Easy Baked Maple Glazed Donuts with Pecans: Your Ultimate Fall Treat Recipe

Prepare to fall in love with these Baked Maple Glazed Donuts, a delightful recreation of a favorite from Dean & Deluca. These aren’t just any donuts; they’re incredibly moist, wonderfully fluffy, and infused with the perfect blend of warming spices. Each bite transports you to a cozy autumn day, especially with their luscious maple glaze and a sprinkle of crunchy pecans. What makes this recipe truly special is how simple it is: you can have these homemade baked donuts ready in just 10 minutes of prep time, making them the ideal Fall dessert, snack, or even a special breakfast treat. With only 15 common ingredients, you likely have everything you need in your pantry right now!

This cherished recipe was originally published in October 2020 and has since been updated with fresh photos, enhanced tips, and even more delicious insights to help you bake the perfect batch of maple donuts.

While there’s a certain charm to frying donuts, like these decadent brioche donuts with chocolate filling, the sheer ease and convenience of baked donuts are unparalleled. Opting for a baked method significantly reduces cleanup, eliminates the need for hot oil, and speeds up the entire process. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up a batch of these glorious maple glazed donuts, making them perfect for last-minute cravings or an impromptu gathering. No deep fryer? No problem! Just a donut pan and a few simple steps stand between you and a batch of these heavenly treats.

Why You’ll Love These Baked Maple Glazed Donuts

• Irresistible Flavor Profile: These maple glazed donuts are crafted with a delightful blend of warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, infusing every bite with autumnal comfort. Crucially, a significant portion of the sugar is replaced with pure maple syrup, creating a deeper, more complex sweetness that artificial flavorings simply can’t replicate. The result is a donut that truly tastes like fall.
• Generous Yield for Sharing (or Not!): This recipe is designed to make a hearty batch of 18 donuts. This means you’ll have plenty to share with family and friends, bring to a potluck, or keep stashed away for multiple days of delightful snacking. While it requires refilling your donut pan a few times, the quick baking time for each batch ensures the process is still incredibly efficient and enjoyable.
• Simple Yet Stunning Glaze: Each donut is generously dipped in a velvety, simple maple glaze, which sets beautifully and adds another layer of sweet, authentic maple flavor. For an extra touch of texture and decadence, they are then sprinkled with finely chopped pecans and, for a unique twist, mini stroopwafel pieces – a nod to cozy coffee breaks.
• Quick & Easy Prep: Forget complicated recipes that take hours. These baked donuts require minimal effort, with only about 10 minutes of active prep time. They’re perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros looking for a fuss-free treat.
• Healthier Alternative: By baking instead of frying, you get to enjoy a lighter version of your favorite donut without sacrificing flavor or texture. They are still rich and satisfying, but without the added oil from deep-frying.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Maple Glazed Donuts

Crafting truly exceptional maple glazed donuts starts with selecting the right ingredients. Here’s a closer look at some key components:

• Real Maple Syrup: This is arguably the star of the show! For both the donut batter and the glaze, be sure to use pure, real maple syrup. Avoid imitation syrups or pancake syrups, as they lack the deep, nuanced flavor and natural sweetness that makes all the difference in these donuts. The quality of your maple syrup directly impacts the final taste and texture, giving these donuts their signature autumn flavor.
• Buttermilk: I swear by buttermilk for achieving an unbelievably moist and tender crumb in my baked goods. Its acidity reacts with the leavening agents (baking soda and baking powder), creating a light and airy texture. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily create a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a measuring cup, then filling the rest with regular milk to make 180 ml. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it slightly curdles before using. Alternatively, you can replace it with sour cream for a similar moistness, though the flavor might be slightly richer.
• Pecans: Chopped pecans add a fantastic crunch and nutty flavor that complements the maple glaze perfectly. They provide a wonderful textural contrast to the soft donuts. Feel free to substitute with a different nut, such as walnuts or almonds, if you prefer. If you have nut allergies or simply prefer them plain, you can leave them out altogether – the donuts will still be delicious!
• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our donut batter. Ensure it’s fresh for the best results.
• Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar adds additional moisture and a subtle caramel note that enhances the maple flavor.
• Spices (Cinnamon & Nutmeg): These classic Fall spices are essential for that cozy, warming aroma and taste. Freshly grated nutmeg makes a noticeable difference.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Our leavening agents, working with the buttermilk to create a light and fluffy donut.
• Kosher Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors of the other ingredients.
• Unsalted Butter: Melted butter adds richness and moisture. Using unsalted allows you to control the overall salt content.
• Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the donut batter. Ensure they are at room temperature for better emulsion with other ingredients.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla always enhances sweet baked goods.
• Confectioners’ Sugar: The base for our smooth, pourable maple glaze.
• Milk (for glaze): Just a small amount helps achieve the perfect consistency for the glaze.
• Stroopwafels (optional): For a truly unique and delightful topping, chopped mini stroopwafels add a caramel-like sweetness and delightful chewiness.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make These Baked Maple Glazed Donuts

