Vegan Pumpkin Donuts Recipe

If you’re craving something cozy, sweet, and absolutely delightful, these Vegan Pumpkin Donuts will steal your heart from the very first bite. Soft and fluffy with just the right hint of autumn spices, these donuts capture the warm essence of pumpkin pie perfectly, all while keeping things 100% plant-based. Whether you’re celebrating fall or just want a sweet treat that feels like a comforting hug, these donuts are astonishingly simple to whip up and impossible to resist.

Vegan Pumpkin Donuts Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe is essential, creating a delicate symphony of flavors and textures. From the sturdy all-purpose flour to the warm pumpkin pie spice, each plays a distinct role in making your Vegan Pumpkin Donuts soft, flavorful, and utterly crave-worthy.

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives the donuts their tender yet sturdy structure.
  • 1 cup light brown sugar (packed): Adds deep sweetness and a subtle molasses note that complements the pumpkin beautifully.
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder: The magic ingredient that helps the donuts rise nice and fluffy.
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice: Infuses the donuts with cozy autumnal warmth and depth.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweetness and brings all flavors into balance.
  • 1/2 cup melted vegan butter: Adds richness and a buttery texture without any dairy.
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree: The star of the show—moisture, color, and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor.
  • 1/2 cup oat milk: Keeps the batter smooth and light while maintaining vegan integrity.
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Adds a sweet, aromatic lift that brightens every bite.
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar: For making the luscious maple glaze that perfectly coats each donut.
  • 4 tablespoons pure maple syrup: Natural sweetness with a distinctive flavor that pairs perfectly with pumpkin.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings a warm spice note to the glaze, complementing the donut’s spices.
  • 2-4 tablespoons oat milk: Used to thin the glaze to your preferred drizzle or dip consistency.

How to Make Vegan Pumpkin Donuts

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While waiting, spray your donut pan generously with a non-stick spray to ensure your donuts come out clean and perfectly shaped. This simple step is key to achieving that classic donut silhouette and easy release.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Taking a moment to thoroughly mix these dry ingredients ensures even distribution of leavening and spice, which leads to perfectly textured and flavorful donuts.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Next, pour in the melted vegan butter, pumpkin puree, oat milk, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together with a sturdy spoon until just combined—the batter should be smooth but not overworked to keep the donuts tender and moist.

Step 4: Fill the Donut Pan

Spoon the batter into each cavity of your prepared donut pan, filling them right up to the top for a nicely domed shape. If you want a tidier job, a piping bag works wonders here—less mess and beautifully uniform donuts every time.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges turn lightly browned and a gentle press makes the donuts spring back. Keep an eye on them as baking times can vary slightly depending on your particular pan.

Step 6: Whip Up the Maple Glaze

While the donuts are baking, make the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, and oat milk in a bowl. Start with less oat milk and add slowly until you achieve a glaze consistency close to runny corn syrup. This glaze will coat your donuts with just the right amount of sweet, cinnamon-maple goodness.

Step 7: Dip and Set

Once the donuts are slightly cooled but still warm, dip them into your maple glaze, allowing the excess to drip back into the bowl before placing them on a wire rack. Either enjoy immediately for a sticky, luscious treat or let the glaze set for about 15 minutes for a more polished finish.

How to Serve Vegan Pumpkin Donuts

Vegan Pumpkin Donuts Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

For an extra pop of flavor and visual appeal, sprinkle your glazed Vegan Pumpkin Donuts with a dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg. Toasted pumpkin seeds or chopped pecans add delightful crunch and nutty richness that pairs beautifully with the tender dough and sweet glaze.

Side Dishes

Pairing your donuts with a steaming cup of spiced chai tea or rich dark coffee makes for the perfect cozy breakfast or afternoon snack. For a brunch spread, consider fresh fruit or dairy-free yogurt to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Vegan Pumpkin Donuts on a rustic wooden board with fall leaves or mini pumpkins for a charming autumn display. You could even stack a few to create a donut tower centerpiece that’s both festive and deliciously tempting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Vegan Pumpkin Donuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days without losing their moist and tender texture. Beyond that, the glaze might begin to soften or the donuts may dry out.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to two months—just make sure to thaw them at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

Warm your thawed or room-temperature donuts in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 7 minutes to revive their soft texture and melt the glaze slightly. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make them gummy or dry.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for these Vegan Pumpkin Donuts?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and is actually very convenient. Just make sure it’s plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.

What if I don’t have a donut pan?

No worries—this batter can be baked in muffin tins or even shaped by hand and baked on a baking sheet, though the classic donut shape and thickness might vary slightly.

Can I substitute the oat milk with another plant milk?

Yes! Almond, soy, or cashew milk all work just as well. The key is to use an unsweetened and unflavored variety to avoid altering the donut’s flavor.

How can I make these Vegan Pumpkin Donuts gluten-free?

Try using a well-balanced gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour, but note that texture may be slightly different. Adding a teaspoon of xanthan gum can help provide structure.

Can I bake these donuts without the glaze?

You definitely can, and they will still be delicious! The glaze adds a sweet finish and moisture, but plain pumpkin donuts are tasty on their own or with a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Final Thoughts

Making these Vegan Pumpkin Donuts is like inviting the flavors of fall straight into your kitchen, no matter the season. They’re wonderfully simple, utterly satisfying, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether you’re serving friends, family, or treating yourself. Go on—give them a try and watch these warm, tender, and flavorful donuts become one of your new favorite vegan treats!

Print

Vegan Pumpkin Donuts Recipe

Delight in these moist and flavorful Vegan Pumpkin Donuts, perfectly spiced and topped with a sweet maple glaze. Made without any animal products, these donuts combine pumpkin puree, warm pumpkin pie spices, and a smooth maple glaze for a wholesome treat that’s perfect for fall or any time you crave a cozy snack.

  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 12 donuts 1x
  • Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup melted vegan butter
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup oat milk
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Maple Glaze

  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 4 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 24 tablespoons oat milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously spray a donut pan with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, light brown sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until combined and evenly distributed.
  3. Add wet ingredients: Pour in the melted vegan butter, pumpkin puree, oat milk, and vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly with a large spoon until the batter is smooth and everything is well incorporated.
  4. Fill the donut pan: Spoon the batter into each cavity of the donut pan, filling them to the top. For a cleaner process, you can use a piping bag to fill the molds.
  5. Bake the donuts: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The donuts are ready when they are lightly browned on the edges and spring back when touched. Baking time may vary based on your donut pan size.
  6. Prepare the maple glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons of oat milk. If the glaze is too thick, add oat milk one teaspoon at a time until it reaches a runny consistency similar to corn syrup.
  7. Glaze the donuts: Once the donuts are slightly cooled, dip each one into the glaze, ensuring a good coating. Place them on a wire rack over parchment paper to catch excess glaze. Enjoy immediately or let the glaze set for about 15 minutes for a firmer finish.

Notes

  • You can substitute oat milk with any other plant-based milk like almond or soy milk.
  • If you prefer a thicker glaze, reduce the amount of oat milk added.
  • For a spicier kick, increase pumpkin pie spice to 2 teaspoons.
  • Donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • Use canned pumpkin puree for convenience and consistent texture.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 donut
  • Calories: 190
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 140mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: vegan pumpkin donuts, pumpkin spice donuts, maple glazed donuts, vegan baking, fall desserts, plant-based donuts

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