Baked Pumpkin Orange Donuts with Maple Glaze

Author:Elizabeth
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These Easy Baked Pumpkin Orange Donuts are the ultimate fall treat, soft, fluffy, and full of warm pumpkin spice with a refreshing hint of citrus. Finished with a sweet maple frosting, they’re the perfect balance of cozy and bright. And the best part? No frying required!

Baked Pumpkin Orange Donuts with Maple Glaze

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Why You’ll Like This Recipe

  • Baked, not fried – healthier but still deliciously fluffy.
  • Fall flavors with a twist – pumpkin spice meets fresh orange for a unique flavor combo.
  • Quick bake time – ready in just 10–12 minutes.
  • Maple glaze – adds a sweet, warm finish to each bite.
  • Perfect for fall mornings – great with a cup of coffee or tea.

Ingredients & Success Tips

Donut Batter

  • Flour – gives structure to the donuts.
  • Baking powder + Baking soda – ensures a light, fluffy rise.
  • Vanilla extract – enhances flavor.
  • Salt – balances sweetness.
  • Pumpkin pie spice – brings cozy autumn flavor.
  • Oil – keeps the donuts moist.
  • Brown sugar – adds sweetness and softness.
  • Egg – binds everything together.
  • Pumpkin puree – gives moisture and pumpkin flavor.
  • Orange juice – brightens the flavor with a citrusy note.

Maple Frosting

  • Butter, melted – adds richness.
  • Powdered sugar – thickens and sweetens the glaze.
  • Maple syrup – adds that signature warm maple flavor.

Success Tips:

  • Grease your donut pan well so they release easily.
  • Don’t overmix the batter, stir until just combined for a soft texture.
  • Use a piping bag (or zip-top bag with the corner snipped) to fill the donut pan neatly.
  • Let donuts cool slightly before glazing, or the frosting will melt off.

All About Ingredients & Substitutions

  • Pumpkin puree → Butternut squash or sweet potato puree works too.
  • Brown sugar → Coconut sugar or white sugar can be swapped.
  • Oil → Vegetable oil, canola oil, or melted coconut oil all work.
  • Orange juice → Try apple cider for another fall twist.
  • Maple syrup → Honey works in the frosting, but flavor will be different.

Pumpkin desserts are the ultimate cozy treat for fall and the holiday season. Want a no-bake dessert? Try my Pumpkin Cream Pie.

Baked Pumpkin Orange Donuts with Maple Glaze
Elizabeth

Baked Pumpkin Orange Donuts with Maple Glaze

These Easy Baked Pumpkin Orange Donuts are soft, fluffy, and full of cozy fall flavor. The combination of pumpkin, warm spices, and a hint of citrus makes them extra delicious, and the sweet maple frosting on top takes them over the edge.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 10
Course: Breakfast
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • Baked Pumpkin Orange Donuts
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/4 cup oil
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1 Egg
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree not pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • Maple Glaze
  • 1 Tbsp melted butter
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 3 Tbsp maple syrup

Equipment

  • 1 donut pan
  • 2 mixing bowls
  • 1 set Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • 2 spatulas

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan.
  2. Mix dry ingredients
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
  4. Mix wet ingredients
  5. In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, brown sugar, egg, pumpkin puree, orange juice, and vanilla until smooth.
  6. Combine
  7. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir gently until just combined, do not overmix.
  8. Fill pan
  9. Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
  10. Bake
  11. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the donuts comes out clean.
  12. Cool
  13. Allow donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Let cool completely before frosting.

Variations to Add

  • Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Donuts – fold mini chocolate chips into the batter.
  • Glazed Orange Donuts – make an orange glaze instead of maple for a brighter flavor.
  • Cinnamon Sugar Donuts – skip the glaze and roll warm donuts in cinnamon sugar.
  • Pumpkin Pecan Donuts – top the frosting with chopped pecans.

See more swaps in my baking substitutions guide. Or check out my baking conversions guide if you need more help with measurements.

Storage Tips

  • Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • Refrigerator: Keeps for up to 5 days; reheat briefly in the microwave before serving.
  • Freezer: Freeze unfrosted donuts for up to 2 months; thaw and glaze before serving.

FAQ

Do I need a donut pan?

Yes, for the best shape. You can use a muffin pan, but bake time may be slightly longer.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, just make sure it’s pureed smooth and not watery.

Can I skip the frosting?

Of course! They’re still delicious plain or dusted with powdered sugar.

Why are my donuts dense?

Overmixing the batter can make them heavy, mix just until combined.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, bake the donuts a day ahead and frost just before serving.

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