Indulge in the delightful combination of warm spices and sweet maple glaze with these homemade donuts. Perfect for a cozy morning treat or an afternoon snack, these donuts are baked to perfection and topped with a luscious maple icing that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
When preparing this recipe, you may need to purchase maple extract and pure maple syrup, which might not be staples in every kitchen. These ingredients are essential for achieving the rich maple flavor in the icing. Additionally, make sure you have ground cloves on hand, as they add a distinctive warmth to the spice mix.
Ingredients For Maple Glazed Spice Donuts
All purpose flour: The base of the donuts providing structure and texture.
Baking powder: Helps the donuts rise and become fluffy.
Baking soda: Works with the baking powder for leavening.
Ground cinnamon: Adds warm, sweet spice to the donuts.
Ground nutmeg: Contributes a subtle nutty flavor.
Ground cloves: Adds a deep, aromatic spice.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the spices and sweeteners.
Unsalted butter: Provides moisture and rich flavor.
Egg: Adds structure and stability to the batter.
Light brown sugar: Sweetens the donuts and adds a hint of molasses.
Milk: Adds moisture and helps form the batter.
Yogurt: Adds tanginess and keeps the donuts moist.
Pure vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet, aromatic note.
Pure maple syrup: The star ingredient for the icing, giving it a natural maple sweetness.
Confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens and thickens the maple icing.
Maple extract: Intensifies the maple flavor in the icing.
Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness in the icing.
One reader, Alfreda Dugas says:
These maple glazed donuts are a delight! The spices blend perfectly, and the maple icing adds a heavenly touch. Easy to make and absolutely delicious, they were a hit with my family. Will definitely bake again!
Techniques Required for Making Maple Glazed Donuts
How to use a donut pan: Spray the donut pan with non-stick spray to ensure the donuts do not stick to the pan. How to whisk dry ingredients: Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt together in a large bowl until evenly mixed. How to whisk wet ingredients: Mix the melted butter, egg, brown sugar, milk, yogurt, and vanilla together until fully combined. How to pipe batter: Use a zipped-top bag with a corner cut off to pipe the batter into each donut cup, filling about halfway. How to check doneness: Gently poke a donut with a finger; if it bounces back, the donuts are done. How to make icing: Melt butter and maple syrup together in a saucepan, then whisk in sifted confectioners’ sugar and maple extract. How to dip donuts: Dip each donut into the icing and place back onto the cooling rack to let excess icing drip down.
How To Make Maple Glazed Donuts
Nothing beats the classic delectable glazed donuts! Try these baked treats made with spiced dough and finished with maple-flavored glaze.
Serves:
Ingredients
For the Spice Donuts:
- 1cupall purpose flour,spoon and leveled
- 1tspbaking powder
- ¼tspbaking soda
- 1tspground cinnamon
- ¼tspground nutmeg
- ¼tspground cloves
- ¼tspsalt
- 2tbspunsalted butter,melted and slightly cooled
- 1large egg,at room temperature
- ⅓cuplight brown sugar,packed
- ¼cupmilk,at room temperature
- ¼cupyogurt,or sour cream, at room temperature
- 1tsppure vanilla extract
For the Maple Icing:
- 2tbspunsalted butter
- ⅓cuppure maple syrup
- 1cupconfectioners’ sugar,sifted
- ¼tspmaple extract,optional, but recommended
- pinch of salt,to taste
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray donut pan with non-stick spray. Set aside.
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Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt together in a large bowl. Set aside.
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Whisk the melted butter, egg, brown sugar, milk, yogurt, and vanilla together until completely combined.
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Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined. Do not overmix. The batter will be thick.
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Spoon the batter into the donut cavities or use a zipped-top bag. Cut a corner off the bottom of the bag and pipe the batter into each donut cup, filling about halfway.
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If using only 1 donut pan that bakes less than 8 donuts, keep the remaining batter in the bowl at room temperature until ready for the next batch.
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Bake for 10 to 11 minutes or until the edges and tops are lightly browned. Gently poke a donut with a finger. If it bounces back, the donuts are done.
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Allow donuts to cool for a few minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack set on a large piece of parchment paper. Bake the remaining donut batter. Once baked, transfer to the wire rack.
Icing:
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In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and maple syrup together, whisking occasionally. Once the butter has melted, remove from heat and whisk in the sifted confectioners’ sugar and maple extract. Taste. Add a pinch of salt if desired.
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Cool for 2 to 3 minutes, then dip each donut into the icing. As the icing quickly thickens, it can be placed back over heat while dipping.
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Place dipped donuts back onto the cooling rack as excess icing drips down. Feel free to double dip them.
