavor and adds a beautiful flourish that’s perfect for sharing (or showing off on social media).

Side Dishes

These donuts shine on their own but also play beautifully with the right sides. Pair them with a mug of hot apple cider, fresh fruit, or a creamy vanilla yogurt for a balanced breakfast or elegant brunch. The blend of warm spices and sweet maple glaze makes them a lovely companion to your favorite morning beverage.

Creative Ways to Present

Let your presentation be just as fun as your baking! Stack the donuts on a cake stand for a dramatic centerpiece, arrange them in a rustic basket lined with a colorful napkin, or serve them on individual plates with a swirl of extra glaze. For a party, offer mini donuts or donut holes dipped in the same maple glaze and watch them disappear.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze (lucky you!), transfer them to an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to two days, or in the fridge for up to four. Be sure they’re totally cool before storing so the glaze doesn’t run, keeping every batch as delicious as the first bite.

Freezing

Preserve the flavors of fall by freezing unglazed donuts. Simply wrap each donut tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three months. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw at room temperature and glaze just before serving for the freshest flavor.

Reheating

To enjoy your donuts warm again, pop them in a microwave for about 10–15 seconds or heat in a 300-degree oven for a few minutes. If you’ve refrigerated the glazed donuts, letting them come to room temperature before serving is the simplest way to revive their deliciously soft texture.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned?

Absolutely! Homemade pumpkin puree works wonderfully in Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze. Just make sure it’s thick and not too watery—extra moisture can make the donuts dense. A quick strain through cheesecloth or a fine sieve does the trick if your puree is thin.

Can I make Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze gluten free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten free blend (one-for-one types work best). Check that your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten free, and you’ll have tender, flavorful donuts everyone can enjoy.

How do I prevent the donuts from sticking to the pan?

Generously grease your donut pan with nonstick spray before filling. After baking, let the donuts cool slightly in the pan—about five minutes—before gently loosening around the edges with a knife or offset spatula. They’ll pop out easily and keep their beautiful shape.

Can I double or halve the recipe easily?

Definitely! This recipe is very forgiving and doubles or halves without issue. If you’re baking for a crowd or just want a small batch of Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze, just adjust the amounts and keep an eye on baking time, since smaller donuts may cook a little faster.

Is there a way to make these donuts without a donut pan?

If you don’t have a donut pan handy, you can use a muffin tin instead—just call them pumpkin donut “muffins”! Fill each well about two-thirds full and keep an eye on the baking time, as they may need an extra couple of minutes in the oven.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to experience the joy of Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze—they’re every bit as dreamy as they sound! Whether you’re baking up a cozy autumn morning or wanting to wow brunch guests, these donuts deliver warm spices, a sweet maple finish, and pure pumpkin bliss in every bite. Give them a try and treat yourself to the ultimate homemade donut moment!