Oh, sweet heaven! If you love donuts and have ever wished you could enjoy that soft, pillowy goodness at home, then this Maple Donut Recipe is about to change your life. Picture this: golden-brown donuts, warm and fresh from the oven, topped with a rich, sweet maple glaze that just melts in your mouth. It’s like having a little piece of heaven with every bite.
Trust me, these donuts are perfect for a cozy weekend morning or even for a fun treat with friends and family. No deep-frying mess, no waiting in lines at a bakery—just simple, mouthwatering donuts made from scratch that will make you feel like a pro baker. Ready to get your donut game on? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Maple Donut Recipe
This recipe isn’t just about making donuts; it’s about making memories. Whether you’re preparing for a lazy Sunday brunch, treating yourself to something special, or sharing a batch with loved ones, these maple donuts will hit the spot every time. Here’s why this recipe has earned a spot in my regular rotation:
- Versatile: Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, dessert, or as an afternoon snack, these donuts are perfect for any time of day. They’re also a total hit at brunches or when you’ve got guests over. Everyone will be asking for your secret.
- Budget-Friendly: The ingredients are simple and likely already in your kitchen! No fancy items required. These maple donuts prove you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy a delicious homemade treat.
- Quick and Easy: If you’re a beginner baker or someone who’s just short on time, this recipe is for you. With straightforward steps, even the least experienced cook can pull these off without a hitch.
- Customizable: You can play around with flavors and toppings! If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon, some chopped nuts, or even a drizzle of chocolate for an extra twist.
- Crowd-Pleasing: These donuts are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! The rich maple flavor and soft, fluffy texture are sure to make anyone’s day a little brighter.

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Ingredients in Maple Donuts
Here’s the magic of these donuts: they’re made with simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand. But when combined, they create a soft, airy donut with a glaze that’s just heavenly. Let’s break it down:
Donut Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of our donuts, giving them that soft and fluffy texture.
- Sugar: A touch of sweetness that makes these donuts irresistible.
- Baking powder: Our little helper for those perfect, puffy donuts.
- Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and balances out the flavors.
- Eggs: These add structure and richness to our donuts.
- Buttermilk: For that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. It’s a game-changer!
- Butter: Rich and buttery, it helps bring that classic donut flavor.
- Vanilla extract: A dash of vanilla adds a lovely undertone to the donuts.
Maple Glaze Ingredients:
- Powdered sugar: For a smooth, sweet glaze that’s easy to spread.
- Maple syrup: The star ingredient that gives the glaze its signature flavor.
- Butter: Adds richness to the glaze and makes it shine!
- A pinch of salt: To balance out the sweetness and really bring that maple flavor forward.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Ready to make some magic in the kitchen? Let’s dive into these simple steps that will have you enjoying homemade maple donuts in no time.
Preheat Your Equipment
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that the donuts bake evenly and get that perfect golden-brown color.
Combine the Donut Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this will keep your donuts nice and light!
Prepare Your Donut Pan
Grease a donut pan with butter or cooking spray, making sure every crevice is coated. This step will ensure your donuts slide right out once they’re baked, leaving you with minimal cleanup.
Fill the Donut Pan
Spoon the donut batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about halfway. This will give your donuts plenty of room to puff up and rise beautifully.
Bake to Perfection
Pop your donut pan into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the donuts are lightly golden on top and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible!
Prepare the Maple Glaze
While the donuts are baking, let’s make the glaze. In a small saucepan, melt the butter, then stir in the maple syrup and powdered sugar until smooth. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally until everything is well-combined and the glaze is glossy and silky.
Glaze and Serve
Once the donuts are baked and slightly cooled, dip each one into the warm maple glaze, coating them generously. Let any excess glaze drip off before placing the donuts on a wire rack.
How to Serve Maple Donuts
These donuts are perfect all on their own, but if you want to take things to the next level, here are a few serving ideas:
- Pair with Coffee or Tea: These donuts are the ultimate companion for your morning coffee or afternoon tea. The rich maple flavor complements your favorite hot beverages perfectly.
- Top with Extra Maple Syrup: If you love maple (and who doesn’t?), drizzle a little extra syrup on top for an indulgent touch.
- Serve with Fresh Fruit: For a light, refreshing contrast to the sweet donuts, serve them with fresh berries or a fruit salad.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Prep Ahead: Mix your dry and wet ingredients the night before and store them separately. This will save time on the day you plan to bake.
- Storage Tips: Keep your maple donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but they still make a delicious treat the next day.
- Double the Batch: These donuts are so good, you might want to make a double batch. They freeze well too, so you can enjoy them later!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute buttermilk with regular milk?
A1: You can! Just add a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk and let it sit for a few minutes to mimic buttermilk’s tangy flavor.
Q2: Can I use a different flavor for the glaze?
A2: Absolutely! You could experiment with vanilla glaze or even chocolate for a different twist.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Q4: Can I freeze these donuts?
A4: Yes, you can freeze them! Just freeze the donuts before glazing, then thaw them out and glaze them when you’re ready to enjoy.
Q5: How do I reheat the donuts?
A5: Warm them up in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes to bring them back to life.
Q6: Can I make this recipe vegan?
A6: Yes! Substitute the eggs with a flax egg and use plant-based milk and butter for a vegan version.
Conclusion
And there you have it—a delicious batch of homemade maple donuts that are as cozy as a warm hug on a cold morning. These donuts are light, fluffy, and topped with a rich maple glaze that will make you want to have just one more. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing guests, this recipe is bound to become a favorite. So, grab your ingredients, fire up that oven, and let the maple donut magic begin. Enjoy!
PrintMaple Donut Recipe
These delicious homemade maple donuts are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, topped with a sweet maple glaze. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
-
For the Donuts:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon maple extract
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Maple Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon maple extract
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
-
Make the Donut Dough:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a separate bowl, mix milk, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and maple extract until smooth.
- Gradually combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and roll out to ½-inch thickness.
- Cut out donuts using a donut cutter or a round cutter + a small round cutter for the holes.
-
Fry the Donuts:
- Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry 2-3 donuts at a time, cooking for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
- Remove from oil and place on a wire rack lined with paper towels.
-
Make the Maple Glaze:
- In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, maple extract, and melted butter until smooth.
-
Glaze the Donuts:
- Dip the warm donuts into the glaze, letting the excess drip off.
- Place on a wire rack to allow the glaze to set.
-
Serve:
- Enjoy your fresh, warm maple donuts with a hot cup of coffee!
Notes
- Be sure to fry the donuts at the correct temperature (350°F) to get a crisp, golden exterior while keeping the inside soft and airy.
- You can adjust the sweetness of the glaze to your liking by adding more or less powdered sugar.
- Leftover donuts can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg