Name: Vegan Baked Donuts Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1⅓ cups gluten-free measure for measure flour (one that contains xanthan gum); ⅔ cup fine almond flour; ½ teaspoon fine salt; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ½ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup vegan butter (softened at room temperature); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; ½ cup evaporated oat milk; ¼ cup vegan mayonnaise; 1½ cups powdered sugar (sifted); 3 tablespoons evaporated oat milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1⅓ cups powdered sugar; ¼ cup pure cocoa powder; ¼ cup evaporated oat milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 68 reviews

If you have a craving for something sweet, cozy, and utterly delightful, this Vegan Baked Donuts Recipe is going to become one of your all-time favorites. Imagine tender, fluffy donuts with just the right amount of spice and sweetness, baked to perfection without any guilt or fuss. This recipe combines gluten-free and vegan ingredients into a batch of warm, comforting treats that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re new to vegan baking or a seasoned pro, these donuts offer a delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth with wholesome, plant-based goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top view of a black donut baking tray with five raw donut doughs inside the molds, each light beige with a soft and slightly cracked texture. Next to the tray is a white cooling rack holding seven fully baked donuts that are golden brown with a smooth and slightly puffy surface. The scene is set on a white marbled background, highlighting the contrast between the raw and baked donuts. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients is what makes this recipe shine. Each component plays a vital role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and even color of these donuts. Don’t worry, they are straightforward and easy to find, making the baking experience a breeze.

1⅓ cups gluten-free measure for measure flour: This blend ensures the donuts have a perfect structure while keeping them gluten-free.
⅔ cup fine almond flour: Adds moisture and a subtle nutty flavor to the batter.
½ teaspoon fine salt: Enhances the donut’s overall flavor balance.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Provides the rise and fluffiness essential for light donuts.
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Introduces a warm, inviting spice note.
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds depth and a hint of earthiness.
½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the donuts just right.
¼ cup vegan butter (softened): Brings richness and tender crumb to the batter.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness with its aromatic warmth.
½ cup evaporated oat milk: Keeps the batter moist and dairy-free.
¼ cup vegan mayonnaise: Adds extra moisture, contributing to a soft donut texture.
1½ cups powdered sugar (sifted): For the glaze, giving a smooth, sweet finish.
3 tablespoons evaporated oat milk (for glaze): Helps to achieve the perfect glaze consistency.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze): Brings flavor to the glaze.
1⅓ cups powdered sugar (for chocolate glaze): Sweetens the chocolate version.
¼ cup pure cocoa powder: Rich chocolate flavor in the glaze.
¼ cup evaporated oat milk (for chocolate glaze): Used to thin the chocolate glaze to the perfect texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for chocolate glaze): Adds depth to the chocolate flavor.

How to Make Vegan Baked Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Start by mixing all your dry ingredients in a large bowl. This includes the gluten-free measure for measure flour, fine almond flour, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and granulated sugar. Creating this flavor-packed base sets the stage for those wonderfully spiced donuts with a perfectly balanced sweetness and texture.

Step 2: Integrate the Vegan Butter

Add the softened vegan butter to the dry ingredients and gently work it in. This process helps coat the flour with fat, which results in a tender, fluffy donut once baked. Be sure to break up any clumps to achieve an even mixture.

Step 3: Mix in the Wet Ingredients

Now it’s time to bring in the vanilla extract, vegan mayonnaise, and evaporated oat milk. Stir these lovely liquids into the flour mixture until you get a smooth batter. The mayo might seem unexpected, but it’s a secret weapon for keeping these donuts moist and tender.

Step 4: Let the Batter Rest

Cover your batter and let it rest for 30 minutes. This step helps the gluten-free flours hydrate and the leavening agents activate, ensuring the donuts will rise beautifully and have the best possible texture.

Step 5: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

While waiting, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease your donut pan thoroughly; I love using coconut oil for its rich flavor and non-stick properties. This will guarantee your donuts come out clean and intact.

Step 6: Bake Your Donuts

Fill each donut well evenly with the rested batter. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once done, allow them to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is critical so your donuts set just right.

Step 7: Prepare the Optional Glaze

If you want to take these donuts to the next level, whip up a glaze. Combine your chosen glaze ingredients—vanilla or chocolate—in a bowl and whisk until smooth. Dip the rounded side of each donut into the glaze and set back on the rack to let any excess drip off. For a touch of fun, sprinkle with colorful toppings as you like!

How to Serve Vegan Baked Donuts Recipe

A stack of four doughnuts sits on a stack of white plates on a white marbled surface. The top doughnut has a white icing layer with colorful round and rod sprinkles, dripping slightly down the sides. The second doughnut has a smooth, dark chocolate icing with colorful rod sprinkles. The third doughnut again has white icing with sprinkles, while the bottom doughnut has chocolate icing with sprinkles. Around the plates, there are more doughnuts lying flat, some with white icing and some with chocolate icing, all sprinkled with colorful rods. In the background, there is a clear bottle of milk and a white cloth with soft folds. The whole scene is bright with a white marbled texture backdrop. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Serving these donuts with a glaze is just the start. Fresh berries, chopped nuts, or a dash of cinnamon sugar can add an extra layer of flavor and texture, making each bite a delightful mix. Feel free to get creative and tailor the presentation to your taste.

Side Dishes

Vegan baked donuts shine at brunch alongside fresh fruit, dairy-free yogurt, or a creamy cup of coffee or tea. These simple sides complement the donuts beautifully without overpowering their delicate spiced flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or special occasion, stack your donuts on a decorative platter, drizzle some glaze artistically, or serve them alongside vegan ice cream for a lavish treat. Wrap individual donuts in parchment paper tied with twine for a charming gift or takeaway option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These vegan baked donuts stay fresh when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them soft, avoid refrigeration which can dry them out quickly.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooled donuts by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze first, then transferring them to an airtight freezer bag. This method helps them keep their shape and texture. Frozen donuts last up to 3 months.

Reheating

Warm leftover or frozen donuts gently in a toaster oven or microwave. Just 20 seconds in the microwave will revive their softness and make them taste freshly baked again.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free?

Yes, you can use all-purpose flour if gluten is not an issue for you, which may yield a slightly different texture but still delicious results.

Is vegan mayonnaise necessary in this recipe?

Vegan mayo adds moisture and tenderness, but if you prefer, unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana can be substituted, though the flavor profile will change slightly.

Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

While the donut pan provides that classic shape, you can use a muffin tin and fill each cup halfway; the results will be more like baked donut holes but just as tasty.

What’s the best way to make the glaze vegan?

Ensure your powdered sugar is vegan-friendly and use plant-based milk like oat milk. Simple substitutions make the glaze dairy-free and vegan without compromising taste.

How do I prevent the donuts from sticking to the pan?

Greasing the pan thoroughly with coconut oil, vegan butter, or a non-stick spray ensures an easy release. Letting the donuts cool slightly before removing also helps keep them intact.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to indulge in a sweet treat that’s both vegan and gluten-free but never compromises on flavor or texture, this Vegan Baked Donuts Recipe is waiting to be your new go-to. It’s a joy to bake, share, and enjoy, and I promise it will bring warmth and happiness to your kitchen with every bite. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!