Irresistible Vegan Baked Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze: A Sweet Treat for Any Season
Indulge your senses and transport your taste buds to a cozy autumn pumpkin patch, no matter the time of year! These incredibly easy-to-make vegan baked donuts feature the comforting flavors of pumpkin and are crowned with a luscious, heavenly maple syrup glaze. Far beyond simple and utterly delicious, these pumpkin pie-inspired donuts will have you craving them all year round, long after the last autumn leaf has fallen. Say goodbye to seasonal cravings and hello to a plant-based delight that brings warmth and joy with every bite!
Embrace the Warmth: Vegan Baked Pumpkin Donuts
Pumpkin spice is more than just a flavor; it’s a phenomenon. From creamy pumpkin spice lattes that signal the return of cooler weather to aromatic pumpkin spice candles filling homes with cozy vibes, it seems the world collectively moves with excitement when autumn arrives, bringing all things pumpkin in its wake. But why limit this universally beloved flavor to just one season? I firmly believe that this fan favorite deserves to be enjoyed continually, and my easy-to-make vegan baked pumpkin donuts offer the perfect solution. The simple addition of a rich, unctuous maple syrup glaze ensures that your taste buds will keep craving these delightful treats even when the crisp air of autumn begins to fade.
I’ve whipped up these maple-glazed wonders countless times, and I’m consistently thrilled with how quick and straightforward the process is. Many of my baking enthusiasts and followers have expressed intimidation when it comes to making donuts from scratch. Well, it’s time to cast those worries aside! Baking donuts, especially these delightful pumpkin ones, is far less daunting than you might imagine. We’re going to walk through every step, from gathering your tools and ingredients to the final glazing, so you can feel completely confident and ready to wow your friends, family, and most importantly, your own palate, with a truly mouthwatering, homemade treat.
Why Baked Donuts are a Game-Changer
When you think of donuts, deep-frying often comes to mind. While delicious, deep-fried donuts can be messy, time-consuming, and let’s face it, a little intimidating for the home baker. This recipe, however, champions the art of baked donuts. Baking offers several advantages:
- Healthier Alternative: Baked donuts absorb significantly less oil than their fried counterparts, making them a slightly lighter option.
- Less Mess: No splattering oil or difficult clean-up involved. Just mix, pipe, and bake!
- Simpler Process: There’s no need to worry about oil temperature, flipping, or achieving that perfect golden fry. The oven does most of the work for you.
- Consistent Results: Baking provides a more uniform texture and cook, ensuring every donut is perfectly done.
These vegan baked pumpkin donuts deliver all the flavor and satisfaction of traditional donuts without the fuss, making them an ideal project for bakers of all skill levels.
Other donut recipes you will love:
- Pumpkin donuts in the air fryer
- Soft yeast donuts
- Vegan baked sugar cinnamon donuts
- Fried apple fritters
Essential Tools and Wholesome Ingredients for Your Vegan Pumpkin Donuts
Before we dive into the baking magic, let’s ensure you have all the necessary baking tools ready to complete this delightful recipe with ease:
- Measuring cups and spoons: Precision is key for perfect baked goods.
- Donut tray: Essential for shaping your baked donuts. (Don’t have one? Check out our tips below!)
- Mixing bowls: At least two medium-sized bowls for dry and wet ingredients.
- Whisk: For thoroughly combining your mixtures.
- Piping bag or Ziplock bag: For neatly dispensing the batter into the donut molds.
Now, let’s move on to the star players – the yummy ingredients that will transform into your incredibly flavorful vegan pumpkin spice donuts:
For the Donuts:
- 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice (the secret to that classic fall flavor!)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder (these leavening agents give your donuts their rise!)
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness)
- 1/3 cup non-dairy milk (I used oat milk for its creamy texture, but almond or soy milk work beautifully)
- ¼ cup pumpkin puree (ensure it’s pure pumpkin, not pie filling)
- ¼ cup oil (canola oil is my go-to for its neutral flavor, but vegetable oil is a great alternative)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (this reacts with the baking soda to create a “buttermilk” effect, adding tenderness and lift)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract (enhances all the sweet and spice flavors)
For the Maple Glaze:
- 1 ½ cup confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar, for a smooth, sweet glaze)
- 2 tbsp maple syrup (authentic maple flavor, no artificial syrups here!)
- 2-3 tbsp non-dairy milk (adjust to achieve your desired glaze consistency)
- ½ tsp maple extract (optional, but highly recommended for an extra punch of maple goodness)
- Ground cinnamon (optional for topping, adds a beautiful touch)
Simple as that! Gather your ingredients, lay out your baking tools, and prepare to dive into the comforting, spiced pumpkin and rich maple goodness that these homemade vegan baked donuts will deliver. The quality of each ingredient plays a role in the final flavor, so opt for fresh pumpkin puree and good quality spices for the best results.
