Okay, friends, let’s talk fall! Is there anything better than that first whiff of pumpkin spice in the air? I think not! And what if I told you that you could have all that cozy fall flavor in a donut…but, like, a healthy donut? Yep, I’m talking about these amazing healthy baked pumpkin donuts with maple glaze for fall. Trust me, they’re the real deal.
I remember when I was little, my mom would always take me to the local apple orchard, and they had the *best* cider donuts. Crispy, sugary, totally irresistible. But, you know, not exactly a health food. So, I set out to recreate that fall magic but in a way that I could feel good about eating (and feeding my family!). And that’s how these babies were born!
These aren’t your average, greasy donuts. We’re baking them, not frying, which already makes them a winner in my book. Plus, they’re packed with real pumpkin and just the right amount of spice to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Seriously, one bite and you’ll be hooked. I promise!
Why You’ll Love These Healthy Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze for Fall
Okay, so why *should* you make these amazing donuts? Let me tell you:
- They taste like fall in every single bite! Seriously, the pumpkin and maple? Forget about it!
- They’re actually kinda good for you! Okay, they’re still donuts, but baked is *way* better than fried, am I right?
- They’re super easy to whip up. Even if you’re not a baking pro, you can totally nail this recipe. Promise!
Quick and Easy Healthy Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze for Fall
Seriously, from start to finish, you’re looking at maybe 45 minutes. That’s faster than ordering takeout! And way more satisfying, trust me.
Perfectly Spiced Healthy Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze for Fall
We’re talking cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves…the whole shebang! But don’t worry, it’s not overpowering. It’s just the right amount of cozy spice to complement the pumpkin.
Healthier Alternative: Baked Not Fried
Let’s be real, frying is delicious, but it’s also, well, frying. Baking these healthy baked pumpkin donuts cuts way back on the grease and calories. So you can enjoy your treat without *all* the guilt!
Ingredients for Healthy Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze for Fall
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to make these amazing healthy baked pumpkin donuts with maple glaze for fall. Don’t worry, most of it’s probably already in your pantry!
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour. Make sure you spoon and level it for the most accurate measurement!
- 1 tsp baking powder – this is our leavening agent, so don’t skip it!
- 1/2 tsp baking soda – works with the baking powder to give these donuts a nice lift.
- 1/2 tsp salt – just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
- 1 tsp cinnamon – because what’s fall without cinnamon?
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg – adds a warm, nutty flavor.
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves – a little goes a long way with cloves, so don’t overdo it!
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – for sweetness, of course!
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar – I like to use dark brown sugar for a richer, molasses-y flavor.
- 1 cup pumpkin puree – make sure it’s *puree*, not pumpkin pie filling!
- 1/4 cup milk – any kind will do!
- 2 tbsp melted butter – unsalted is best, so you can control the salt level.
- 1 large egg – to bind everything together.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – adds a touch of warmth and sweetness.
Maple Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar – sifted, if you’re feeling fancy (it helps prevent lumps!).
- 2-3 tbsp maple syrup – use the *real* stuff, trust me, it makes all the difference!
- 1 tbsp milk – to get the glaze to the right consistency.
How to Prepare Healthy Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze for Fall
Okay, let’s get baking! Here’s how to make these incredible healthy baked pumpkin donuts with maple glaze for fall. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think!
- First things first: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important, so don’t skip it! Then, grease your donut pan. If you don’t have a donut pan (gasp!), you can use a muffin tin, but they’ll be more like pumpkin muffins. Still delicious, though!
- Grab a bowl – a big one! – and whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This makes sure all those spices are evenly distributed.
- In *another* bowl (yes, we’re using two!), combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk it all together until it’s nice and smooth.
- Now, the fun part! Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until *just* combined. Don’t overmix! A few lumps are okay. Overmixing leads to tough donuts, and nobody wants that!
- Fill each donut cavity about 2/3 full. I like to use a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the corner snipped off – it makes it way easier and less messy! If you’re using a muffin tin, fill them about 2/3 full too.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them, because ovens vary! You don’t want to overbake them and end up with dry donuts.
- Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you try to take them out too soon, they might fall apart. Patience, my friend!
- While the donuts are cooling, prepare the maple glaze. In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until smooth. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
- Once the donuts are completely cool, dip each one into the glaze and let the excess drip off. I like to hold them upside down for a few seconds to let the extra glaze run off.
- Place the glazed donuts back on the wire rack until the glaze sets. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Then, dig in and enjoy your amazing healthy baked pumpkin donuts with maple glaze for fall!
