If you’re craving a cozy fall treat that’s bursting with warm spices and just the right amount of sweetness, you’re in the right place. This Pumpkin Spice Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe is honestly one of my favorite ways to celebrate pumpkin season. These donuts come out extra moist, loaded with pumpkin flavor, and topped with a luscious maple glaze that has a hint of spice—making every bite a little moment of joy. Stick around, because I’m going to walk you through all the tips and tricks I’ve learned to help you nail them perfectly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect fall flavors: Pumpkin pie spice and real pumpkin puree make these donuts so cozy and seasonal.
- Tender and moist texture: The combination of buttermilk and butter keeps these donuts soft and tender every time.
- Simple maple glaze: A sweet glaze with just a touch of spice adds incredible flavor without fuss.
- Easy baked option: No frying here—baked donuts mean less mess and more reliability in your results.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This ingredient list keeps things straightforward yet flavorful. Using pantry staples like all-purpose flour and pumpkin pie spice means you probably already have what you need to make these today.
- All purpose flour: Spoon and level your flour for accuracy to keep the donuts light, not dense.
- Ground pumpkin pie spice: This blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves is what delivers the signature pumpkin donut flavor.
- Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents work together for a perfect rise and tender crumb.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature, it adds rich flavor and moistness.
- Granulated white sugar: Gives the right sweetness and helps with a tender crumb.
- Eggs: At room temperature to help with even mixing and texture.
- Vanilla extract: Brings a lovely warmth and depth to the batter.
- Buttermilk: At room temperature, it adds tang and reacts with baking soda for lift.
- Canned pumpkin puree: Make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pie filling, for the best texture and flavor.
- Powdered sugar: For the smooth, sweet maple glaze.
- Maple syrup: Real maple syrup makes all the difference in the glaze for natural sweetness and that authentic flavor.
- Extra pumpkin pie spice: Just a dash in the glaze to tie those warm flavors together beautifully.
Variations
I love making this Pumpkin Spice Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe just as is, but sometimes I like to switch things up a bit. Feel free to personalize these donuts to suit your taste or dietary needs—you really can’t go wrong.
- Vegan version: I once tried replacing butter with coconut oil and eggs with flax eggs—it worked fairly well, though texture was a bit denser, so just be mindful.
- Extra pumpkin flavor: Adding a tablespoon of pumpkin pie filling (instead of puree) amps up the flavor but adds sweetness, so adjust sugar accordingly.
- Spice it up: If you like a bolder spice punch, add a bit more pumpkin pie spice or a pinch of cayenne for a slight kick.
- Glaze swap: Sometimes I’ll add a little cream cheese to the glaze for richness—it’s like a decadent fall treat.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients with Love
First things first, whisk together your flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. This ensures that all those wonderful spices are evenly spread throughout your donuts. I always sift or whisk mine a few extra times because it really helps create a light, tender texture.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy
Use a stand mixer or hand mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is pale and fluffy—usually about 3 to 5 minutes. This step traps air and gives your donuts a lighter texture. Don’t rush it; this is key to that melt-in-your-mouth feel!
Step 3: Add Eggs, Vanilla, Pumpkin, and Buttermilk
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in your vanilla extract, canned pumpkin puree, and buttermilk. The batter might look a little thick, but that’s perfect—don’t overmix or your donuts could turn out tough.
Step 4: Combine and Fill Donut Pan
Gently fold your dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. You don’t want any streaks of flour, but a few lumps are totally okay. Spoon or pipe the batter into a lightly greased donut pan, filling each mold about 3/4 full for even baking.
Step 5: Bake and Cool Before Glazing
Bake in your preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 12 minutes. They’re done when a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely—that glaze sticks much better when they’re not warm.
Step 6: Whisk Together the Maple Glaze
In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a dash of pumpkin pie spice until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable. If it’s too thick, add a teaspoon of maple syrup or a little milk to loosen it; too thin, add more powdered sugar.
Step 7: Dip and Enjoy
Dip the top of each donut into the glaze or spoon the glaze over the donuts, then return to the wire rack to let the glaze set. If you want, sprinkle a little extra pumpkin pie spice on top for a beautiful finish. Now dive in and savor the warm, spiced goodness!
Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Spice Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temp eggs, butter, and buttermilk helps everything mix perfectly, giving a smooth batter and helping the donuts rise evenly.
- Don’t Overmix: I learned the hard way that overmixing makes the donuts tough—mix just until the ingredients come together.
- Filling the Pan: Filling donut molds ¾ full prevents overflow but ensures a nice shape—if you fill too much, the donuts spill and stick.
- Glaze Application: Letting the donuts cool completely before glazing prevents the maple glaze from melting right off, so be patient—it’s worth it.
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling a little extra pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon over the glaze to enhance that warm, autumn vibe. Sometimes, I add crushed toasted pecans or a tiny drizzle of melted dark chocolate for a fancy touch—trust me, your guests will be impressed!
Side Dishes
These donuts pair beautifully with a hot mug of coffee, chai tea, or even a spiced apple cider. If you’re serving brunch, I like to round out the table with fresh fruit or a yogurt parfait to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive fall party, I arrange these donuts on a wooden board with cinnamon sticks, small pumpkins, and maple leaves for a rustic vibe. Another fun idea is to stack them like a donut cake, drizzling extra glaze between layers—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If it’s a little warm or humid, I pop them in the fridge to keep them fresh longer. Don’t forget to cover well so they don’t dry out.
Freezing
These donuts freeze really well! I usually freeze them unglazed in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to eat, thaw at room temperature and then glaze fresh—it tastes like you just made them.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop the donuts in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a warm oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This brings back that soft, fresh-from-the-oven feel. If glazing afterwards, wait until they’re fully cooled again so your glaze sticks perfectly.
FAQs
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Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
Absolutely! I suggest swapping all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious and moist. Just keep an eye on baking time as it can vary.
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Can I fry these donuts instead of baking?
This recipe is designed specifically for baking, given its batter consistency. For frying, you’d want a different dough recipe that’s thicker and is prepared to handle hot oil. So, stick with baking for best results with this one.
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How long can I keep the glazed donuts fresh?
Glazed donuts stay fresh for about 1-2 days at room temperature in an airtight container. Beyond that, they might start drying out. For longer storage, freezing is your best option.
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What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No worries! You can make a simple buttermilk substitute by adding 1/2 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1/2 cup of milk, then let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Spice Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe has become my go-to treat every fall season. The cozy spices, the soft texture, and that rich maple glaze feel like a warm hug on a plate—I’m pretty sure your family and friends will go crazy for it too. Plus, knowing this recipe is baked, not fried, makes indulging just that little bit easier. I can’t wait for you to make it in your kitchen and enjoy the magic of pumpkin spice in donut form. Go on, give it a try—you deserve a sweet, spiced moment!
Print
Pumpkin Spice Donuts with Maple Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 16 donuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Pumpkin Spice Donuts are a moist and flavorful treat perfect for the fall season. Baked to perfection, they are infused with warm pumpkin pie spices and topped with a sweet spiced maple glaze that enhances their autumnal flavor. Ideal for breakfast or a cozy snack, these donuts deliver the comforting tastes of pumpkin and spice in every bite.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups (281 g) all purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 tbsp ground pumpkin pie spice
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 10 tbsp (140 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups (300 g) granulated white sugar
- 2 eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) buttermilk, at room temperature
- 1 cup (244 g) canned pumpkin puree
Glaze
- 1 1/2 cups (195 g) powdered sugar
- 6 tbsp (90 ml) maple syrup
- 1/4 tsp ground pumpkin pie spice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan well to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Then add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk and canned pumpkin puree, mixing until smooth.
- Combine all ingredients: Alternately add the dry flour mixture and the pumpkin-buttermilk mixture to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Fill donut pans: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared donut pans, filling each cavity about three-quarters full.
- Bake the donuts: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the donuts comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more syrup or powdered sugar as needed.
- Glaze the donuts: Once the donuts are completely cool, dip the tops into the glaze and set them back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set.
Notes
- These are the best pumpkin spice donuts—extra moist and full of pumpkin spice flavor.
- The spiced maple glaze perfectly complements the donuts, adding a sweet finish.
- Make sure the donuts are fully cooled before glazing to prevent the glaze from sliding off.
- You can store the glazed donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Use canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best flavor balance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
