Homemade Baked Pumpkin Spice Donuts with Maple Glaze & Sugar Coating: Your Ultimate Fall Treat
Welcome the cozy flavors of autumn into your home with these incredibly moist and tender Pumpkin Spice Donuts. Forget the deep fryer – these delightful cake donuts are perfectly baked, offering a lighter yet equally satisfying indulgence. Each bite delivers a burst of warm pumpkin spice, perfectly complemented by your choice of a sweet, crunchy pumpkin spice sugar coating or a luscious, velvety maple glaze. Easy to make and fun for the whole family, these donuts are destined to become a beloved fall tradition for breakfast, dessert, or a delightful snack.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Baked Pumpkin Spice Donuts
There’s something truly magical about the aroma of pumpkin spice filling your kitchen, especially as the leaves begin to turn. These baked pumpkin spice donuts capture that essence perfectly, making them an irresistible treat you’ll want to make again and again. Here’s why they stand out:
- Baked, Not Fried: Unlike traditional donuts, ours are baked, which means less mess, no greasy smell, and a slightly healthier indulgence without sacrificing flavor or texture. They’re wonderfully moist, with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
- Irresistible Flavor: Infused with a generous amount of real pumpkin puree and a fragrant pumpkin spice blend, these donuts boast an authentic, rich autumnal taste that’s both comforting and invigorating.
- Choose Your Topping Adventure: We offer two fantastic topping options: a classic pumpkin spice sugar coating for a sweet, textured crunch, and a silky, aromatic maple glaze that adds a sophisticated sweetness. Can’t decide? Make a batch of both! The maple glaze is a fantastic counterpoint to the spiced donut, while the sugar coating adds an extra layer of spice and sweetness.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy morning breakfast, an afternoon coffee break, or a festive dessert for a fall gathering, these donuts are versatile and always a crowd-pleaser.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions and common pantry ingredients, even novice bakers can achieve bakery-quality results. The process is quick and rewarding, leaving you with delicious donuts in no time.
These donuts truly shine when enjoyed fresh, perhaps alongside a steaming cup of coffee, a warm mug of tea, or a homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte. The combination of warm spices and soft cake is pure bliss.
RELATED: If you love fall flavors, you may also adore these Apple Cider Donuts. Topped with a delightful cinnamon sugar mixture, they offer another quintessential autumn taste sensation!
Essential Ingredients for Your Pumpkin Spice Donuts
Crafting these delectable pumpkin spice donuts requires a few simple ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry. We’ve broken down the components for the donut batter and both topping options to ensure you have everything ready for a seamless baking experience.
For precise measurements, a full ingredient list, and detailed instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card located at the conclusion of this post.
For the Moist Pumpkin Spice Donut Batter:
The foundation of these delicious cake donuts lies in a perfectly balanced batter. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for our cake-like donuts.
- Dark Brown Sugar: Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness and contributes to the moist texture.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leavening agents work together to give the donuts their perfect rise and fluffy consistency.
- Pumpkin Spice Mix: The star of the show! This blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves delivers that signature autumnal flavor. You can use store-bought or whip up your own homemade version.
- Kosher Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Pumpkin Puree: Crucial for the pumpkin flavor and contributes immensely to the donuts’ incredible moisture. Be sure to use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.
- Large Eggs: Act as binders and add richness to the batter.
- Whole Milk: Adds moisture and helps achieve a tender crumb.
- Unsalted Butter (melted and cooled): Provides richness and ensures a tender texture. Make sure it’s cooled to avoid cooking the eggs when added to the batter.
For the Velvety Maple Glaze (yields enough for 12-13 donuts):
This sweet and smooth glaze adds an extra layer of decadence.
- Confectioner’s Sugar: The base of our smooth glaze, dissolving easily for a perfect consistency.
- Unsalted Butter (melted and cooled): Adds richness and a delightful mouthfeel to the glaze.
- 100% Pure Maple Syrup: The key to that unmistakable, warm maple flavor. Choose pure maple syrup for the best results.
- Water: Used to adjust the glaze to your desired consistency.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall sweetness and aroma of the glaze.
For the Sweet & Spiced Sugar Coating (yields enough for 12-13 donuts):
For those who prefer a classic, textured coating with an extra kick of spice.
- Granulated Sugar: Forms the sweet, crunchy base of the coating.
- Pumpkin Spice Mix: Blended with the sugar for an aromatic and flavorful exterior.
- Unsalted Butter (melted): Used to adhere the sugar coating to the donuts.
How to Bake Your Perfect Pumpkin Spice Donuts
Creating these delightful pumpkin spice donuts is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for a batch of perfectly baked, flavorful treats. If you’re a visual learner, be sure to check out the video in this post for a step-by-step guide!
- Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 325 degrees F (160 degrees C). Lightly spray a donut pan with cooking spray oil. Ensure every cavity is well-greased to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, dark brown sugar, baking powder, pumpkin spice mix, Kosher salt, and baking soda. Mix thoroughly until all dry ingredients are evenly combined. This helps distribute the leavening and spices for uniform flavor.
