Best Baked Vegan Donut Recipe for Easy Delicious Treats

Who says donuts can’t be healthy and vegan? If you’ve been craving the perfect treat that’s fluffy, moist, and completely plant-based, you’re in the right place.

This best baked vegan donut recipe delivers all the indulgence without the guilt. Instead of frying, these donuts are baked to perfection, making them lighter but still irresistibly delicious.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan, simply want to cut back on oil, or are just looking to impress friends with a creative dessert, these donuts will become your new favorite. With simple ingredients and easy steps, anyone can whip up a batch that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack anytime.

Get ready to enjoy donuts with a tender crumb and just the right touch of sweetness, topped with your favorite glaze or sprinkles. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover why these baked vegan donuts are the ultimate treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a game-changer for several reasons. First, it’s baked rather than fried, which means fewer calories and less mess in the kitchen.

The texture is soft and cakey, not dense or dry, which can sometimes happen with vegan baked goods.

Second, it uses common pantry staples like flour, plant-based milk, and natural sweeteners, making it accessible for everyone. No exotic ingredients or complicated techniques are involved.

Plus, the donuts are naturally dairy-free and egg-free, making them perfect for those with allergies or dietary preferences.

Finally, these donuts are incredibly versatile. You can customize the glaze, add spices, or even mix in fruit or nuts.

They’re a delightful treat that satisfies sweet cravings without compromising your vegan lifestyle.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (can substitute half with whole wheat flour)
• ¾ cup organic sugar (coconut sugar or brown sugar works well too)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, but highly recommended for warmth)
• ¾ cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, oat, soy, or your favorite)
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (helps the donuts rise and become fluffy)
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

• Donut baking pan (silicone or metal, 6-8 cavities)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spoon or piping bag (for filling the donut molds)
• Cooling rack

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease your donut pan with oil or non-stick spray.
2. Mix the wet ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the plant-based milk and apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle — this acts like vegan buttermilk.
3. Add the oil and vanilla extract to the curdled milk mixture and stir well to combine.
4. In a separate large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This ensures an even texture without lumps.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold together with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix — a few lumps are okay.
6. Fill the donut pan cavities about ¾ full with the batter. For cleaner edges, use a piping bag or a spoon to distribute the batter evenly.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the tops spring back when lightly pressed and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Allow donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before glazing or decorating.

Tips & Variations

For a fluffier donut, do not overmix the batter — mixing until just combined is key.

– Glaze ideas: Try a simple powdered sugar glaze with plant-based milk and vanilla, or dip in melted vegan chocolate for extra indulgence.

– Flavor twists: Add ½ cup mashed banana or pumpkin puree to the wet ingredients for a fruity or seasonal variation.

– Nutty addition: Sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top immediately after glazing for a satisfying crunch.

– Spices: Experiment with nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger to add warmth and complexity.

– Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These donuts are delightful served fresh with a hot cup of coffee or tea. For a breakfast twist, pair them with a bowl of fresh fruit or a vegan yogurt parfait.

If you want to impress guests, arrange them on a pretty platter with a variety of glazes and toppings like shredded coconut, rainbow sprinkles, or chopped nuts.

They also make fantastic gifts — just pack a few in a decorative box with a handwritten note. For a fun brunch idea, serve alongside plant-based sausages or a tofu scramble.

You can even top these donuts with a dollop of vegan cream cheese frosting for a decadent treat.

Conclusion

This baked vegan donut recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves sweet treats but wants to keep things wholesome and cruelty-free. The soft, cakey texture combined with a lightly sweet flavor makes these donuts perfect for any occasion.

Plus, the simplicity of the ingredients and method means you can make these donuts anytime without fuss. Once you master this base recipe, you can experiment with all kinds of flavors and toppings to create your own signature donuts.

Whether you’re new to vegan baking or a donut aficionado, these baked donuts are sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to check out other delicious recipes such as the Magic Dough Recipe for more vegan baking inspiration, or try the Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes for savory plant-based meals.

For a sweet bread alternative, the Marzipan Challah Recipe is a beautiful companion to any brunch table.

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