Pumpkin Donuts with Cranberry Compote

Bite into these mouth-watering vegan pumpkin donuts bursting with fall flavors. You won’t even know these baked pumpkin donuts are vegan.

Vegan donuts may seem like an indulgent treat, but they can actually be a healthier alternative to traditional donuts. By making a few simple swaps in the ingredients, you can enjoy a guilt-free treat that is still full of flavor. Plus, these donuts are baked and still have an awesome bite and texture.

One of the key health benefits of vegan donuts is the absence of animal products. By removing eggs and dairy, you eliminate the saturated fats and cholesterol that are often found in traditional donuts. This makes them a great option for those watching their cholesterol levels or following a plant-based diet.

In addition to being animal-free, these baked pumpkin donuts offer the nutritional benefits of pumpkin. Pumpkin is low in calories and packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. It also contains fiber, which can help keep you feeling fuller for longer.

Another health-conscious swap in this pumpkin donut recipe is the use of aquafaba instead of eggs. Aquafaba is the liquid from canned chickpeas and acts as a great vegan egg replacer. It adds moisture and helps to bind the ingredients together, without adding any cholesterol or saturated fats.

The Secret Ingredients: Aquafaba and Xanthan Gum

When it comes to creating the perfect vegan donuts, two secret ingredients can make all the difference – aquafaba and xanthan gum. These ingredients may sound fancy, but they are actually quite accessible and can take your vegan pumpkin donuts to the next level.

Aquafaba is the magical liquid that you find in a can of chickpeas. It may seem odd to use bean water in your donuts, but trust me, it works wonders. Aquafaba acts as an egg replacer, providing moisture and binding power to the dough. It helps create a light and fluffy texture that is reminiscent of traditional donuts. Plus, it’s completely vegan and doesn’t add any unwanted cholesterol or saturated fats.

Xanthan gum is another key ingredient that contributes to the irresistible chewiness of these vegan pumpkin donuts. It is a natural thickening agent and helps give the donuts structure. It ensures that the donuts hold their shape and have a satisfying bite. Without xanthan gum, your donuts may turn out crumbly and lack the desired texture.

By incorporating aquafaba and xanthan gum into your pumpkin donuts recipe, you can achieve bakery-style results that will impress even the most skeptical of eaters. These secret ingredients are the key to creating a delicious vegan treat that rivals traditional donuts in taste and texture. So don’t be afraid to give them a try and elevate your vegan baking game.

More popular vegan recipes you’ll love:

• The Best Shaved Tofu Gyros with Creamy Vegan Tzatziki
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• The Best Vegan Philly Cheesesteak
• Sodium Citrate Cheese Sauce Recipe

Ingredients

If you’re ready to create some mouth-watering vegan baked pumpkin donuts, it’s time to gather all the delicious ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make these delectable treats:

• all-purpose flour
• canned pumpkin purée
• light brown sugar
• organic white sugar
• melted plant butter
• aquafaba (the liquid in a can of chickpeas)
• baking soda
• baking powder
• pumpkin pie spice
• vanilla
• xanthan gum
• salt

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and start creating these heavenly vegan pumpkin donuts. Get ready to impress your taste buds and indulge in a guilt-free treat that’s packed with flavor and texture.

Instructions

1. Open one 15oz can of pumpkin purée, or use two cups of your own cooked pumpkin

2. Whisk the protein and xanthan gum (if using) into the wet ingredients, use a bullet if it clumps
3. Assemble all of the remaining dry ingredients in a mixing bowl and whisk together

4. Add all of the wet ingredients to the dry and mix until just combined

5. Mixed batter can be filled into a plastic bag with the corner snipped off 

6. Grease the donut form and slowly squeeze a line of batter into the donut forms and bake in the preheated oven

7. Bake at 350F for 14-16 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the donut

Cranberry Compote

No indulgent treat is complete without the perfect accompaniment, and these vegan pumpkin donuts are no exception. Elevate your donut experience by serving them with a homemade cranberry compote that adds a tangy and sweet element to each bite. 

To make the cranberry compote, you’ll need fresh cranberries, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Simply combine these ingredients in a saucepan and let them simmer until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens. The result is a vibrant and flavorful compote that complements the pumpkin donuts perfectly.

The tartness of the cranberries balances out the sweetness of the donuts, creating a harmonious flavor profile that will have your taste buds dancing. The cranberry compote adds a burst of freshness and a pop of color to each bite, making your vegan pumpkin donuts look as good as they taste.

Whether you choose to drizzle the compote over the donuts or serve it on the side for dipping, it’s the perfect finishing touch to take these already amazing treats to the next level. Your friends and family will be blown away by the combination of flavors and the homemade touch that the cranberry compote adds.

So go ahead and treat yourself to these elevated vegan pumpkin donuts served with a homemade cranberry compote. It’s the ultimate fall indulgence that will satisfy your cravings and impress your loved ones. Enjoy!

Storage Tips

If you plan on enjoying the donuts within the next day or two, you can store them at room temperature. Simply place them in the airtight container and keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. They should stay fresh and delicious for up to 2 days.

If you need to store the donuts for a longer period of time, you can also freeze them. To do this, individually wrap each donut in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.