Pumpkin Donuts

These Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze are a delightful treat for any occasion. Perfect for coffee time in the Autumn, they offer a healthier alternative to traditional fried donuts while still delivering on flavor. With their moist texture and sweet, rich glaze, these baked donuts are not only easy to prepare but also a hit among friends and family. Enjoy them at brunch or as a quick snack throughout the day!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: These donuts can be whipped up in just 15 minutes of prep time, making them perfect for busy mornings.
• Healthier Option: Baked instead of fried, these donuts are lower in calories and fat without compromising on taste.
• Kid-Friendly: Easy to make and fun to decorate, these donuts are a great activity for kids and adults alike.
• Versatile Flavors: The addition of pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon gives these donuts a cozy Autumn flavor that everyone will love.
• Perfectly Portion-Controlled: With 12 mini donuts per batch, they’re just the right size for satisfying your sweet tooth.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Pumpkin Donuts, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

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 ensures your donuts come out perfectly shaped and cooked through.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes allows you to easily separate dry and wet ingredients.
• Whisk: A good whisk helps blend ingredients smoothly, ensuring an even batter without lumps.
• Piping bag: Using this makes it easy to fill the donut pan without messy spills.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious Pumpkin Donuts:

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 mashed pumpkin with no added spices or sugar)

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: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine all dry ingredients:
1. Add the all-purpose flour, oat flour, pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Mix well and set aside.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl:
1. Whisk together the egg, light brown sugar, oil, vanilla extract, and canned pumpkin until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients:
1. Stir until combined; this should form a thick donut batter.

Step 5: Pipe into Donut Pan

Transfer your batter into a piping bag:
1. Pipe into each cavity of the greased donut pan until filled about halfway.

Step 6: Bake the Donuts

Place in the preheated oven:
1. Bake for about 6-7 minutes until they spring back when touched or when a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool Down

Once baked:
1. Transfer the donuts to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare Maple Glaze

While cooling:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, dark corn syrup, water, and ground cinnamon until smooth.
2. Dip the tops of cooled donuts into the glaze; let excess drip off.
3. Place back on wire rack until glaze sets completely.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Pumpkin Donuts!

How to Serve Pumpkin Donuts

Pumpkin donuts make a delightful treat, perfect for any occasion. They can be enjoyed in various ways, enhancing their flavor and presentation.

With Coffee

• Pair your pumpkin donuts with a freshly brewed cup of coffee. The rich flavors of coffee complement the spices in the donuts beautifully.

As a Dessert

• Serve pumpkin donuts as a light dessert after dinner. Their sweet maple glaze adds just the right touch of indulgence without being overly heavy.

With Whipped Cream

• Top your pumpkin donuts with a dollop of whipped cream. This adds a creamy texture that balances the moistness of the donut.

At Breakfast

• Enjoy pumpkin donuts as part of your breakfast spread. They are quick to grab and go alongside yogurt or fruit for a balanced meal.

With Ice Cream

• For a fun twist, serve warm pumpkin donuts with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination creates a deliciously comforting dessert.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Donuts

To ensure your pumpkin donuts turn out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips that enhance their flavor and texture.

• Use Fresh Pumpkin Puree: If possible, use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned for a richer flavor.
• Measure Ingredients Carefully: Accurate measurements ensure consistent results, especially with baking powder and flour.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the donuts light and fluffy; overmixing can lead to dense results.
• Cool Before Glazing: Allow the donuts to cool completely before dipping them in glaze to prevent it from melting off.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust spice levels to suit your taste preferences; adding nutmeg or ginger can enhance the flavor profile.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Donuts

Pairing side dishes with your pumpkin donuts can create a well-rounded snack or meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits that balances sweetness and provides freshness alongside the rich flavors of the donuts.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a nutritious side that complements the sweetness of the donuts.
3. Hot Chocolate: A warm cup of hot chocolate adds an extra layer of cozy comfort during colder months when enjoying pumpkin treats.
4. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese, which pair nicely with sweet baked goods, creating an interesting contrast in flavors.
5. Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai tea harmonize beautifully with pumpkin flavors, making it an excellent beverage choice.
6. Granola Bars: Homemade granola bars provide crunch and energy, perfect for pairing with lighter snacks like pumpkin donuts.
7. Nut Mix: A simple mix of nuts offers protein and healthy fats, making it an ideal crunchy complement to soft donuts.
8. Apple Slices with Nut Butter: Crisp apple slices paired with almond or peanut butter add freshness and healthy fats, enhancing your snack time experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Pumpkin Donuts can be simple, but a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Precise measurements are key to achieving the right texture and flavor in your Pumpkin Donuts. Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure accuracy.

• Skipping the baking powder: Baking powder is essential for helping the donuts rise. Forgetting it can result in dense donuts. Always check that your baking powder is fresh before using.

• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to tough donuts. Combine wet and dry ingredients just until mixed for the best results.

• Failing to preheat the oven: Baking in a cold oven can affect cooking times and texture. Always preheat your oven fully before placing the donuts inside.

• Not letting them cool properly: Allowing donuts to cool completely before glazing ensures the glaze adheres better without sliding off. Patience will pay off with a perfect presentation!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Pumpkin Donuts in an airtight container.
• They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing Pumpkin Donuts

• Wrap each donut tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; they can last for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Donuts

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm donuts for about 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat each donut for about 10-15 seconds on medium power.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally for even warming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Pumpkin Donuts:

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for Pumpkin Donuts?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but it may result in denser donuts. Adjust baking time if needed.

What makes these Pumpkin Donuts healthier?

These baked Pumpkin Donuts are lower in calories and fat compared to traditional fried donuts, making them a lighter snack option.

How do I customize my Pumpkin Donuts?

Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit into the batter before baking for added flavor and texture.

What is the best way to store leftover Pumpkin Donuts?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for short-term storage or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Can I make these Pumpkin Donuts gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking.

Final Thoughts

These delightful Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze offer a tasty treat without compromising on health. Their light texture and rich flavors make them perfect for autumn gatherings or coffee breaks any time of year. You can easily customize them by adding various toppings or mix-ins. Give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!