Easy Baked Vegan Pumpkin Donuts Ready in 30 Minutes

If you’re craving the warm flavors of fall but want to skip the deep frying, these baked vegan pumpkin donuts are your perfect match. Fluffy, soft, and spiced with pumpkin pie flavors, they’re topped with an irresistible cinnamon maple glaze for a sweet finish.

Ready in just 30 minutes, they bring all the coziness of pumpkin treats without the mess or fuss. Let’s dive into making your new favorite autumn snack!

Why This Recipe Makes the Best Vegan Pumpkin Donuts

These vegan pumpkin donuts stand out because they are baked for a light, fluffy texture without the greasiness of frying. The batter is simple yet yields bakery-style donuts that puff up beautifully. Not to mention, pumpkin is incredibly nutritious, a fact supported by nutritional research.

The cinnamon maple glaze complements the warm spices and pumpkin flavor, adding a shiny, sweet finish that’s hard to resist. Plus, the recipe is approachable — everything mixes in one bowl, and you can be enjoying fresh donuts in under half an hour!

Expert Tips for Fluffy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Achieving fluffy, tender baked donuts comes down to a few key tips:

• Measure your flour carefully using a spoon and level method to avoid packing, which leads to dense donuts.
• Don’t overmix the batter; stir just until the wet and dry ingredients are combined to keep the dough tender.
• Use fresh pumpkin puree and quality pumpkin pie spice for vibrant flavor.
• Let the donuts cool slightly before glazing to ensure the coating sets without melting off.
• Test for doneness by gently pressing the donut’s surface; it should spring back without indentations.

These tips help you create bakery-quality vegan pumpkin donuts with consistent results every time.

How to Make Vegan Pumpkin Donuts Step-by-Step

Making these pumpkin donuts is straightforward:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup packed light brown sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, and ¼ teaspoon salt.
3. Add ½ cup melted vegan butter, 1 cup pumpkin puree, ½ cup oat milk, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Stir just until combined.
4. Use a piping bag or spoon to fill the donut pan cavities nearly full with batter.
5. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned and the donuts spring back when pressed.
6. While donuts cool slightly, whisk together 1½ cups powdered sugar, 4 tablespoons pure maple syrup, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 2 to 4 tablespoons oat milk for the glaze.
7. Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze, letting excess drip off. Transfer to a wire rack to set.

Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy!

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations to Try

This recipe is flexible to suit different needs and preferences:

• Flour: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to make gluten-free donuts.
• Oil: Replace melted vegan butter with applesauce or vegan yogurt for oil-free donuts.
• Milk: Use any plant-based milk like almond or soy milk instead of oat milk.
• Sweeteners: For a less refined option, try reducing the sugar slightly or replacing brown sugar with coconut sugar.
• Spices: If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, use 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground ginger, and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg.

Feel free to experiment with the glaze as well — a vanilla glaze or cinnamon sugar coating works beautifully as alternatives. If you’re in the mood for other unique sweet treats, you might also love these chewy vegan matcha cookies.

Storage, Freezing, and Make-Ahead Tips

To keep your pumpkin donuts fresh and delicious:

• Store donuts in an airtight container in a single layer to avoid smushing the glaze.
• Keep them at room temperature for 2 to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• For longer storage, freeze unglazed donuts wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag, for up to 2 months.
• Glaze the donuts after thawing for best texture.
• Warm donuts gently in the microwave before serving for a fresh-baked feel.

These tips ensure you can enjoy your donuts over several days or prep them ahead for busy mornings. For another great make-ahead breakfast, try these fluffy vegan protein pancakes.

Troubleshooting Common Donut Problems

Sometimes baked donuts can turn out gummy, dry, or the glaze can become soggy. Here’s how to fix common issues:

• Gummy texture: This usually means the donuts were underbaked. Bake a few minutes more and test with a toothpick.
• Dense or heavy donuts: Avoid overmixing the batter and measure flour properly.
• Sinking centers: Ensure your baking powder is fresh and don’t open the oven door early.
• Glaze too runny: Reduce oat milk when mixing glaze or chill glaze to thicken before dipping.
• Glaze soaking into the donut: Let donuts cool more before glazing and store in the fridge.

With these insights, your donuts will be picture-perfect every time.

Your Questions Answered About Vegan Pumpkin Donuts

Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about making and customizing these donuts:

Do I have to use a donut pan?

While a donut pan yields the best shape and texture, baking guides suggest a DIY option using a muffin tin and aluminum foil can work if you don’t have one.

Can I leave out the cinnamon maple glaze?

Yes! The donuts are tasty plain or with alternatives like vanilla glaze or cinnamon sugar coating.

Can I substitute canned pumpkin for fresh puree?

Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly as long as it’s pure pumpkin without additives.

How do I make these gluten free?

Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend; baking times may vary slightly.

Can I make these oil-free?

Replace melted vegan butter with applesauce or vegan yogurt to make the recipe oil-free. If you have other questions, feel free to reach out or check the extended FAQ on the website.

Conclusion

These easy baked vegan pumpkin donuts bring fall flavors to your table without any frying or fuss. With their fluffy texture, warm spices, and luscious cinnamon maple glaze, they’re sure to become a seasonal favorite. If you love this recipe, you’ll also enjoy our easy vegan gingerbread loaf.

Whether you customize them with substitutions or enjoy them fresh out of the oven, these donuts are a delightful treat that suits a vegan lifestyle perfectly. Give the recipe a try and savor the cozy taste of autumn anytime!