As the leaves begin to change color and the air turns crisp, I find myself craving all things pumpkin. There’s nothing quite like the warm waft of spices filling the kitchen, and that’s exactly what these Baked Vegan Pumpkin Spice Donuts deliver! I stumbled upon this delightful recipe on a particularly busy morning when I wanted to celebrate fall without compromising on health. These donuts are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile, with an option for a gluten-free version that leaves everyone feeling satisfied.
Imagine biting into a fluffy, moist donut that captures the essence of autumn—sweet pumpkin, cozy spices, and a hint of vanilla—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a mid-afternoon treat. Trust me, once you try these delicious morsels, you’ll be wondering why you settled for store-bought! Grab your ingredients and let’s get baking—you’re in for a treat!
Why are Baked Vegan Pumpkin Spice Donuts irresistible?
Flavor Explosion: These donuts combine the vibrant flavors of pumpkin and warm spices, creating an aromatic experience that captures fall in every bite.
Healthy Twist: Baked instead of fried, enjoy indulgence without the guilt while savoring only 251 calories per donut!
Versatile Ingredients: Adapt the recipe easily with gluten-free options or alternative sweeteners like coconut sugar to suit your dietary needs.
Quick and Easy: In less than 30 minutes, you have a batch of fresh, fluffy donuts ready to impress family and friends.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Perfect for gatherings, these donuts will have everyone talking and coming back for more!
If you’re looking for other delightful vegan options, check out our guide to vegan brunch ideas.
Baked Vegan Pumpkin Spice Donuts Ingredients
For the Donuts
- Organic All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and texture; substitute with Gluten-Free Flour Blend for a GF version.
- Organic Cane Sugar – Adds sweetness; can be replaced with coconut sugar, agave, or pure maple syrup for a different flavor.
- Organic Pumpkin Puree – Main flavor component; use homemade or canned (not pie filling) for best results.
- Baking Powder – Leavening agent for rising; essential for fluffy donuts.
- Baking Soda – Works with baking powder to create lightness and fluffiness in the texture.
- Homemade Pumpkin Spice Blend – Adds a warm, fragrant flavor; can buy pre-made or mix spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
- Sea Salt – Enhances overall flavor profile and balances sweetness.
- Almond Milk – Acts as a liquid base; any plant-based milk works well, such as soy or oat.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Activates the ‘buttermilk’ mixture, providing the acidity needed for a tender donut.
- Vegetable Oil – Provides moisture; melted coconut oil or vegan butter can be used for a different taste.
- Vanilla Extract – Adds depth and richness to the flavor profile of the donuts.
These Baked Vegan Pumpkin Spice Donuts are sure to delight not just your palate but also your heart with their warm flavors and healthy ingredients!
How to Make Baked Vegan Pumpkin Spice Donuts
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Make Buttermilk: Combine the almond milk and apple cider vinegar in a bowl, stirring gently. Let it sit for 5-6 minutes until it thickens slightly, creating a vegan buttermilk that’s perfect for the batter.
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Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the organic all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, organic cane sugar, homemade pumpkin spice blend, and sea salt until well combined to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
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Mix Wet Ingredients: Pour in the prepared buttermilk, organic pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil into the dry mix. Stir everything together until smooth and creamy, making sure there are no lumps.
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Pipe Batter: Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a plastic Ziplock bag (with the corner snipped off). Fill each well of the donut pan about ¾ full to allow room for rising.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the donuts for 10-13 minutes. They are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, signaling a fluffy texture.
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Cool: Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before gently transferring them to a wire rack. This helps maintain their soft texture and prevents them from becoming soggy.
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Coat: Once cooled, dip each donut in melted vegan butter and then roll in a mixture of sugar and pumpkin spice for a delightful flavor finish that makes each bite irresistible.
Optional: Garnish with chopped nuts or drizzle with maple syrup for extra indulgence!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Baked Vegan Pumpkin Spice Donuts
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Piping Made Easy: Use a Ziplock bag instead of a piping bag to fill donut wells cleanly without mess.
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Cooling is Key: Ensure that the donuts cool completely before glazing to prevent the sugar and spice mixture from melting.
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Mix with Care: Avoid over-mixing the batter; gently combine ingredients to maintain a light and fluffy texture in your Baked Vegan Pumpkin Spice Donuts.
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Flour Substitution: If you opt for gluten-free, choose a high-quality gluten-free flour blend to maintain the best texture.
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Fun Variations: Experiment by adding chopped nuts or vegan chocolate chips to the batter for an extra delightful twist!
What to Serve with Baked Vegan Pumpkin Spice Donuts?
As you indulge in these warm, spiced delights, consider pairing them with other tasty treats to complete your autumn-inspired meal.
