Maple Pecan Donuts
If autumn had a flavor, it would be maple pecan. These Maple Pecan Donuts are my family’s favorite treat—soft, fluffy donuts topped with a luscious maple glaze and a crunchy pecan topping. They’re perfect for a cozy morning with coffee or as a sweet dessert after dinner.
The best part? They’re baked, not fried, so they’re a little lighter but just as indulgent. My kids love helping with the glaze and sprinkling the pecans, making it a fun family activity. Every bite is a mix of warm, nutty flavors and buttery sweetness, and they always disappear faster than I can make them!
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: Can I make these without a donut pan?
A: Yes! You can use a muffin tin and bake them as donut “muffins.” They’ll taste just as delicious, though the shape will be different.
Q: Can I use a different nut instead of pecans?
A: Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work beautifully, or you can skip the nuts altogether if you prefer.
Q: How do I store these donuts?
A: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the fridge for up to five days. Warm them slightly before serving to enhance the flavors.
Q: Can I freeze these donuts?
A: Yes! Freeze unglazed donuts in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Thaw and glaze before serving for the best results.
Q: What if I don’t have maple extract?
A: Maple syrup works as a substitute, but the flavor may be subtler. You can also add a bit of vanilla extract to complement the maple.
What You Need to Make Maple Pecan Donuts
- For the Donuts:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Milk
- Eggs
- Unsalted butter
- Vanilla extract
- For the Maple Glaze:
- Powdered sugar
- Maple extract or syrup
- Milk
- For the Topping:
- Chopped pecans
- Optional: A pinch of cinnamon for extra warmth
How to Make Maple Pecan Donuts
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your donut pan.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together sugar, brown sugar, milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Make the Batter: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fill the Pan: Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the donuts spring back when lightly touched. Cool completely before glazing.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and maple extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk if needed.
- Decorate: Dip each donut into the glaze, then sprinkle with chopped pecans. Let set for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips for Perfect Maple Pecan Donuts
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to keep the donuts tender.
- Toast the Pecans: Lightly toasting the pecans enhances their flavor and adds extra crunch.
- Use a Piping Bag: For cleanly filling the donut pan, a piping bag (or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped) works wonders.
- Double the Glaze: If you’re a glaze lover, make extra for drizzling on top!
- Serve Fresh: These donuts are best enjoyed the day they’re made but can be stored as mentioned earlier.
Reader Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “These donuts are so soft and flavorful! The maple glaze is incredible.” – Rachel
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I made these for a brunch party, and everyone raved about them. They were gone in minutes!” – Hannah
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness. My kids loved helping me decorate them!” – Sarah
⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I didn’t have maple extract, so I used syrup, and they still turned out amazing!” – Mike
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “These donuts are dangerously good—I couldn’t stop at just one!” – Emma
Printable Recipe
Maple Pecan Donuts
Maple Pecan Donuts are soft, fluffy, baked donuts topped with a rich maple glaze and crunchy pecans. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack!
Ingredients
- For the Donuts:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Milk
- Eggs
- Unsalted butter
- Vanilla extract
- For the Maple Glaze:
- Powdered sugar
- Maple extract or syrup
- Milk
- For the Topping:
- Chopped pecans
- Optional: A pinch of cinnamon for extra warmth
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your donut pan.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together sugar, brown sugar, milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Make the Batter: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fill the Pan: Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the donuts spring back when lightly touched. Cool completely before glazing.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and maple extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk if needed.
- Decorate: Dip each donut into the glaze, then sprinkle with chopped pecans. Let set for 10 minutes before serving.
Check Out Some Of Our Other Recipes / Crafts
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
Homemade treats like these Maple Pecan Donuts bring so much joy to the table, and I hope they do the same for your family. If you loved this recipe, why not share it with your friends and family? Take a picture of your donuts, post it on social media, and tag me!
Sharing recipes is how we spread happiness, one delicious bite at a time. Let’s inspire others to bake and create memories in the kitchen. Your support means the world to me!
