Pumpkin Donuts

These Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze are a delightful treat for any occasion, especially during the cozy autumn months. Perfectly baked and easy to make, they offer a healthier alternative to traditional fried donuts. With their warm spices and sweet maple glaze, these mini donuts are ideal for snacking or serving alongside your favorite coffee. Their unique flavor profile and simple preparation make them a must-try recipe this season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Low Calorie Delight: These donuts are baked, not fried, making them a lighter choice for those mindful of their calorie intake.
• Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have these delicious treats ready in no time.
• Perfect for Sharing: The mini size is great for portion control and sharing with friends and family at gatherings.
• Versatile Flavor: The pumpkin and spice combination makes these donuts suitable for various occasions, from breakfast to dessert.
• Easy Cleanup: Baking in a donut pan means less mess compared to frying, making cleanup a breeze.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delightful pumpkin donuts, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. Having the right tools will streamline your cooking experience and ensure consistent results.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Mini donut pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Piping bag (or zip-top bag)
• Wire rack

Why These Tools Matter

• Mini donut pan: This specialized tool allows you to shape perfectly baked donuts without the mess of frying.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently while preventing spills.
• Piping bag: Makes it easy to fill the donut pan without creating a mess, ensuring each donut has an even shape.
• Wire rack: Allows air circulation around the donuts as they cool, preventing sogginess.

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 a 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: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, mix together the dry ingredients:
1. Add all-purpose flour, oat flour, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Whisk until evenly combined.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

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

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients:
1. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix. You should have a thick donut batter.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

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

Step 6: Bake the Donuts

Bake in your preheated oven for about 6–7 minutes:
1. The donuts are ready when they spring back when touched or when a toothpick comes out clean from the center.

Step 7: Cool Down

Once baked:
1. Transfer the donuts onto a wire rack and allow them to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare Maple Glaze

While cooling:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together all glaze ingredients until smooth.
2. Place your wire rack over a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 9: Glaze the Donuts

Dip each cooled donut into the glaze:
1. Ensure they’re well-coated on top.
2. Let them rest on the rack until the glaze sets completely before serving.

Enjoy your deliciously baked Pumpkin Donuts!

How to Serve Pumpkin Donuts

These delightful Pumpkin Donuts are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy morning at home or a festive gathering with friends. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your donut experience.

With Coffee

• Brewed Coffee: Pair your pumpkin donuts with a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee for a classic combination.
• Pumpkin Spice Latte: Enhance the autumn vibes by serving these donuts alongside a creamy pumpkin spice latte.

As Dessert

• Ice Cream Sundae: Crumble the donuts over vanilla ice cream and top with chocolate sauce for a delicious dessert.
• Whipped Cream: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream on the side for added richness.

For Breakfast

• Yogurt Parfait: Layer crumbled pumpkin donuts in a yogurt parfait with fresh fruits and granola.
• Fruit Salad: Complement the flavors with a side of seasonal fruit salad for freshness.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Donuts

To ensure your pumpkin donuts come out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Bold Choice of Ingredients: Use high-quality canned pumpkin or homemade puree for the best flavor and moisture.
• Bold Mixing Technique: Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined to avoid dense donuts.
• Bold Baking Time: Keep an eye on baking time; overbaking may lead to dry donuts. Check them at 6 minutes!
• Bold Glazing Method: Allow donuts to cool slightly before glazing so the topping adheres better.
• Bold Storage Tips: Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Donuts

Pumpkin donuts make a lovely addition to various meals. Here are some fantastic side dish ideas that pair well with them.

1. Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai complement the flavors of pumpkin beautifully.
2. Apple Cider: Serve warm apple cider alongside your donuts for a comforting fall treat.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of soft cheeses balances the sweetness of the donuts nicely.
4. Vegetable Sticks with Dip: Crunchy veggies paired with hummus or ranch dip offer a refreshing contrast.
5. Mini Quiches: Savory mini quiches make a great brunch pairing with sweet pumpkin donuts.
6. Peanut Butter Spread: A spread of creamy peanut butter adds protein and richness, making it even more satisfying.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Pumpkin Donuts, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here’s how to avoid them for the best results.

• Skipping Room Temperature Ingredients: Using cold eggs or pumpkin can affect the batter consistency. Always ensure your egg is at room temperature for a smooth mixture.
• Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can lead to dense donuts. Combine until just mixed; lumps are okay for a light texture.
• Not Preheating the Oven: If you skip preheating, your donuts may not rise properly. Always preheat to 375°F (190°C) before starting.
• Using the Wrong Pan Size: Ensure you have a mini donut pan as larger pans will change baking time and texture. Stick to the recommended size.
• Neglecting to Cool Properly: Allowing donuts to cool on a wire rack prevents sogginess. Don’t skip this step for optimal texture.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Pumpkin Donuts in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Pumpkin Donuts

• Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Donuts

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5-7 minutes for a fresh taste.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds, checking frequently so they don’t dry out.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Pumpkin Donuts?

Pumpkin Donuts are delicious baked treats made from pumpkin puree, flour, and spices, topped with a sweet maple glaze.

How do I know when my Pumpkin Donuts are done?

Pumpkin Donuts are ready when they spring back upon touching or when a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Can I customize my Pumpkin Donuts?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or different spices based on your preference!

How long do these Pumpkin Donuts stay fresh?

When stored properly, they remain fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days and can be frozen for two months.

Conclusion

These Pumpkin Donuts are not only quick and easy but also offer a delightful treat perfect for any coffee time. Their versatility allows you to customize them with various toppings or mix-ins. Try making them today and enjoy their deliciousness!

---