Vegan Pumpkin Muffin Donuts

Featured in: All-American Desserts

These moist vegan pumpkin muffin donuts combine autumn spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with a tender crumb, thanks to pumpkin puree and plant milk. Baked instead of fried for a lighter treat, each donut is coated in buttery cinnamon sugar, making them ideal for breakfast or dessert. Preparation is simple: blend the dry and wet ingredients, bake, and finish with a sweet, spiced topping. Enjoy with coffee or tea for a comforting snack on chilly mornings. Suitable for dairy-free and egg-free diets, these donuts offer cozy flavor without hassle.

Updated on Mon, 27 Oct 2025 07:59:00 GMT
Moist vegan pumpkin muffin donuts dusted with cinnamon sugar for a cozy treat.  Save
Moist vegan pumpkin muffin donuts dusted with cinnamon sugar for a cozy treat. | dashofstates.com

Moist, fluffy, and warmly spiced, these vegan pumpkin muffin donuts are baked, not fried, and perfect for autumn mornings or cozy gatherings.

I first made these pumpkin muffin donuts for a fall brunch with friends and they quickly became a seasonal staple. They are always a hit with both vegans and non-vegans alike.

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g)
  • Granulated sugar: 1 cup (200 g)
  • Baking powder: 2 tsp
  • Baking soda: 1/2 tsp
  • Salt: 1/2 tsp
  • Ground cinnamon: 2 tsp
  • Ground nutmeg: 1/2 tsp
  • Ground cloves: 1/4 tsp
  • Ground ginger: 1/4 tsp
  • Pumpkin puree: 1 cup (230 g)
  • Unsweetened almond milk (or other plant milk): 1/2 cup (120 ml)
  • Neutral oil (such as canola or sunflower): 1/3 cup (80 ml)
  • Vanilla extract: 2 tsp
  • Apple cider vinegar: 1 tsp
  • Granulated sugar: 1/3 cup (65 g) (for coating)
  • Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp (for coating)
  • Vegan butter: 3 tbsp, melted (for coating)

Instructions

Prepare Oven and Pan:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard donut pan (or muffin pan if using).
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, almond milk, oil, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
Combine Mixtures:
Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined. Do not overmix.
Fill Pan:
Spoon or pipe the batter evenly into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
Bake:
Bake for 16–18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool:
Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Coat Donuts:
Mix sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Brush each donut lightly with melted vegan butter, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat.
Serve:
Serve warm or at room temperature.
Fluffy vegan pumpkin muffin donuts perfect for autumn breakfast or sweet gatherings.  Save
Fluffy vegan pumpkin muffin donuts perfect for autumn breakfast or sweet gatherings. | dashofstates.com

These donuts bring a smile to everyone at our family table on chilly weekend mornings. My kids love helping roll them in cinnamon sugar.

Required Tools

Large mixing bowl, medium mixing bowl, whisk, donut pan or muffin tin, wire rack, pastry brush

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten) and almonds (if using almond milk). Be sure to check plant milk and vegan butter for other allergens.

Nutritional Information

Per donut: Calories 195, Total Fat 6 g, Carbohydrates 33 g, Protein 2 g

Deliciously spiced vegan pumpkin muffin donuts, baked and rolled in warm cinnamon sugar. Save
Deliciously spiced vegan pumpkin muffin donuts, baked and rolled in warm cinnamon sugar. | dashofstates.com

Enjoy these vegan pumpkin muffin donuts fresh from the oven or pack them for a cozy snack. They're perfect with coffee or a warm mug of chai.

Recipe FAQ

Can I use a muffin tin instead of a donut pan?

Yes, a muffin tin works well. Increase baking time by 2–3 minutes for optimal results.

What type of plant milk is best?

Almond milk is recommended, but other plant milks like oat or soy can be substituted easily.

How do I avoid overmixing the batter?

Gently fold wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Overmixing results in denser donuts.

Can I add extras like chocolate chips?

Mini vegan chocolate chips are a tasty addition and offer variation to the classic flavor profile.

What spices create the autumn flavor?

Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger provide a spiced aroma perfect for cooler months.

Is cinnamon sugar coating essential?

The cinnamon sugar coating enhances flavor and texture, but donuts can be enjoyed plain as well.

Vegan Pumpkin Muffin Donuts

Warmly spiced, moist donuts, perfect for autumn mornings—vegan, dairy-free, and easy to make at home.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
18 min
Complete duration
33 min
Created by Jordan Miller


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 12 Portions

Nutritional considerations Plant-Based, No dairy

Components

Dry Ingredients

01 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 1 cup granulated sugar
03 2 teaspoons baking powder
04 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
05 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
07 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
08 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
09 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Wet Ingredients

01 1 cup pumpkin puree
02 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
03 1/3 cup neutral oil
04 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
05 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Cinnamon Sugar Coating

01 1/3 cup granulated sugar
02 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
03 3 tablespoons vegan butter, melted

Method

Phase 01

Preparation of Baking Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a standard donut pan or muffin tin.

Phase 02

Blending Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger in a large mixing bowl until evenly distributed.

Phase 03

Combining Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, almond milk, neutral oil, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar until the mixture is homogeneous.

Phase 04

Mixing Batter: Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and fold gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain tenderness.

Phase 05

Filling Pan: Transfer batter to donut pan, filling each cavity three-quarters full. Use a piping bag or spoon for accuracy.

Phase 06

Baking: Bake for 16 to 18 minutes until the donuts are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Phase 07

Cooling: Remove pan from oven and allow donuts to cool for 5 minutes. Carefully transfer to a wire rack.

Phase 08

Applying Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Combine granulated sugar with cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Brush donuts lightly with melted vegan butter, then roll in cinnamon sugar until well coated.

Phase 09

Serving: Serve donuts warm or at room temperature.

Necessary tools

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Standard donut pan or muffin tin
  • Wire rack
  • Pastry brush

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if you're uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and almonds if almond milk is used.
  • Verify plant milk and vegan butter are free from soy or other allergens as needed.
  • Carefully check all ingredient labels for cross-contamination risks.

Nutrient breakdown (each portion)

These figures are approximate and shouldn't replace professional health advice.
  • Energy: 195
  • Fats: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Proteins: 2 g