Who doesn’t love donuts? Now imagine delicious, fluffy, sweet treats that are totally vegan and super quick to make! That’s what vegan donut represents.
They are perfect for busy mornings, last-minute dessert cravings, or impressing your friends. No fancy skills or equipment needed. Just mix, bake (or fry), and enjoy. You can top them with glaze, sprinkles, or keep it simple.
Ready to make some magic in your kitchen? Let’s go!
Vegan Donut Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Donut pan (or a muffin tin with foil molds)
- Oven or air fryer
- Cooling rack
- Small saucepan (optional, for glaze)
Ingredients
For the Donut Batter:
- 1¾ Cups All-purpose flour
- ¾ Cup Sugar (granulated or coconut sugar for a healthier option)
- 2 Tsp Baking powder
- ½ Tsp Baking soda
- ½ Tsp Salt
- ¾ Cup Plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat milk work great)
- ¼ Cup Melted coconut oil (or any neutral vegetable oil)
- 1 Tsp Vanilla extract
- 1 Tsp Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
Optional Glaze and Toppings:
- 1 Cup Powdered sugar
- 2-3 Tbsp Plant-based milk
- ½ Tsp Vanilla extract
- Sprinkles, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep:Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).Lightly grease your donut pan or prepare a muffin tin with DIY foil molds to create a donut shape.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Add the Wet Ingredients:Pour in the plant-based milk, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar.Stir until just combined. Do not overmix; a few small lumps are fine.
- Fill the Molds:Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut pan, filling each mold about ¾ full.
- Bake:Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the donuts are lightly golden and spring back when touched.
- Cool:Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack.
- Optional Glaze:While the donuts cool, whisk together powdered sugar, plant-based milk, and vanilla in a small bowl until smooth.Dip the donuts into the glaze and top with sprinkles or nuts if desired.
- Serve and Enjoy:Your quick and easy vegan donuts are ready to be devoured!
Video
Notes
- Custom Flavors: Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for extra warmth, or fold in chocolate chips for a sweet treat.
- Air Fryer Option: Bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes instead of using an oven.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month. Reheat before serving!
Best Toppings and Flavors
Toppings and flavors are what take your vegan donuts from “yum” to “OMG, these are amazing!” The best part? You can mix and match to create endless combinations, so there’s something for everyone.
1. Classic Glaze
A simple glaze is always a winner. Just mix powdered sugar with a bit of plant-based milk and a splash of vanilla extract. Dip your cooled donuts into the glaze, let the excess drip off, and watch that shiny coating set. Want a twist? Add a tiny bit of lemon juice or maple syrup to the glaze for extra flavor.
2. Sprinkles
Sprinkles make everything better! Add them right after glazing your donuts so they stick perfectly. Use colorful sprinkles for birthdays, chocolate sprinkles for a classic look, or even sugar crystals for a sparkly finish.
3. Chocolate
Melt some vegan chocolate (non-dairy) and dip your donuts for a rich chocolate coating. You can also drizzle the chocolate over the donuts in zigzags for a fancy look. For an extra kick, sprinkle some crushed nuts or coconut flakes on top while the chocolate is still melty.
4. Cinnamon Sugar
This one’s a classic for a reason. Mix cinnamon and sugar together, then coat your donuts with it while they’re still warm. The sugar melts slightly, giving your donuts that cozy, sweet flavor everyone loves.
5. Fruity Glaze
For something fruity, mix powdered sugar with fruit juice instead of milk. Try strawberry, lemon, or orange juice for vibrant flavors and colors. You can even add some finely grated zest to really amp up the flavor.
6. Peanut Butter or Nut Butters
Spread a layer of creamy peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter on your donuts for a protein-packed treat. Top with sliced bananas, crushed peanuts, or a drizzle of chocolate for an extra indulgence.
7. Caramel
Make or buy vegan caramel sauce and drizzle it over your donuts. Pair it with a sprinkle of sea salt for that perfect sweet-and-salty combo.
8. Shredded Coconut
Add shredded or toasted coconut for a tropical twist. You can press it onto a glaze or chocolate coating for a fun texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I make donuts without a donut pan?
Yes! If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin and create donut shapes by rolling small strips of foil into rings. Place the rings in the center of each muffin tin cavity, then pipe the batter around them to create the hole.
Can I fry donuts instead of baking?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the recipe slightly. For frying, reduce the baking powder slightly (to avoid over-puffing) and chill the dough to make it easier to handle. Roll out the dough, cut into shapes, and fry in hot oil until golden brown.
What’s the best way to ensure my donuts are fluffy and not dense?
The key to fluffy donuts is not overmixing the batter. Stir the wet and dry ingredients until just combined—small lumps are okay. Overmixing can develop too much gluten, resulting in dense donuts.
What can I do if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?
You can substitute apple cider vinegar with lemon juice or white vinegar in the same amount (1 teaspoon). The acidity is essential to activate the baking soda and create a light, airy texture.
Final Thoughts
Vegan donuts are simple to make and taste amazing. You can keep them classic or get creative with toppings to make them your own. Enjoy the process, share them with friends, and treat yourself to something special.
Recipe to Try Next – Vegan Pie