Baked Vegan Pumpkin Spice Donuts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These donuts are baked, not fried, making them a healthier option while still being indulgent. They’re packed with real pumpkin puree and warming spices, making them the perfect fall breakfast, snack, or dessert. Plus, they come together quickly with simple ingredients and fill your kitchen with the best pumpkin spice aroma.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

PUMPKIN DONUTS:

• 1 ½ cups organic all-purpose flour
• ½ cup organic cane sugar
• ¾ cup organic pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon homemade pumpkin spice blend
• ⅛ teaspoon sea salt
• ⅓–½ cup almond milk (or other plant-based milk)
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 3 tablespoons organic vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

PUMPKIN SPICE-SUGAR COATING:

• 1 cup organic cane sugar
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin spice (store-bought or homemade)
• 4–5 tablespoons vegan butter, melted

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a donut pan.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together almond milk and apple cider vinegar. Let sit for 5 minutes to curdle (this makes vegan “buttermilk”).
3. In a large bowl, mix flour, cane sugar, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin spice, and salt.
4. Add pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, vanilla, and the prepared almond milk mixture. Stir until just combined do not overmix.
5. Spoon or pipe batter evenly into the donut pan, filling each mold about ¾ full.
6. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before removing from the pan.
7. In a shallow bowl, mix cane sugar and pumpkin spice for the coating.
8. Brush or dip each donut lightly with melted vegan butter, then roll in the pumpkin spice-sugar mixture until fully coated.
9. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 10–12 donuts. Preparation takes around 10 minutes, baking requires 12–15 minutes, and the total time is about 25 minutes.

Variations

• Use coconut sugar instead of cane sugar for a deeper caramel-like sweetness.
• Add mini chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey twist.
• Swap pumpkin spice for chai spice to change up the flavor.
• Make them into muffins instead of donuts by baking in a muffin tin (increase bake time to 18–20 minutes).
• Add a maple glaze instead of sugar coating for a bakery-style donut.

Storage/Reheating

Store donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To keep them soft, line the container with parchment paper. For longer storage, freeze uncoated donuts for up to 2 months. Thaw and coat with butter and sugar before serving. Reheat briefly in the microwave or oven for that fresh-baked taste.

FAQs

Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

Yes, you can use a muffin tin, though the shape will be different.

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?

Absolutely, just be sure it’s thick and not watery to avoid altering the batter.

Are these donuts gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can substitute with a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to bake immediately after mixing so the leavening agents stay active.

Can I use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil?

Yes, melted coconut oil works well as a substitute.

Can I make these donuts less sweet?

Yes, reduce the sugar in the batter and coat lightly with the spice-sugar mixture.

How do I know when the donuts are baked through?

A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean, and the donuts will spring back when lightly pressed.

Can I add frosting instead of sugar coating?

Yes, a maple or vanilla glaze works beautifully in place of the sugar coating.

Do these donuts taste strongly of pumpkin?

They have a subtle pumpkin flavor balanced by warm spices, making them cozy but not overpowering.

Can I store them with the sugar coating?

Yes, but the sugar may dissolve slightly over time. For best texture, coat just before serving.

Conclusion

Baked Vegan Pumpkin Spice Donuts are the ultimate fall treat soft, warmly spiced, and coated in sweet pumpkin spice sugar. Quick to make and easy to customize, these donuts are perfect for cozy mornings, seasonal gatherings, or anytime you’re craving a sweet pumpkin delight.

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