- Add Wet Ingredients to Dry: Create a well in the center of your dry ingredients. Add the pumpkin puree, two large eggs, whole milk, and the melted and cooled unsalted butter. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently stir until the ingredients are just combined. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can lead to tough donuts. A few lumps are perfectly fine!
- Fill the Donut Pan: For easy and neat filling, you can spoon the batter into a large Ziploc bag, snip off one corner, and pipe the batter into each donut cavity. Alternatively, you can carefully spoon the batter directly into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the donut pan into your preheated oven and bake for 8-11 minutes. The exact baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven. You’ll know the donuts are ready when they are golden brown and spring back gently when lightly touched.
- Cool: Once baked, remove the donut pan from the oven and let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling ensures they hold their shape and are ready for glazing or coating.
Crafting the Maple Glaze Topping (for 12-13 donuts):
While your donuts are cooling, prepare the rich maple glaze. This topping adds a beautiful sheen and an extra layer of sweetness.
In a medium bowl, combine the confectioner’s sugar, melted and cooled unsalted butter, 100% pure maple syrup, 2-3 tablespoons of water, and pure vanilla extract. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and completely combined. If the glaze is too thick, add water a teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a bit more confectioner’s sugar.
Once the donuts are cool, hold each donut upside down and dip the top into the prepared glaze. Allow any excess glaze to drip off before placing the glazed donut on a cooling rack. Let them sit for about 15-20 minutes to allow the glaze to set. This makes for a beautiful presentation and a less sticky donut.
Creating the Sweet & Spiced Sugar Coating (for 12-13 donuts):
For a delightful crunchy exterior, opt for the pumpkin spice sugar coating.
In a small-to-medium mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and pumpkin spice mix. Stir well until the spice is evenly distributed throughout the sugar. In a separate microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter in 20-second intervals until fully liquid. Avoid overheating.
Using a pastry brush, lightly brush each cooled donut with the melted butter. The butter acts as the adhesive for the sugar. Immediately after brushing with butter, toss the donut in the pumpkin spice sugar mixture, ensuring it’s thoroughly coated on all sides. Place the coated donuts on a cooling rack or serving platter. This method ensures a perfect, even coating every time.
Expert Baking Tips for Flawless Donuts
Achieving bakery-worthy pumpkin spice donuts is easier than you think with a few helpful tips:
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: This is a golden rule for all baked goods, especially cake donuts. Mix the wet and dry ingredients only until *just* combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough, dense donuts rather than light and airy ones. A few small lumps are perfectly acceptable.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Eggs and milk at room temperature integrate more smoothly into the batter, creating a more uniform mixture and a better final texture.
- Measure Flour Correctly: For accurate results, spoon your flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge. Scooping directly from the bag can compact the flour, leading to too much flour and a dry donut.
- Pure Pumpkin Puree is Key: Ensure you are using 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pie filling has added sweeteners and spices that will alter the flavor and consistency of your donuts.
- Homemade vs. Store-Bought Pumpkin Spice: You can certainly save time by using a store-bought pumpkin spice mix. However, for a truly fresh and vibrant flavor, consider making your own blend.
- Cool the Melted Butter: When adding melted butter to your wet ingredients, ensure it has cooled slightly. Adding hot butter to eggs can partially cook them and affect the batter’s consistency.
- Invest in a Good Donut Pan: A non-stick donut pan is essential for this recipe. Greasing it well will ensure your donuts pop out easily without sticking.
- Check for Doneness: The donuts are cooked through when they are light golden brown and spring back when gently pressed. Avoid overbaking, as this can dry them out.
- Batch Baking: If you only have one donut pan, you can bake in batches. Keep the remaining batter covered at room temperature while the first batch bakes.
Serving & Storing Your Delicious Pumpkin Spice Donuts
These pumpkin spice donuts are truly at their best when served warm, shortly after baking and topping. The flavors are most vibrant, and the texture is perfectly soft. However, if you have leftovers or plan to make them ahead, here’s how to ensure they remain delightful:
- Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy them with your morning coffee, a cup of tea, or a hot cider.
- Serve them as a delightful dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- They make an excellent addition to any fall brunch spread or holiday breakfast.
- Consider pairing them with other fall favorites like apple slices or a warm fruit compote.
- Storing Instructions:
- Room Temperature: If planning to eat them within a day, plain (un-glazed/un-coated) donuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Refrigeration: Once glazed or coated, it’s best to store these donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain freshness, especially with the maple glaze. Allow them to come to room temperature or gently warm them slightly before serving for the best experience.
- Freezing (for plain donuts): If you wish to extend their shelf life, you can freeze the plain baked donuts. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 1-2 months. Thaw at room temperature and then glaze/coat before serving.
