Pumpkin Donuts

These Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a cozy fall gathering or simply enjoying a quiet coffee moment, these baked donuts provide a healthier option without sacrificing flavor. Their moist, spiced pumpkin base pairs perfectly with the sweet maple glaze, making them an irresistible snack that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Guilt-Free Indulgence: These donuts are baked instead of fried, resulting in lower calories and fat content.
• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have fresh donuts ready in no time.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, they fit seamlessly into any meal plan.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Get the kids involved in the kitchen; they’ll love piping the batter and dipping the finished donuts.
• Seasonal Flavor: The warm spices and pumpkin make these donuts a quintessential autumn treat.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools to ensure smooth sailing in the kitchen.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Mini donut pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Piping bag
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Why These Tools Matter

• Mini donut pan: Creates perfectly shaped donuts that hold their form while baking.
• Piping bag: Allows for easy and mess-free filling of the donut pan.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for keeping wet and dry ingredients separate until combined.

Ingredients

These Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze are ideal for portion control, are low calorie, and have less fat than fried donuts. They are baked, quick and easy to prepare, and quite yummy, making the perfect Autumn coffee time treat.

Dry Ingredients

• 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

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 (it is the same as a mashed pumpkin. There are no spices or sugar added.)

Maple Glaze Ingredients

• 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 a mini donut pan with cooking spray and set it aside.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Oat flour
3. Pumpkin pie spice
4. Ground cinnamon
5. Baking powder
6. Baking soda
7. Salt

Set this mixture aside.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together:
1. Egg
2. Light brown sugar
3. Oil
4. Vanilla extract
5. Canned pumpkin

Ensure everything is mixed well.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients:
1. Use a whisk to combine until you form a thick donut batter.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

Transfer the batter to a large piping bag:
1. Pipe into the greased donut pan until each cavity is about halfway full.

Step 6: Bake Donuts

Bake for about 6-7 minutes:
– Check if they spring back when touched or if a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool Down

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

Step 8: Prepare Maple Glaze

Meanwhile, prepare your maple glaze by whisking together:
1. Powdered sugar
2. Pure maple syrup
3. Dark corn syrup
4. Water
5. Ground cinnamon

Once smooth, dip the top of each donut into the glaze:
– Turn to coat well and let them rest on the rack until set completely.

Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Donuts!

How to Serve Pumpkin Donuts

These delightful Pumpkin Donuts are perfect for various occasions, whether you’re enjoying a cozy afternoon snack or hosting a festive gathering. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your pumpkin donut experience.

With a Cup of Coffee

• Pair these donuts with a hot cup of coffee for a classic combination. The rich flavors of the coffee complement the pumpkin spice perfectly.

As a Dessert

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The warmth of the donuts and the cold ice cream create a delicious contrast.

Dusted with Powdered Sugar

• For a simple yet elegant touch, dust the top of each donut with powdered sugar right before serving. This adds a sweet finish to every bite.

With Fresh Fruit

• Accompany your pumpkin donuts with slices of fresh apples or pears. The crispness and sweetness of the fruit balance the spiced flavor of the donuts.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange your pumpkin donuts on a decorative platter alongside other baked goods. This makes for an inviting display at parties and gatherings.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Donuts

Making perfect Pumpkin Donuts is simple when you follow these tips for success.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring that your egg and canned pumpkin are at room temperature helps create a smoother batter and better texture in your donuts.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Gently mix the dry and wet ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts instead of light and fluffy ones.
• Fill the pan evenly: When piping the batter into the donut pan, fill each cavity about halfway full. This allows them to rise properly without overflowing.
• Check for doneness: Use a toothpick to test if your donuts are fully baked. They should spring back when touched, and no crumbs should stick to the toothpick.
• Cool before glazing: Let your donuts cool completely on a wire rack before dipping them in glaze. This prevents the glaze from melting off and ensures it sets nicely.
• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts into the batter for extra texture and flavor variations that complement the pumpkin spice.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Donuts

Pumpkin Donuts make for an excellent treat, but pairing them with some tasty side dishes can enhance their flavor and create a well-rounded meal or snack time experience. Here are some great options:

1. Chai Tea: This spiced tea adds warmth and complements the pumpkin flavors wonderfully, making it an ideal pairing during chilly autumn days.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a refreshing contrast that balances out the sweetness of the donuts while packing in nutrition.
3. Cheese Plate: A selection of soft cheeses such as goat cheese or brie can provide a savory contrast to sweet pumpkin donuts, creating an exciting flavor adventure.
4. Caramel Dipping Sauce: A small bowl of caramel sauce makes for an indulgent dip that enhances each bite of donut with its rich sweetness.
5. Cinnamon Applesauce: Serve warm cinnamon applesauce on the side; its smooth texture and spiced flavor match perfectly with pumpkin treats.
6. Roasted Nuts: A small assortment of roasted almonds or pecans adds crunch and complements the spices found in pumpkin donuts beautifully.
7. Fruit Salad: A vibrant fruit salad filled with seasonal fruits brightens up your plate and offers refreshing notes against sweet pastries.
8. Hot Chocolate: For those who prefer something sweeter, offer hot chocolate as an alternative beverage option that pairs delightfully with baked goods like these donuts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Pumpkin Donuts, it’s easy to miss a few key details. Here are some common mistakes to keep in mind.

• Ignoring Ingredient Temperature: Using cold eggs or canned pumpkin can affect the batter’s consistency. Always use room temperature ingredients for the best results.
• Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can lead to dense donuts. Stir until just combined to keep them light and fluffy.
• Not Preheating the Oven: Baking in an unheated oven might result in uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven before baking for consistent results.
• Skipping the Greasing Step: Failing to grease the donut pan properly can cause sticking. Make sure to thoroughly grease or use cooking spray for easy removal.
• Overbaking: Keeping donuts in the oven too long can dry them out. Check for doneness a minute or two before the suggested time.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Pumpkin Donuts in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pumpkin Donuts

• Place cooled Pumpkin Donuts in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Donuts

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one donut at a time for about 10-15 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Place donuts in a non-stick skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Pumpkin Donuts gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure that other ingredients are also certified gluten-free.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. Just make sure it is well cooked and blended until smooth.

What toppings go well with Pumpkin Donuts?

You can top your donuts with chopped nuts, chocolate drizzle, or even extra cinnamon sugar for added flavor.

How should I store leftover Pumpkin Donuts?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Conclusion

These delightful Pumpkin Donuts are a fantastic treat that combines ease of preparation with rich flavors perfect for autumn. Their baked nature makes them a healthier option, while you can customize them with various glazes and toppings to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try and enjoy these delicious bites!