Baked Pumpkin Donuts With Maple Glaze Recipe

I have a new twist to share this fall with my Healthy Pumpkin Donuts. Using pumpkin puree, applesauce, eggs, and maple syrup blended with whole wheat and all-purpose flours and a hint of pumpkin pie spice, these baked treats topped with a maple glaze offer a delicious nod to autumn.

I recently whipped up some Baked Pumpkin Donuts With Maple Glaze that quickly became one of my favorite autumn treats. I was amazed at how quick and easy they turned out, especially knowing they are lower in calories and fat than your typical fried donuts.

I started off with 1 cup pumpkin puree and 2 large eggs, blending them with 1/3 cup maple syrup and 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce for a perfectly moist texture. I then mixed in 1 tsp vanilla extract with a combination of 1/2 cup whole wheat flour and 1 cup all-purpose flour, along with a touch of baking powder, baking soda, and pumpkin pie spice to spice things up.

The glaze, made with powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup, ties everything together. These donuts are a neat little twist on your usual fall doughnut recipes and are definitely worth a try.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s a healthier treat that still tastes really delicious. I appreciate how baked donuts mean less fat and fewer calories than normal fried ones, so I can enjoy something sweet without feeling too guilty. I also love that it has a really fun autumn feel with the pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice, making it perfect for crisp fall days. Plus, the glaze made with maple syrup and powdered sugar is so tasty and adds just the right amount of sweetness. Lastly, it’s super easy to make, which means I can whip it up quickly for a cozy coffee break with friends.

Ingredients

• Pumpkin Puree: Loaded with fiber and vitamins to add natural moisture and rich flavor.
• Eggs: Pack protein and help bind ingredients, resulting in a tender, fluffy texture.
• Maple Syrup: Offers natural sweetness while adding a complex caramel flavor profile.
• Unsweetened Applesauce: Provides extra moisture with a subtle tang and low fat content.
• Whole Wheat Flour: Supplies extra fiber and nutrients compared to refined flour for a heartier bite.
• All-Purpose Flour: Balances structure and lightness, essential for achieving airy baked results.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: Infuses warm spices and aroma that bring autumn vibes to the treats.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup maple syrup (divided)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 2 tbsp maple syrup (for glaze)
• 1-2 tbsp milk (for glaze)

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and get your donut pan ready by greasing it lightly.

2. In a big bowl, mix together 1 cup pumpkin puree, 2 large eggs, 1/3 cup maple syrup (save a bit if needed), 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce, and 1 tsp vanilla extract.

3. In another bowl, sift together 1/2 cup whole wheat flour, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice.

4. Now, slowly add the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture and stir until just combined, making sure not to over mix the batter.

5. Spoon the batter evenly into the donut pan cavities, filling each about 3/4 full.

6. Bake the donuts in the oven for about 12-15 minutes until they are set and a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean.

7. Let the donuts cool for a few minutes in the pan before transferring them to a rack.

8. For the glaze, whisk together 3/4 cup powdered sugar, 2 tbsp maple syrup, and 1-2 tbsp milk. Adjust the milk to get a smooth consistency that you like.

9. Drizzle the glaze over the warm donuts or dip the tops into it, whichever you prefer.

10. Enjoy your delicious Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze while theyre still fresh and yummy!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Donut pan and some grease (like oil, butter, or non-stick spray)
3. Two mixing bowls (one for wet ingredients and one for dry)
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. Sifter or fine-mesh strainer (for the dry mix)
6. Whisk (for the glaze and mixing)
7. Spatula or wooden spoon
8. Toothpick (to test if the donuts are done)
9. Cooling rack

FAQ

Baked Pumpkin Donuts With Maple Glaze Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you don’t have eggs, try a flax egg by mixing 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken up.
• Instead of unsweetened applesauce, you can use mashed banana or plain Greek yogurt. They work pretty well to keep your donuts moist.
• If you lack maple syrup, a little bit of honey or even agave nectar can do the trick. Keep in mind their flavors are a bit different though.
• For whole wheat flour, you can just use extra all-purpose flour. Replace the whole wheat flour with an equal amount of all-purpose flour if needed.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you dont overmix the batter – stir just until the flour disappears; too much mixing can make your donuts dense and not as light as you want them to be.
2. When filling your pan, try to spoon the batter evenly into each cavity. A piping bag or even a small plastic bag with the corner cut off works way better for keeping everything consistent.
3. Check if your donuts are done by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it doesnt come out clean, let them bake for another minute or so, but be careful of overbaking as that can dry them out.
4. For the glaze, add the milk a little at a time until you get the perfect consistency. If its too thick, keep stirring in a bit more milk, but if its too runny, toss in some extra powdered sugar. Enjoy experimenting!