Easy Vegan Baked Donuts: 5 Simple Glaze Flavors

Introduction

Vegan Donuts (Baked) are the ultimate guilt-free treat, offering a perfectly fluffy, cake-like texture and a sweet, crackly glaze without any deep-frying.

These delightful rings are a dream come true for anyone with a sweet tooth. Did you know that the first donuts in America were actually baked, not fried? It wasn’t until the mid-19th century that fried donuts became popular! This recipe brings it back to those simpler, healthier roots.

It’s special because it requires just one bowl, comes together in minutes, and is a fantastic, mess-free project to do with kids. They’re the perfect weekend treat or a show-stopping addition to a brunch spread. If you loved our Vegan Banana Bread, you’ll be equally obsessed with these fun, customizable treats. Get ready to preheat your oven for the easiest, most delightful Vegan Donuts (Baked) you’ll ever make!

What is Vegan Donuts (Baked)?

So, what’s the deal with these wonderfully simple treats? Are they really donuts, or just cake in a clever shape?

The name says it all! They’re a classic donut flavor and form, but they’re baked in the oven instead of fried in oil.

But how can a baked donut rival its fried cousin? The magic is in the special pan. It gives them that iconic ring shape. The batter also bakes up incredibly soft and airy.

I once brought a box to a party. A friend tried one and exclaimed, “I can’t believe these are vegan and baked!”

They say the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach. A platter of these freshly glazed, homemade donuts is a surefire path to success.

Why not grab a donut pan and see for yourself?

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Donuts (Baked)

You are going to be absolutely smitten with this recipe, and here’s exactly why. First and foremost, the main highlight is their incredible simplicity and foolproof method. We’re talking about a one-bowl batter that bakes in under 10 minutes. The result is a batch of impossibly light, cakey donuts that are far healthier than any fried version, but just as indulgent and satisfying Vegan Baked Donuts Vegan Donuts (Baked).

Secondly, let’s talk about the fantastic cost-saving benefit. Buying a single gourmet vegan donut from a specialty shop can cost as much as making an entire dozen at home. Baking them yourself not only saves money but also lets you create a custom dozen with all your favorite glaze flavors for the price of one.

Finally, the five simple glazes are what make this recipe a total winner. From a classic vanilla and rich chocolate to a vibrant strawberry, a zesty lemon, and a simple cinnamon sugar, the topping possibilities are endless and let everyone create their perfect donut. If you enjoy the fun of decorating treats, you’ll love this recipe as much as our Vegan Christmas Cookies. Ready to create your own donut masterpiece? Let’s get baking!

How to Make Vegan Donuts (Baked)

● Quick Overview
This is the easiest, most fun donut recipe you will ever try. It requires just 10 minutes of active prep and 8 minutes of baking for a result that is fluffy, tender, and perfectly sweet. The total time, including glazing, is under 30 minutes Vegan Donuts (Baked).

Ingredients for Vegan Donuts (Baked)

For the Donut Batter:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
• ¼ cup coconut oil, melted (or neutral vegetable oil)
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Glazes (Choose Your Favorite!)

• Vanilla: 1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp plant-based milk + 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Chocolate: 1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp cocoa powder + 3 tbsp plant-based milk
• Strawberry: 1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp blended strawberry puree
• Lemon: 1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice + 1 tsp lemon zest
• Cinnamon Sugar: ¼ cup granulated sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon (toss warm donuts in mixture)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep and Preheat: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your donut pan with a little oil or vegan butter.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed.

1. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate small bowl or a liquid measuring cup, combine the almond milk, melted coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract. Stir well.
2. Make the Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to gently fold the mixture together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing will lead to tough donuts.
3. Fill the Pan: Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a sturdy zip-top bag with a corner snipped off. Pipe the batter evenly into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about ⅔ full.
4. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the donuts are lightly golden and spring back when gently pressed.
5. Cool: Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.

What to Serve Vegan Donuts With

These donuts are a star on their own, but they are part of the perfect breakfast or brunch spread!

• A Fresh Fruit Platter: A side of fresh berries, melon, and grapes adds a fresh, healthy balance.
• A Hot Beverage: A cup of freshly brewed coffee, a chai latte, or a hot chocolate is the perfect pairing.
• Vegan Yogurt Parfaits: Serve alongside a parfait with vegan yogurt, granola, and fruit for a complete meal.
• Vegan Breakfast Sausage: For a savory-sweet combo, add some vegan sausage links or patties to the plate.

Top Tips for Perfecting Vegan Donuts (Baked)

1. Don’t Overmix the Batter: This is the golden rule for tender donuts. Mix until the ingredients are just combined. A few streaks of flour are better than a tough, overworked batter.
2. Use a Piping Bag: For the cleanest, most even donuts, a piping bag (or a zip-top bag with the corner cut off) is your best friend. It’s much easier and less messy than trying to spoon the batter in.
3. Cool Completely Before Glazing: If you glaze the donuts while they are still warm, the glaze will melt and slide right off. Patience is key for that perfect, crackly glaze layer.
4. Easy Flavor Twist: Add a sprinkle of nutmeg to the dry ingredients or fold in vegan chocolate chips or sprinkles into the batter for a funfetti version.

Storing and Reheating Tips

These donuts are best enjoyed the day they are made, but they can be stored for a short time.

• Counter: Store unglazed donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. Glazed donuts are best stored in a single layer and eaten within 24 hours.
• Freezing: These donuts freeze beautifully! Freeze unglazed donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and then glaze.
• Reheating: For a fresh-from-the-oven taste, warm an unglazed donut in the microwave for 10 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes. Always glaze after reheating.

What is Vegan Donuts (Baked)?

So, what exactly are these wonderfully simple Vegan Donuts (Baked)? Are they really donuts, or just cake in a clever shape?

The name tells you everything! These [Vegan Donuts (Baked)] have the classic flavor and form, but they’re made in the oven, not a fryer.

But how can a baked version compete? The magic is in the special pan and a batter that bakes up soft and airy. This is what makes Vegan Donuts (Baked) so unique.

I once brought a box to a party. A friend tried one and said, “I can’t believe these are vegan and baked!”

They say the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach. A platter of these Vegan Donuts (Baked) is a sure path to success.

Why not grab a pan and see for yourself?

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