Delicious Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Irresistible Cream Cheese Glaze

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked goods filling your home, especially when those goods capture the essence of autumn. Imagine a treat so soft, so fragrant, and so utterly delicious that it instantly transports you to a cozy fall afternoon. These baked pumpkin donuts with a luscious cream cheese glaze are exactly that – a seasonal delight designed to elevate your morning coffee, afternoon tea, or any moment you crave a touch of sweetness.

Forget the frying mess and guilt; these baked-not-fried donuts offer all the flavor and fluffy texture you desire, with a lighter touch. Infused with warm pumpkin and a symphony of fragrant fall spices, they are surprisingly simple to make, yet yield a result that tastes incredibly gourmet. Prepare to fall in love with these wholesome, homemade treats that promise to become a staple in your autumn baking repertoire.

Embracing the Morning Sweet Tooth: A Healthier Indulgence

Many of us share a delightful little secret: a persistent morning sweet tooth. While fresh fruit and cinnamon-spiced oatmeal are wonderful, sometimes the heart truly yearns for a pillowy, sweet indulgence. That’s where these pumpkin donuts come in. They offer a fulfilling answer to that craving without the heaviness often associated with traditional fried donuts. Baking them at home means you control the ingredients, ensuring a fresher, more wholesome treat for you and your loved ones.

These donuts are a sensory experience from start to finish. The moment you mix the batter, the rich scent of pumpkin and spices begins to waft through your kitchen. As they bake, your home will be enveloped in an aroma so captivating, it rivals the best autumn candles – only this time, the delicious scent is a prelude to an even more delicious bite! Witnessing them rise to golden perfection in the oven, ready for their glorious dip into a decadent cream cheese glaze, is a pure joy.

The Magic of Fall Spices and Pumpkin Perfection

What makes these pumpkin donuts truly extraordinary is the masterful blend of autumn flavors. Real pumpkin puree provides a natural sweetness and an incredibly moist texture, while the carefully selected fall spices create an intoxicating warmth. Think cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a hint of clove – a classic combination that evokes feelings of comfort, harvest festivals, and crisp, cool air. Each bite is a harmonious dance of these flavors, perfectly balanced to delight your palate.

The beauty of homemade baking is the ability to infuse your creations with love and your own personal touch. These donuts bake up with a delicate crumb, incredibly soft and tender, ensuring they practically melt in your mouth. They are robust enough to hold their shape, yet light enough to feel like an airy cloud of autumnal goodness. This perfect texture is achieved through a thoughtful combination of ingredients and the gentle baking process.

Crafting the Irresistible Cream Cheese Glaze

While the pumpkin donuts are stars in their own right, the cream cheese glaze takes them to an entirely new level of deliciousness. This quick and easy glaze is a game-changer, transforming simple baked goods into gourmet delights. Made from just a few ingredients – softened cream cheese, vanilla extract, and Karo® Light Corn Syrup – it comes together effortlessly to create a glaze that is incredibly silky, smooth, and perfectly dip-ready.

The brilliance of Karo® Light Corn Syrup lies in its ability to add a subtle sweetness and a beautiful sheen without overpowering the other flavors. It ensures your glaze has that perfect pourable consistency, coating each donut evenly and beautifully. This versatile glaze isn’t just for donuts; it’s also fantastic on cinnamon rolls, muffins, and various other baked treats, adding a touch of creamy indulgence to anything it touches.

Once your donuts have cooled completely, the real fun begins. A swift dip into the luscious glaze coats them in a layer of sweet, tangy perfection. After dipping, allow the glaze to set for a few minutes on a wire rack before you dig in. For an extra touch of charm and festivity, consider decorating them to your heart’s content. Edible pearls, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a dusting of powdered sugar can transform these donuts into edible works of art. These little details make them perfect for gifting or impressing guests at your next brunch.

That perfectly imperfect coffee spill? Purely an accidental artistic moment, not a staged photo shoot! Sometimes the best moments are unplanned, just like sharing these delicious treats.

The Joy of Gifting and Sharing Homemade Treats

There’s a special kind of happiness that comes from baking during the cooler autumn months, and even more so when those treats are destined for friends and family. The process of churning out delicious scents from your kitchen, with cinnamon-spiced goodies puffing up in the oven, is incredibly rewarding. But the true magic unfolds when these homemade delights fill the hearts and bellies of their intended recipients. A fresh batch of these beautiful pumpkin donuts is sure to brighten anyone’s day, whether shared with neighbors, gifted to a host, or simply enjoyed with loved ones.

Baking and sharing is a wonderful way to express care and connection. These donuts, with their autumnal flavors and adorable presentation, are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a gesture of warmth and affection. Imagine the smile on someone’s face when they receive a box of these homemade treasures. It’s a simple, yet profound, way to show someone you truly care and to spread a little bit of fall cheer.