- Chai Latte: The aromatic spices in chai enhance the pumpkin flavors, creating a comforting duo perfect for chilly mornings.
- Maple Glaze: Drizzling a homemade maple glaze over the donuts adds a sweet layer, elevating their flavor to new heights.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of fall fruits like apples and pears provides a crisp contrast to the warm, soft donuts.
- Coconut Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, this creamy topping offers a delightful, dairy-free option that complements the spices beautifully.
- Hot Apple Cider: Sipping on warm apple cider brings all the cozy vibes of fall, perfectly harmonizing with the donuts’ flavors.
- Cinnamon Sugar Crust: Rolling the donuts in a mix of cinnamon and sugar gives them an extra layer of sweetness and crunch for a delightful bite.
- Nuts or Seeds: Sprinkle some roasted pecans or pumpkin seeds on top for a lovely crunch that adds texture and nutrition.
- Earl Grey Tea: The citrus notes from the bergamot in Earl Grey complement the spices beautifully, making a soothing afternoon pairing.
- Almond Milk: Pairing these donuts with a glass of smooth almond milk offers a light, creamy option that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Storage Tips for Baked Vegan Pumpkin Spice Donuts
Room Temperature: Store donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their softness and flavor.
Fridge: For longer freshness, place in the fridge; they can stay good for up to 3 days. Ensure they are in an airtight container to prevent moisture loss.
Freezer: Freeze uncoated donuts in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before coating with sugar and spice.
Reheating: Reheat in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes before enjoying your Baked Vegan Pumpkin Spice Donuts.
Make Ahead Options
These Baked Vegan Pumpkin Spice Donuts are a fantastic choice for meal prep, allowing you to indulge in deliciousness without the last-minute rush! You can mix the dry ingredients and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Additionally, prepare the buttermilk and wet ingredients (pumpkin puree, oil, vanilla) in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply combine the prepped ingredients, pipe the batter into the donut pan, and bake as directed. This way, you’ll achieve the same delightful, fluffy results with minimal effort, making mornings feel much more manageable!
Baked Vegan Pumpkin Spice Donuts Variations
Embrace your creativity and personalize these delightful donuts to cater to your taste preferences!
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Gluten-Free: Swap organic all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend; ensure it has xanthan gum for the best texture.
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Sweetener Switch: Experiment by replacing organic cane sugar with coconut sugar or pure maple syrup for a deeper flavor.
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Spiced Up: Add a dash of extra cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a more intense spice experience throughout each bite.
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Nutty Delight: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch and added nutrition.
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Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Incorporate vegan chocolate chips into the batter for a rich and decadent flavor explosion.
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Pumpkin Pie Swirl: Fold in a bit of pumpkin pie filling into the batter for a creamier texture and extra pumpkin goodness.
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Coconut Bliss: Replace almond milk with coconut milk for a hint of tropical flavor and extra creaminess.
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Warm Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter for a surprising heat that beautifully complements the sweetness.
Baked Vegan Pumpkin Spice Donuts Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! When selecting pumpkin puree, opt for organic canned puree without added sugars or seasonings. If you prefer homemade, roast fresh pumpkin until tender, scoop out the flesh, and blend until smooth for a fresh flavor.
What’s the best way to store these donuts?
You can store your Baked Vegan Pumpkin Spice Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to 3 days, ensuring they’re sealed well to maintain moisture.
Can I freeze these donuts?
Yes! To freeze uncoated donuts, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and coat with sugar and spice.
What should I do if my donuts are too dense?
Very! If your donuts turn out dense, it might be due to over-mixing the batter or using too much flour. To prevent this, mix gently just until combined and ensure you precisely measure your flour, perhaps using the spoon-and-level method to avoid packing it down.
Are these donuts safe for pets or allergic individuals?
While the ingredients in Baked Vegan Pumpkin Spice Donuts are generally safe for humans, avoid sharing them with pets due to potential sugar and spice content. If you or your guests have allergies, check for specific sensitivities, especially to nuts or gluten if using alternative flours.
Can I make substitutions for the ingredients?
Absolutely! For a gluten-free version, substitute organic all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend. For sweetening, you can replace organic cane sugar with coconut sugar or agave syrup for a different flavor profile. If you’re allergic to nuts, use oat or soy milk instead of almond milk.
Baked Vegan Pumpkin Spice Donuts You’ll Love This Fall
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine the almond milk and apple cider vinegar in a bowl, stirring gently. Let it sit for 5-6 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, pumpkin spice blend, and sea salt until well combined.
- Pour in the prepared buttermilk, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil into the dry mix. Stir until smooth.
- Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a plastic Ziplock bag and fill each well of the donut pan about ¾ full.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the donuts for 10-13 minutes.
- Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Once cooled, dip each donut in melted vegan butter and roll in a mixture of sugar and pumpkin spice.