Pumpkin Donuts

Pumpkin Donuts are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion, especially during the cozy autumn months. These baked delights are not only low in calories but also easy to prepare, making them an ideal option for a quick snack or dessert. With their rich pumpkin flavor and sweet maple glaze, these donuts will surely impress friends and family alike. Enjoy them with your morning coffee or as an afternoon pick-me-up!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthier Option: These Pumpkin Donuts are baked rather than fried, resulting in lower fat content.
• Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time and a short bake time, you can enjoy fresh donuts in no time.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert; they fit any occasion!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and warm spices makes each bite comforting and satisfying.
• Portion Control: Mini size means you can indulge without overdoing it.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes preparing these Pumpkin Donuts even easier. Here’s what you’ll need to get started!

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Mini donut pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Piping bag (or plastic bag with the corner cut off)
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Why These Tools Matter

• Mini donut pan: Creates perfectly shaped donuts that cook evenly and look great on a plate.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients without mess.
• Piping bag: Allows for easy filling of the donut pan, ensuring uniform size and shape.
• Baking sheet & parchment paper: Ensures easy cleanup while catching any drips from the glaze.

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 and easy to prepare, and quite yummy, making the perfect Autumn coffee time treat.

Dry Ingredients

• 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

Wet Ingredients

• 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.)

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 aside.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients

In another bowl:
1. Whisk together the wet ingredients – egg, light brown sugar, oil, vanilla extract, and canned pumpkin.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients:
1. Stir until combined to form a thick donut batter.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

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

Step 6: Bake Donuts

Bake in your preheated oven for about 6-7 minutes:
1. The donuts should spring back when touched.
2. A toothpick inserted into a donut should come out clean or without crumbs.

Step 7: Cool Down

Remove the baked donuts from the oven:
1. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool down completely.

Step 8: Prepare Maple Glaze

While your donuts cool:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, dark corn syrup, water, and ground cinnamon until smooth.
2. Place your rack of cooled donuts over a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 9: Glaze Your Donuts

Dip each cooled donut into the maple glaze:
1. Turn to coat well in glaze.
2. Allow glazed donuts to rest on the rack until the glaze sets completely before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Pumpkin Donuts fresh out of the oven!

How to Serve Pumpkin Donuts

Pumpkin donuts are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying a quiet moment with your coffee, here are some great serving suggestions to elevate your pumpkin donut experience.

With a Hot Beverage

• Coffee: Pair your pumpkin donuts with a hot cup of coffee for the ultimate autumn vibe.
• Tea: A warm chai or spiced tea complements the pumpkin spices perfectly.
• Hot Chocolate: Enjoy these donuts with a rich hot chocolate for a sweet treat.

At a Brunch

• Fruit Salad: Serve alongside a fresh fruit salad for a refreshing contrast.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layer pumpkin donuts with yogurt and berries for a delicious brunch option.

As Dessert

• Ice Cream: Top off your pumpkin donut with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra creaminess and sweetness.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Donuts

Creating the perfect pumpkin donuts requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out delicious every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh for optimal rising and texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix until just combined to keep the donuts tender and fluffy.
• Room Temperature Egg: Using an egg at room temperature helps create a smoother batter and better rise.
• Cool Completely Before Glazing: Allow the donuts to cool fully before glazing; this prevents the glaze from melting away.
• Experiment with Spices: Adjust the spice levels according to your preference for a more personalized flavor profile.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Donuts

Pumpkin donuts can be paired with various side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some tasty options to consider:

1. Apple Slices: Crisp apple slices provide a refreshing crunch that balances the sweetness of the donuts.
2. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, such as sharp cheddar or creamy brie, contrasts beautifully with the sweet flavors.
3. Granola: Serve crunchy granola on the side for added texture and flavor contrast.
4. Maple Syrup Dipping Sauce: A small bowl of maple syrup enhances the maple glaze and adds sweetness.
5. Cinnamon Sugar Mix: A mix of sugar and cinnamon for sprinkling offers an extra touch of sweetness.
6. Nut Butter: Almond or peanut butter makes for a protein-rich dip that pairs well with pumpkin flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Pumpkin Donuts can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using the wrong type of flour: Ensure you’re using all-purpose flour as specified. Substituting with other flours can change the texture and flavor of your donuts.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts instead of light and fluffy ones.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for accuracy. Incorrect measurements can affect the rise and texture of the donuts.
• Skipping the cooling time: Allow the donuts to cool properly before glazing. Glazing warm donuts can cause the glaze to melt off, resulting in a mess.
• Ignoring baking time: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your donuts and check for doneness a minute or two before the suggested baking time.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Pumpkin Donuts

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container.
• They can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Donuts

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for about 5 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat each donut for about 10-15 seconds until slightly warm.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Pumpkin Donuts gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree made from roasted pumpkin, but make sure it is smooth without any added spices or sugars.

How long do Pumpkin Donuts stay fresh?

When stored properly, they will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and in the freezer for about 3 months.

Can I customize my pumpkin donuts?

Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even top them with different glazes like chocolate or caramel for variety.

Conclusion

These Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze are not only easy to make but also provide a delicious treat for any autumn occasion. Their baked nature makes them lighter than traditional fried donuts, perfect for guilt-free snacking. Feel free to customize them with your favorite toppings or mix-ins!