Baked vegan pumpkin spice donuts have become my absolute favorite way to welcome autumn, ever since I first tried making them myself a few years ago. There’s something magical about that first bite – the soft, tender crumb infused with warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, all wrapped up in that comforting pumpkin flavor. I remember one crisp October morning, the aroma of these donuts filled my kitchen, a truly delightful way to start the day. They’re so much healthier than their fried counterparts, making them a perfect treat for any time. If you’re looking for delicious vegan pumpkin spice baked goods that are also an easy baked vegan pumpkin spice recipe, you’ve found it! Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Baked Vegan Pumpkin Spice
These donuts are a true fall delight for so many reasons:
- Incredible Taste: Bursting with warm pumpkin and spice, they’re pure autumnal bliss.
- Quick Prep: Ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy mornings or last-minute cravings.
- Healthier Choice: A fantastic way to enjoy a treat while sticking to plant-based eating.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses common pantry staples, making this a cost-effective indulgence.
- Family Approved: Kids and adults alike adore these soft, spiced donuts.
- Completely Dairy-Free: Enjoy a delicious dairy-free pumpkin spice bake without any compromise.
- Egg-Free Perfection: You get that tender texture without any eggs needed for this dairy-free pumpkin spice bake.
Ingredients for Baked Vegan Pumpkin Spice
Gather these simple items for the best plant-based pumpkin spice baking experience. You’ll need:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree – make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pie filling!
- 1 cup almond milk (unsweetened) – or any other plant-based milk you prefer.
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar – for a touch of sweetness.
- 1/3 cup maple syrup – adds a lovely depth of flavor and moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – always enhances those warm spices.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – the base for our tender donuts.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder – this helps them rise beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – works with the acidic ingredients for lift.
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice – the heart of our flavor!
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger – these spices really bring the autumn vibes.
- Optional: Powdered sugar or vegan frosting – for that classic donut finish.
How to Make Baked Vegan Pumpkin Spice Donuts
Making these delightful donuts is a straightforward process, perfect for anyone curious about how to bake vegan pumpkin spice treats. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create these flavorful delights right in your own kitchen!
- Step 1: Get your oven ready by preheating it to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, prepare your donut pan by greasing it well or by using a silicone donut mold. This ensures your beautiful donuts won’t stick.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: 1 cup canned pumpkin puree, 1 cup almond milk, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1/3 cup maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is smoothly combined.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine all your dry ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and the ground spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger). Give these a good stir to distribute the leavening agents and spices evenly.
- Step 4: Now, it’s time to bring it all together. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few streaks of flour are okay. This is a crucial step on how to bake vegan pumpkin spice treats perfectly.
- Step 5: Spoon the batter into your prepared donut pan cavities. Fill each one about three-quarters of the way full. Don’t overfill, as they will puff up slightly as they bake.
- Step 6: Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen will be incredible!
- Step 7: Let the donuts cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps them firm up a bit before you remove them. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 8: Once they’re completely cool, you can add a simple glaze of powdered sugar mixed with a little almond milk, or your favorite vegan frosting, for that classic donut finish. This is the final touch on how to bake vegan pumpkin spice donuts that look as good as they taste.
Pro Tips for the Best Baked Vegan Pumpkin Spice
Want to elevate your donut game? Follow these simple tips for the best vegan pumpkin spice bake:
- Use room temperature ingredients for the smoothest batter.
- Don’t overmix the batter; a few lumps are perfectly fine and lead to a tender donut.
- For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of melted vegan butter to the wet ingredients.
- Ensure your baking powder and soda are fresh for the best rise.
What’s the secret to perfect Baked Vegan Pumpkin Spice?
The key to a perfect egg-free pumpkin spice baking success is the balance of moisture from the pumpkin puree and almond milk, combined with the leavening agents. Don’t overmix, and let the spices shine!
Can I make Baked Vegan Pumpkin Spice ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This is one of my favorite pumpkin spice vegan baking ideas for busy mornings. For more baking inspiration, check out our recipes.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Baked Vegan Pumpkin Spice?
Avoid overfilling the donut cavities – they need room to rise! Also, be careful not to overbake, or your donuts might become dry. Always test with a toothpick for doneness. For more tips on baking, you can explore resources on ingredient substitution.
Best Ways to Serve Baked Vegan Pumpkin Spice
These delightful donuts are perfect for so many occasions! Enjoy them warm with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy morning treat. They also make fantastic autumnal vegan pumpkin spice treats when served as an afternoon snack. For a slightly more decadent experience, try drizzling them with a simple maple glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar. They pair wonderfully with a side of fresh fruit, like sliced apples or pears, to add a touch of brightness. If you’re looking for other delicious baked goods, consider our zucchini noodle chicken alfredo.
