Autumn is here, and there’s nothing quite like the sweet embrace of fall flavors to brighten your day. Imagine biting into a fluffy, spiced donut that’s not only vegan but also gluten-free—perfect for sharing with family and friends or simply savoring all by yourself. After discovering a can of pumpkin puree tucked away in my pantry, I felt inspired to whip up these Baked Vegan Pumpkin Spice Donuts.
These delightful treats capture the essence of autumn with a warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin that envelops your senses. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, fitting seamlessly into your breakfast routine or serving as a guilt-free dessert anytime. With their moist, cakey texture coupled with a sweet pumpkin spice sugar coating, these donuts are bound to reinvent your idea of healthy baking. So, grab your apron—let’s dive into this delicious recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why will you love Baked Vegan Pumpkin Spice Donuts?
Simplicity at its finest: This recipe requires just a few simple steps, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
Autumn Bliss in every bite: The aromatic blend of pumpkin spice spices up your day with cozy autumn vibes.
Vegan & Gluten-Free options mean everyone can enjoy these treats, making it a crowd-pleaser at gatherings.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, these donuts fit perfectly into your busy fall schedule, brightening breakfast or brunch.
Flavor Versatility: Feel free to explore flavor alternatives; experiment with different plant-based milks or spices and savor a new twist each time!
Baked Vegan Pumpkin Spice Donuts Ingredients
Get ready to create a delightful fall treat!
For the Donuts
- Organic All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure to the donuts; substitute with Super-Fine Cake Flour for a lighter texture.
- Organic Cane Sugar – Adds sweetness; try coconut sugar or pure maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
- Pumpkin Puree (not pie filling) – The key flavor component; homemade pumpkin puree works beautifully too.
- Baking Powder – Leavens the donuts, ensuring they rise perfectly.
- Baking Soda – Provides lift alongside acidic ingredients; essential for a fluffy texture.
- Homemade Pumpkin Spice Blend – Infuses warm spice flavors; a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves works wonders.
- Sea Salt – Enhances the overall flavor of the donuts.
- Almond Milk – Acts as the liquid base; any plant-based milk can be used as a substitute.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Creates a vegan buttermilk effect with almond milk, aiding in rising.
- Vegetable Oil (organic) – Keeps donuts moist; melted coconut oil or vegan butter makes a great alternative.
- Vanilla Extract – Boosts flavor and aroma.
For the Pumpkin Spice-Sugar Coating
- Organic Cane Sugar – Adds sweetness and texture to the coating.
- Pumpkin Spice – Use store-bought or homemade to infuse that beloved autumn flavor.
- Vegan Butter (melted) – Helps the sugar coating adhere to the donuts perfectly.
Indulge in these Baked Vegan Pumpkin Spice Donuts and experience the cozy essence of fall!
How to Make Baked Vegan Pumpkin Spice Donuts
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Prepare Vegan Buttermilk: Combine almond milk and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl; let it sit for 5-6 minutes until it curdles slightly, mimicking buttermilk.
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a six-well donut pan with cooking spray or oil to ensure easy removal.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, pumpkin spice, and salt until well combined, ensuring even distribution of the leavening agents.
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Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the prepared vegan buttermilk, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps—avoid overmixing.
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Fill Donut Pan: Transfer the donut batter into a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off, and carefully fill each donut well about ¾ full to allow for rising.
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Bake: Bake the donuts in the preheated oven for 10-13 minutes or until they spring back when touched or a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
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Prepare Sugar Coating: While the donuts cool, in a small bowl, mix organic cane sugar with pumpkin spice. In another bowl, have the melted vegan butter ready for coating.
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Coat Donuts: Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, dip each one in the melted butter and then roll in the sugar-spice mixture to ensure they’re well coated. Place them on a cooling rack to set.
Optional: Drizzle with a simple vegan glaze for an extra touch of sweetness!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Baked Vegan Pumpkin Spice Donuts Variations
Customize your donuts for a unique twist or dietary needs—endless possibilities await!
- Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to cater to your gluten-sensitive friends.
- Nut-Free: Substitute almond milk with oat or coconut milk for a delightful nut-free option.
- Lower Sugar: Use ripe bananas or unsweetened applesauce instead of sugar for a healthier alternative.
- Spiced Infusion: Add a pinch of cayenne or black pepper to the pumpkin spice mix for a subtle kick.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt dark vegan chocolate and drizzle over the cooled donuts for a decadent finish.
- Fruit-Filled: Inject each donut with a spoonful of pureed fruit, such as apple or pear, for extra moisture and flavor.
- Maple Glaze: Replace the sugar coating with a light maple syrup glaze for a richer sweetness.
- Berry Bliss: Top the baked donuts with fresh berries for a refreshing contrast to the warm spices.
Embrace these ideas to transform your Baked Vegan Pumpkin Spice Donuts into something uniquely yours!
