Mixing The Donut Batter (or dough if you are following the roll-and-cut method)

• In a large mixing bowl, or in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the pumpkin purée, apple cider vinegar, sugar, brown sugar, oil, and vanilla extract. If you are baking the donuts or using a donut dropper, add the plant-based milk to this mixture and stir until smooth.
• In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, and allspice. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until a smooth batter forms. For the roll-and-cut method, mix only until a tacky dough forms.

Cooking Options

Roll-and-Cut Donuts (Fried):

• Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it to roughly a ¾-inch (about 2 cm) thickness and cut out donut shapes with a donut cutter, re-rolling scraps as needed.
• Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat (to approximately 350°F/175°C).
• Carefully lower the donuts into the hot oil, cooking them for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden.
• Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a cooling rack suspended over a baking pan that’s lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Roll-and-Cut Donuts (Air Fried):

• Follow the instructions for rolling and cutting.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
• Place donuts in a single layer in the basket and cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and cooked through.
• Transfer to a cooling rack.

Baked Donuts (Donut Pan):
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan.

• Spoon or pipe the batter into the pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
• Bake for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean. Let cool for 5 minutes in the pan.
• Transfer to a cooling rack suspended over a baking pan that’s lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Drop Donuts (Using a Donut Dropper):

• Preheat oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat to 350°F (175°C), using a frying thermometer to make sure you have reached that temperature range.
• Fill the hopper of the donut dropper with batter and drop one or two initial donuts back into the batter bowl to make sure the batter is coming out evenly. (You can put those initial test drops back into the hopper).
• Carefully drop the batter into the oil in rounds, making sure not to overcrowd the pot.
• Fry each donut for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a cooling rack suspended over a baking pan that’s lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Finishing Options

• Cinnamon Sugar Coating
While donuts are still warm, place them into a large bowl with the sugar and cinnamon, and toss until fully coated.
• Maple Glaze
In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and salt until smooth. Dip the cooled donuts in the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off before returning them to a wire rack to set.