Pumpkin Donuts with Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe
Deliciously soft and moist pumpkin donuts topped with a rich brown sugar glaze, perfect for fall or any cozy occasion. These baked donuts combine warm spices and pumpkin puree for autumnal flavor, finished with a sweet, creamy glaze that beautifully complements the spiced cake.
- Author: Ella
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Donuts
- 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
- 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 Icing
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 and 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- Pinch of salt
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a donut pan with nonstick spray to ensure easy removal of the donuts after baking. If you don’t have a donut pan, a muffin tin can be used as a substitute.
- 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. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and spices.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the vegetable oil, packed brown sugar, eggs, canned pumpkin puree, milk, and pure vanilla extract. Whisk the mixture until it is smooth and fully incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold together the two mixtures until just combined; avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
- Fill the Donut Pan: You can spoon the batter into the donut pan cavities or place the batter into a zip-top bag, cut a small corner off, and pipe the batter for more consistency and less mess. Fill each cavity evenly.
- Bake the Donuts: Place the filled pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10 minutes. After baking, remove the pan and allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Brown Sugar Glaze: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, packed brown sugar, and milk. Whisk continuously until the mixtures combine and reach a gentle simmer. Let simmer for about 1 minute, then remove from heat.
- Finish the Glaze: Stir in the pure vanilla extract and powdered sugar along with a pinch of salt. Whisk until the glaze is smooth. If lumps persist, return the saucepan to low heat and stir until fully smooth.
- Glaze the Donuts: Set a wire rack over a baking sheet or parchment paper to catch drips. Dip the tops of each cooled donut into the glaze and place them back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set. If the glaze firms up too much for dipping, gently warm it again over low heat.
- Store and Serve: Store the glazed donuts in an airtight container at room temperature, though they are best enjoyed fresh as the glaze may soften and absorb into the donut over time.
Notes
- If you do not have a donut pan, a muffin pan can be used—just fill the batter halfway, then dip the muffin tops in glaze as directed.
- The recipe yields approximately 12 regular-sized donuts; a typical 6-donut pan requires two batches.
- For the glaze, use salted butter for best flavor.
- You can freeze the donuts unfrosted and glaze them after thawing.
- If using a mini donut pan, bake for less time to avoid overbaking.
Keywords: pumpkin donuts, brown sugar glaze, baked donuts, fall dessert, pumpkin spice, easy donuts, homemade donuts