Name: Pumpkin Cake Donuts: An Irresistibly Easy Recipe under 30
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1/2 tsp nutmeg; 1/4 tsp ground cloves; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup packed brown sugar; 1/2 cup pumpkin puree; 1/4 cup milk; 2 tbsp melted butter; 1 egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; For the Glaze:; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tbsp maple syrup; 1 tbsp milk; 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Jump to Recipe

Okay, friends, let’s talk fall! And more importantly, let’s talk about Pumpkin Cake Donuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze! Seriously, is there anything better than the smell of pumpkin spice wafting through your kitchen on a crisp autumn morning? I think not!

I’ve always been obsessed with donuts, but honestly, the thought of frying them at home? Nah, too much work (and mess!). That’s why I’m SO excited about this recipe. We’re baking these babies, which means they’re way easier and, dare I say, a *little* bit healthier. Plus, that cinnamon maple glaze? Forget about it! It’s the perfect sweet and spicy combo to make these donuts absolutely irresistible. These Pumpkin Cake Donuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze are the real deal.

I remember one year, I tried to deep fry donuts and…let’s just say it involved a minor grease fire and a very unhappy smoke detector. So trust me, baking is the way to go! Get ready for some serious fall deliciousness!

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Cake Donuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze

Okay, seriously, why *won’t* you love them? But if you *really* need convincing…

Quick and Easy Pumpkin Cake Donuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze

I’m talking from craving to couch in under 30 minutes! Who has time for complicated recipes?

Delicious Cinnamon Maple Glaze

My favorite part is that warm, spiced glaze. It’s the perfect fall hug for your taste buds, promise!

Baked, Not Fried

Yep, no messy oil splatters here! Baked donuts are way easier *and* you can feel a *little* less guilty about eating them. 😉

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Ingredients for Pumpkin Cake Donuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these amazing Pumpkin Cake Donuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze. Don’t worry, it’s mostly stuff you probably already have!

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup packed brown sugar (make sure it’s packed!)
1/2 cup pumpkin puree (canned, *not* pie filling!)
1/4 cup milk
2 tbsp melted unsalted butter
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract

For that dreamy Cinnamon Maple Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp maple syrup (the *real* stuff, please!)
1 tbsp milk
1/2 tsp cinnamon

How to Make Pumpkin Cake Donuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, get ready! This is where the magic happens. Just follow these super simple steps, and you’ll be munching on warm Pumpkin Cake Donuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze in no time!

Preparing the Donut Batter

First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). Don’t forget to grease your donut pan! Now, grab a big bowl and whisk together all the dry stuff: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. In another bowl, mix all the wet ingredients: granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Now, gently fold the wet into the dry. Here’s the *most* important tip: don’t overmix! Seriously, stop when it’s just combined. A few lumps are okay!

Baking the Pumpkin Cake Donuts

Time to fill those donut cavities! I like to use a piping bag (or a ziplock with the corner snipped off – shhh!). Fill each cavity about 3/4 of the way full. Pop those babies in the oven for 10-12 minutes. How do you know when they’re done? A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. Plus, they’ll smell AMAZING!

Making the Cinnamon Maple Glaze

While the donuts are cooling slightly, let’s whip up that glaze! In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and cinnamon. Keep whisking until it’s smooth and dreamy. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more milk. Too thin? Add a little more powdered sugar. You got this!

Glazing the Pumpkin Cake Donuts

Okay, the donuts need to be *completely* cool before glazing, or the glaze will just melt right off (trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way!). Dip each donut into the glaze, let the excess drip off back into the bowl, and then place it back on the wire rack. Now, try not to eat them all at once! Enjoy!

Equipment You’ll Need

Alright, before we dive in, let’s make sure you have all the right tools! You *could* try to make these Pumpkin Cake Donuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze with your hands, but I wouldn’t recommend it.

Here’s what I use:

A donut pan (duh!)
Mixing bowls (big ones!)
A whisk (or a fork in a pinch)
A piping bag or a ziplock bag (my secret weapon!)

Easy peasy! Now, let’s get baking!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Pumpkin Cake Donuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze

Okay, so maybe you’re missing an ingredient or two? Don’t panic! These Pumpkin Cake Donuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze are pretty forgiving. Here are a few swaps you can make, but remember, it *might* change the taste a little!

Spice Variations

Don’t have individual spices? No problem! Just use 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice instead of the cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. You could also try adding a pinch of ginger or cardamom for a fun twist! Ooh, or even a tiny bit of allspice!

Dairy-Free Option

Want to make these dairy-free? Easy peasy! Just swap out the regular milk for almond milk (or any other non-dairy milk you like!) and use a dairy-free butter alternative. I’ve used coconut oil before, and it works great!

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Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Cake Donuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze

Want to make sure your Pumpkin Cake Donuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze are *perfect* every time? Here are a few little secrets I’ve learned along the way!

Don’t Overmix the Batter

Seriously, this is the *most* important thing! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which makes the donuts tough and chewy. And nobody wants a tough donut! Mix until just combined, even if there are still a few lumps.

Use Fresh Spices

Old spices lose their flavor, and you want that pumpkin spice to really shine! Fresh spices will give your Pumpkin Cake Donuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze a much warmer, richer flavor. It makes a HUGE difference, trust me!

Cool Completely Before Glazing

Patience, my friend! If you try to glaze the donuts while they’re still warm, the glaze will just melt right off and make a sticky mess. Let them cool *completely* on a wire rack before you even *think* about glazing them.

Storing Your Pumpkin Cake Donuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze

Okay, so you managed *not* to eat all the Pumpkin Cake Donuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze in one sitting? Wow, I’m impressed! To keep them fresh, just pop them in an airtight container. They’re best stored at room temperature and will stay yummy for about 2-3 days. Though, let’s be real, they probably won’t last that long!

Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Cake Donuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get asked about my Pumpkin Cake Donuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze. Don’t be shy, ask away if you have more!

Can I use a different type of flour?

Good question! If you’re feeling adventurous, you *can* try using whole wheat flour, but it will make the donuts a bit denser. For gluten-free, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just keep an eye on the texture – you might need a *tiny* bit more liquid!

Can I freeze these Pumpkin Cake Donuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze?

Yep! If you want to make them ahead, freeze the donuts *before* glazing. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then pop them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them completely and then whip up a fresh batch of that yummy cinnamon maple glaze!

Can I make these Pumpkin Cake Donuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze without a donut pan?

Okay, so technically, they won’t be *donuts* without a donut pan, but you *can* bake the batter as muffins! Just grease a muffin tin and bake for a few minutes longer. Or, get yourself a donut pan! They are pretty cheap.

How can I make the glaze thicker or thinner?

Super easy! If the glaze is too thick, just add a *teensy* bit more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar. It’s all about finding that sweet spot!

Estimated Nutritional Information for Pumpkin Cake Donuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze

Okay, let’s talk numbers! This is just an estimate, mind you, since it can vary depending on the exact ingredients you use. But roughly, one of these Pumpkin Cake Donuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze is about 250 calories. You’re also looking at around 10g of fat, 3g of protein, and 40g of carbs. Hey, it’s a treat! Enjoy it!

Ready to Bake?

Alright, what are you waiting for?! Get in the kitchen and whip up these Pumpkin Cake Donuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze! And hey, if you make ’em, leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out!