Pumpkin Donuts with Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe
If you are on the lookout for a cozy fall treat that feels like a warm hug in every bite, look no further than these delightful Pumpkin Donuts with Brown Sugar Glaze. Soft, tender donuts imbued with the perfect blend of spices and pumpkin flavor come alive under a luscious, sweet brown sugar glaze that adds just the right amount of richness. Whether you’re sipping coffee on a crisp morning or sharing a festive dessert with friends, these donuts are simply irresistible and are bound to become a seasonal favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating the perfect batch of Pumpkin Donuts with Brown Sugar Glaze is wonderfully simple when you have the right ingredients. Each component plays an essential role, whether adding moisture, flavor, texture, or that beautiful fall color that pumpkin brings to the table.
- All-purpose flour: The base that creates the soft and light structure of the donuts.
- Baking powder and baking soda: These leaveners give the donuts a tender crumb and a lovely rise.
- Kosher salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Ground cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice: The warm spices that transform these donuts into autumnal magic.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the donuts moist and tender without weighing them down.
- Brown sugar (for batter): Adds subtle caramel notes and enhances the moist crumb.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the structure.
- Pumpkin puree: The star ingredient that brings vibrant color and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor.
- Milk: Adds smoothness and helps to balance the batter.
- Pure vanilla extract: A little splash that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- Brown sugar (for glaze): Creates that luscious sweet topping with a deep, rich flavor.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps achieve the smooth glaze texture.
- Powdered sugar: Gives the glaze a creamy finish and perfect consistency.
- Pinch of salt (in glaze): Balances sweetness and brightens the flavor.
How to Make Pumpkin Donuts with Brown Sugar Glaze
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and generously spray your donut pan with nonstick spray. This preparation ensures your donuts will come out perfectly shaped and easy to remove, making your baking experience smooth from the start. Don’t worry if you don’t own a donut pan; a muffin tin works just as well, giving you delightful mini muffins instead.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, ground cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. This combination of dry ingredients forms the flavorful base of your donuts. The spices aren’t just for taste—they awaken the senses and conjure up all those pleasant autumn memories.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, blend the vegetable oil, packed brown sugar, eggs, canned pumpkin puree, milk, and vanilla extract. This luscious mixture adds moisture and sweetness, and the pumpkin puree lends a lovely orange hue that instantly brightens the batter.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined; be mindful not to overmix to ensure your donuts stay tender. One handy tip is to stop mixing as soon as you don’t see streaks of flour—that’s the sweet spot for perfect texture.
Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan
Spoon the batter into your prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full. For a neater finish, try placing the batter into a zip-top bag, snip off one corner, and pipe the batter into the pan—so much easier and less messy!
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the donuts spring back when lightly pressed. Once baked, allow them to cool in the pan for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling is key before glazing, so don’t rush this part.
Step 7: Make the Brown Sugar Glaze
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, brown sugar, and milk. Whisk continuously as the mixture warms and starts to simmer—this gentle cooking melts the sugar and butter together into a smooth, golden sauce. After a minute, remove from heat and stir in vanilla and powdered sugar until the glaze is silky and lump-free. If you spot any stubborn powdered sugar chunks, just pop the pan back on low heat while whisking to smooth them out.
Step 8: Glaze the Donuts
Place a wire rack over a baking sheet or parchment paper to catch any drips, then dip the tops of the cooled donuts into the brown sugar glaze. Set them back on the rack to let the glaze set, and if it thickens too much while dipping, gently rewarm it to keep the perfect consistency. This glaze is what elevates these donuts to pure bliss.
How to Serve Pumpkin Donuts with Brown Sugar Glaze
Garnishes
While these donuts are stunning on their own, a little garnish adds fun texture and flair. Consider a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for a crunch, or dust them lightly with cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance that warm spice profile. A touch of edible gold leaf or a few pumpkin seeds can turn these into a charming autumn centerpiece.
