Pumpkin Donuts

Pumpkin Donuts are a delightful treat that brings the flavors of fall straight to your kitchen. These baked donuts are not only lower in calories and fat compared to their fried counterparts, but they also offer a quick and easy solution for satisfying your sweet tooth. Perfect for coffee time, brunch, or an afternoon snack, these Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze will impress family and friends alike with their rich flavor and light texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy Alternative: These baked pumpkin donuts are lower in calories and fat than traditional fried varieties.
• Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a batch in no time.
• Perfectly Portion-Controlled: Each mini donut is just the right size for a guilt-free treat.
• Versatile Flavor: The warm spices and pumpkin create a comforting autumn flavor that everyone will love.
• Easy to Customize: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or different spices to make these donuts your own!

Tools and Preparation

To make these delicious Pumpkin Donuts, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment ensures that your baking process goes smoothly and results in perfect donuts every time.

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 gives your donuts their signature shape and ensures even baking.
• Piping bag: Using a piping bag makes it simple to fill each cavity of the donut pan without making a mess.
• Wire rack: A wire rack allows air to circulate around the donuts as they cool, preventing sogginess.

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Ingredients

These Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze are ideal for portion control, are low calorie, and have less fat than fried donuts. They are baked, quick to prepare, and quite yummy—making the perfect Autumn coffee time treat.

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 a mini donut pan with cooking spray and set it aside so it’s ready for the batter.

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 to ensure everything is evenly distributed. Set this bowl aside.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl:
1. Whisk together the wet ingredients—egg, light brown sugar, oil, vanilla extract, and canned pumpkin.
2. Blend until smooth to ensure there are no lumps from the pumpkin.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients:
– Stir gently until combined; be careful not to over-mix. You should have a thick donut batter ready for piping.

Step 5: Pipe into Pan

Transfer the batter into a large piping bag:
– Pipe into each cavity of the greased donut pan until they’re about halfway full.

Step 6: Bake

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

Step 7: Cool Down

Once done:
– Transfer the baked donuts onto a wire rack to cool down completely before glazing.

Step 8: Prepare Maple Glaze

While cooling:
– In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, pure maple syrup, dark corn syrup, water, and ground cinnamon until smooth.
– Place the rack of cooled donuts over parchment paper on a baking sheet. Dip each donut top into glaze.

Let them rest until the glaze sets completely before serving!

Enjoy these delicious Pumpkin Donuts any time of day!

How to Serve Pumpkin Donuts

Pumpkin donuts are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or having a quiet coffee break, these mini donuts are sure to please.

With Coffee

• Pair your pumpkin donuts with a warm cup of coffee for a comforting morning or afternoon snack.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Use two pumpkin donuts to create an ice cream sandwich. Add your favorite flavor of ice cream in between for a delicious dessert.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each donut for extra creaminess and a festive touch.

Drizzled with Chocolate

• For chocolate lovers, drizzle melted chocolate over the glazed pumpkin donuts for an indulgent treat.

Fresh Fruits

• Serve alongside fresh fruits like apples or pears for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the donuts.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Donuts

Perfecting your pumpkin donuts is easy with a few helpful tips. Keep these suggestions in mind for the best results.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your egg and canned pumpkin are at room temperature to help create a smoother batter.

• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to avoid dense donuts; overmixing can lead to tough texture.

• Fill Doughnut Pan Correctly: Fill each donut cavity only halfway to allow room for rising without spilling over.

• Check Doneness: Use the toothpick test; if it comes out clean, your donuts are ready!

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Donuts

Pumpkin donuts pair wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some ideas to complement your treat.

1. Spiced Apple Cider: A warm drink that enhances the fall flavors of pumpkin.
2. Chai Latte: The spiced notes in chai make it an excellent companion to pumpkin donuts.
3. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances sweetness.
4. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruits for a wholesome side.
5. Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses can provide savory bites that contrast the sweetness.
6. Nut Butter Dip: Serve with almond or peanut butter for dipping, adding protein and richness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Pumpkin Donuts, there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using stale ingredients: Always check the freshness of your baking powder and spices. Stale ingredients can affect the flavor and rise of your donuts.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to dense donuts. Mix just until combined for a light texture.
• Not measuring accurately: Baking is precise. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups correctly to ensure the right ratios of ingredients.
• Skipping the cooling step: Donuts need time to cool before glazing. Skipping this step may result in a glaze that runs off instead of setting properly.
• Baking at the wrong temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated correctly. An inaccurate temperature can lead to uneven baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Pumpkin Donuts in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pumpkin Donuts

• Freeze Pumpkin Donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Donuts

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), place donuts on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one donut at a time on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Pumpkin Donuts.

How do I make my Pumpkin Donuts more flavorful?

You can enhance flavor by adding extra spices like nutmeg or ginger to the batter.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. Just ensure it is smooth and well-cooked before using it in the recipe.

What types of flour can I substitute in Pumpkin Donuts?

You can use almond flour or whole wheat flour as alternatives, but be mindful that they may alter texture slightly.

Are these Pumpkin Donuts healthy?

These baked Pumpkin Donuts are lower in calories and fat than fried versions, making them a healthier option for snacks.

Can I customize the glaze for my Pumpkin Donuts?

Absolutely! Feel free to add flavors like chocolate or spice them up with citrus zest in your glaze.

Final Thoughts

These Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze offer a delightful snack that is both easy to make and perfect for any autumn occasion. With their baked goodness, they provide a lighter alternative while still delivering great flavor. You can easily customize them by adding nuts or different glazes—get creative! Try making these delicious treats today!