Vegan Cake Donut Recipe: Easy, Delicious, and Fluffy

There’s something irresistible about a tender, sweet cake donut—especially when it’s fresh from your own oven! If you’re craving comfort food that’s both indulgent and plant-based, this vegan cake donut recipe is exactly what you need.

Whether you’re new to vegan baking or a seasoned pro, these donuts will quickly become a favorite in your rotation. They’re soft, fluffy, and packed with classic vanilla flavor, making them perfect for breakfast, an afternoon treat, or dessert.

Best of all, this recipe is simple enough for a weekday morning but special enough for a weekend brunch. You’ll need just a handful of pantry staples and less than 30 minutes to whip up a batch.

And if you want to get creative, there are endless ways to top and flavor your donuts! Keep reading for everything you need to know about making the best vegan cake donuts, plus helpful tips, nutrition info, and serving ideas.

Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: You can go from mixing bowl to donut in under 30 minutes. No fancy techniques required!
• Plant-Based Goodness: These donuts are completely dairy-free and egg-free, but you’d never guess it from their rich flavor and perfect texture.
• Versatile: Enjoy them plain, dipped in glaze, or sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. The options are endless.
• Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love these soft, sweet treats. Plus, you can make them together for a fun baking project.
• Customizable: Add chocolate chips, lemon zest, or warm spices for a different twist every time.
• Healthier Than Fried: Baked instead of fried, these donuts are lighter but still deliciously satisfying.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need for this vegan cake donut recipe. For easy reference, see the table below for quantities.

Optional Toppings

• Vegan chocolate chips (for melting or mixing in)
• Powdered sugar glaze (see Tips & Variations for recipe)
• Cinnamon sugar (mix 1/4 cup sugar with 1 tsp cinnamon)
• Sprinkles (check for vegan brands)

Equipment

Gather these basic kitchen tools for easy, fuss-free donut baking:

• Donut pan (preferably nonstick, 6- or 12-cavity)
• Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
• Whisk and/or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Piping bag or zip-top bag (for easy batter transfer)
• Cooling rack
• Small saucepan (if making chocolate or glaze)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your donut pan with oil or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg (if using).
3. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the plant milk, oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract.
4. Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined—do not overmix! The batter should be thick but smooth.
5. Fill the donut pan: Transfer the batter to a piping bag or zip-top bag with a corner snipped off. Pipe the batter evenly into the donut pan cavities, filling each about 3/4 full.
6. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes. The donuts are done when a toothpick inserted into the thickest part comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
7. Cool: Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Add toppings: Once cool, dip the donuts in a glaze, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, or drizzle with melted chocolate. Get creative and make each one unique!
9. Serve and enjoy! Your homemade vegan cake donuts are ready to devour. Serve immediately, or store as directed below.

Tips & Variations

“Don’t overmix!” Overmixing the batter can lead to dense, chewy donuts. Stir just until the flour disappears for the fluffiest results.

• Don’t have a donut pan? Use a muffin tin and place a small ball of foil in the center of each cup to create a hole. Or, simply make donut “muffins” instead!
• Flavor variations: Swap vanilla for almond extract, add orange or lemon zest, or stir in mini vegan chocolate chips.
• For chocolate donuts: Replace 1/4 cup flour with cocoa powder and increase plant milk by 2 tablespoons.
• Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. The texture may be slightly different, but still delicious.
• Easy glaze recipe: Mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons plant milk and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. Dip cooled donuts and let set.
• Storage: Keep leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 4 days. Glazed donuts are best eaten the same day.

Try pairing these donuts with a warm beverage or alongside a hearty vegan breakfast. For more vegan baking inspiration, check out our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious and our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves!

Nutrition Facts

Here’s a general nutritional breakdown for one baked vegan cake donut (without glaze or toppings):

Note: Nutrition will vary depending on the plant milk and oil you use, as well as any toppings or mix-ins. For a lower-sugar version, try using coconut sugar or reducing the sweetener slightly.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic breakfast treat: Pair your donut with a hot cup of coffee, oat milk latte, or herbal tea for a cozy start to your morning.
• Make it a brunch centerpiece: Serve alongside a fresh fruit salad and vegan scrambled eggs. Try our Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals for a savory balance!
• Fun for kids: Set up a donut decorating station with different glazes, sprinkles, and toppings so everyone can customize their own.
• Dessert twist: Sandwich a scoop of vegan ice cream between two donuts for a decadent (but still dairy-free!) treat.
• On-the-go snack: Pack a donut or two in your lunchbox or picnic basket for a sweet pick-me-up anytime.
• Holiday breakfast: These donuts are perfect for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, birthdays, or any celebration where you want to impress!

Looking for more plant-based baking inspiration? Browse our roundup of Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals for savory ideas to complement your sweet treats.

Conclusion

There you have it—perfectly fluffy, flavorful vegan cake donuts that are easy enough for anyone to make. Whether you enjoy them glazed, dusted with cinnamon sugar, or simply plain, these donuts are sure to become a new favorite in your home.

They’re proof that plant-based baking doesn’t mean sacrificing taste or texture; in fact, it can unlock a world of new flavors and creative possibilities.

So next time you’re craving something sweet, skip the trip to the bakery and whip up a fresh batch yourself. You’ll love the soft crumb, rich vanilla aroma, and endless ways to personalize each donut.

Don’t forget to experiment with glazes, mix-ins, and toppings to make them truly your own! For more vegan baking adventures, check out our recipes for Vegetarian Date Cake and Vegan Bread Machine Loaves—there’s always something delicious waiting to be discovered.

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