Fluffy Vegan Pumpkin Donuts with Salted Caramel Glaze

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Why Make This Recipe

Fluffy Vegan Pumpkin Donuts with Salted Caramel Glaze are a delightful treat, perfect for autumn or any time you crave something sweet and cozy. These donuts are not only light and fluffy, but they also combine seasonal pumpkin with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The best part? They are completely vegan, so everyone can enjoy them!

Making these donuts doesn’t require complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. You likely have many of the items in your pantry already. The simple act of whipping up a batch of these donuts can fill your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma, making it a great activity to do with family or friends. Plus, who doesn’t love the combination of pumpkin and caramel? This recipe is sure to be a hit at gatherings, parties, or just for a cozy snack at home.

How to Make Fluffy Vegan Pumpkin Donuts with Salted Caramel Glaze

Making these fluffy vegan pumpkin donuts is straightforward and fun. Follow these easy steps to create delicious treats that will impress both vegans and non-vegans alike!

Ingredients:

1 cup pumpkin puree: This is typically found in cans in the baking aisle. If you prefer, you can also make your own from fresh pumpkins.
1/2 cup almond milk (or other plant-based milk): Use your favorite dairy alternative like soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk.
1/4 cup maple syrup: This adds sweetness and pairs perfectly with pumpkin flavor.
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted: Coconut oil gives moisture to your donuts. Make sure it’s melted but not too hot.
2 cups flour (all-purpose or gluten-free): Use your favorite flour. Gluten-free flour works great for a gluten-free version.
1 tablespoon baking powder: This helps the donuts rise and become fluffy.
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: A warm spice that enhances the pumpkin flavor.
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: Adds a cozy touch to the flavors of fall.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness of the donuts.
1 cup powdered sugar: For making the glaze.
2 tablespoons coconut cream: This is used in the glaze for a creamy consistency.
1 tablespoon sea salt (for topping): A little sprinkle on top of the glaze adds a delicious contrast.

Directions:

Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your donuts will bake evenly.
Grease the donut pan: Lightly grease a donut pan to prevent the donuts from sticking after baking. You can use coconut oil or cooking spray.
Mix wet ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, almond milk, maple syrup, and melted coconut oil. Stir well until everything is nicely blended.
Whisk dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients well helps distribute the baking powder evenly.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the dry mixture into the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps!
Fill the donut pan: Use a spoon or piping bag to carefully fill each cavity of the donut pan about 3/4 full with the batter.
Bake the donuts: Place the donut pan in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. Use a toothpick to check if they are done; it should come out clean when inserted into the donuts.
Cool the donuts: Once baked, allow the donuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the glaze: In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with coconut cream until smooth. You want it creamy but thick enough to stick to the donuts.
Glaze the donuts: Once the donuts are cool, dip the tops into the glaze mixture. Be generous for that perfect sweet coating!
Add sea salt: After glazing, sprinkle a small pinch of sea salt on top of each donut to finish them off.
Serve and enjoy!: Your fluffy vegan pumpkin donuts with salted caramel glaze are now ready to be enjoyed! Share them with family and friends or keep them all to yourself!

How to Serve Fluffy Vegan Pumpkin Donuts with Salted Caramel Glaze

Serving your fluffy vegan pumpkin donuts is as simple as making them. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Here are some ideas for serving:

With Coffee or Tea: Pair these donuts with a warm beverage. A cup of coffee, chai, or herbal tea complements the flavors beautifully.
At Gatherings: These donuts make for a great dessert option at parties or potlucks. Arrange them on a nice plate for a lovely presentation.
As a Snack: Enjoy these donuts as an afternoon snack or a sweet breakfast treat. They’re perfect for any time of the day!
With Additional Toppings: If you want to get creative, drizzle some extra maple syrup or chocolate sauce on top of the glaze.
On a Platter: Serve them on a colorful platter with a variety of other autumn-inspired treats like apple cider or infused cupcakes for a themed dessert table.

How to Store Fluffy Vegan Pumpkin Donuts with Salted Caramel Glaze

These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can still store leftovers for later enjoyment. Here’s how to properly store them:

Room Temperature: If you plan to eat them within a couple of days, simply keep the donuts at room temperature in an airtight container. This will help maintain their fluffy texture.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, place the sealed container in the refrigerator. This will keep them fresh for about a week.
Freezing: If you want to keep them longer, freeze the donuts. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them initially. Once they are solid, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes.
Glaze Storage: If you have extra glaze, store it in the refrigerator. You can drizzle it on the donuts again when you serve them after storing.

Tips to Make Fluffy Vegan Pumpkin Donuts with Salted Caramel Glaze

Here are some handy tips to ensure your donuts turn out perfectly every time:

Use Fresh Pumpkin: If you prefer the taste of fresh pumpkin, you can use roasted pumpkin puree instead of canned. Just make sure it is smooth before mixing.
Check Your Baking Powder: Make sure your baking powder is fresh. Old baking powder can lead to flat donuts.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined to keep the donuts fluffy. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts.
Use a Piping Bag: If you want perfectly filled donut shapes, use a piping bag to fill the donut pan instead of a spoon.
Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add or adjust spices according to your taste. Ginger or allspice can give a nice kick to the flavor.

Variations

If you’re looking to switch things up a bit, consider these variations for your pumpkin donuts:

Chocolate Chips: Add vegan chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet, chocolaty twist.
Pumpkin Spice: Enhance the fall flavor by adding a pumpkin spice mix instead of separate spices.
Different Glazes: Instead of coconut cream for the glaze, try using nut butter or chocolate syrup for different flavors.
Nutty Touch: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the batter for some crunch.
Fruit Additions: Consider mixing in some finely chopped apples or pears for a fruity variation.

FAQs

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?
Yes! You can easily make these donuts gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend.
What should I do if I don’t have pumpkin puree?
If you can’t find pumpkin puree, you can make your own by cooking and blending fresh pumpkin. Alternatively, other pureed fruits like applesauce or sweet potato can be used for a different flavor.
How long can I store these donuts?
You can keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, in the refrigerator for about a week, and freeze them for up to 3 months.
Can I use a different type of milk?
Absolutely! You can use any plant-based milk such as soy milk, coconut milk, or oat milk. Each will give a slightly different taste but will still be delicious.
Are these donuts suitable for kids?
Yes! These donuts are a great option for kids as they are vegan and made with wholesome ingredients. Just be mindful of allergies or dietary restrictions.

With this recipe for Fluffy Vegan Pumpkin Donuts with Salted Caramel Glaze, you’re ready to create a delightful treat that everyone can enjoy. Gather your ingredients, follow the straightforward instructions, and soon you’ll have a batch of warm, flavorful donuts to share (or keep all to yourself!).