Fluffy Vegan Pumpkin Donuts with Salted Caramel Glaze

Why Make This Recipe

Fluffy Vegan Pumpkin Donuts with Salted Caramel Glaze are the perfect treat for anyone looking to enjoy delicious, guilt-free sweets. These donuts are not only vegan but also incredibly fluffy and moist, making them a hit with both vegans and non-vegans alike. If you crave the flavors of fall, these donuts offer the warm, comforting essence of pumpkin infused with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The added salted caramel glaze elevates these donuts to another level, adding a sweet and savory twist that will leave you wanting more.

Making these donuts at home means you can use quality ingredients, and adjust the sweetness to your liking. Plus, they are super easy to make, bringing the joy of baking right into your kitchen. Whether you’re serving them at a brunch, a gathering with friends, or simply indulging yourself, they are sure to please everyone.

How to Make Fluffy Vegan Pumpkin Donuts with Salted Caramel Glaze

Getting started on making these fluffy vegan pumpkin donuts is simple. Let’s break down the process with clear instructions. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you will have a tray of delicious donuts ready to enjoy in no time.

Ingredients

To make your Fluffy Vegan Pumpkin Donuts, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup almond milk (or other plant-based milk)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 2 cups flour (all-purpose or gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons coconut cream
• 1 tablespoon sea salt (for topping)

Directions

Follow these steps to make your fluffy vegan pumpkin donuts:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your donuts bake evenly.

2. Prepare the Donut Pan: Lightly grease a donut pan with coconut oil or cooking spray to prevent the donuts from sticking.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, almond milk, maple syrup, and melted coconut oil. Stir the mixture until everything is well blended.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients well will help ensure that the spices are evenly distributed.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. It’s okay if there are a few lumps; you do not want to overmix the batter.

6. Fill the Donut Pan: Using a spoon or a piping bag, fill each cavity of the donut pan about 3/4 full with the batter. This allows room for the donuts to rise without overflowing.

7. Bake the Donuts: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick into the centers of the donuts. If it comes out clean, they are ready!

8. Cooling: Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar and coconut cream until you achieve a smooth glaze.

10. Glaze the Donuts: Once the donuts have cooled, dip the tops into the glaze. For extra flavor, sprinkle them lightly with sea salt.

11. Serve: Your fluffy vegan pumpkin donuts are ready to be served! Enjoy them warm or at room temperature.

How to Serve Fluffy Vegan Pumpkin Donuts

Serving your fluffy vegan pumpkin donuts is as easy as it gets. You can serve them on a beautiful plate during a brunch or as a sweet treat in the afternoon. These donuts pair well with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making them ideal for a cozy get-together. You can also garnish them with additional pumpkin seeds or a sprinkle of cinnamon to enhance their visual appeal. For a fun twist, arrange them in a donut tower for a charming presentation.

If you are planning a fall-themed party, these donuts could be a delightful addition to your dessert table. Feel free to place a few napkins beside them for easy serving; they are so tasty that guests will likely want to grab more than one!

How to Store Fluffy Vegan Pumpkin Donuts

To keep your fluffy vegan pumpkin donuts fresh for longer, you’ll want to store them properly.

• Room Temperature: If you plan to enjoy them within a day or two, you can keep the donuts at room temperature. Place them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.

• Refrigerator: For longer storage, you can place the donuts in the refrigerator. Make sure they are in an airtight container to avoid any moisture loss. They should stay fresh for about a week.

• Freezer: For even more extended storage, consider freezing them. Wrap each donut in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature. You can also warm them in a microwave for a few seconds for a fresh taste!

Tips to Make Fluffy Vegan Pumpkin Donuts

1. Pumpkin Puree: Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, as the latter contains added sugars and spices that can change the flavor.

2. Flour Choice: If you are looking for a gluten-free option, a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend will work just as well. Each blend may vary, so check if it needs any tweaks.

3. Coconut Oil: If you are not a fan of coconut oil, you can use other plant-based oils such as sunflower or canola oil. However, coconut oil does add a nice richness.

4. Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste preference. Adding a bit of ginger or allspice can also give a nice kick to the flavor profile.

5. Glazing Variation: If you’d like, you can skip the glaze or top the donuts with other toppings, like maple syrup, chopped nuts, or chocolate drizzle for a fun variation.

6. Baking Time: Keep an eye on the baking time, as ovens can vary. Bake until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

Variation

There are many fun variations you can explore with these fluffy vegan pumpkin donuts. Here are a few ideas to inspire your creativity:

• Chocolate Chip Donuts: Stir in some dairy-free chocolate chips into the batter for a delightful chocolatey surprise.

• Nutty Twist: Mix in crushed walnuts or pecans to add a nice crunch and nuttiness.

• Stuffed Donuts: After baking, you can fill the center of each donut with a creamy nut butter or even a vegan chocolate spread.

• Seasonal Flavors: You can play around with seasonal spices, such as cardamom or cloves, to give your donuts different flavor profiles.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, canned pumpkin puree is an excellent option for this recipe. Just ensure it is pure pumpkin and not filled with sugars and spices.

2. How long do these donuts last?

If stored properly, the donuts can last up to a week in the refrigerator and about three months in the freezer.

3. Is it possible to make these donuts gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free flour blend to make these donuts gluten-free. The flavor and texture should remain close to the original recipe.

4. How can I adjust the sweetness level?

You can adjust the amount of maple syrup according to your taste preference. For a less sweet option, you can reduce it, or alternatively, add in more if you prefer a sweeter donut.

5. Can I skip the glaze?

Yes, if you prefer a less sweet treat, you can skip the glaze altogether. The donuts themselves are delicious on their own and can be enjoyed plain.

These fluffy vegan pumpkin donuts with salted caramel glaze are not just a treat; they encapsulate the warmth and flavor of pumpkin spice season in every bite. Whether you enjoy them with friends or keep them all for yourself, each donut you make will bring joy and satisfaction. So get started and enjoy the delightful experience of making and sharing these delectable treats!

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