Best Vegan Chocolate Donut Recipe for Delicious Treats

Updated On: October 5, 2025

Craving a sweet treat that’s both indulgent and completely plant-based? Look no further!

This best vegan chocolate donut recipe is here to satisfy your chocolate cravings without compromising your vegan lifestyle. These donuts are rich, moist, and fluffy with a deep chocolate flavor that melts in your mouth.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just exploring dairy-free desserts, this recipe is simple, quick, and uses everyday ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a dessert, these donuts are baked rather than fried, making them a healthier option without losing any of that classic donut charm. Plus, they’re topped with a luscious vegan chocolate glaze that adds the perfect finishing touch.

Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to make bakery-quality vegan chocolate donuts right in your own kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are plenty of reasons why this vegan chocolate donut recipe stands out:

  • Simple and accessible ingredients: No complicated or hard-to-find items needed.
  • Baked, not fried: Enjoy a lighter, less greasy treat without sacrificing flavor or texture.
  • Rich chocolate flavor: Made with cocoa powder and vegan chocolate glaze for maximum indulgence.
  • Perfectly moist and fluffy: Thanks to a combination of plant-based milk and apple cider vinegar that creates a tender crumb.
  • Customizable: Easily add nuts, chocolate chips, or different toppings to make it your own.

Whether you’re making these for a special occasion or just because, they’re sure to impress both vegans and non-vegans alike!

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3/4 cup organic cane sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup melted coconut oil (or neutral oil)
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips (optional, for extra chocolatey bites)

Equipment

  • Donut pan (6-8 cavities)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula
  • Cooling rack
  • Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease your donut pan with coconut oil or non-stick spray.
  2. Prepare the vegan buttermilk: In a small bowl, combine the almond milk and apple cider vinegar. Stir and let it sit for 5-7 minutes until it curdles slightly.
  3. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until fully combined.
  4. Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, mix the melted coconut oil and vanilla extract into the vegan buttermilk.
  5. Incorporate wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  6. Add chocolate chips: If using, fold in the vegan chocolate chips for extra chocolaty goodness.
  7. Spoon the batter into the donut pan cavities, filling each about 3/4 full for perfect donut shape.
  8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the donut center comes out clean.
  9. Cool: Remove the donuts from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
  10. Prepare the glaze: Melt vegan chocolate chips with a tablespoon of coconut oil in a small saucepan over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring until smooth.
  11. Dip the cooled donuts into the chocolate glaze, letting the excess drip off. Place back on the cooling rack and allow the glaze to set.
  12. Enjoy! Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Tips & Variations

Pro tip: To get perfectly shaped donuts, avoid overfilling the donut pan cavities, and use a piping bag or zip-top bag for easier batter distribution.

  • Glaze alternatives: Try a vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar and plant milk or a peanut butter drizzle for a nutty twist.
  • Add spices: A pinch of cinnamon or chili powder can add a unique warmth to your donuts.
  • Make it gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for those with sensitivities.
  • Frosting ideas: Top with vegan cream cheese frosting or sprinkle with chopped nuts and shredded coconut.
  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers and warm slightly before serving to restore softness.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount Per Donut
Calories 180 kcal
Carbohydrates 28 g
Protein 2 g
Fat 7 g
Saturated Fat 5 g
Sugar 14 g
Fiber 2 g

Serving Suggestions

These vegan chocolate donuts are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages and toppings. For a cozy breakfast, serve alongside a cup of your favorite plant-based latte or hot cocoa.

For an afternoon snack, enjoy them with a chilled glass of almond or oat milk.

Consider topping the donuts with fresh berries or sliced bananas for a fruity contrast. You can also sprinkle some crushed nuts or vegan sprinkles to make them extra festive for parties or celebrations.

For more creative vegan baking inspiration, check out our Magic Dough Recipe or the delicious Leche De Pantera Recipe.

Conclusion

Making delicious, tender, and chocolatey vegan donuts at home has never been easier. This recipe combines simple pantry staples with easy techniques to create a treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re vegan or just looking to try something new, these donuts offer the perfect balance of sweetness and richness without any animal products.

They’re baked, healthier, and just as satisfying as traditional donuts, making them a fantastic addition to your baking repertoire. Don’t forget to experiment with toppings and flavors to make this recipe your own!

For more sweet vegan recipes, don’t miss our Julie Marie Eats Recipes and the classic Italian Ciambelle Recipes. Happy baking and enjoy every bite!

📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegan Chocolate Donut Recipe

Description: Deliciously moist and fluffy vegan chocolate donuts that satisfy your sweet tooth. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT30M

Servings: 12 donuts

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup dairy-free chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease donut pan.
  2. Whisk almond milk and apple cider vinegar; let sit 5 minutes.
  3. In a bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  4. Add wet ingredients and vanilla extract to dry ingredients; stir until combined.
  5. Fold in chocolate chips if using.
  6. Spoon batter into donut pan, filling each about 3/4 full.
  7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Cool in pan 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition: Calories: 180 | Protein: 2g | Fat: 8g | Carbs: 25g

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Marta K

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