Nothing says cozy fall mornings quite like soft, spiced pumpkin donuts topped with a sweet maple glaze. These homemade treats are fluffy, tender, and perfectly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, making every bite a comforting hug for your taste buds. Whether you’re looking for an easy dinner recipe dessert, a weekend baking project, or a healthy weeknight treat to surprise your family, these pumpkin donuts hit the mark.
The balance of warm spices with the rich sweetness of maple glaze transforms a simple donut into a show-stopping snack or dessert. They’re the ultimate combination of cheesy comfort food vibes replaced with pumpkin sweetness—a treat that’s both indulgent and satisfying. With easy-to-find ingredients and a simple method, even beginner bakers can whip up a batch of these donuts without stress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
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Quick Prep and Bake: From mixing to glazing, you can have these donuts ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for quick weeknight recipes or a last-minute breakfast treat.
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Family-Approved Flavors: The warm spices and sweet maple glaze make this recipe a hit with kids and adults alike—ideal for simple family recipes that everyone enjoys.
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Budget-Friendly Ingredients: No fancy ingredients needed—most items are pantry staples, perfect for affordable meals and budget-friendly groceries.
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Versatile Treat: Serve for breakfast, snack time, or dessert. These donuts are a flexible option for meal prep recipes or easy party food ideas.
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Beginner-Friendly: The straightforward instructions make this a fantastic easy dinner for beginners, even if it’s a dessert twist on your usual weeknight meals.
Ingredient Breakdown:
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All-Purpose Flour (1 1/2 cups): The base of these donuts, providing structure and tenderness. You can also use whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.
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Baking Powder & Baking Soda (1 tsp & 1/2 tsp): Key leavening agents that make the donuts rise perfectly, giving them a light and airy texture.
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Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances flavor, balancing the sweetness of the pumpkin and maple glaze.
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Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger, Cloves (1 tsp, 1/2 tsp, 1/4 tsp, 1/4 tsp): Classic fall spices that give these donuts their signature warmth and aromatic flavor. Ideal for healthy ingredients that double as natural flavor boosters.
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Pumpkin Puree (3/4 cup): Moisturizes the donuts and adds subtle sweetness, fiber, and a vibrant autumn color. Look for fresh pumpkin or canned puree depending on convenience.
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Brown Sugar & Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup & 1/4 cup): Provide deep, caramel-like sweetness. Brown sugar helps retain moisture for soft, tender donuts.
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Large Eggs (2): Bind the ingredients and help create a light texture.
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Vegetable Oil (1/4 cup): Keeps donuts moist and soft, a budget-friendly substitute for butter in baked goods.
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Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Enhances the sweet flavors and spices. A small addition makes a big difference in taste.
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Milk (1/4 cup): Adds moisture and ensures a tender crumb for easy substitutions for recipes like almond milk for dairy-free options.
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Powdered Sugar (1 1/4 cups) & Maple Syrup (2 tbsp): Create a glossy, sweet glaze that perfectly complements the warm spices.
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Milk for Glaze (1-2 tbsp): Adjust for desired consistency. Adds the right creaminess to the maple drizzle.
Pro Tips:
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Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can make donuts dense. Fold wet and dry ingredients gently until just combined.
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Fill Donut Cavities 3/4 Full: Ensures even rising and prevents overflow.
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Cool Before Glazing: Let donuts cool completely to prevent the glaze from melting off.
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Use Fresh Spices: Enhances aroma and flavor, turning these donuts into a true comfort food experience.
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Experiment with Maple Syrup Types: Darker maple syrup offers a richer taste, while lighter syrup gives a delicate sweetness. This is an easy meal prep hack for flavor customization.
Ingredient Swaps or Variations:
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Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for gluten-free recipes that don’t compromise on texture.
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Low-Sugar Version: Substitute brown and granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute for healthy recipe alternatives.
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Vegan Version: Replace eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based milk for a healthy weeknight dinner treat suitable for vegans.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or extra ginger for a subtly spicy twist on this classic.
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Maple Glaze Alternatives: Swap maple glaze for cream cheese frosting or cinnamon sugar drizzle for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions:
These pumpkin donuts are versatile in serving style:
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Pair with a warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or hot chocolate for a cozy breakfast or brunch.
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Serve alongside a fresh fruit salad or yogurt for a balanced healthy meal pairing.
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Top with chopped nuts or sprinkles for parties or gatherings—an easy party food idea that looks impressive but requires minimal effort.
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Serve as a dessert after family comfort food dinners; they’re soft, sweet, and satisfying.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips:
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Short-Term Storage: Keep donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.
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Freezing: Freeze unglazed donuts in a single layer for up to 2 months. Thaw and glaze just before serving.
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Glaze Storage: Make the maple glaze ahead and store in the fridge for up to a week. Stir well before dipping donuts.
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Meal Prep Idea: Bake a large batch and store in the freezer for quick breakfast or snack options throughout the week—perfect for leftover recipe hacks.
Cultural or Historical Notes:
Pumpkin-based baked goods have a long history in American comfort cooking. The tradition of combining pumpkin with warming spices comes from autumn harvest celebrations, creating flavors that are nostalgic and family-friendly. This recipe is a modern take on those classic flavors, perfect for holiday dinner recipes or any cozy fall morning at home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the donuts, cool completely, and freeze them unglazed. Glaze just before serving for fresh flavor.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Can I make this recipe healthier?
Absolutely! Use whole wheat flour, coconut sugar, or plant-based milk. You can also try a sugar-free maple syrup for a lower-calorie glaze.
What substitutions can I use for allergies or dietary preferences?
Eggs can be replaced with flax eggs or chia eggs for a vegan option. Use almond or oat milk instead of cow’s milk for dairy-free variations.
Soft and Spiced Pumpkin Donuts with Sweet Maple Glaze
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
- Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean. Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk (starting with 1 tbsp and adding more if needed), and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
- Dip the tops of the cooled donuts into the glaze, letting any excess drip off. Place the donuts on a wire rack to let the glaze set.
Great recipe!!!