Expert Baking and Preparation Tips for Flawless Vegan Donuts
Achieving perfectly tender and flavorful vegan baked donuts is easy with these essential tips:
- Avoid Overbaking at All Costs: This is arguably the most crucial tip for any baked donut recipe. Baked donuts, by nature, tend to be denser than their fried counterparts. Overbaking them will dramatically dry them out, resulting in a crumbly texture and making them seem even denser and less enjoyable. Keep a close eye on them; they are usually done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the edges are lightly golden. The baking time of 14 minutes is a guide, but ovens vary, so check for doneness around the 12-minute mark.
- Properly Grease Your Donut Pan: If you don’t have non-stick spray on hand, or simply prefer an alternative, a classic oil and flour method works wonders. Lightly coat each donut cavity with a neutral oil (like the one used in the recipe), then dust with a little all-purpose flour. Tap out any excess flour. This creates a non-stick barrier that ensures your vegan baked donuts will effortlessly release from the pan without sticking, preserving their beautiful shape. This step is vital for easy removal and presentation.
- Cool Before Glazing, But Not Too Much: It’s tempting to glaze warm donuts immediately, but patience is key! Allow your donuts to cool on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes after baking. They should still be slightly warm to the touch, but not piping hot. The residual warmth helps the maple glaze adhere beautifully to the donut’s exterior, creating a smooth, even coating that sets nicely. If the donuts are too hot, the glaze will melt and run off; if they are completely cold, the glaze might not stick as well or spread as smoothly.
- Do Not Overmix the Batter: Just like with muffins or quick breads, overmixing donut batter can lead to tough, chewy results. Once the wet and dry ingredients are combined, mix only until just incorporated. A few small lumps are perfectly fine and often indicate you haven’t overmixed. Overworking the gluten in the flour can make your donuts dense and less tender.
How to Make Delicious Vegan Baked Pumpkin Donuts from Scratch
Get ready to create some magic in your kitchen with these step-by-step instructions for homemade vegan baked pumpkin donuts:
- Preheat your oven to 350-degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Prepare your donut tray by lightly spraying each cavity with non-stick spray, or by oiling and flouring them as described in our tips.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together all your dry donut ingredients: all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Ensure they are thoroughly combined to distribute the leavening agents and spices evenly.
- In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together your wet donut ingredients: pumpkin puree, oil (canola or vegetable), non-dairy milk, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well blended.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture. Using your whisk or a rubber spatula, mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps are acceptable to keep the donuts tender.
- Transfer your donut batter into a piping bag. If you don’t have one, a sturdy Ziplock bag with a small corner snipped off will work perfectly.
- Pipe the batter into each donut mold, filling them about two-thirds full. This allows room for the donuts to rise without overflowing.
- Carefully place the donut tray in the center of your preheated oven rack and bake for approximately 14 minutes, or until cooked through. You can test for doneness by gently pressing on a donut (it should spring back) or inserting a toothpick into the center (if it comes out clean, they are cooked).
- Remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack. Allow them to cool off for about 10 minutes on the rack.
- While your donuts are cooling, prepare your irresistible maple glaze. In a bowl, combine the confectioners’ sugar, maple syrup, and maple extract. Begin adding the non-dairy milk one tablespoon at a time, whisking continuously. You’ll need to determine the perfect consistency as you go; the glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but thin enough to drip smoothly off the donut. It shouldn’t be too thick or too thin, but just perfect for dipping.
- Once the donuts are slightly warm, dip the top of each donut into the prepared maple glaze. Lift and allow any excess glaze to drip off before placing them back on the cooling rack. Let the glaze set for about 15 minutes. For an extra touch of autumn flavor, you can optionally sprinkle a little ground cinnamon on top of the wet glaze.
Vegan Pumpkin Donuts with Maple Glaze: Frequently Asked Questions
Are Vegan Donuts Healthy?
People often choose a vegan lifestyle for a multitude of reasons, with health being a significant motivator for many. While it’s true that this particular recipe skillfully avoids all animal byproducts, it’s important to approach the concept of “healthy” with a balanced perspective. These delicious baked pumpkin spice and maple-glazed donuts, like most indulgent treats, still contain ingredients that provide more pleasure than profound nutritional value.
Specifically, these donuts are made with brown sugar in the batter, and the decadent glaze features both maple syrup and powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar). While natural, these ingredients are still forms of sugar, and when consumed in large amounts, they can have various negative effects on your body. This is a treat, meant to be enjoyed! That being said, savoring one or two of these delightful donuts will certainly not be detrimental to your overall health, especially when enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
This recipe does incorporate some wholesome ingredients, such as nutrient-rich pumpkin puree and calcium-fortified non-dairy milk. However, when combined with the generous amounts of sugar required for a truly delicious donut and glaze, the immediate nutritional benefits of these healthier components do not necessarily outweigh the caloric and sugar content drawbacks. To put it simply and honestly: no, vegan donuts, particularly these glazed ones, aren’t what you’d typically categorize as “healthy” in the everyday sense. But here’s the good news: you absolutely should not feel bad about enjoying one, or even two… or perhaps even three! I know I certainly did, and with good reason – they are worth every bite!
What Can I Use if I Don’t Have a Donut Pan?