Nutrition Facts for Baked Vegan Pumpkin Spice
When you’re enjoying these delightful donuts, here’s a general idea of what you’re getting per serving:
- Calories: Approx. 150-200
- Fat: Approx. 5-8g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 0.5-1g
- Protein: Approx. 2-3g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 25-30g
- Fiber: Approx. 2-3g
- Sugar: Approx. 15-20g
- Sodium: Approx. 150mg
Nutritional values are estimates and will vary based on the specific ingredients used and if any glaze is added. For more information on nutritional data, consult a registered dietitian nutritionist.
How to Store and Reheat Baked Vegan Pumpkin Spice
Once your delicious baked vegan pumpkin spice donuts have cooled completely, it’s time to think about storing them. Proper storage is key to keeping these comfort food vegan pumpkin spice treats fresh and delicious for days. For short-term storage, place the cooled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay wonderfully soft for about 3 to 4 days this way. If you want to keep them even longer, freezing is a fantastic option. Wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator, or warm them gently in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds until just warmed through. Avoid overheating, as they can become tough. For more storage tips, you might find our Romanian chiftele recipe storage advice helpful.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Vegan Pumpkin Spice
What is vegan pumpkin spice?
Vegan pumpkin spice refers to a blend of spices commonly used in pumpkin-flavored baked goods that contains no animal products. It’s essentially the classic pumpkin pie spice mix – typically cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves – made with entirely plant-based ingredients. This means you can enjoy all the warm, cozy flavors without any dairy or eggs, making it perfect for those following a vegan diet or just looking for healthier options.
Why bake vegan pumpkin spice?
Why bake vegan pumpkin spice treats like these donuts? For starters, they offer a wonderfully moist and flavorful experience that rivals traditional recipes, but with added health benefits. They’re naturally lower in saturated fat and cholesterol-free. Plus, baking them is a fantastic way to embrace seasonal flavors while catering to dietary needs. It’s a guilt-free indulgence that satisfies those autumnal cravings beautifully. If you’re interested in other healthy options, consider our jalapeno buffalo chicken casserole.
Can I substitute the almond milk in this vegan pumpkin spice recipe?
Absolutely! You can easily swap the almond milk for other plant-based milks like oat milk, soy milk, or even cashew milk. Each will lend a slightly different, subtle flavor, but all work wonderfully in this recipe. This flexibility is part of what makes exploring pumpkin spice vegan baking ideas so enjoyable. For more chicken recipes, check out chicken meatballs with lemon orzo.
Are these donuts gluten-free?
The recipe as written uses all-purpose flour, so they are not gluten-free. However, you can easily make them gluten-free by substituting a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. This makes them accessible for a wider range of dietary needs, ensuring everyone can enjoy a delicious gluten-free vegan pumpkin spice treat.
Variations of Baked Vegan Pumpkin Spice You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered this basic recipe, you can have a lot of fun experimenting! These delicious variations offer different ways to enjoy that classic fall flavor, from dietary adjustments to exciting new flavor twists. They’re perfect for anyone exploring pumpkin spice vegan baking ideas.
- Gluten-Free Version: For a perfect gluten-free vegan pumpkin spice treat, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Make sure your blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Fold in about 1/2 cup of vegan chocolate chips into the batter before baking for a decadent twist. This makes for a truly indulgent, yet still healthy, healthy vegan pumpkin spice dessert.
- Mini Muffin Mania: Don’t have a donut pan? No problem! Pour the batter into greased or lined mini muffin tins and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. They make adorable bite-sized treats!
- Spiced Glaze Upgrade: Instead of a plain powdered sugar glaze, try mixing a tablespoon of maple syrup with 1/4 teaspoon of extra pumpkin pie spice and a splash of almond milk for a more complex, spiced glaze.
Baked Vegan Pumpkin Spice: Easy Flavorful Treat
Enjoy these Baked Vegan Pumpkin Spice Donuts, a healthier, plant-based twist on a fall favorite. They are easy to make, bursting with warm spices, and perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 30-40 minutes plus cooling time
- Yield: Approximately 12 donuts 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 cup almond milk (unsweetened)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- Optional: Powdered sugar or vegan frosting for glazing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan or use a silicone mold.
- In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, almond milk, granulated sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, mix all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined.
- Spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- If desired, glaze with powdered sugar or vegan frosting once cooled.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh pumpkin puree if possible.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to ensure tender donuts.
- Test for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
- Experiment with different glazes like maple or chocolate.
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend.
- Other plant-based milks like oat or soy milk can be used.
- Add chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter for extra texture.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Freeze for up to 2 months, wrapped well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: Approx. 150-200 (will vary based on ingredients and glaze)
- Sugar: Approx. 15-20g
- Sodium: Approx. 150mg
- Fat: Approx. 5-8g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 0.5-1g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 4-7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 25-30g
- Fiber: Approx. 2-3g
- Protein: Approx. 2-3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
