Vegan Donuts Recipe: Easy, Delicious, and Fluffy Treats

Who says you can’t indulge in a sweet, fluffy donut when you’re eating plant-based? This vegan donuts recipe delivers all the soft, pillowy texture and classic flavor of traditional donuts—without a single egg or drop of dairy.

Whether you’re a long-time vegan, experimenting with plant-based baking, or simply want a treat that everyone at the table can enjoy, these donuts are a dream come true. Each bite is light, tender, and perfectly sweet, making them ideal for lazy weekend mornings, birthday brunches, or cozy coffee breaks.

Best of all, this recipe is straightforward and uses simple pantry staples. There’s no need for fancy equipment or obscure ingredients—just a love for homemade donuts and a willingness to get a little flour on your hands.

Plus, I’ll share tips for customizing your donuts with glazes, toppings, and baking methods, so you’ll never run out of ways to enjoy this classic treat. Let’s get started and bring a little joy to your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Completely vegan—no eggs or dairy needed, so everyone can enjoy them!
• Fluffy, soft, and light—these donuts rival any bakery version.
• Simple ingredients—made from pantry staples you probably already have.
• Versatile—easy to customize with your favorite flavors, glazes, or toppings.
• Bake or fry—choose your favorite method without sacrificing taste.
• Fun to make—perfect for baking with kids or impressing friends at brunch.
• Healthier than store-bought—no preservatives and less oil if you choose the baked option.

Ingredients

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Stand mixer with dough hook (optional, but helpful)
• Rolling pin
• Donut cutter (or a 3-inch and a 1-inch round cutter)
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Clean kitchen towel
• Deep frying pan or Dutch oven (for frying)
• Slotted spoon (for frying)
• Wire cooling rack
• Oven (for baking option)
• Pastry brush (for glazing)

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast.

   Pour the lukewarm non-dairy milk into a large mixing bowl. Stir in 1 tablespoon of the sugar and sprinkle the yeast over top.

   Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, until the mixture is foamy.

   Tip: If your yeast doesn’t foam after 10 minutes, it may be inactive. Start over with fresh yeast and make sure your milk is warm, not hot.

2. Mix the dough.

   Add the melted vegan butter, applesauce, remaining sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and nutmeg (if using) to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.

3. Add flour and knead.

   Gradually add the flour, mixing with a wooden spoon or stand mixer until a shaggy dough forms. Knead by hand on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes, or use a dough hook on medium speed for 3–4 minutes, until the dough is smooth and slightly tacky but not sticky.

   “The dough should spring back when pressed lightly with your finger.”

4. First rise.

   Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1–1.5 hours, until doubled in size.

5. Shape the donuts.

   Punch down the dough and turn it onto a floured surface. Roll out to about 1/2-inch thick.

   Use a donut cutter (or two round cutters) to cut out donuts. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

   Gather and re-roll scraps as needed.

6. Second rise.

   Cover the shaped donuts loosely with a towel and let them rise for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.

7. To fry the donuts:
   1. Heat 2–3 inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed pan to 350°F (175°C).
   2. Carefully lower 2–3 donuts at a time into the oil. Fry for 1–2 minutes per side, until golden brown.
   3. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack set over paper towels.
8. To bake the donuts:
   1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   2. Brush donuts lightly with melted vegan butter or non-dairy milk.
   3. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until just golden on the tops. Don’t overbake—they should be soft!
9. Add your favorite finish.

   While still warm, dip donuts in cinnamon sugar, brush with glaze, or drizzle with melted vegan chocolate. Let set on a wire rack.

10. Enjoy!

    Serve fresh, ideally the same day. See below for serving suggestions and storage tips.

Tips & Variations

• Make ahead: You can prepare the dough the night before. Let it rise in the fridge overnight and shape/bake in the morning.
• Fillings: After baking or frying, use a piping bag to fill with vegan jam, custard, or chocolate.
• Glazes: Mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons non-dairy milk and a splash of vanilla for a classic glaze. Add cocoa powder or maple syrup for variations.
• Flavor add-ins: Try orange zest, almond extract, or a pinch of cardamom for a unique twist.
• Oil-free option: Always bake instead of fry for a lighter treat.
• Gluten-free version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but note that texture may be slightly different.
• Donut holes: Use the dough “holes” to make mini donut bites—just shorten frying or baking time by a couple of minutes.

“Fresh is best! Vegan donuts taste amazing straight from the oven or fryer, but you can reheat them in a microwave for 10–15 seconds to revive their softness.”

Nutrition Facts

Values are estimates and will vary depending on ingredients and toppings.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic glaze: Dip warm donuts in vanilla glaze and sprinkle with vegan-friendly rainbow sprinkles.
• Cinnamon sugar: Toss immediately in a mix of cinnamon and sugar for a nostalgic treat.
• Chocolate lover’s dream: Drizzle with melted vegan chocolate and top with chopped nuts or coconut flakes.
• Breakfast spread: Serve alongside fresh fruit and a steaming cup of coffee or vegan chocolate milk.
• Special occasion: Stack donuts on a cake stand for a fun brunch centerpiece or a plant-based birthday “cake.”
• With other vegan bakes: Pair with a slice of vegetarian date cake or a batch of vegan bread machine bread for a full bakery experience.

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly made donuts wafting through your kitchen. With this vegan donuts recipe, you can enjoy all the classic flavors and textures you love—while keeping it completely plant-based and cruelty-free.

Whether you bake or fry them, these donuts are sure to delight family, friends, and even the most skeptical donut lovers.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with glazes, fillings, and toppings. From simple cinnamon sugar to decadent chocolate drizzle, you can make these donuts uniquely yours.

And if you’re craving more vegan baking inspiration, check out my recipes for Vegetarian Date Cake, Vegan Bread Machine Loaf, and Vegan Chocolate Milk for more plant-based treats that are just as easy and delicious.

Happy baking!

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