Pumpkin Donuts

These Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze are a delightful treat that captures the essence of Autumn. Easy to prepare and healthier than traditional fried donuts, they are perfect for coffee time or any occasion that calls for a sweet snack. With their moist texture and spiced flavor, these baked delights offer a guilt-free indulgence that’s sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Whip up these donuts in just 15 minutes of prep time.
• Healthier Alternative: Baked instead of fried, these donuts have lower calories and fat.
• Flavorful Spices: The combination of pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon creates a warm, inviting flavor.
• Perfect Portion Control: Each mini donut is the ideal size for satisfying that sweet tooth without overindulging.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them at breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or served at gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

Before you get started making your delicious Pumpkin Donuts, gather the essential tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mini donut pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Piping bag
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mini donut pan: This tool shapes your donuts perfectly, giving them that classic look while making baking easier.
• Mixing bowls: A must-have for combining ingredients effectively; using different sizes allows for organized preparation.
• Piping bag: Helps you fill the donut pan efficiently without creating a mess, ensuring even-sized donuts.

Ingredients

For the Donuts

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup oat flour (to make oat flour, grind well old-fashioned oats in a food processor or blender until getting a fine flour texture)
• 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 (it is the same as a mashed pumpkin. There are no spices or sugar added.)

For the Maple Glaze

• 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

How to Make Pumpkin Donuts

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease your mini donut pan with cooking spray to ensure easy release after baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the dry ingredients:
Add together the all-purpose flour, oat flour, pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well and set aside.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl:
Whisk together the egg, light brown sugar, oil, vanilla extract, and canned pumpkin until smooth.

Step 4: Form the Batter

Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients:
Stir gently until combined. You should have a thick donut batter ready for piping.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

Transfer your batter into a piping bag:
Pipe it into the greased mini donut pan so each cavity is about halfway full.

Step 6: Bake

Place in your preheated oven:
Bake for about 6–7 minutes or until they spring back when touched or a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool Down

Once baked:
Transfer the donuts to a wire rack and let them cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare Maple Glaze

While cooling, mix your glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, dark corn syrup, water, and ground cinnamon until smooth.

To finish:
Dip each cooled donut in the glaze before letting them rest on the wire rack until set. Enjoy your homemade Pumpkin Donuts!

How to Serve Pumpkin Donuts

Pumpkin donuts are a delightful treat that can be served in various ways, enhancing their flavor and presentation. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast or as a snack, these serving suggestions will elevate your pumpkin donut experience.

Pair with Coffee

• A classic choice, pairing pumpkin donuts with a warm cup of coffee complements their sweetness and spice perfectly.

Add Whipped Cream

• Top your pumpkin donuts with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra creamy texture that balances the flavors beautifully.

Serve with Ice Cream

• For a dessert twist, serve pumpkin donuts warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between warm and cold is irresistible.

Create a Dessert Platter

• Arrange mini pumpkin donuts on a platter with seasonal fruits like apples and pears for a festive touch at gatherings.

Drizzle Extra Maple Syrup

• Enhance the maple glaze by drizzling additional pure maple syrup over the top before serving for an extra sweet kick.

Garnish with Nuts

• Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the glaze for added crunch and flavor. This also adds a nice visual appeal.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Donuts

Getting the perfect pumpkin donuts involves attention to detail during preparation. Here are some tips to ensure your donuts come out moist and flavorful.

• Use fresh ingredients: Always use fresh canned pumpkin or homemade puree for the best flavor and texture.
• Measure accurately: Precision in measuring both dry and wet ingredients ensures consistent results in your donut batter.
• Avoid over-mixing: Mix until just combined; over-mixing can lead to tough donuts.
• Check doneness early: Start checking your donuts at the lower end of the baking time to prevent overcooking.
• Cool properly: Allowing donuts to cool on a wire rack ensures they don’t become soggy from steam.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon to suit your taste preferences.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Donuts

While pumpkin donuts are delicious on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can enhance your overall meal experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Apple Slices
   Fresh apple slices add a crunchy texture and slight tartness that balances the sweetness of pumpkin donuts.
2. Cinnamon Sugar Toast
   Toasted bread sprinkled with cinnamon sugar makes for a simple yet delightful side that echoes the flavors of autumn.
3. Greek Yogurt Parfait
   Layer Greek yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy side that provides protein and freshness alongside your treats.
4. Sweet Potato Fries
   Crispy sweet potato fries offer a savory contrast that pairs well with the sweetness of pumpkin flavors.
5. Chai Tea
   A warm cup of chai tea complements the spices in pumpkin donuts, creating a cozy beverage pairing.
6. Fruit Salad
   A mix of seasonal fruits brightens up your plate while providing refreshing flavors that go well with sweet pastries.
7. Cheese Board
   Include soft cheeses like brie or mascarpone on a cheese board to create an elegant accompaniment to your sweet donuts.
8. Granola Bars
   Homemade granola bars provide a chewy texture and nutty flavor, making them a wholesome side option alongside pumpkin donuts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking pumpkin donuts can be fun, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.

• Incorrect Measurements: Using too much or too little flour can alter the texture. Always measure ingredients accurately using measuring cups or a kitchen scale.
• Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too vigorously can lead to tough donuts. Stir until just combined for a light and fluffy texture.
• Not Preheating the Oven: Skipping this step can cause uneven baking. Always preheat your oven to ensure consistent results.
• Using Old Ingredients: Expired baking powder or spices can ruin your donuts. Check expiration dates to maintain freshness.
• Ignoring Cooling Time: Removing donuts too early can make them soggy. Let them cool completely on a rack for the best texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover pumpkin donuts in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pumpkin Donuts

• Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Frozen pumpkin donuts can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Donuts

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the donuts on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one donut at a time for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place a donut in a skillet over low heat, cover, and heat for about 2-3 minutes until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about pumpkin donuts that might help you.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree! Just ensure it’s well-cooked and smooth before adding it to the batter.

Are these pumpkin donuts gluten-free?

You can make these pumpkin donuts gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.

How do I customize my pumpkin donuts?

Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruits to the batter for extra flavor and texture!

What is the best way to store leftover pumpkin donuts?

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

These Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze are not only easy to make but also delightful treats perfect for any occasion. With options for customization, you can tailor them to suit your taste preferences. Try making these delicious bites today!