Tips for Perfect Healthy Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze for Fall
Want to make sure your healthy baked pumpkin donuts with maple glaze for fall are absolutely perfect? Here are a few of my go-to tips!
Avoiding Dry Healthy Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze for Fall
Okay, nobody likes a dry donut! To avoid this, make sure you’re measuring your flour correctly (spoon and level, remember?). And, super important, don’t overbake them! Start checking for doneness around 15 minutes, and take them out as soon as a toothpick comes out clean.
Achieving the Perfect Texture for Healthy Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze for Fall
The key here is to not overmix the batter. Seriously! Mix until just combined, and don’t worry if there are a few lumps. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, chewy donuts. And we want light and fluffy, right?
Working with Maple Glaze for Healthy Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze for Fall
Getting the right consistency for your maple glaze can be a little tricky, but don’t worry, I’ve got you! If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until it’s pourable. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar. Easy peasy!
Variations for Your Healthy Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze for Fall
Okay, so you’ve mastered the basic recipe (yay!). Now, let’s get a little crazy and try some fun variations on these healthy baked pumpkin donuts with maple glaze for fall! Because who doesn’t love options?
Spice Variations for Healthy Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze for Fall
Want to kick up the spice factor? Try swapping out the cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for an equal amount of pumpkin pie spice. Or, for a more exotic twist, add a pinch of cardamom! Trust me, it’s delicious!
Glaze Variations for Healthy Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze for Fall
Maple glaze is amazing, but sometimes you just need chocolate, right? For a chocolate glaze, melt some chocolate chips with a little bit of milk and butter, and dip away! Or, if you’re feeling extra fancy, whip up a cream cheese glaze with cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a splash of milk. Yum!
Frequently Asked Questions About Healthy Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze for Fall
Got questions? I got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked about these yummy healthy baked pumpkin donuts with maple glaze for fall. Don’t be shy, ask away if you have more!
Can I freeze these Healthy Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze for Fall?
Absolutely! Freezing is a great way to enjoy these later. I recommend freezing them *before* you glaze them, though. Just let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and pop them into a freezer bag. They’ll last for up to 2 months! When you’re ready to eat them, thaw them overnight in the fridge and then glaze them. Easy peasy!
What if I don’t have a donut pan to bake this Healthy Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze for Fall?
No donut pan? No problem! You can totally use a muffin tin instead. Just fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full and bake as directed. They’ll be more like pumpkin muffins than donuts, but they’ll still be delicious! You might need to adjust the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on them.
Can I use a different type of flour to make this Healthy Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze for Fall?
Yep, you can experiment with other flours! Whole wheat flour will give them a slightly nuttier flavor and denser texture. Gluten-free flour blends also work, but you might need to add a little extra liquid to the batter since gluten-free flours tend to be drier. Just add milk a tablespoon at a time until the batter reaches the right consistency. Trust your gut!
Storing Your Healthy Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze for Fall
Got leftovers? Lucky you! These healthy baked pumpkin donuts with maple glaze for fall will keep for about 2-3 days in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge, but they might dry out a bit. A quick zap in the microwave (like 10-15 seconds) will bring ’em back to life!
Nutritional Information
Okay, so you’re probably wondering about the nitty-gritty: the calories, the sugar, all that jazz. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional info for one of these healthy baked pumpkin donuts with maple glaze for fall:
But, hey, a little disclaimer! Keep in mind that this is just an *estimate*. The actual nutrition can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use (like the brand of pumpkin puree or the type of milk). So, take it with a grain of salt, okay?
Enjoy those donuts!
Enjoy Your Fall Treat!
Alright, my friend, that’s all there is to it! I really hope you give these healthy baked pumpkin donuts with maple glaze for fall a try. They’re seriously the perfect fall treat!
And hey, if you do make them, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below, rate the recipe, or share a pic on social media. Happy baking, and happy fall!
Print
Devastatingly Delicious Healthy Baked Pumpkin Donuts
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy these healthy baked pumpkin donuts with a delicious maple glaze, perfect for a fall treat.
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 brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Maple Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2-3 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- In another bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Fill each donut cavity about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the maple glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until smooth.
- Dip each donut into the glaze and let excess drip off.
- Place glazed donuts back on the wire rack until the glaze sets.
Notes
- Adjust spices to your preference.
- For a richer flavor, use brown butter.
- Store donuts in an airtight container.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
