Name: Vegan Pumpkin Donuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all purpose flour; 1 cup light brown sugar packed; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup melted vegan butter; 1 cup pumpkin puree; 1/2 cup oat milk; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 4 tablespoons pure maple syrup; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2-4 tablespoons oat milk

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 37 reviews

Alright, friends, get ready to fall head over heels for this Vegan Pumpkin Donuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe—it’s the kind of treat that makes your kitchen smell heavenly and feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. These donuts are tender, perfectly spiced, and that cinnamon maple glaze? Pure magic. I promise, whether you’re making them for a cozy breakfast or a festive dessert, you’re going to want to keep this recipe close.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples that are easy to find and naturally vegan.
Moist Texture: The pumpkin and oat milk keep these donuts irresistibly tender and moist without eggs.
Perfectly Balanced Spices: Pumpkin pie spice mixed with cinnamon in the glaze highlights warm fall flavors beautifully.
Easy to Customize: Gluten-free, oil-free, or extra indulgent—the recipe adapts to your preferences without fuss.

Vegan Pumpkin Donuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze, Vegan Pumpkin Donuts, Fall Vegan Donuts, Vegan Pumpkin Dessert, Cinnamon Maple Glaze Donuts - The image shows a group of eight round donuts with a hole in the middle, all covered in a light brown glaze that looks smooth and shiny with a slightly textured surface. The donuts are placed on a metal cooling rack that has silver, straight bars running horizontally and vertically. The background features a white marbled texture. The lighting highlights the glossy glaze on the donuts, and the focus is sharp, showing the small details of the surface of the glaze and the soft texture of the donuts. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic behind these Vegan Pumpkin Donuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe comes not just from the flavor but the harmony of these simple ingredients working together. Each one builds moisture, warmth, and structure without the need for eggs or dairy, which can sometimes trip up vegan baking.

Vegan Pumpkin Donuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze, Vegan Pumpkin Donuts, Fall Vegan Donuts, Vegan Pumpkin Dessert, Cinnamon Maple Glaze Donuts - Flat lay of vibrant orange pumpkin puree in a smooth dollop, rustic light brown sugar crystals piled beside it, golden melted vegan butter in a small pool with shiny texture, warm brown cinnamon sticks scattered casually, a heap of bright beige oat milk in a soft splash, creamy white vanilla extract bottle with subtle shine, a neat bundle of aromatic ground pumpkin pie spice powder showing rusty brown and reddish hues, and coarse off-white all-purpose flour gently mounded, all beautifully arranged with natural spacing and light shadows, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure; you can swap with gluten-free blend to suit dietary needs.
Light brown sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness plus a hint of molasses depth.
Baking powder: The secret to light, fluffy donuts that rise nicely without eggs.
Pumpkin pie spice: A warm, cozy blend that instantly says fall.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors—don’t skip it!
Melted vegan butter: Adds richness and helps create that tender crumb.
Pumpkin puree: Keeps donuts moist and infuses that subtle pumpkin flavor you’re after.
Oat milk: A neutral plant milk that gives the batter just the right consistency.
Vanilla extract: Adds a lovely hint of sweetness and rounds out the spices.
Powdered sugar (for glaze): Creates a smooth, luscious glaze that sticks perfectly.
Pure maple syrup: Brings natural sweetness and a subtle caramel note to the glaze.
Ground cinnamon (for glaze): Boosts the warm spice factor—can’t get enough of this with pumpkin.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love that this Vegan Pumpkin Donuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe is easy to tweak based on what you have or how you like your flavors. I’ve tried a few twists that really bring out new sides of these donuts, and I encourage you to make it yours!

Gluten-Free Version: Using a good quality gluten-free flour blend makes these just as fluffy and delicious—perfect for guests with sensitivities!
Oil-Free Option: Switch vegan butter to unsweetened applesauce or plain vegan yogurt for a lighter feel without sacrificing moisture.
Extra Spice Kick: Add a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg into the batter for a deeper spice profile if you love those cozy fall vibes.
Thicker Glaze: If you prefer a glaze that you can drizzle and doesn’t run, just add less oat milk and spoon it on top instead of dipping.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan Pumpkin Donuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients with Love

Start by whisking together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. This ensures all that beautiful spice and leavening distributes evenly, which is key for tender, evenly risen donuts. Don’t rush this step—I like to take a little extra time to mix so my donuts come out perfectly spiced.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients Separately

In a separate bowl, whisk your melted vegan butter, pumpkin puree, oat milk, and vanilla extract. If your vegan butter isn’t melted properly, you risk uneven mixing, so take the extra minute to get it just right. When these are nicely combined, slowly pour them into your dry mix.