Side Dishes
Pair your Pumpkin Donuts with Brown Sugar Glaze with a steaming cup of chai tea or rich coffee for the ultimate cozy combo. For brunch, serve alongside honey butter or apple slices for a fresh twist that complements the spices and sweetness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your presentation special by stacking donuts on a tiered stand or threading them on a festive ribbon for a donut garland at your next gathering. You can also place them in small boxes with parchment for gifting, spreading autumn cheer with every bite. Remember, beautiful presentation makes eating even more joyful!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, your Pumpkin Donuts with Brown Sugar Glaze will stay fresh for 2-3 days. Keep them away from heat or humidity to prevent the glaze from becoming sticky or melting away.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these delights later, freeze the unglazed donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, thaw completely and dip in glaze freshly made or reheated. This way, you keep that irresistible glaze texture intact.
Reheating
For serving leftovers, give the donuts a quick zap in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring back soft warmth. If glazed, be gentle to avoid melting the topping too much. This little warming trick makes them taste like fresh from the oven!
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?
Absolutely! If you have fresh pumpkin, simply roast, scoop out, and puree it until smooth. Keep in mind fresh pumpkin has more water, so you might want to cook it down a bit to reach the same consistency as canned puree.
What type of brown sugar works best for the glaze?
Light or dark brown sugar both work beautifully, but dark brown sugar gives the glaze a richer, molasses-like flavor that pairs wonderfully with pumpkin spices.
Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
Yes, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to help hold the donuts together and preserve their texture.
Is it possible to bake these donuts instead of frying?
This recipe is designed for baking in a donut pan or muffin tin, resulting in moist, tender donuts without frying. It’s a healthier, less messy option with plenty of flavor.
How long will the glaze stay good on the donuts?
The glaze sets up nicely but can soften over time, especially in humid conditions. For best results, enjoy your donuts the same day or within a day of glazing.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the combination of pumpkin and brown sugar, and these Pumpkin Donuts with Brown Sugar Glaze capture that magic perfectly. Soft, spiced, and glazed to shiny perfection, they make any morning or dessert moment feel extra cozy and celebratory. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe, and I’m confident these donuts will become a beloved classic in your home, just like they are in mine.
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Pumpkin Donuts with Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pumpkin Donuts with Brown Sugar Glaze are a moist, flavorful fall treat that combines the warm spices of cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice with a rich, sweet brown sugar glaze. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these easy-to-make donuts bake in the oven for a healthier alternative to frying without sacrificing any of the classic donut charm.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Brown Sugar Glaze
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 and 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a donut pan thoroughly with nonstick spray. If you don’t have a donut pan, a muffin tin can be used as an alternative.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, ground cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice until well combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the vegetable oil, packed brown sugar, eggs, canned pumpkin puree, milk, and pure vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients bowl. Gently fold together until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the donuts tender.
- Fill Donut Pan: Either spoon the batter directly into the donut pan cavities or pour it into a ziplock bag, cut off a corner, and pipe the batter evenly for consistent shapes.
- Bake Donuts: Bake the donuts in the preheated oven for approximately 10 minutes. Once done, allow them to cool in the pan for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Brown Sugar Glaze: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, brown sugar, and milk. Whisk continuously and bring the mixture to a slow simmer. Let it simmer for about 1 minute, then remove from heat.
- Finish Glaze: Stir in the pure vanilla extract and powdered sugar, whisking until the glaze is smooth. If you notice any powdered sugar lumps, place the pan back on low heat and stir until smooth again.
- Glaze Donuts: Place the wire rack over a baking sheet or parchment paper to catch excess glaze drips. Dip the tops of the cooled donuts into the glaze, then return them to the wire rack to set. If the glaze firms up, gently rewarm it on low heat before dipping the remaining donuts.
- Store and Serve: Store the glazed donuts in an airtight container. These delicious treats are best enjoyed fresh, as they do not keep for long.
Notes
- Using canned pumpkin puree ensures consistent moisture and flavor; avoid pumpkin pie filling which contains added spices and sugar.
- If you don’t have a donut pan, a muffin tin works as a good substitute but will yield donut holes or muffin shapes.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use a non-dairy butter alternative for the glaze.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the donuts light and tender.
- The glaze can be re-warmed and used multiple times if it starts to harden before all donuts are dipped.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: pumpkin donuts, brown sugar glaze, baked donuts, fall dessert, pumpkin spice donuts, easy donuts recipe
