Pumpkin Donuts

These Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze are a delightful treat for any occasion. Perfect for cozy autumn mornings or as an afternoon snack, these baked donuts offer a healthier alternative to traditional fried versions. With their rich pumpkin flavor and sweet maple glaze, they are sure to impress your family and friends. Plus, they are quick and easy to make, making them a go-to recipe for busy days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthier Option: These donuts are baked instead of fried, resulting in lower calories and fat.
• Quick Preparation: You can whip these up in just 15 minutes of prep time.
• Perfectly Portion-Controlled: Each mini donut provides a satisfying treat without overindulging.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and maple creates a warm, inviting taste that screams autumn.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert; they fit any occasion.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Pumpkin Donuts effortlessly, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment will ensure that your baking process goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mini donut pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Piping bag
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mini donut pan: This tool shapes your donuts perfectly while allowing them to bake evenly.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes helps when separating dry and wet ingredients or preparing glazes.
• Piping bag: This allows for easy filling of the donut pan without mess.
• Wire rack: A wire rack helps cool the donuts evenly while allowing excess glaze to drip off.

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Ingredients

For the Donuts

• 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
• 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 mashed pumpkin. There are no spices or sugar added.)

For the Maple Glaze

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

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the following dry ingredients:
– All-purpose flour
– Oat flour
– Pumpkin pie spice
– Ground cinnamon
– Baking powder
– Baking soda
– Salt

Set this mixture aside.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together:
– Egg
– Light brown sugar
– Oil
– Vanilla extract
– Canned pumpkin

Mix until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture. Whisk until combined, forming a thick donut batter.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

Transfer the batter into a large piping bag. Pipe it into the greased donut pan, filling each cavity about halfway full.

Step 6: Bake the Donuts

Bake for about 6-7 minutes. The donuts should spring back when touched. Check doneness with a toothpick; if it comes out clean or without crumbs, they’re ready!

Step 7: Cool Down

Transfer your baked donuts to a wire rack to cool down completely.

Step 8: Prepare Maple Glaze

While cooling, whisk together all glaze ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. Place your cooled donuts on a wire rack over a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Dip the top of each donut into the glaze, turning to coat well. Let them rest on the rack until glaze sets completely.

Enjoy these delicious Pumpkin Donuts as an ideal seasonal treat!

How to Serve Pumpkin Donuts

Serving Pumpkin Donuts is simple yet delightful, making them an excellent option for gatherings or cozy Autumn afternoons. Here are some creative ideas to enhance your donut experience.

With Coffee

• Pair your pumpkin donuts with a hot cup of coffee. The rich flavors of coffee complement the sweetness of the donuts perfectly.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra creaminess. This creates a delicious contrast to the soft texture of the donuts.

Drizzled with Chocolate

• Melt some dairy-free chocolate and drizzle it over the glazed donuts. This adds a decadent touch that chocolate lovers will appreciate.

Served with Fresh Fruit

• Side your donuts with slices of fresh apple or pear. The freshness balances the sweetness and adds a healthy element to your treat.

At Breakfast

• Enjoy pumpkin donuts as part of your breakfast spread. They can be served alongside yogurt and granola for a well-rounded meal.

For Dessert

• These donuts also make a great dessert option after dinner. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent finish.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Donuts

Creating perfect Pumpkin Donuts is easy when you follow these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your egg and other wet ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.

• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep your donuts light and fluffy; overmixing can lead to dense results.

• Fill Donut Pan Correctly: Fill the pan halfway for even baking. Too much batter can cause the donuts to overflow while baking.

• Check Doneness Early: Start checking your donuts a minute or two before the suggested baking time. Ovens vary, so it’s best to avoid overbaking.

• Let Cool Before Glazing: Allow the baked donuts to cool slightly before dipping in glaze, ensuring it adheres better and doesn’t slide off.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Donuts

Pairing side dishes with Pumpkin Donuts can elevate your snack time experience. Here are some tasty options:

1. Spiced Apple Cider: A warm beverage that enhances the autumnal flavors of pumpkin, making it a cozy pairing.

2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and seasonal fruits for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the donuts.

3. Cheese Platter: Include cream cheese or goat cheese for a savory balance that complements the sweet flavors of pumpkin.

4. Nut Mix: A mix of almonds, pecans, and walnuts provides crunch and healthy fats, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

5. Chia Seed Pudding: This healthy option adds texture and nutrition while being subtly sweet, making it a great accompaniment.

6. Smoothie Bowl: Blend bananas, spinach, and almond milk topped with seeds or nuts for a vibrant dish that pairs well with pumpkin flavors.

7. Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted root vegetables drizzled with balsamic glaze for an earthy contrast to sweet donuts.

8. Herbal Tea: A calming herbal tea like chamomile or peppermint can provide a soothing complement after enjoying your donuts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Pumpkin Donuts can be a delightful experience, but some common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results.

• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using too much or too little of an ingredient can affect the donut’s texture and flavor. Always use measuring cups and spoons for precision.
• Skipping the preheating step: Failing to preheat your oven can lead to uneven baking. Make sure your oven reaches the desired temperature before placing the donuts inside.
• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can cause the donuts to be tough instead of light and fluffy. Mix just until combined for the best texture.
• Filling the pan too full: If you overfill the donut pan, your donuts will overflow while baking. Fill each cavity only halfway for perfect-sized donuts.
• Neglecting to cool properly: Removing donuts from the pan too soon may cause them to break apart. Let them sit briefly in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Pumpkin Donuts

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Donuts

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individually in 10-15 second intervals until warm; avoid overheating as it may dry them out.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Pumpkin Donuts.

Can I customize my Pumpkin Donuts?

Yes! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the batter for extra flavor and texture.

What are some variations of Pumpkin Donuts?

You can try adding different spices like nutmeg or ginger, or even incorporate orange zest for a citrus twist.

How do I know when my Pumpkin Donuts are done?

The donuts are done when they spring back when touched or when a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Can I make these Pumpkin Donuts gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum.

Final Thoughts

These Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze are not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough for various occasions. You can customize them with different toppings or spices to suit your taste. Try making these delicious treats today!