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Donuts are best served immediately. Leftovers keep well covered tightly at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 2 days.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
- Calories: 244.62kcal
- Fat: 7.05g
- Saturated Fat: 4.19g
- Trans Fat: 0.24g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.87g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.43g
- Carbohydrates: 42.93g
- Fiber: 0.63g
- Sugar: 29.36g
- Protein: 3.00g
- Cholesterol: 40.27mg
- Sodium: 186.33mg
- Calcium: 90.23mg
- Potassium: 88.27mg
- Iron: 1.01mg
- Vitamin A: 64.20µg
- Vitamin C: 0.05mg
Technique Tip for Perfecting Maple Glazed Donuts
When preparing the batter for the donuts, ensure that you do not overmix. Overmixing can lead to dense and tough donuts. The batter should be thick but smooth, and mixing just until the ingredients are combined will help achieve a light and fluffy texture.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Maple Glazed Donuts
Prepare ingredients ahead: Measure and mix all dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately the night before to save time.
Use a piping bag: Fill a piping bag with the donut batter for quick and mess-free filling of the donut pan.
Double the batch: Bake a double batch of donuts and freeze the extras for a quick treat later.
Quick cooling: Place baked donuts on a wire rack immediately to cool faster and be ready for icing.
Simplify icing: Prepare the maple icing while the donuts are baking to streamline the process.
Substitute Ingredients For Maple Glazed Donuts Recipe
all purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and more fiber, though it may make the donuts denser.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Use 1/4 tsp baking soda and 1/2 tsp cream of tartar to replace 1 tsp baking powder.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Use 1 tsp baking powder for every 1/4 tsp baking soda, but it may slightly alter the texture.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice contains cinnamon along with other spices, adding a more complex flavor.
ground nutmeg - Substitute with allspice: Allspice has a similar warm flavor profile and can be used in equal amounts.
ground cloves - Substitute with ground allspice: Allspice has a similar flavor and can be used in equal amounts.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same amount and may add a slightly different mineral taste.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a similar fat content and a subtle coconut flavor.
large egg - Substitute with flax egg: Mix 1 tbsp ground flaxseed with 3 tbsp water to replace one egg, making it vegan-friendly.
light brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a similar sweetness and a slight caramel flavor.
milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that works well in baking.
yogurt - Substitute with sour cream: Sour cream provides a similar tangy flavor and moisture content.
pure vanilla extract - Substitute with vanilla bean paste: Vanilla bean paste has a more intense flavor and can be used in the same amount.
pure maple syrup - Substitute with honey: Honey has a similar sweetness and viscosity, though it will impart a different flavor.
confectioners’ sugar - Substitute with granulated sugar blended into powder: Blend granulated sugar in a blender until it becomes a fine powder.
maple extract - Substitute with vanilla extract: Vanilla extract provides a different but complementary flavor.
pinch of salt - Substitute with pinch of sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same amount and may add a slightly different mineral taste.
Presentation Ideas for Maple Glazed Donuts
Serve smaller portion sizes: Present the maple glazed donuts in a refined manner by serving smaller, bite-sized portions. Use a mini donut pan to create elegant, petite donuts that are easy to eat and visually appealing.
Use decoration: Garnish the donuts with a light dusting of confectioners’ sugar and a sprinkle of finely chopped candied pecans. This adds texture and a touch of sophistication.
Plate with elegance: Arrange the donuts on a sleek, white porcelain plate. Place a few maple leaves or a drizzle of maple syrup artistically around the plate to enhance the presentation.
Add a complementary element: Serve the donuts with a small side of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. This provides a contrast in temperature and texture, elevating the overall experience.
Incorporate height: Stack a few donuts in a pyramid shape to create visual interest and height on the plate. This adds a dynamic element to the presentation.
Use high-quality ingredients: Emphasize the use of pure maple syrup and fresh spices in the recipe. Highlighting the quality of ingredients used can impress culinary professionals.
Highlight the glaze: Ensure the maple icing is smooth and glossy. Double dip the donuts if necessary to achieve a perfect, even coating that catches the light beautifully.
Create a theme: Incorporate elements that reflect the maple and spice theme. Use a wooden serving board or a rustic presentation style to complement the flavors and ingredients used in the recipe.
Essential Tools for Making Maple Glazed Donuts
Oven: Used to bake the donuts at a consistent temperature of 350 degrees F.
Donut pan: Essential for shaping the batter into donut forms.
Non-stick spray: Prevents the donuts from sticking to the pan.
Large bowl: Used to mix the dry ingredients together.
Whisk: Helps in thoroughly combining the ingredients without overmixing.
Small saucepan: Used to melt the butter and maple syrup for the icing.
Wire rack: Allows the donuts to cool evenly and lets excess icing drip off.
Parchment paper: Placed under the wire rack to catch any dripping icing.
Zipped-top bag: Used as a makeshift piping bag to fill the donut cavities.
Measuring cups: Ensures accurate measurement of both dry and wet ingredients.
Measuring spoons: Used for precise measurement of smaller quantities like baking powder and spices.
Mixing bowl: Used to combine the wet ingredients.
Sifter: Helps to sift the confectioners’ sugar for a smooth icing.