No donut pan? Absolutely no problem! Unless you’re a seasoned professional baker or a dedicated donut aficionado, a specialized donut pan might not be a staple item in your kitchen. But don’t let that small detail deter you from trying this fantastic recipe. There are several creative and effective ways to work around it and still achieve delightful donut-shaped (or donut-inspired) treats:
- Muffin Tin Magic: If you don’t own a donut pan, chances are your well-equipped kitchen probably houses a muffin tin. This is a fantastic alternative! To mimic the donut shape, take small pieces of aluminum foil, roll them into logs, and then bend them into rings. Place these foil rings inside the cups of your muffin tin, creating a central hole. Pipe your donut batter around these foil rings. While they might not emerge with the perfectly smooth, symmetrical beauty of a dedicated donut pan, they will certainly be in the shape of a donut! If you’re out of tin foil, you can also roll up pieces of parchment paper and insert them into the center of the muffin tin cups to create that classic hole.
- Cookie Sheet Creativity: No muffin tin either? Fear not, a basic cookie sheet is likely within reach. Remember, these maple glazed donuts are baked, so any oven-safe flat tin can be finessed into a donut-making surface in a pinch. You have a few options here:
- Free Form: Simply pipe your donut batter directly onto a greased and floured cookie sheet, forming circles with a hole in the middle. They might spread a bit more, but they’ll still taste incredible.
- Makeshift Molds: Utilize those tin foil rings described for the muffin tin, placing them directly on the cookie sheet to hold the batter’s shape as it bakes. This helps maintain a more defined donut shape.
- Cookie Cutter Conversion: This is another clever alternative, especially useful if you have a set of round cookie cutters in a couple of different sizes.
- Two Sizes: Place a smaller round cookie cutter inside a larger one on a baking sheet. Pipe your donut batter into the space between the two cutters. Once baked, you’ll have perfectly shaped donuts.
- One Size: If you only have one size, pipe a circle of batter and then use your finger (lightly floured or oiled) or the back of a small, round icing tip to gently form a hole in the center before baking.
- Embrace Donut Holes: If all other options seem too complicated or you simply want a different kind of treat, transform these vegan baked donuts into delightful vegan baked donut holes! Instead of trying to create a hole, simply pipe or scoop the batter into small spheres directly onto a greased cookie sheet. Bake them until golden and cooked through. They’ll be just as delicious, easy to pop in your mouth, and perfect for sharing. No matter your kitchen equipment, nothing should stop you from enjoying these amazing pumpkin treats!
How Do I Store My Pumpkin Pie Donuts for Optimal Freshness?
To ensure your delicious vegan pumpkin donuts remain fresh and flavorful for as long as possible, proper storage is key. Always seal them in airtight containers. This crucial step helps the donuts maintain their tender texture, prevents them from drying out, and keeps any unwanted moisture or air from making them stale. Additionally, storing your donuts out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources is a good practice, as warmth can accelerate the drying process. Typically, when stored correctly in an airtight container at room temperature, these delightful donuts will remain wonderfully fresh for one to two days. If you wish to extend their freshness, especially if you live in a humid climate, you can refrigerate them, although this might slightly alter their texture. For longer storage, you can even freeze them (unglazed is best) and then thaw and glaze when ready to enjoy.
For the perfect taste of autumn that you can enjoy year-round, give these easy vegan baked pumpkin donuts a try. With their comforting pumpkin spice flavor and luscious maple glaze, you’ll bask in the seasonal taste without any animal byproducts. Ready to give it a whirl and fill your home with an incredible aroma? Have you already given the recipe a try? I’d love to hear about your experience! Let me know how it went in the comments below. And, as always, happy baking!
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Vegan Baked Pumpkin Spice Donuts
petro
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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Measuring cups
-
measuring spoons
-
Donut tray
-
Mixing bowls
-
whisk
-
Piping bag or Ziplock bag
Ingredients
For the donuts
- 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup non-dairy milk I used oat milk
- ¼ cup pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup oil I used canola, but you can also use vegetable
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
For the maple glaze
- 1 ½ cup confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 2-3 tbsp non-dairy milk I used oat milk
- ½ tsp maple extract
- Ground cinnamon optional for topping
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350-degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Prepare a donut tray by spraying non-stick spray, or by oiling and flouring each cavity. In a medium size bowl, whisk together all your dry donut ingredients: flour, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
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In a separate medium size bowl, whisk together your wet donut ingredients: pumpkin puree, oil, non-dairy milk, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.
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Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture and mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
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Transfer your batter into a piping bag, or a Ziplock bag with a small corner snipped off. Pipe the batter into each donut mold, filling them about 2/3 full.
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Place the donut tray in the center of your oven rack and cook for about 14 minutes, or until cooked through (a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean).
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Let the donuts cool off for about 5 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a cooling rack for another 10 minutes. While they cool slightly, start making your maple glaze by combining confectioners’ sugar, maple syrup, and maple extract in a bowl. Slowly add non-dairy milk tablespoon by tablespoon, whisking until you achieve the perfect consistency – not too thick, not too thin, just right for dipping your donuts.
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Dip the top of each slightly warm donut into the glaze and let it set for about 15 minutes on the cooling rack. Optionally, sprinkle with ground cinnamon for an extra touch.
Nutrition