Maple Glazed Cake Donuts

Introduction

Maple Glazed Cake Donuts are soft, moist, and bursting with warm, sweet maple flavor. Unlike traditional fried donuts, these are baked, making them a lighter yet equally indulgent treat. Each donut is coated with a shiny, sweet maple glaze that adds an irresistible finish. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack, these donuts capture the essence of comfort food with a hint of sophistication from pure maple syrup.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple, quick, and delivers bakery-quality donuts at home. The texture is tender yet slightly dense—perfect for holding the luscious maple glaze. Maple flavor is naturally rich, aromatic, and comforting, and when paired with the soft cake donut, it creates a perfect bite every time. Baking instead of frying makes these donuts less messy but just as satisfying. They are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and smell incredible while baking.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This recipe is a must-try because it transforms ordinary donuts into a flavor-packed, elegant treat. Maple adds a unique sweetness that stands out from typical vanilla or chocolate glazes. These donuts are visually appealing, easy to make, and versatile—you can enjoy them plain, dusted with sugar, or generously coated in glaze. Perfect for holidays, brunch gatherings, or a special weekend treat, they’re sure to impress friends and family.

Preparation Time & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Baking Time: 12–15 minutes
• Cooling & Glazing Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 32–35 minutes
• Servings: 8–10 donuts
• Calories: Approximately 250–280 per donut

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: American
• Course: Breakfast / Brunch / Dessert

Ingredients

For the Donuts

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Maple Glaze

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp pure maple syrup
• 1–2 tsp milk (as needed for consistency)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan.
2. Mix dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients; pour batter into donut pan.
4. Bake 12–15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Cool slightly, then dip each donut in maple glaze. Allow glaze to set.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 6–8 cavity donut pan.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and optional cinnamon.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Combine Wet & Dry: Gently fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix to ensure tender donuts.
5. Fill Donut Pan: Spoon or pipe batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
6. Bake Donuts: Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool in the pan for 3–5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly.
7. Prepare Maple Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and maple syrup. Add milk, 1 tsp at a time, until desired glaze consistency is reached.
8. Glaze Donuts: Dip the top of each warm donut into the maple glaze. Place back on wire rack to allow glaze to set (about 10 minutes).

How to Serve

Serve warm or at room temperature. These donuts pair wonderfully with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch platters, or as an afternoon treat.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use pure maple syrup for the most authentic flavor.
• Don’t overmix the batter; overmixing can make donuts dense.
• You can sprinkle crushed nuts, cinnamon sugar, or shredded coconut on the glaze before it sets for added texture.
• Cool donuts slightly before glazing to prevent the glaze from running off completely.

Variations

• Chocolate Maple Glaze: Add 1 tbsp cocoa powder to the glaze.
• Spiced Donuts: Add 1/4 tsp nutmeg or allspice to the batter.
• Maple Bacon Donuts: Sprinkle cooked crumbled bacon on top of glazed donuts.
• Vanilla Maple Glaze: Add 1/2 tsp vanilla extract to the glaze for extra aroma.

Freezing & Storage

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze baked, unglazed donuts in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and glaze before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• Donut pan
• Wire cooling rack
• Small bowl for glaze
• Spoon or piping bag for filling donut cavities

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I make these donuts without buttermilk?
A: Yes. Use 1/2 cup milk plus 1/2 tsp lemon juice or vinegar. Let sit 5 minutes before using.

Q2: Can I bake these in a muffin pan?
A: Yes, though shape will be round, and baking time may vary slightly.

Q3: Can I make these vegan?
A: Substitute egg with flax egg and use non-dairy milk and butter alternatives.

Q4: How do I make the glaze thicker or thinner?
A: Add more powdered sugar for thicker glaze, or a little more milk for a thinner glaze.

Conclusion

Maple Glazed Cake Donuts are the ultimate comfort treat, offering soft, tender cake paired with the rich, aromatic sweetness of maple syrup. They are quick to bake, easy to glaze, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. With simple ingredients, minimal equipment, and maximum flavor, these donuts are a must-try for any donut lover or maple enthusiast. Their warm, cozy flavor makes them especially delightful in the fall, but they’re irresistible any time of the year.