Spatula: Useful for scraping down the sides of the bowls to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
Storing and Freezing Maple Glazed Donuts
Allow the maple glaze to set completely before storing the donuts. This will prevent the glaze from sticking to the packaging and maintain the appearance of the donuts.
Store the maple glazed donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent the donuts from drying out or absorbing any unwanted odors.
If you prefer a slightly firmer texture, you can store the donuts in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. However, keep in mind that refrigeration may cause the glaze to become sticky and the donuts to lose some of their softness.
To freeze the maple glazed donuts, first allow them to cool completely and the glaze to set. Place the donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, about 2 hours.
Once frozen, transfer the donuts to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent the donuts from sticking together. Label the container with the date and store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
To thaw frozen maple glazed donuts, remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to 1 hour. If desired, you can refresh the glaze by warming the donuts in the microwave for a few seconds or by dipping them in a fresh batch of maple glaze.
For the best taste and texture, it's recommended to consume the donuts within a day or two of thawing. Avoid refreezing previously frozen donuts, as this may affect their quality and freshness.
How To Reheat Leftover Maple Glazed Donuts
To reheat leftover maple glazed donuts, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and heat them for 5-7 minutes, or until they are warmed through and the glaze has softened. This method will help restore the donuts' texture and flavor, making them taste almost as fresh as when they were first baked.
Another option is to use a microwave. Place the donuts on a microwave-safe plate and heat them on high power for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat them, as this can cause the glaze to melt and the donuts to become soggy. If the donuts are not warm enough after the first interval, heat them in 5-second increments until they reach the desired temperature.
For a crispy exterior, you can also reheat the maple glazed donuts in an air fryer. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the donuts in the basket, ensuring they are not touching each other. Heat the donuts for 2-3 minutes, or until they are warmed through and the glaze has melted slightly. This method will help restore the donuts' crispy texture while maintaining their soft interior.
If you want to add a fresh touch to your leftover donuts, consider brushing them with a little melted butter and sprinkling them with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar before reheating them in the oven or air fryer. This will give them a delightful cinnamon-sugar crust and enhance their overall flavor.
Lastly, if you find yourself with stale maple glazed donuts, you can repurpose them into a delicious bread pudding. Cut the donuts into bite-sized pieces and place them in a greased baking dish. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Pour this mixture over the donut pieces and let it sit for 15-20 minutes, allowing the donuts to absorb the liquid. Bake the bread pudding at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until it is set and golden brown on top. Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Random Fact About Maple Glazed Donuts
A fun fact about this maple glazed donuts recipe is that the combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in the spice donuts creates a warm, aromatic flavor profile that pairs perfectly with the sweet, rich maple icing.
Is Making Maple Glazed Donuts at Home Cost-Effective?
When analyzing the cost-effectiveness of this maple glazed donuts recipe, it's clear that the ingredients are quite affordable and commonly found in most households. The use of all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and milk keeps costs low. Specialty items like pure maple syrup and maple extract might be a bit pricier, but they are used in small quantities. Overall, this recipe scores a solid 8 out of 10 for cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$12, making it a budget-friendly treat.
Are Maple Glazed Donuts Healthy or Unhealthy?
This maple glazed donuts recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main concerns are:
- High sugar content from the brown sugar in the donuts and the confectioners' sugar and maple syrup in the glaze
- Use of refined all-purpose flour, which lacks fiber and nutrients
- Presence of saturated fat from the butter
- Deep frying the donuts, which adds extra fat and calories
However, the recipe does include some healthier ingredients like yogurt and spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, which offer small amounts of nutrients and antioxidants.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour or almond flour for added fiber and nutrients
- Reduce the amount of brown sugar in the donut batter and the confectioners' sugar in the glaze
- Substitute the butter with healthier fats like coconut oil or mashed avocado
- Bake the donuts instead of frying them to reduce the fat content
- Add finely grated carrots or zucchini to the batter for extra moisture and nutrients
- Top the donuts with chopped nuts or seeds for a crunchy texture and healthy fats
By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced treat that still satisfies your sweet tooth while providing some nutritional benefits.
Editor's Thoughts on This Delightful Donut Recipe
This maple glazed donut recipe is a delightful blend of warm spices and rich maple flavor. The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in the donut batter creates a cozy, aromatic base, while the maple icing adds a sweet, indulgent finish. The use of yogurt and milk ensures a tender, moist texture. The method is straightforward, making it accessible for home bakers. Overall, this recipe promises a satisfying treat that balances sweetness and spice perfectly.
Enhance Your Maple Glazed Donuts Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Maple Glazed Donuts Recipe:
This maple glazed donuts recipe is a must-try for any baking enthusiast. The combination of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves creates a warm, comforting flavor. The maple icing adds a perfect touch of sweetness, making these donuts irresistible. With clear instructions and common ingredients, this recipe is both accessible and reliable. Trust in the balance of flavors and the simplicity of the process to deliver delicious results every time.
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