How to Make Vegan Donuts: A Delicious and Cruelty-Free Treat

There’s nothing quite like biting into a soft, fluffy donut with a sweet glaze that melts in your mouth. But what if you could enjoy all the indulgence of traditional donuts without any animal products? Enter Vegan Donuts—a plant-based twist on this beloved treat that’s just as satisfying as the original.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to reduce your dairy and egg consumption, vegan donuts are a game-changer. With this recipe, you’ll learn how to make bakery-quality donuts in your kitchen—no dairy, no eggs, and no compromise on flavor.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Serving Size: 1 donut
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 16g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Plant-Based Delight: 100% vegan ingredients without compromising on taste or texture.
2. Quick and Easy: From start to finish, these donuts are ready in under 30 minutes.
3. Customizable: Endless options for flavors and toppings to suit your preferences.
4. Healthier Alternative: Baked, not fried, making these donuts a lighter indulgence.

Ingredients

For the Donuts

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat milk)
• ¼ cup coconut oil (melted)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

For the Glaze

• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp plant-based milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Ingredients and Substitutions

Plant-Based Milk

• Why It’s Essential: Acts as the liquid base for the batter.
• Substitution: Use any plant-based milk you have on hand, like almond, soy, or oat milk.

Coconut Oil

• Why It’s Essential: Adds moisture and richness to the donuts.
• Substitution: Swap with vegetable oil or melted vegan butter.

Apple Cider Vinegar

• Why It’s Essential: Reacts with baking powder to create a light, airy texture.
• Substitution: Lemon juice or white vinegar works just as well.

How to Make Vegan Donuts (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Preparing the Perfect Batter

Combine your dry ingredients first to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents. Gradually mix in the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix, as this can make the donuts dense instead of fluffy.

Step 2: Baking Instead of Frying

Using a donut pan and baking the donuts reduces oil content while still delivering a soft, tender crumb. This method also makes cleanup easier.

Step 3: Crafting the Glaze

A smooth glaze is key for the iconic donut finish. Sift the powdered sugar beforehand to avoid lumps, and adjust the thickness to your liking with plant-based milk.

Expert Tips for Success

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps the batter mix evenly, resulting in a better texture.
2. Grease the Pan Well: Prevents sticking and ensures the donuts release easily.
3. Cool Completely Before Glazing: Warm donuts can cause the glaze to melt and slide off.
4. Don’t Overfill the Molds: Leave room for the batter to rise while baking.

Variations and Customizations

1. Chocolate Vegan Donuts: Add 2 tbsp of cocoa powder to the batter for a rich, chocolatey flavor.
2. Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: Brush warm donuts with melted vegan butter and coat them in a cinnamon-sugar mixture.
3. Fruity Glaze: Mix in a few teaspoons of fruit puree, like strawberry or blueberry, to the glaze for a pop of color and flavor.
4. Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these donuts suitable for gluten-sensitive eaters.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storage

• Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerate for longer storage, but note that the texture may change slightly.

Freezing

• Freeze unglazed donuts for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and glaze before serving.

Reheating

• Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to refresh their softness.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or afternoon treat.
• Serve alongside fresh fruit for a balanced dessert.
• Add a sprinkle of crushed nuts or coconut flakes for extra texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I fry these vegan donuts instead of baking them?

A: Yes, you can! Roll the dough slightly thicker and fry in hot oil until golden brown.

Q: Can I make the batter ahead of time?

A: It’s best to bake the donuts immediately after preparing the batter to maintain the leavening effects.

Q: How do I prevent my donuts from sticking to the pan?

A: Thoroughly grease your donut pan with oil or a non-stick cooking spray before adding the batter.

Related Recipes

1. Vegan Chocolate Cake: Another plant-based dessert that’s rich and decadent.
2. Vegan Cinnamon Rolls: Soft, gooey, and perfect for breakfast or brunch.
3. Vegan Banana Bread: A moist and flavorful quick bread that’s easy to make.

Conclusion

Vegan donuts prove that you don’t need eggs or dairy to create a dessert that’s soft, flavorful, and utterly delightful. This recipe is simple, customizable, and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth in a cruelty-free way.

Whether you’re serving them at a brunch, gifting them to friends, or enjoying one with your morning coffee, these vegan donuts are guaranteed to impress. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let’s bake! You’ll soon discover why these donuts are a favorite for vegans and non-vegans alike.

Perfect Mashed Potatoes

Vegan Donuts

Soft, fluffy, and deliciously glazed vegan donuts that are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings 12 donuts

Calories 220 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Donuts

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat milk)
• ¼ cup coconut oil (melted)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

For the Glaze

• 1½ cups powdered sugar
• 3 tbsp plant-based milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

 

• Step 1: Prepare the Batter

  Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.

  In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

  In a separate bowl, combine plant-based milk, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar.

  Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
• Step 2: Bake the Donuts

  Spoon or pipe the batter into the greased donut pan, filling each mold about ¾ full.

  Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

  Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Step 3: Make the Glaze

  In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, plant-based milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
• Step 4: Glaze the Donuts

  Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze, allowing the excess to drip off. Place them back on the wire rack to set.

Notes

• Use a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped off to easily fill the donut molds.
• Store donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Keyword Vegan Donuts