Name: Vegan Pumpkin Spice Donuts Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 Tablespoons ground flaxseed; 5 Tablespoons water; 3 Tablespoons vegan butter, melted; 3/4 cup (170g) pumpkin puree; 3/4 cup (180 ml) almond milk; 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/4 cup (60g) applesauce; 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar; 1/4 cup (45g) light brown sugar; 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour, sifted; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 2 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin spice; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup (100g) confectioners’ sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2 to 3 Tablespoons almond milk; 1 Tablespoon pumpkin seeds (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 71 reviews

If you’re searching for that perfect cozy treat to embrace the flavors of fall, look no further than this Vegan Pumpkin Spice Donuts Recipe. These donuts are irresistibly soft, packed with the warm spices of pumpkin spice and cinnamon, and completely plant-based, making them a delightful option for everyone. The combination of pumpkin puree, fragrant spices, and a light cinnamon glaze with crunchy pumpkin seeds turns a simple donut into an unforgettable autumn indulgence. I can’t wait to share this favorite recipe that fills your kitchen with the scent of fall and delivers pure joy in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A round black skillet filled with a fruit crumble dessert that has two main layers; the bottom layer is dark red and purple cooked mixed berries, and the top layer is a golden brown, crumbly oat and nut topping with a rough texture showing some toasted bits. The dessert is on a white marbled surface covered partly by a blue and white striped cloth and a fork resting at the top left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Vegan Pumpkin Spice Donuts Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a special role to create the perfect texture, flavor, and color for these fall treats. From the wholesome pumpkin puree to the ground flaxseed that acts as our vegan egg substitute, every item is key to bringing these donuts to life.

Ground flaxseed: Essential for making a flax “egg,” it binds the batter while keeping it vegan-friendly and nutritious.
Water: Combines with flaxseed to create the flax “egg” and adds moisture.
Vegan butter, melted: Adds richness and helps keep the donuts tender.
Pumpkin puree: The star ingredient that infuses these donuts with cozy autumn flavor and moist texture.
Almond milk: Provides moisture with a mild nutty flavor, perfect for a plant-based recipe.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth that complements the spices beautifully.
Applesauce: Helps keep the donuts moist and adds a subtle natural sweetness.
Granulated sugar: Balances the flavors with sweetness and contributes to browning.
Light brown sugar: Brings a rich caramel note that’s perfect for fall baked goods.
All-purpose flour, sifted: Forms the structure of the donuts for a soft but sturdy crumb.
Baking powder: A crucial leavening agent that helps the donuts rise gently.
Baking soda: Reacts with acids in pumpkin and spices for lightness and tenderness.
Pumpkin spice: The signature blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove that defines the flavor.
Cinnamon: Adds extra warmth and a little spice punch.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, making each note pop.
Confectioners’ sugar: Used to create the luscious cinnamon glaze for a sweet finish.
Ground cinnamon: Included in the glaze to double down on that spicy warmth.
Almond milk (for glaze): Thins the glaze to just the right drizzling consistency.
Pumpkin seeds: For a delightful crunch and pretty garnish on top.

How to Make Vegan Pumpkin Spice Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C) and greasing your donut pan well with vegan butter. This ensures your donuts will come out effortlessly once baked and have that perfect golden crust.

Step 2: Make the Flaxseed Egg

Mix the ground flaxseed and water in a small bowl and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This mixture thickens into a gel-like consistency that perfectly replaces eggs while adding fiber and omega-3s to your batter.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flaxseed egg, melted vegan butter, pumpkin puree, almond milk, vanilla extract, applesauce, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Each ingredient here builds the base of moisture and sweetness for your batter.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin spice, cinnamon, and salt. Sifting incorporates air and prevents clumping, allowing for a lighter donut texture.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture into your wet batter, stirring gently. Be careful not to overmix; stopping once just combined keeps the donuts airy and tender rather than dense.

Step 6: Fill the Donut Pan

Pour the batter into a piping bag, then pipe it evenly into the greased donut pan cavities, filling each about two-thirds to three-quarters full. This helps them bake up with just the right height and shape.

Step 7: Bake the Donuts

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean and the tops spring back to the touch. Keep an eye on them; you want soft, not overbaked.

Step 8: Cool and Remove

Let the donuts cool in the pan for a couple of minutes before carefully removing them onto a cooling rack. This prevents breakage and helps them finish setting perfectly.

Step 9: Prepare the Cinnamon Glaze

Mix confectioners’ sugar, ground cinnamon, and almond milk in a small bowl to form a smooth glaze. Dip each cooled donut into the glaze, then sprinkle pumpkin seeds on top for that extra autumn charm.

Step 10: Let the Glaze Set

Allow the glaze to set for about 20 minutes. This ensures a delightful sweet coating that pairs perfectly with the soft, spiced interior of each donut.

How to Serve Vegan Pumpkin Spice Donuts Recipe

A white plate holds a serving of berry crumble with three layers: a bottom layer of deep red and dark purple cooked berries, a middle layer of light brown crumbly oat topping, and a top layer of white cream drizzled unevenly over the crumble. On top, a single dark blueberry, a blackberry, and a small green mint leaf add color contrast. A silver fork rests on the right side of the plate. In the background, a black skillet contains more of the berry crumble with a silver spoon inside. The plate and skillet sit on a white marbled surface covered with two overlapping gray and white textured cloths, with scattered fresh blueberries and a small mint sprig nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These donuts are beautiful on their own, but adding a few toasted pumpkin seeds, a dusting of cinnamon, or even a light drizzle of maple syrup elevates their presentation and adds interesting texture.

Side Dishes

Serve these donuts alongside a steaming mug of spiced chai tea, rich dairy-free latte, or even a batch of warm apple cider. The warm spices in the donuts coordinate wonderfully with cozy fall beverages and fresh fruit salads.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive twist, stack the donuts on a cake stand, layering with small pumpkins and autumn leaves for centerpiece-worthy appeal. Alternatively, place them in pretty paper bags with a personal note for sharing at gatherings, turning this Vegan Pumpkin Spice Donuts Recipe into a thoughtful gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their softness. If your kitchen is warm, storing them in the fridge is fine, though they may firm up slightly.

Freezing

These donuts freeze wonderfully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. This way, you can enjoy that Vegan Pumpkin Spice Donuts Recipe magic anytime you want.

Reheating

To enjoy frozen or refrigerated donuts, warm them in a toaster oven or microwave for about 15-20 seconds until just heated through. This helps revive their fresh-baked texture without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use a different plant-based milk for this recipe?

Absolutely! Whether almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk, any unsweetened plant milk will work perfectly, just keep in mind that coconut milk may add a subtle tropical flavor.

What if I don’t have pumpkin spice on hand?

No problem! You can make your own by combining cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a pinch of cloves and allspice. Adjust the amounts to your liking to create your unique fall spice blend.

Are these donuts gluten-free?

This particular recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can experiment with a gluten-free all-purpose blend, but be aware that texture may vary slightly.

Can I bake these donuts without a donut pan?

You can use a muffin tin as a substitute; just keep in mind that your treats will be more muffin-like in shape but just as delicious!

How long do these donuts last?

Freshly baked donuts are best eaten within 2 days. For longer storage, freezing as described earlier is your best bet to preserve their flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel as excited as I do to try making this Vegan Pumpkin Spice Donuts Recipe at home. It’s a fantastic way to bring the heartwarming flavors of fall into your kitchen with an easy, delightful treat that everyone will love. Once you taste their tender crumb, perfectly balanced spices, and that sweet cinnamon glaze, I’m sure these donuts will become a beloved seasonal favorite in your recipe collection.