Step 3: Gently Fold to Combine

Use a large spoon to fold the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined. Avoid overmixing or your donuts could turn out tough — it’s okay if some small lumps remain. The batter should be thick but spoonable, like a thick cake batter.

Step 4: Fill Your Donut Pan

Spray your donut pan with non-stick spray—trust me, this step saves you a ton of frustration later. Then spoon the batter into each cavity, filling them up to the top. If you want less messy filling, I sometimes use a piping bag or a large zip-top bag with a corner snipped off. This keeps your edges neat and cleanup easier.

Step 5: Bake and Check

Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. Begin checking near the 10-minute mark—the edges should be just browned and the donuts will spring back when you gently press with a finger. Depending on your pan size, baking times could vary slightly, so this little bounce test is your best friend.

Step 6: Whip Up That Cinnamon Maple Glaze

While the donuts cool a bit, whisk together powdered sugar, pure maple syrup, and ground cinnamon in a bowl. Slowly add oat milk a teaspoon at a time until the glaze is just right—not too thick, but not too runny. I find a consistency similar to corn syrup works perfectly for that dreamy shine and drip.

Step 7: Dip and Let Set

Dip each slightly cooled donut into the glaze, and place them on a wire rack with parchment underneath to catch drips. You can enjoy them right away for a fresh, gooey glaze or let the coating harden for about 15 minutes if you prefer a bit more set-up.

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Pro Tips for Making Vegan Pumpkin Donuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe

Measure Flour Properly: Scoop flour lightly and level it off—too much flour can dry out your donuts.
Don’t Overmix: Mixing just until ingredients combine keeps donuts tender and fluffy.
Use Fresh Pumpkin Puree: Fresh or canned pumpkin works, but avoid pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugar and spices.
Glaze While Warm: Dipping the donuts while slightly warm helps the glaze stick better without cracking.

How to Serve Vegan Pumpkin Donuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

I often sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top of the glazed donuts for a delicate finish and sometimes add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts to bring a lovely crunch. Parchment paper sprinkled with cinnamon sugar is also a fun way to amp up the cozy vibe.

Side Dishes

These donuts pair wonderfully with my favorite oat milk latte or chai tea — the spices in the drink complement the pumpkin perfectly. For a brunch spread, try them alongside fresh fruit or a light tofu scramble for a balanced meal that feels indulgent but wholesome.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fall party, I like arranging these donuts stacked on a tiered stand with autumn leaves and little pumpkins decorating the table. Wrapping them individually in cute parchment bags tied with cinnamon sticks makes a sweet edible gift that friends always rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. I usually keep them on the counter since refrigeration can dry them out, but if your kitchen’s warm, a cool spot works too.

Freezing

These donuts freeze brilliantly! After glazing and letting them set, I place donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When I’m ready to enjoy, I thaw them at room temperature — they taste almost as fresh as day one.

Reheating

To bring frozen or stored donuts back to life, I pop them in a toaster oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This warms the donuts without melting the glaze completely and brings back that freshly-baked softness.

FAQs

Can I make these Vegan Pumpkin Donuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in equal amounts. I recommend one that includes xanthan gum for best texture to keep the donuts tender and light.
What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

No worries! You can mix your own by combining 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground ginger, and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg. This DIY blend works perfectly in the batter and enhances that warm fall flavor.
Can I bake these donuts without a donut pan?

Yes, you can! Use a muffin tin for mini cakes or try shaped silicone molds if you have them. Keep an eye on baking times because cooking may vary based on thickness and pan size.
How long do these donuts keep fresh?

They’re best eaten within 1-2 days for ultimate softness and flavor. After that, they might start to dry out, but reheating as described earlier can help bring them back to life.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Pumpkin Donuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Recipe has become a fall staple that’s always a crowd-pleaser—even among friends who aren’t vegan! I love how it brings comfort and a bit of seasonal magic to my kitchen, without any fuss. Honestly, once you try making these, I think you’ll keep coming back to this recipe as a go-to for cozy mornings or special gatherings. Give it a whirl—you’ll feel like you just baked up a little autumn love.