Name: Baked Maple Glazed Donuts Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/3 cup brown sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup sour cream; 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1/4 cup pure maple syrup; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 teaspoon maple extract

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 21 reviews

If you have a sweet tooth and a love for all things cozy and comforting, then you are going to adore this Baked Maple Glazed Donuts Recipe. These donuts come with a tender crumb, just enough sweetness, and that irresistible maple glaze that brings a perfect balance of rich, buttery, and subtly caramelized flavors. Unlike traditional fried donuts, baking these beauties makes them a lighter, fuss-free treat that you can whip up any morning or for an impromptu gathering. Trust me when I say, once you try this recipe, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black metal donut pan with six round cavities sits on a white marbled surface. Five cavities are filled with light brown dough, each with a hole in the middle, showing a slightly rough texture. The sixth cavity is being filled with more dough by a woman's hand holding a piping bag, squeezing the dough into the empty space. The lighting is soft and natural, highlighting the dough's grainy texture and the pan's smooth surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this recipe comes down to using simple, quality ingredients that work harmoniously to create donuts that are fluffy and flavorful. Each ingredient is chosen to add a specific texture, sweetness, or depth of flavor, ensuring your baked treats come out just right every time.

All-purpose flour: The foundation for the donuts, giving them structure and softness.
Brown sugar: Adds a subtle molasses note and moisture for a tender crumb.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
Baking powder: Gives the donuts their perfect rise and fluffiness.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and a smooth mouthfeel, used both in the dough and the glaze.
Large egg: Binds the ingredients while contributing to the donut’s softness.
Sour cream: Keeps the donuts moist and tender, with a slight tang that brightens the flavor.
Pure maple syrup: Infuses a natural sweetness and that signature maple flavor in both the batter and glaze.
Vanilla extract: Enhances and rounds out the overall flavor profile.
Powdered sugar: The key ingredient in the luscious glaze that coats each donut.
Maple extract: Amplifies the maple notes in the glaze for that perfect finishing touch.

How to Make Baked Maple Glazed Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it heats, spray your donut pan generously with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of your baked donuts later. This first little prep sets the stage for flawless donuts without any sticking or crumbling issues.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, salt, and baking powder. This blends all your dry components and helps distribute the leavening evenly for a consistent rise during baking. Setting this aside is the calm before the flavorful storm!

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine melted unsalted butter, the egg, sour cream, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Whisk these until fully combined, creating a silky smooth mixture that will infuse your donuts with moisture and rich flavor.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients just until combined. Be careful not to overmix since the dough is thick and a bit dense by nature. This step ensures a tender crumb, preventing the donuts from becoming tough or chewy.

Step 5: Fill Your Donut Pan

Transfer your thick batter into a piping bag or a gallon-sized ziplock bag with the tip cut off. Pipe the dough evenly into each section of your prepared donut pan. If you want, you can gently smooth out the tops for a polished look before placing them into the oven.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake your donuts for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This perfect bake time ensures they’re cooked through but still soft and moist on the inside.

Step 7: Cool and Prepare the Maple Glaze

Once baked, let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them onto a cooling rack to cool completely. While they cool, whisk together the glaze ingredients—melted butter, pure maple syrup, powdered sugar, and maple extract—until smooth and shiny.

Step 8: Glaze Your Donuts

When the donuts are fully cooled, dip the top half of each donut into the luscious maple glaze. Set them upright on your cooling rack so the glaze can set perfectly without pooling or making a mess.

How to Serve Baked Maple Glazed Donuts Recipe

The image shows five round donuts with a smooth, shiny light brown glaze coating each one completely. Four donuts rest on a black cooling rack in the top part of the image, while one donut is placed alone on a small round board with gray and brown marble patterns in the bottom center. The donuts have a soft texture visible through the glaze, with a hole in the middle of each one. The background is a white marbled surface, and a white cloth with thin black stripes is draped casually on the right side. The lighting highlights the glossy glaze on the donuts. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch that complements the soft texture of the donuts. Alternatively, a dash of cinnamon or a light dusting of powdered sugar can add an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Pair these sweet delights with a hot cup of coffee or a creamy latte for the perfect breakfast or afternoon snack. Fresh seasonal fruit like berries or sliced apples also offers a refreshing balance to the rich maple glaze.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, stack the donuts into a tempting tower on a rustic wooden board or place them alongside a small bowl of thick Greek yogurt drizzled with honey. You could even dip some donuts halfway into melted dark chocolate before glazing with the maple syrup for a double-layered treat that’s sure to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store your baked maple glazed donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to two days while maintaining that tender texture and delicious flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked donuts without the glaze by wrapping each one tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to a month and can be thawed overnight in the fridge when you want a quick treat.

Reheating

To enjoy your donuts warm, reheat them in a microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. If you’ve frozen them, let them thaw first to ensure even warming. Reapply glaze if desired for that fresh, glossy finish.

FAQs

Can I substitute sour cream in this recipe?

Yes! You can use plain yogurt or buttermilk as a substitute for sour cream. These alternatives will keep the donuts moist and tender, though the slight tanginess may vary.

Do I need a special donut pan to bake these?

A donut pan is highly recommended to get that perfect ring shape, but if you don’t have one, you can bake small muffins or use silicone molds to get a similar effect.

Can I use artificial maple flavor instead of pure maple syrup?

While pure maple syrup offers the best natural flavor and sweetness, artificial maple flavor can work in a pinch. Just start with less and adjust to taste to avoid an overpowering or artificial taste.

Why are my baked donuts dense or heavy?

Overmixing the batter or using too much flour can cause dense donuts. Make sure to fold ingredients gently until just combined, and measure your flour accurately by spooning it into your measuring cup and leveling off.

How long does the glaze take to set?

Typically, the glaze sets within 20-30 minutes at room temperature. You can speed up the process by placing the glazed donuts briefly in the fridge.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the warm, sweet embrace of this Baked Maple Glazed Donuts Recipe. Easy to make, delightfully comforting, and packed with rich maple flavor, these donuts make any morning feel like a celebration. I hope you enjoy baking and sharing them as much as I do!