Vegan Yeast Donut Recipe Easy and Delicious Treats

Who says donuts can’t be both indulgent and vegan? This vegan yeast donut recipe offers a delightful way to enjoy soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweet donuts without any animal products.

Whether you’re a vegan newbie or a longtime plant-based eater, these donuts will quickly become a favorite treat for breakfast, snack time, or dessert. The magic lies in the yeast, which creates a light and airy texture that rivals traditional donuts.

Plus, this recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

Making yeast donuts at home might seem intimidating, but with this step-by-step guide, you’ll find it’s easier than you think. And the best part?

You get to customize your donuts with your favorite toppings, from classic sugar glaze to cinnamon sugar or even vegan chocolate drizzle. Ready to treat yourself to vegan comfort food at its finest?

Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan yeast donut recipe is a game-changer for several reasons. First, it uses natural yeast to give the donuts a light and fluffy texture that’s just as satisfying as traditional donuts made with eggs and dairy.

It’s also incredibly versatile—you can fry or bake these donuts depending on your preference and health goals.

Secondly, the recipe is straightforward with ingredients that are easy to find. No complicated vegan substitutes or specialty items are needed.

You’ll also appreciate how customizable these donuts are, letting you explore different toppings and glazes to suit your mood.

Lastly, it’s a perfect recipe to share with family and friends, even those who aren’t vegan. These donuts are so delicious, no one will believe they’re made without eggs or milk.

If you love other vegan baking adventures, check out our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for another sweet treat!

Ingredients

• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (one packet)
• ¾ cup warm plant-based milk (such as almond, soy, or oat milk), around 110°F (43°C)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp vegan butter, melted (or coconut oil)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Oil for frying (such as vegetable or canola oil), about 2-3 cups
• Optional toppings: powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, vegan glaze, or melted vegan chocolate

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk or wooden spoon
• Rolling pin
• Donut cutter or two round cutters (one large, one small)
• Deep frying pan or pot
• Thermometer (to check oil temperature)
• Wire rack with paper towels

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm plant-based milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This means your yeast is active and ready to go.
2. Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add the melted vegan butter, vanilla extract, and the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or your hands until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead the dough: Lightly flour a flat surface and knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much, or the donuts will be dense.
4. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Shape the donuts: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface to about ½ inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or two round cutters to cut out donut shapes. Place the donuts and holes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
6. Heat the oil: In a deep frying pan or pot, heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy to ensure the donuts fry evenly without absorbing too much oil.
7. Fry the donuts: Carefully lower a few donuts at a time into the hot oil. Fry for about 1-2 minutes per side or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to flip them and remove when done. Drain on a wire rack lined with paper towels.
8. Add toppings: While still warm, dust the donuts with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar. For a glaze, dip the donuts in your favorite vegan glaze and let them set on a wire rack.
9. Serve and enjoy: These donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Tips & Variations

For best results, make sure your plant-based milk is warm but not hot—too hot will kill the yeast.

Experiment with different toppings to keep things exciting. A classic cinnamon sugar coating is always a hit, but you can also drizzle with melted vegan chocolate or make a simple glaze using powdered sugar and plant milk.

If you prefer baking over frying, place the shaped donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes until golden. While baked donuts won’t have the same deep-fried crispiness, they are lighter and healthier.

For a fun twist, add some zest like orange or lemon to the dough for a citrusy flavor. And if you want to take your donut game further, try filling them with vegan jam or custard after frying.

Curious about other delicious vegan recipes? Check out our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves or explore some Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals for wholesome meal ideas.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Serve your vegan yeast donuts fresh and warm alongside a cup of your favorite coffee or tea for a comforting breakfast or afternoon snack. They pair wonderfully with a plant-based latte or a chilled glass of almond milk.

For a festive brunch, consider making a donut board with assorted toppings like chopped nuts, shredded coconut, various glazes, and fresh fruit. This interactive approach lets everyone customize their own donut experience!

Don’t forget to explore other vegan treats in our collection, such as the Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes, which can elevate your savory meals as well.

Conclusion

Making vegan yeast donuts at home is a rewarding and delicious experience that proves plant-based baking can be just as indulgent as traditional recipes. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll soon enjoy soft, fluffy donuts that are perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or savoring a quiet moment with a sweet treat, these donuts bring joy and comfort in every bite.

If you’re looking to expand your vegan baking repertoire, don’t hesitate to try other recipes on our site. From savory breads to decadent cakes, there’s something for every taste and skill level.

Happy baking, and enjoy your vegan yeast donuts!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Vegan Yeast Donut Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “Fluffy and light vegan yeast donuts perfect for a sweet treat. Made without eggs or dairy, these donuts are soft and delicious.”, “prepTime”: “PT20M”, “cookTime”: “PT15M”, “totalTime”: “PT35M”, “recipeYield”: “12 donuts”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast”, “1 cup warm almond milk (110\u00b0F/43\u00b0C)”, “1/4 cup granulated sugar”, “3 cups all-purpose flour”, “1/2 tsp salt”, “1/4 cup vegan butter, melted”, “1 tsp vanilla extract”, “1/4 cup maple syrup”, “Vegetable oil for frying”, “1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting or glaze)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Dissolve yeast in warm almond milk with 1 tbsp sugar; let sit 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a bowl, mix flour, remaining sugar, and salt.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add melted vegan butter, vanilla, maple syrup, and yeast mixture; stir to combine.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Knead dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cover dough and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Roll out dough to 1/2 inch thickness and cut donuts with a donut cutter.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Let donuts rise for another 30 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat oil to 350\u00b0F (175\u00b0C) and fry donuts for 1-2 minutes per side.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Drain donuts on paper towels and dust with powdered sugar while warm.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “220”, “proteinContent”: “3g”, “fatContent”: “8g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “33g”}}