Pumpkin Donuts

These Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze are a delightful treat, perfect for any occasion. They are not only low in calories but also easier on the waistline compared to traditional fried donuts. Baked to perfection, these donuts offer a warm, spiced flavor that is ideal for autumn gatherings or cozy coffee breaks at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: You can whip up these donuts in just 15 minutes of prep time, making them a perfect last-minute treat.
• Healthier Alternative: Baked instead of fried, these donuts have less fat and fewer calories while still delivering on taste.
• Flavorful: With the rich taste of pumpkin and a touch of maple glaze, they are sure to please everyone’s palate.
• Versatile Treat: Great for breakfast, snacks, or dessert; they fit seamlessly into any meal.
• Portion Controlled: Mini-sized for easy serving and sharing without overindulging.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience seamless, gather the right tools. Having the right equipment will make preparing these Pumpkin Donuts smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mini donut pan: Ensures perfectly shaped donuts that bake evenly and release easily.
• Whisk: Helps combine ingredients smoothly for a lump-free batter.
• Piping bag: Makes filling the donut pan neat and easy without mess.

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Ingredients

Here are all the ingredients you need to create these delicious Pumpkin Donuts:

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: Prepare Dry Ingredients

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

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

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

Step 4: Create Donut Batter

Add the wet ingredients to your dry mixture:
1. Stir until just combined to form a thick batter suitable for piping.

Step 5: Fill Donut Pan

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

Step 6: Bake Donuts

Bake for about 6-7 minutes:
– The donuts should spring back when touched or pass the toothpick test (should come out clean).

Step 7: Cool Down

Remove the baked donuts from the oven:
– Transfer them 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 each cooled donut into the glaze before letting them rest on the rack until fully set.

Enjoy your delightful homemade Pumpkin Donuts! These tasty treats are sure to brighten up your day!

How to Serve Pumpkin Donuts

These delightful Pumpkin Donuts are perfect for any occasion, and there are many creative ways to enjoy them. Whether you want a simple snack or something to impress guests, these serving ideas will elevate your donut experience.

With Coffee

• Pair your pumpkin donuts with a hot cup of coffee. The flavors complement each other beautifully, making it a comforting treat for your morning routine.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each donut. It adds a velvety texture and enhances the sweetness, making it an indulgent dessert.

Drizzled with Extra Maple Syrup

• For those who love maple flavor, drizzle some extra maple syrup over the donuts before serving. This will intensify the sweetness and add a sticky, delicious layer.

Sprinkled with Nuts

• Top the donuts with chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch. The nuttiness pairs well with the pumpkin flavor and provides a satisfying bite.

Served with Ice Cream

• Turn your pumpkin donuts into a decadent dessert by serving them alongside vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. This combination creates a delightful contrast of warm and cold.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Combine these donuts with other treats like fruit or cookies on a dessert platter for gatherings. This variety will please all your guests and make your table look inviting.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Donuts

To achieve the best Pumpkin Donuts, keep these helpful tips in mind. They ensure your baked goods come out fluffy and flavorful every time.

• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use measuring cups and spoons for precise measurements. This helps maintain the right balance of flavors and textures in your donuts.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow eggs and other wet ingredients to reach room temperature before mixing. This promotes better incorporation into the batter, resulting in fluffier donuts.

• Don’t Overmix Batter: Mix just until combined to avoid dense donuts. Overmixing can lead to tough texture instead of light and airy results.

• Check Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is preheated correctly using an oven thermometer. Baking at the right temperature is crucial for achieving perfect rise and texture.

• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust spices like cinnamon or nutmeg according to your taste preference. This can give your pumpkin donuts a unique flavor profile.

• Cool Before Glazing: Let the donuts cool completely before applying glaze. Glazing warm donuts can cause it to melt away rather than set nicely.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Donuts

Pairing side dishes with your Pumpkin Donuts can create a well-rounded meal or snack experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Cinnamon Apples: Sauté sliced apples with cinnamon and sugar for a warm complement that balances the sweetness of the donuts.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and fresh fruits for a refreshing contrast that provides protein and crunch.
3. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or cream cheese spread alongside nuts and fruits for a savory-sweet balance.
4. Fruit Salad: Serve assorted seasonal fruits that offer freshness alongside the rich flavors of pumpkin.
5. Nut Butter Dip: Provide almond or peanut butter as a dip on the side for added protein and rich flavor that pairs wonderfully with sweet snacks.
6. Chai Tea: Offer chai tea spiced with cinnamon and cardamom as an aromatic drink option that complements the spices in the donuts.
7. Granola Bars: Pair homemade granola bars for an energy-boosting side that makes this treat even more filling.
8. Mini Muffins: Serve mini muffins in various flavors (like banana or blueberry) for variety without overshadowing the pumpkin donuts’ taste.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Pumpkin Donuts can be simple, but there are a few common pitfalls. Avoid these mistakes for perfect donuts every time.

• Using cold ingredients: Make sure your egg is at room temperature. Cold ingredients can affect the batter’s consistency and the final texture of your donuts.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts instead of light and airy ones.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method for measuring flour to avoid adding too much, which can make your donuts dry.
• Skipping the cooling step: Allow the donuts to cool completely before glazing. If they are warm, the glaze will melt and won’t set properly.
• Ignoring baking time: Keep an eye on your donuts while they bake. Overbaking can dry them out, so check for doneness a minute or two before the recommended time.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Pumpkin Donuts in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pumpkin Donuts

• Place cooled donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for about 1-2 hours.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Donuts

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5-10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one donut at a time on medium power for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Use a pan over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm each side for about 1-2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Pumpkin Donuts, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.

Can I use whole wheat flour in Pumpkin Donuts?

Yes, you can substitute part or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This will add more fiber but may slightly change the texture.

What is the best way to store leftover Pumpkin Donuts?

Store leftover donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freeze them for longer storage.

How do I know when my Pumpkin Donuts are done?

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

Can I customize my Pumpkin Donuts?

Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruits to your batter for extra flavor and texture.

Are these Pumpkin Donuts suitable for kids?

Yes! These baked pumpkin donuts are lower in fat compared to fried versions and make a great snack for kids.

Final Thoughts

These Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze offer a delightful taste of autumn that everyone can enjoy. Their baked nature makes them lighter than traditional fried donuts, while still being oh-so-delicious! Feel free to customize them with your favorite add-ins or toppings to suit your taste preferences.