Maple-Glazed Sweet Potato Donuts with Pecan Crunch

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

Lightly spiced baked sweet potato donuts are drizzled with a warm maple glaze and sprinkled with toasted pecan crunch for a cozy treat. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 33 minutes layers cooked sweet potato puree, all-purpose flour, baking powder into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 290 calories and feeds 6, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. 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: 18 min Serves 6 American cuisine 290 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 6-cavity donut pan. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, and 1/2 tsp salt.
  2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, beat 3/4 cup granulated sugar with 2 large eggs until pale and fluffy. Add 1 cup cooked sweet potato puree, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, and 1 tsp vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Spoon the batter evenly into the donut pan cavities.
  4. Step 4: Bake donuts for 15-18 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
  5. Step 5: For the glaze, warm 1/2 cup pure maple syrup and 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat until melted and combined.
  6. Step 6: Brush the warm maple glaze over the cooled donuts and immediately sprinkle 1/3 cup chopped toasted pecans on top for a crunchy finish.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Maple-Glazed Sweet Potato Donuts with Pecan Crunch take to make?

Total time is about 33 minutes (15 min prep + 18 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Maple-Glazed Sweet Potato Donuts with Pecan Crunch?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Maple-Glazed Sweet Potato Donuts with Pecan Crunch?

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 Maple-Glazed Sweet Potato Donuts with Pecan Crunch for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Maple-Glazed Sweet Potato Donuts with Pecan Crunch?

American desserts 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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