Pumpkin Donuts

These Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze are a delightful treat for any occasion. With their soft texture and rich pumpkin flavor, they make an excellent addition to your coffee time or a festive gathering. Baked instead of fried, these donuts are lower in calories and fat, ensuring you can enjoy a guilt-free snack. Whip them up quickly and savor the warm, comforting taste of autumn in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: These donuts come together in just 15 minutes, making them perfect for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings.
• Healthier Alternative: Baked rather than fried, they contain fewer calories and less fat while still delivering delicious flavor.
• Versatile Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and maple creates a unique taste that pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea.
• Perfectly Portion-Controlled: Mini donuts are ideal for satisfying your sweet tooth without overindulging.
• Family-Friendly Fun: Involve the kids in the kitchen! Decorating the donuts can be a fun activity for all ages.

Tools and Preparation

To make these Pumpkin Donuts, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mini donut pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Piping bag (or zip-top bag)
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mini donut pan: This specialized pan gives your donuts their signature shape, ensuring they bake evenly.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows you to easily separate dry and wet ingredients for better mixing.
• Piping bag: Using a piping bag helps you fill the donut pan neatly without mess, creating uniform donuts.

Ingredients

For these delicious Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze, gather the following ingredients:

Dry Ingredients

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup oat flour
• 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

Wet Ingredients

• 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

For the Maple Glaze

• 1¼ cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon 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 a mini donut pan with cooking spray and set it aside.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine all dry ingredients:
1. Add flour, oat flour, pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Whisk until thoroughly mixed together. Set aside.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients:
1. Add the egg, light brown sugar, oil, vanilla extract, and canned pumpkin.
2. Mix until well combined.

Step 4: Create Donut Batter

Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients:
– Gently whisk until combined. The batter will be thick but smooth.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

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

Step 6: Bake the Donuts

Bake for about 6-7 minutes:
– The donuts should spring back when touched or have a toothpick inserted come out clean.

Step 7: Cool Down

Transfer the baked donuts to a wire rack:
– Allow them to cool completely before glazing.

Step 8: Prepare Maple Glaze

While cooling, prepare your glaze:
– In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, dark corn syrup, water, and ground cinnamon until smooth.
– Place the wire rack over a lined baking sheet for easy cleanup.

Step 9: Glaze Your Donuts

Dip each cooled donut into the glaze:
– Turn to coat well and let them rest on the rack until the glaze sets completely.

Enjoy your homemade Pumpkin Donuts as a delightful snack or dessert!

How to Serve Pumpkin Donuts

Pumpkin donuts are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Their warm flavors and sweet glaze make them versatile for various serving suggestions. Here are some great ideas to elevate your pumpkin donut experience.

With a Hot Beverage

• Coffee: Pair your pumpkin donuts with freshly brewed coffee for a comforting morning start.
• Tea: Enjoy with a cup of herbal or spiced tea to complement the pumpkin flavor.
• Hot Chocolate: A rich hot chocolate is a sweet treat alongside these donuts, perfect for colder days.

As a Dessert Platter

• Fruit Salad: Serve with a colorful fruit salad for a refreshing contrast to the sweet donuts.
• Ice Cream: Top with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Cheese Board: Include cheese selections that balance sweetness, like creamy brie or tangy goat cheese.

For Breakfast

• Yogurt Parfait: Layer pumpkin donuts with yogurt and granola for a satisfying breakfast bowl.
• Smoothie Bowl: Crumble donuts over a smoothie bowl, adding texture and sweetness.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Donuts

To achieve the best pumpkin donuts, keep these tips in mind. Small adjustments can make a big difference in texture and flavor.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh canned pumpkin puree for optimal flavor. Avoid any products with added sugars or spices.
• Check Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is properly preheated to avoid undercooked or overcooked donuts.
• Don’t Overmix Batter: Gently combine wet and dry ingredients to maintain the light and fluffy texture of the donuts.
• Cool Properly: Allow donuts to cool completely on a wire rack before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to tweak the spice amounts according to your taste preferences; add more cinnamon or nutmeg if desired.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Donuts

Pairing side dishes with pumpkin donuts can enhance your overall dining experience. Here are some fantastic options to consider:

1. Cinnamon Apples: Sauté apples with cinnamon and sugar for a warm, fruity side that complements the donut’s flavors.
2. Maple Pecan Oatmeal: Creamy oatmeal topped with maple syrup and pecans adds heartiness to your meal.
3. Caramelized Bananas: Sweet bananas cooked in butter and brown sugar provide a delightful contrast to the baked donuts.
4. Cheese Toasts: Savory cheese toast made with sharp cheddar balances the sweetness of the pumpkin.
5. Chia Seed Pudding: A light chia pudding offers a healthy, creamy option that pairs well with pumpkin flavors.
6. Mixed Nuts: Serve assorted nuts for crunch; they add protein and contrast nicely against soft, sweet donuts.
7. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The slight bitterness of roasted Brussels sprouts provides an excellent counterpoint to the sweetness of the pumpkin treats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Pumpkin Donuts can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls that can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using stale ingredients – Always check your baking powder and spices for freshness. Old ingredients can lead to flat donuts.

• Overmixing the batter – Mixing too vigorously can cause the donuts to become dense. Mix just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.

• Not greasing the pan properly – Failing to grease the donut pan can result in sticking. Use cooking spray generously to ensure easy removal.

• Skipping the cooling step – Allowing the donuts to cool completely before glazing is crucial. If they’re warm, the glaze may melt away instead of setting.

• Ignoring oven temperature – Every oven is different; using an oven thermometer can help you bake at the correct temperature for perfect results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Pumpkin Donuts

• Freeze unglazed or glazed donuts separately by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet first.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will last up to 2 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Donuts

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Warm for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.

• Microwave – Heat individual donuts on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds until warm.

• Stovetop – Place donuts in a skillet over low heat, turning occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes these Pumpkin Donuts healthier?

These Pumpkin Donuts are baked instead of fried, which reduces fat and calorie content while still providing great taste.

Can I use other flours for Pumpkin Donuts?

Yes! You can substitute almond flour or whole wheat flour based on your preference. Just adjust the liquid as necessary for consistency.

How should I store my Pumpkin Donuts?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer storage.

Are Pumpkin Donuts suitable for breakfast?

Absolutely! These delicious Pumpkin Donuts make a perfect quick breakfast option alongside your morning coffee or tea.

Can I customize my Pumpkin Donuts?

Yes! Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruits into the batter for added flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

These Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze are not only easy to make but also versatile enough for any occasion. With options for customization and storage, they are perfect as a sweet treat during autumn gatherings or as a delightful snack. Try making them today and enjoy their seasonal flavors!