Pumpkin Spice Donuts with Maple Cream Cheese Glaze
If you’re craving a warm, cozy treat that tastes like fall in every bite, these pumpkin spice donuts with maple cream cheese glaze are exactly what you need. They’re soft, perfectly spiced, and topped with a rich, sweet glaze that takes them to the next level.
Whether you’re baking for a weekend treat, holiday gathering, or just because, these donuts bring that comforting bakery-style flavor right into your kitchen.
Let’s show you how to make them perfectly every time.
Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Spice Donuts with Maple Cream Cheese Glaze
These pumpkin spice donuts with maple cream cheese glaze are the ultimate seasonal indulgence.
- Soft, moist, and full of warm spices
- Baked, not fried (easier and lighter)
- Topped with a rich maple glaze
- Perfect for fall mornings or dessert
- Easy to make at home
If you love pumpkin spice, these donuts are a must-try.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These pumpkin spice donuts with maple cream cheese glaze use simple ingredients with big flavor.
For the Donuts:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1½ teaspoons pumpkin spice
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Maple Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (to thin)
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Donuts with Maple Cream Cheese Glaze
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, sugars, eggs, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.
Step 4: Make the Batter
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix.
Step 5: Fill and Bake
Pipe or spoon the batter into the donut pan. Bake for 10–12 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool
Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a rack.
Step 7: Make the Glaze
Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add maple syrup and powdered sugar, then mix until creamy. Add milk as needed for desired consistency.
Step 8: Glaze and Serve
Dip cooled donuts into the glaze or drizzle it over the top. Let set slightly, then serve.
Tips for the Best Donuts
To make your pumpkin spice donuts with maple cream cheese glaze truly stand out:
- Use pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- Don’t overmix the batter
- Fill the pan evenly for consistent baking
- Let donuts cool before glazing
- Adjust glaze thickness to your preference
Easy Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered these pumpkin spice donuts with maple cream cheese glaze, try these ideas:
Cinnamon Sugar Version
Skip the glaze and coat donuts in cinnamon sugar.
Chocolate Drizzle
Add melted chocolate on top of the glaze.
Mini Donuts
Use a mini donut pan for bite-sized treats.
Dairy-Free Option
Use dairy-free cream cheese and milk.
What to Serve with Pumpkin Spice Donuts
These donuts pair perfectly with:
- Coffee or latte
- Hot chocolate
- Chai tea
- Apple cider
They’re great for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overbaking (leads to dry donuts)
- Overmixing batter
- Using too much flour
- Glazing warm donuts
- Making glaze too thick
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Store donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To refresh:
- Warm slightly before serving
You can also freeze unglazed donuts for up to 2 months.
FAQ: Pumpkin Spice Donuts with Maple Cream Cheese Glaze
Can I fry these instead of baking?
This recipe is designed for baking, but you can adapt it with a thicker dough.
Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?
Yes—just make sure it’s not too watery.
What if I don’t have a donut pan?
Use a muffin tin instead.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes—store it in the fridge and stir before using.
Are these very sweet?
They’re balanced, but you can adjust sugar to taste.
Final Thoughts: Make These Pumpkin Spice Donuts Today
If you want a cozy, bakery-style treat that’s easy to make at home, these pumpkin spice donuts with maple cream cheese glaze are a perfect choice.
They’re soft, flavorful, and topped with a rich glaze that makes every bite unforgettable.
Bake a batch today and bring the flavors of fall straight to your kitchen.
Pumpkin Spice Donuts with Maple Cream Cheese Glaze
Ingredients
- For the Donuts:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Dry Ingredients:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1½ teaspoons pumpkin spice
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- For the Maple Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 –2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin spice, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.
- Fill donut pan evenly with batter.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let donuts cool before removing from pan.
- Beat cream cheese until smooth, then mix in maple syrup and powdered sugar. Add milk to reach desired consistency.
- Dip or drizzle glaze over cooled donuts and let set before serving.
Notes
- Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep donuts soft.
- Allow donuts to cool before glazing.
- Adjust glaze thickness with milk as needed.
- Avoid overbaking to keep them moist.