Make these donuts for a delicious beginning to any morning. They are absolutely amazing with a hot cup of tea or coffee, embodying the very essence of autumn in every bite. Their charming appearance makes them a delightful addition to any breakfast spread or dessert table. If you try this recipe, please let us know how they turn out – your feedback warms our hearts!

Soft Pumpkin Donuts with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 1/2 of an 18-ounce package (about 9 oz) spice cake mix
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup Argo® Corn Starch
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 2 Tablespoons Mazola® Corn Oil
• 1/2 teaspoon Spice Islands® Pumpkin Pie Spice
• 1 large egg

For the Glaze:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup Karo® Light Corn Syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare Donut Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 6-cup standard size donut pan with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
2. Mix Donut Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the spice cake mix, pumpkin puree, Argo® Corn Starch, light brown sugar, orange juice, Mazola® Corn Oil, Spice Islands® Pumpkin Pie Spice, and the large egg. Using an electric mixer, beat all ingredients on medium speed until they are well blended and smooth, which typically takes about 2 minutes.
3. Fill Donut Pan and Bake: Carefully pour or spoon the donut batter into the prepared donut pan cups, filling each approximately 3/4 full.
4. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown and spring back slightly when gently touched.
5. Cool the Donuts: Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, gently remove them from the pan and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before applying the glaze.
6. Prepare the Glaze: While the donuts are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Karo® Light Corn Syrup, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
7. Adjust Glaze Consistency (Optional): If you prefer a thinner glaze, you can add milk or additional orange juice in 1/2-teaspoon increments until you reach your desired consistency.
8. Glaze the Donuts: Once the donuts are completely cool, invert the tops of each donut into the prepared glaze, ensuring they are well coated.
9. Set and Enjoy: Place the glazed donuts back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set. Once set, your delicious Soft Pumpkin Donuts with Cream Cheese Glaze are ready to be enjoyed!

Did you make this recipe?

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Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Q1: Why bake these donuts instead of frying them?

Baking donuts offers several advantages. Firstly, it’s a healthier alternative, significantly reducing the fat content compared to deep-frying. Secondly, it’s much less messy and safer, eliminating the need for large quantities of hot oil. Finally, baked donuts are often incredibly soft and cake-like, providing a delightful texture that’s perfect for a wholesome breakfast or snack.

Q2: Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?

Absolutely! Homemade pumpkin puree can add an even fresher flavor to your donuts. Just ensure it’s thick and doesn’t contain excess water. If it seems too thin, you might gently simmer it to reduce moisture, or drain it in a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth for a few hours.

Q3: What if I don’t have a donut pan?

While a donut pan is ideal for achieving the classic shape, you can still enjoy these delicious flavors! You can bake the batter in a muffin tin to make pumpkin muffins, or even in a loaf pan for a pumpkin bread. The baking time will need to be adjusted accordingly (muffins typically 20-25 minutes, loaf bread longer).

Q4: Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, these pumpkin donuts can be made a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, especially once glazed. For the best freshness, glaze them closer to serving time.

Q5: How can I store leftover donuts?

Store any leftover glazed donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If your kitchen is warm, or if you prefer a firmer glaze, you can store them in the refrigerator. Bring them back to room temperature for optimal flavor and texture before serving.

Q6: Can I customize the glaze?

Definitely! While the cream cheese glaze is a fan favorite, you can get creative. A simple powdered sugar glaze (powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla) or even a maple glaze (powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk) would also be delicious. You could also add a pinch of pumpkin pie spice to the cream cheese glaze for an extra autumnal kick.

Q7: What can I serve with these pumpkin donuts?

These donuts are incredibly versatile! They pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee, a steaming mug of chai tea, or a glass of cold milk. They make an excellent addition to a fall brunch spread, a charming dessert, or a thoughtful gift. Consider serving them alongside fresh fruit for a balanced meal.

Conclusion: Your New Fall Favorite Awaits

These Soft Pumpkin Donuts with Cream Cheese Glaze are more than just a recipe; they’re an invitation to embrace the comforting spirit of autumn. With their tender, spice-infused crumb and rich, tangy glaze, they offer a delightful escape into a world of cozy flavors. Whether you’re an experienced baker or new to the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward, rewarding, and guaranteed to fill your home with warmth and your belly with happiness.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to bake a batch of pure autumnal joy. Share them with friends, savor them with family, or simply treat yourself to a moment of delicious solitude. These baked pumpkin donuts are poised to become your go-to fall treat, year after year. Don’t just imagine the deliciousness – make it a reality today!