Vegan Doughnut Recipes That Are Easy and Delicious

If you have a sweet tooth but follow a plant-based lifestyle, vegan doughnuts are a delightful treat that you can enjoy guilt-free. These doughnuts are fluffy, tender, and packed with flavor — all without any animal products.

Whether you’re craving a classic glazed doughnut or something with a bit more flair like a cinnamon sugar or chocolate glaze, vegan doughnuts prove that you don’t need eggs or dairy to create a perfect pastry indulgence.

In this post, we’ll explore not just one but several scrumptious vegan doughnut recipes that you can easily make at home. From traditional fried doughnuts to healthier baked versions, these recipes are approachable and designed to satisfy every craving.

Plus, we’ll share tips and variations to help you customize them to your liking. Ready to elevate your dessert game?

Let’s dive in and make some irresistible vegan doughnuts that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vegan doughnuts offer the perfect combination of indulgence and compassion. They’re made with wholesome, plant-based ingredients that still deliver the fluffy texture and sweet taste you expect from doughnuts.

These recipes are:

• Easy to prepare with simple pantry staples.
• Versatile — perfect for frying or baking.
• Customizable with a variety of glazes and toppings.
• Healthier alternatives to traditional doughnuts, using less processed ingredients.
• Great for all skill levels, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker.

Plus, they’re a fantastic way to impress friends and family at brunches, holidays, or casual get-togethers. If you want to explore more vegan baking treats, check out our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for a sweet, wholesome dessert option!

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for GF option)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant milk)
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Oil for frying (if frying doughnuts)
• For glaze: 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 2-3 tbsp plant milk, 1 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Doughnut cutter or two round cookie cutters (one large, one small)
• Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot (if frying)
• Baking sheet and parchment paper (if baking)
• Cooling rack
• Spoon or small whisk for the glaze

Instructions

1. Prepare the vegan buttermilk: In a small bowl, combine the almond milk with the apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it curdles slightly.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3. Combine wet ingredients: Add the vegetable oil and vanilla extract to the vegan buttermilk. Stir gently to combine.
4. Make the dough: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix with a spatula or wooden spoon just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep doughnuts tender.
5. Roll and cut: Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use the doughnut cutter to cut out doughnuts and holes. Re-roll scraps as necessary.
6. Choose your cooking method:
   • For frying: Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry doughnuts in batches for about 1-2 minutes per side or until golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
   • For baking: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place doughnuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Prepare the glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk powdered sugar, plant milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more milk or sugar as needed.
8. Glaze the doughnuts: While doughnuts are still slightly warm, dip the tops into the glaze. Place on a cooling rack to set.
9. Serve and enjoy! Once glaze has set, your vegan doughnuts are ready to be devoured.

Tips & Variations

“For extra fluffy doughnuts, be sure not to overmix the batter. Also, chilling the dough for 20 minutes before rolling can make cutting easier.”

• Cinnamon Sugar: After frying or baking, toss warm doughnuts in a cinnamon sugar mix instead of glazing for a classic twist.
• Chocolate Glaze: Add 2 tbsp of cocoa powder to the glaze for a rich chocolate coating.
• Baked vs. Fried: Baking yields a lighter doughnut with less oil, while frying delivers a crispier exterior and a more traditional texture.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and add 1 tsp xanthan gum if not included.
• Fillings: Inject jam, vegan chocolate spread, or custard after frying for filled doughnuts.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Vegan doughnuts pair wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or afternoon snack. They can also be served as a fun dessert at parties or family gatherings.

For a festive touch, try topping them with fresh fruit, shredded coconut, or chopped nuts.

If you’re interested in expanding your vegan cooking repertoire beyond sweet treats, check out our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals or our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes for some hearty, savory meal ideas.

More Delicious Vegan Doughnut Recipes to Try

Baked Maple Cinnamon Vegan Doughnuts

These baked doughnuts have a lovely maple syrup sweetness combined with warm cinnamon spice. Perfect for a cozy morning!

• Substitute 1/4 cup maple syrup for the granulated sugar
• Add 2 tsp ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients
• Bake as directed and glaze with a simple maple glaze

Chocolate Vegan Doughnuts with Vegan Chocolate Glaze

Rich cocoa powder makes these doughnuts a chocolate lover’s dream, topped with a luscious vegan chocolate glaze.

• Add 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry mix
• Use plant-based chocolate chips melted with a little coconut oil for the glaze
• Fry or bake as preferred

Lemon Poppy Seed Vegan Doughnuts

Bright and zesty, these doughnuts are lightened with fresh lemon juice and studded with poppy seeds.

• Add 2 tbsp lemon zest and 2 tbsp poppy seeds to the batter
• Replace vanilla extract with lemon extract or additional lemon juice
• Glaze with lemon juice and powdered sugar mixture

Want to try more vegan baking? Our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves is another excellent option to satisfy your baking cravings!

Conclusion

Vegan doughnuts are a fantastic way to indulge in a classic favorite without compromising your plant-based principles. These recipes prove that you don’t need eggs or dairy to create tender, fluffy, and delicious doughnuts.

Whether you choose to bake or fry, experiment with glazes and toppings, or try one of the variations, these doughnuts will surely become a staple in your vegan dessert rotation.

With simple ingredients and straightforward methods, these recipes are accessible to all skill levels and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Don’t forget to explore other vegan delights on our site, like the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe or the savory Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker.

Happy baking, and enjoy every sweet bite of your homemade vegan doughnuts!

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