Candied Pumpkin Spice Donuts with Maple Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Soft baked pumpkin donuts flavored with warm spices and topped with a sweet maple glaze and crunchy candied pecans. This American-inspired Halloween recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs pumpkin puree, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 12, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 12 American cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a donut pan. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/4 tsp ground ginger, and 1/2 tsp salt.
  2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, beat 2 large eggs with 1 cup pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup buttermilk, 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir gently until just combined — do not overmix.
  4. Step 4: Spoon batter into the donut pan cavities about 3/4 full. Bake for 15-18 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool slightly.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, whisk 1/2 cup maple syrup with 1 cup powdered sugar until smooth to make the glaze.
  6. Step 6: Dip the tops of each donut into the maple glaze, then sprinkle immediately with 1/2 cup chopped candied pecans. Allow glaze to set before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Candied Pumpkin Spice Donuts with Maple Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Candied Pumpkin Spice Donuts with Maple Glaze?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pumpkin puree from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Candied Pumpkin Spice Donuts with Maple Glaze?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Candied Pumpkin Spice Donuts with Maple Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Candied Pumpkin Spice Donuts with Maple Glaze?

American halloween like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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