Name: Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze and Cinnamon Sugar Coating Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup whole wheat flour (60 g); 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (60 g); 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup soy milk (120 mL); 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar; 1/3 cup granulated sugar (68 g); 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (NOT canned pumpkin pie filling) (122 g); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon maple syrup; 1-2 tablespoons soy milk; Dash of sea salt; 2 tablespoons melted butter; 2/3 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 23 reviews

If you are looking for the perfect cozy treat to brighten your mornings or impress your guests this autumn, look no further than the Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze and Cinnamon Sugar Coating Recipe. This delightful recipe combines the warm, earthy flavors of pumpkin with a luscious maple glaze and a crunchy cinnamon sugar coating to create donuts that are irresistibly tender and bursting with seasonal spice. Every bite offers a heavenly balance of sweetness, spice, and that melt-in-your-mouth texture you’ll want to savor again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze and Cinnamon Sugar Coating Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding moisture, flavor, or that perfect donut crumb.

Whole wheat flour: Adds a hearty texture and nutty flavor that complements the pumpkin beautifully.
All-purpose flour: Keeps the donuts light and fluffy with just the right structure.
Baking powder and baking soda: Essential leavening agents to make your donuts rise and stay tender.
Pumpkin spice: A cozy blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove that brings warmth and seasonal charm.
Salt: Enhances all the sweet and spicy flavors without overshadowing them.
Soy milk and apple cider vinegar: The perfect non-dairy duo that creates a tangy buttermilk substitute, making your donuts moist and tender.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens just right, balancing the earthy pumpkin notes.
Pumpkin puree: The star ingredient, providing moisture, flavor, and that gorgeous autumnal hue.
Vanilla extract and vegetable oil: Adds a rich aroma and keeps the donuts soft and fresh.
Powdered sugar, pure maple syrup, and soy milk (for the glaze): Combine for that irresistibly sweet and glossy maple glaze.
Butter, cinnamon, and sugar (for the coating): Create an addictive crunchy layer that perfectly contrasts the soft donut.

How to Make Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze and Cinnamon Sugar Coating Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and generously spraying your donut pan with cooking spray. This simple prep ensures your donuts bake evenly and release beautifully from the pan later.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin spice, and salt. Sifting not only combines them well but also introduces air that helps keep your donuts tender and light.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a small bowl, stir together soy milk and apple cider vinegar and let it sit for a minute to curdle, mimicking buttermilk’s magic. Then whisk in the granulated sugar, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil. This wet mix is where the pumpkin flavor shines and moisture is locked in.

Step 4: Bring Together Wet and Dry

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients and gently mix just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your donuts tender rather than dense. A few lumps are perfectly fine here!

Step 5: Fill the Pan and Bake

Transfer your batter to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with one corner snipped off—that way you can neatly pipe the batter into the six wells of your donut pan. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean from the donuts.

Step 6: Prepare Maple Glaze

While the donuts cool, sift powdered sugar into a bowl and whisk in the pure maple syrup, a tablespoon of soy milk, and a dash of sea salt. Slowly add more soy milk in small increments to reach a thick but pourable consistency, perfect for dipping and glazing those donuts.

Three golden brown donuts sit inside a dark donut pan positioned on the top left of the image, each donut showing a slightly cracked texture on top. On the right, one donut covered in a light cinnamon sugar coating rests on a white plate. Below the donut pan, a small white bowl holds a light yellow glaze with a white brush resting in it, bristles dipped in the glaze. Next to the bowl is a larger white plate filled with a light brown cinnamon sugar mix, swirled with a visible pattern. The whole arrangement is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Step 7: Glaze and Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Spoon the maple glaze over the cooled donuts and let it set for about 15 minutes. For an extra special touch, melt some butter, mix cinnamon with sugar on a plate, then brush the donuts with butter and roll them in the cinnamon sugar. This adds a delightful crunch and spice contrast to the soft, glazed donut.

Six donuts with a light brown base are arranged in two rows of three on a black wire cooling rack. Each donut is covered with a thick layer of white glaze that smoothly drips down the sides, showing the texture of the donut underneath. The rack rests on a white marbled surface that adds a clean and bright look to the image. The photo is taken from above, showing the round shape and the holes in the center of each donut. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

How to Serve Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze and Cinnamon Sugar Coating Recip

Garnishes

To elevate your Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze and Cinnamon Sugar Coating Recipe, try sprinkling chopped toasted pecans or a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving. Freshly ground nutmeg also complements the pumpkin’s warmth beautifully.

Side Dishes

These donuts pair wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or chai tea. For a brunch spread, consider adding fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears and a creamy yogurt parfait to balance out the sweetness and spices.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your donuts on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment paper alongside small bowls of extra maple glaze and cinnamon sugar for dipping. For a festive touch, stack them in a tower and drizzle glaze for a show-stopping centerpiece at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store your pumpkin donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep them fresh and moist. Refrigeration can dry them out, so it’s best avoided unless you live in a very warm climate.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze your cooled donuts by wrapping each one individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to two months, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for busy mornings.

Reheating

To enjoy your frozen donuts, thaw at room temperature and then warm briefly in a microwave for about 10 seconds or in a low oven. This revives their soft texture and warms the maple glaze, giving you a fresh-baked feel with every bite.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

It’s best to use plain pumpkin puree rather than pie filling since the latter contains added sugars and spices, which can throw off the flavor and texture of the donuts.

Is soy milk necessary or can I substitute it?

Any plant-based milk or regular dairy milk works fine, just be sure to pair it with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to create that buttermilk effect crucial for tenderness.

How do I prevent the donuts from sticking to the pan?

Make sure to thoroughly spray the donut pan with cooking spray or lightly grease it with oil or butter to ensure easy removal after baking.

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

You can experiment with gluten-free flour blends, but results may vary. Adding xanthan gum can help mimic the structure you get from regular flours.

What is the best way to get a smooth maple glaze?

Sifting the powdered sugar before mixing and adding soy milk slowly helps you achieve a smooth, lump-free glaze perfect for dipping and drizzling.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze and Cinnamon Sugar Coating Recipe a try because it’s a delicious celebration of fall flavors that’s surprisingly easy to make. Once you taste the tender pumpkin donuts topped with silky maple glaze and that crispy cinnamon sugar crust, you’ll want to make these a seasonal staple. Happy baking and even happier eating!