Pumpkin Donuts

These Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze are a delightful treat that captures the essence of autumn. Perfect for any occasion, from cozy coffee breaks to festive gatherings, these baked donuts are not only low in calories but also easy to make. Their fluffy texture and the rich flavor of pumpkin blended with warm spices create a mouthwatering experience that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthier Alternative: Baked instead of fried, these donuts have less fat without sacrificing taste.
• Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 15 minutes, you can whip up a batch in no time.
• Perfectly Portion-Controlled: Mini-sized donuts make for ideal single servings, great for sharing or enjoying alone.
• Versatile Flavor Profile: The combination of pumpkin and spices makes them suitable for any season, especially fall.
• Irresistible Maple Glaze: A simple yet delicious maple glaze adds the perfect finishing touch.

Tools and Preparation

To make these delicious Pumpkin Donuts, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment ensures a smooth baking process and delicious results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mini donut pan: This specialized pan gives your donuts their signature shape and ensures even baking.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows you to easily separate dry and wet ingredients.
• Piping bag: Using a piping bag helps you fill the donut pan neatly and reduces mess during preparation.

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 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: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the following dry ingredients:
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 for later use.

Step 3: Prepare Wet Ingredients

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

Stir until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

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

Step 5: Fill Donut Pan

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

Step 6: Bake Donuts

Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for about 6-7 minutes. The donuts should spring back when touched or come out clean when tested with a toothpick.

Step 7: Cool Down Donuts

Carefully transfer the baked donuts to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Make Maple Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together all glaze ingredients until smooth. Place your wire rack of donuts over a parchment-lined baking sheet. Dip the tops of each donut into the glaze, ensuring they are well-coated. Allow them to rest on the rack until the glaze sets completely.

Enjoy your freshly baked Pumpkin Donuts!

How to Serve Pumpkin Donuts

Pumpkin donuts are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or enjoying a quiet afternoon, these baked delights can be served in various enjoyable ways.

With Coffee or Tea

• Pair your pumpkin donuts with a warm cup of coffee or tea. The rich flavors complement each other beautifully, making for a comforting snack.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of your pumpkin donuts. This extra touch enhances the sweetness and adds a creamy texture that’s hard to resist.

Festive Dessert Platter

• Arrange your pumpkin donuts on a platter alongside seasonal fruits like apples and pears. This colorful presentation is perfect for fall gatherings or parties.

Drizzled with Extra Maple Syrup

• For those who love sweetness, drizzle a little extra maple syrup over the donuts before serving. It provides an indulgent finish that elevates the flavor.

Garnished with Nuts or Seeds

• Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the glazed donuts. This adds a satisfying crunch and additional flavor that pairs well with pumpkin.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Donuts

To make sure your pumpkin donuts turn out just right, keep these tips in mind for the best results.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ingredients, especially canned pumpkin, will enhance the flavor and moisture of your donuts.
• Don’t Overmix: Gently combine wet and dry ingredients to avoid tough donuts. A light hand ensures they stay fluffy.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures for even cooking.
• Cool Before Glazing: Allow the donuts to cool completely before adding glaze. This prevents the glaze from melting off and keeps it intact.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add more spices like nutmeg or ginger for added complexity in flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Donuts

Pumpkin donuts can be paired with many side dishes that enhance their taste and create a delicious spread. Here are some great suggestions:

1. Apple Slices: Crisp apple slices provide a refreshing contrast to the sweet richness of pumpkin donuts.
2. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses like brie or goat cheese pairs well with the sweet notes of pumpkin.
3. Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and fruits complements the flavors while adding creaminess and crunch.
4. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts offer both texture and an earthy flavor that balances sweetness.
5. Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm pumpkin donuts with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
6. Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips dusted with cinnamon sugar provide an enjoyable dipping option alongside your donuts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Pumpkin Donuts, avoiding common pitfalls can ensure your treats turn out delicious. Here are some mistakes to watch for:

• Skipping the Flour Sifting: Not sifting your flour can lead to dense donuts. Always sift the all-purpose and oat flour before measuring to ensure lightness.

• Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can cause tough donuts. Mix just until combined for a tender texture.

• Ignoring Oven Temperature: Not preheating your oven can result in uneven baking. Always preheat to 375 degrees F to achieve the perfect bake.

• Not Using Room Temperature Egg: Using a cold egg can affect the batter consistency. Let your egg sit at room temperature before mixing for better integration.

• Forgetting to Grease the Pan: Skipping this step can lead to donuts sticking. Use cooking spray generously on the donut pan to ensure easy release.

• Rushing Cooling Time: Dipping warm donuts into glaze can make it runny. Allow them to cool fully on a wire rack for perfect glazing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezing Pumpkin Donuts

• Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped donuts in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Donuts

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one donut at a time for 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat in a non-stick skillet over low heat for about 1-2 minutes per side, watching closely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Pumpkin Donuts that might help you get started with this delightful recipe.

How do I make my Pumpkin Donuts more flavorful?

Adding extra spices like nutmeg or cloves can enhance flavor. You could also mix in chocolate chips or nuts for added texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pumpkin Donuts?

Yes! You can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour or substitute applesauce for oil if you want a healthier option.

What is the best way to enjoy Pumpkin Donuts?

Pumpkin Donuts are delicious on their own, but pairing them with coffee or tea makes them even more enjoyable!

How long do Pumpkin Donuts last?

When stored properly, they last up to 5 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned for my Pumpkin Donuts?

Absolutely! Cook and puree fresh pumpkin, ensuring it is well-drained before using it as a substitute in the recipe.

Final Thoughts

These Pumpkin Donuts are not only tasty but also versatile, making them a great treat any time of day. Feel free to customize them with different spices or mix-ins like nuts and chocolate chips. Give this simple recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!