Creating these delectable maple donuts is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these simple steps for a perfect batch every time:

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine all your dry ingredients: flour, light brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Use a whisk to thoroughly blend them together, ensuring there are no lumps and that the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed. This ensures a consistent rise and flavor throughout your donuts.

Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients. In a separate jug or medium bowl, whisk together your wet ingredients: eggs, buttermilk, real maple syrup, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until all these components are well combined and smooth. Having all wet ingredients at room temperature helps them incorporate more easily and creates a smoother batter.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold the two mixtures together until just combined. The key here is to avoid overmixing. A few small lumps are perfectly fine; overmixing can lead to tough donuts. Ensure there are no visible pockets of dry flour remaining.

Step 4: Fill Donut Pan and Bake. For easy and clean filling, transfer your donut batter into a piping bag or a large Ziploc bag with one corner snipped off. Pipe the batter evenly into your greased donut pan, filling each cavity approximately three-quarters full. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 9-10 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown and spring back when lightly touched. Since this recipe yields 18 donuts, you’ll likely bake in batches using a standard 6-cavity pan. Allow the first batch to cool slightly before carefully removing them and re-greasing the pan for the next batch.

Step 5: Prepare the Maple Glaze. While your baked donuts are cooling on a wire rack, prepare the irresistible maple glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together all the glaze ingredients: confectioners’ sugar, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix until the glaze is completely smooth and free of lumps. If the glaze appears too thick, add a tiny bit more milk (half a teaspoon at a time) until it reaches your desired consistency – thick enough to coat, but thin enough to drip. If it’s too runny, add a little more confectioners’ sugar.

Step 6: Glaze and Garnish. Once the donuts are completely cooled (this is crucial for the glaze to adhere properly!), dip each donut into the prepared maple glaze. Allow any excess glaze to drip off, then immediately sprinkle generously with chopped pecans and, if using, chopped mini stroopwafels. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving. The combination of the warm, spiced donut, the sweet maple glaze, and the crunchy toppings is truly divine.

Expert Recipe Tips for Flawless Baked Donuts:

• Precision is Key: For consistent and accurate results in baking, I highly recommend using a weighing scale and measuring out your ingredients using the metric system. This method is far more precise than volumetric measurements (cups) and will make a huge difference in the outcome of your baked goods, ensuring perfect texture and consistency every time.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Always ensure that all of your ingredients are at room temperature before you begin mixing. This allows them to combine more smoothly and evenly, creating a uniform batter and a better final product. Take your eggs, buttermilk, and butter out of the fridge at least 30 minutes to an hour before you plan to start baking.
• Thoroughly Grease Your Pan: To prevent any donut bits from sticking and to ensure easy removal, use a pastry brush to properly grease every donut cavity in your pan. Pay attention to all the nooks and crannies. A light dusting of flour after greasing can also add an extra layer of non-stick protection.
• Easy Batter Transfer: For a neater and more efficient way to fill your donut pan, use a piping bag or a Ziploc bag with one corner snipped off. This gives you much more control than spooning the batter, which can be messier and lead to uneven donuts.
• Cool Completely Before Glazing: This tip is critical! Make sure your donuts are completely cool before you dip them into the glaze. If the donuts are warm, the glaze will melt and simply slide off, resulting in a soggy mess rather than a beautiful, set coating. Patience here pays off!
• Adjust Glaze Consistency: The perfect glaze should be thick enough to coat the donut but thin enough to drip slightly. If your glaze is too thick, add milk a teaspoon at a time until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, gradually whisk in more confectioners’ sugar.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix only until just incorporated. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a tougher, chewier donut rather than a soft, fluffy one.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Maple Glazed Donuts

More Irresistible Fall Recipes to Try:

If you love the warm, cozy flavors of fall, be sure to explore these other delightful recipes:

Have you made this incredibly delicious baked maple glazed donut recipe? If so, I’d absolutely love to see your creations! Make sure to tag me on Instagram @alpineella and leave a star rating and review below to share your experience. Your feedback helps other bakers! For more delightful baking ideas and inspiration, you can also follow me on Pinterest. Happy baking!

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