Make Ahead Options
These Baked Vegan Pumpkin Spice Donuts are fantastic for meal prep, making busy mornings or unexpected guests a breeze! You can prepare the donut batter up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix together the wet and dry ingredients and refrigerate them. To maintain their fluffy texture, avoid mixing in the pumpkin puree until you’re ready to bake. On baking day, let the batter sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes, then fill the donut pan and bake as directed. If you’re looking to make them further in advance, uncoated, baked donuts can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months; just coat them in pumpkin spice sugar before serving for the same delightful taste.
What to Serve with Baked Vegan Pumpkin Spice Donuts?
These delightful, fluffy donuts are perfect for creating a cozy autumn breakfast or an afternoon treat that all will adore.
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Hot Coffee: The rich, bold flavor of coffee beautifully complements the sweet, spiced notes of the donuts, enhancing their delightful taste.
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Chai Latte: This aromatic blend of spices mirrors the pumpkin spice theme, creating a warm and comforting beverage pairing.
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Maple Syrup Drizzle: A touch of maple syrup adds a delightful sweetness that perfectly balances the spiced donuts, elevating every bite.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: The refreshing burst of seasonal fruits like apples and pears provides a lovely contrast, brightening the dish.
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Almond Milk: Creamy and nutty, almond milk offers a dairy-free option that pairs perfectly with the cozy flavors, warming you up inside.
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Spiked Apple Cider: For an adult twist, serve these donuts with warm spiked apple cider for a festive fall experience perfect for gatherings.
Each of these pairings enhances the experience of the Baked Vegan Pumpkin Spice Donuts, making your meal even more memorable!
Expert Tips for Baked Vegan Pumpkin Spice Donuts
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Perfect Piping: Use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner cut off for easy and mess-free filling of the donut pan.
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Monitor Baking Time: Keep a close eye while baking; donuts are ready when they spring back and a toothpick comes out clean to avoid dryness.
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Flavor Variations: Don’t hesitate to experiment! Try different plant-based milks or spices to create unique versions of these Baked Vegan Pumpkin Spice Donuts.
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Proper Cooling: Allowing donuts to cool briefly in the pan helps retain moisture; transfer them to a wire rack to ensure even cooling.
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Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze uncoated donuts for longer freshness, coating just before serving.
How to Store and Freeze Baked Vegan Pumpkin Spice Donuts
Fridge: Keep leftover donuts in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain their freshness and flavor.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze uncoated donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a sealed bag for up to 3 months.
Coating Tip: Coat the thawed donuts with the pumpkin spice sugar just before serving for that delightful crunch and freshly made taste.
Reheating: To enjoy warm donuts, reheat in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
Baked Vegan Pumpkin Spice Donuts Recipe FAQs
How can I select the best pumpkin puree for my donuts?
Absolutely! Look for pumpkin puree that is pure and free from added sugars or spices. Check the label to ensure it’s labeled as “100% pumpkin” without any fillers. If you’re feeling adventurous, making your own pumpkin puree from fresh pumpkins is a delightful alternative!
What’s the best way to store leftover donuts?
Very! To keep your Baked Vegan Pumpkin Spice Donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will help retain their moisture and flavor. If you plan to enjoy them later, freezing is a great option!
Can I freeze these donuts, and how should I do it?
Definitely! To freeze your Baked Vegan Pumpkin Spice Donuts, first, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about 1-2 hours until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a resealable freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months—just coat them right before serving for the best texture.
What should I do if my donut batter is too thin?
If your batter is too thin, don’t worry! Gradually add more flour, about 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach a thicker consistency. This is particularly common when making gluten-free versions, so keep an eye on it to ensure you achieve the perfect batter for those fluffy donuts!
Are these donuts safe for pets or people with allergies?
Yes, it’s important to note that while the Baked Vegan Pumpkin Spice Donuts are vegan, they contain common allergens like almond milk. If serving to someone with allergies, please ensure the substitutes are safe for them. Also, keep your furry friends away, as ingredients like sugar and spices can be harmful to pets.
How long should I bake the donuts for optimal texture?
For the fluffiest Baked Vegan Pumpkin Spice Donuts, bake them for 10-13 minutes in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). The best way to check for doneness is to insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, you’re all set! If you’re unsure, it’s always better to check them sooner rather than later to avoid dry donuts.
Irresistible Baked Vegan Pumpkin Spice Donuts You’ll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare Vegan Buttermilk: Combine almond milk and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl; let it sit for 5-6 minutes until it curdles slightly.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a six-well donut pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, pumpkin spice, and salt until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the vegan buttermilk, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil into the dry ingredients; stir gently.
- Fill Donut Pan: Transfer the batter into a piping bag or zip-top bag and fill each donut well about ¾ full.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-13 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean; cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
- Prepare Sugar Coating: Mix organic cane sugar with pumpkin spice; have melted vegan butter ready for coating.
- Coat Donuts: Dip each donut in melted butter, then roll in the sugar-spice mixture; place on a cooling rack to set.