Baked Maple Glazed Donuts Recipe | A Sweet Fall Treat

If you’re a fan of fall flavors (who isn’t, right?), then you’re going to love these Baked Maple Glazed Donuts. I made a batch the other day and they were gone so fast seriously, no one could resist them. They’re soft, fluffy, and topped with the most delicious maple glaze that gives them the perfect fall touch. Plus, they’re baked not fried, so they feel a little lighter but still pack all the flavor.

The best part? These donuts are super easy to make and will fill your house with that irresistible maple scent. Whether you’re craving a cozy breakfast or something sweet to snack on, these donuts are the answer. Trust me once you try them, you’ll be hooked!

Why Baked Maple Glazed Donuts are Perfect for Fall

There’s something about the combination of maple and fall that just works. These Baked Maple Glazed Donuts capture that seasonal vibe perfectly. The donuts themselves are tender, slightly spongy and soft, just the right texture. The maple glaze adds the perfect balance of sweetness, and the hint of vanilla rounds out the flavor.

What’s great about these donuts is that they’re baked, not fried, so they’re slightly healthier but still indulgent. The maple glaze soaks into the donut adding just the right amount of sweetness without being too overpowering. Perfect for a fall morning with a hot cup of coffee or tea!

Ingredients for Baked Maple Glazed Donuts

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these Baked Maple Glazed Donuts:

For the Donuts:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Maple Glaze:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

These ingredients create a perfect combination of soft donuts and a sweet maple glaze that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Baked Maple Glazed Donuts

Let’s walk through how to make these tasty maple-glazed donuts!

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Donut Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cavity donut pan with cooking spray or butter, or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal once the donuts are baked.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. These dry ingredients will ensure the donuts have the perfect texture and warm spice flavor.

3. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, beat together the sugar, eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and combined.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can make the donuts dense. The batter should be thick and slightly lumpy.

5. Fill the Donut Pan

Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full. Smooth the tops with a spatula to ensure an even rise during baking.

6. Bake the Donuts

Bake the donuts in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The donuts should be lightly golden brown on the edges.

Once baked, remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. Prepare the Maple Glaze

While the donuts are cooling, make the glaze. In a small bowl whisk together the melted butter, powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. The glaze should be slightly runny but thick enough to coat the donuts.

8. Glaze the Donuts

Once the donuts have cooled slightly, dip each donut into the maple glaze, allowing any excess glaze to drip off. Place the glazed donuts on a wire rack to set.

9. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the donuts warm or at room temperature. They’re perfect with a cup of coffee or as an afternoon treat. These donuts are best enjoyed the day they are made, but they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Tips for the Best Baked Maple Glazed Donuts

To make sure your Baked Maple Glazed Donuts turn out perfectly, here are some helpful tips:

• Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to dense donuts, so mix until just combined for a light, fluffy texture.
• Use fresh maple syrup: The maple syrup is a key ingredient in the glaze, so use a good-quality syrup for the best flavor.
• Let the donuts cool slightly before glazing: If the donuts are too hot, the glaze will melt off too quickly. Let them cool for a few minutes before dipping them.
• Double the glaze for extra sweetness: If you prefer a thicker glaze, you can make extra and drizzle it over the donuts after they’ve set.

Storing and Freezing Baked Maple Glazed Donuts

These donuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you have leftovers, you can also freeze them. Wrap the donuts individually in plastic wrap and foil, then store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.

FAQs

Q: Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
A: Yes, you can substitute regular milk for buttermilk, but the texture might be slightly different. For a buttermilk substitute, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1/4 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.

Q: Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the glaze ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Warm it up before using.

Q: Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Be sure to check for a blend that works well in cakes and donuts to get the right texture.

Why You Should Try Baked Maple Glazed Donuts

These Baked Maple Glazed Donuts are the perfect treat for any occasion, especially during the fall. With their fluffy texture, sweet maple glaze and warm spices, they’re sure to be a hit. They’re also quick and easy to make, making them the perfect go-to dessert when you want something special but don’t have a lot of time. Plus, they fill your kitchen with the amazing smell of fall, which is a bonus on its own.

Final Thoughts

Baked Maple Glazed Donuts are a delicious comforting treat that combines the best of fall flavors. Soft light donuts coated in a sweet maple glaze will have everyone asking for the recipe. Whether you’re baking them for a cozy breakfast or sharing them at a gathering, these donuts are a surefire way to make your day a little sweeter. Give them a try and enjoy a little taste of fall in every bite!