I am confident you will absolutely adore these pumpkin spice donuts! They are such a wonderfully delicious way to celebrate and welcome the magnificent season of autumn. Their inviting aroma and comforting taste make them a staple for any fall-themed occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to some common questions about making and enjoying these pumpkin spice donuts:
1. Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
No, it’s highly recommended to use 100% pure pumpkin puree for this recipe. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices, which will alter the flavor balance and texture of your donuts. Pure pumpkin puree provides the natural pumpkin flavor and moisture needed.
2. Can I fry these donuts instead of baking them?
This recipe is specifically developed for baked cake donuts. The batter consistency and leavening agents are optimized for baking. While you *could* try to fry them, the results might not be the same as a traditional fried donut, which typically uses a yeast-based dough. For the best results, stick to baking them in a donut pan.
3. How can I make my own pumpkin spice mix?
Making your own pumpkin spice mix is easy! A common blend includes: 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon, 2 teaspoons ground ginger, 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg, 1 teaspoon ground allspice, and 1 teaspoon ground cloves. Mix them all together and store in an airtight container. This blend can be used in countless fall recipes!
4. My donuts are tough. What went wrong?
The most common reason for tough cake donuts is overmixing the batter. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, making the donuts dense and chewy rather than light and tender. Mix the wet and dry ingredients until they are *just* combined, even if there are a few small lumps.
5. Can I prepare the donut batter ahead of time?
It’s best to bake the donuts shortly after mixing the batter. The leavening agents (baking powder and baking soda) start to work as soon as they are combined with wet ingredients, and their effectiveness can diminish if the batter sits for too long. For freshest results, mix and bake on the same day.
6. How can I get the glaze/coating to stick better?
For the maple glaze, ensure your donuts are completely cool before dipping. If they’re warm, the glaze will melt and run off. For the sugar coating, lightly brushing the donuts with melted butter just before tossing them in the sugar mixture ensures the sugar adheres beautifully and evenly.
7. What if I don’t have a donut pan?
While a donut pan is ideal for the classic shape, you can improvise. You could bake the batter in a muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full for pumpkin spice muffins. The baking time might need to be adjusted slightly (likely a bit longer).
More Delicious Pumpkin Recipes to Explore
If you’re a true pumpkin enthusiast, we have a treasure trove of other delightful recipes that celebrate this iconic fall ingredient. From beverages to desserts, there’s something for every pumpkin craving:
- Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Latte
- Pumpkin Hand Pies
- Pumpkin Cobbler
- Classic Pumpkin Cake
- Pumpkin Magic Cake (from a doctored cake mix)
- Perfect Pumpkin Pie
- Pumpkin Roll
- Caramel Pumpkin Cocktail
- Pumpkin Cake Mix Cookies
I love to bake and cook, and my greatest joy is sharing delicious recipes with you! It’s easy to forget to check back for new culinary inspiration, so I’ve simplified it with my weekly newsletter. You can subscribe for free and receive mouth-watering recipes delivered directly to your email inbox every week. Don’t miss out on your next favorite dish!
Pumpkin Spice Donuts
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It
Rate It
Save ItSaved!
Ingredients
Pumpkin Spice Donuts batter:
- cooking spray oil for greasing the donut pan
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup dark brown sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin spice mix
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted and cooled
Maple Glaze
- 1 ½ cups confectioner’s sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted and cooled
- 2 tablespoons 100% pure maple syrup
- 2-3 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Sugar – Pumpkin Spice Coating
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice mix
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter In a separate bowl:
Things You’ll Need
-
Measuring cups and spoons
-
Mixing bowls
-
Baking spatula
-
Donut pan
-
Pastry brush
Before You Begin
- You will need a donut pan for this recipe.
- Calorie count is for donuts without sugar coating or glaze.
- You can save time by using a store-bought pumpkin spice mix or trying this recipe.
- Do not over-mix the donut batter to avoid making the donuts tough – mix until just combined.
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
-
Spray a donut pan with cooking spray oil.
-
In a large mixing bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, pumpkin spice mix, Kosher salt and baking soda until evenly combined.
-
Add the pumpkin puree, 2 eggs, whole milk, and melted and cooled unsalted butter. Stir until combined; do not over mix. Spoon into a donut pan. (You can also put the batter into a large zip lock bag and cut the corner.)
-
Bake 8-11 minutes in a preheat oven. When donuts are ready, they should spring back when touched.
Maple Glaze
-
In a medium bowl, mix confectioner’s sugar, unsalted butter (melted and cooled), maple syrup, water and vanilla extract until combined.
-
Hold donut upside down and dip the top into the glaze, let it drip off the excess, and place on cooling racks to set.
Sugary Pumpkin Spice Coating
-
In a small-medium mixing bowl, mix sugar and pumpkin spice mix until combined. Melt butter in the microwave at 20 second intervals until melted. Using a pastry brush, brush cooled donuts with butter and toss in the sugar – pumpkin spice mixture until coated.
Serving/Storing
-
These Pumpkin Spice donuts are best when served right away. Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
This post originally appeared here on Oct 18, 2017.