Quick and Easy Vegan Donuts

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There’s something undeniably cheerful about a stack of freshly glazed donuts, especially when they’re homemade and completely plant-based. These Quick and Easy Vegan Donuts are fluffy on the inside, golden on the outside, and finished with a sweet glaze that drips just right. Whether you’re vegan or simply looking for a dairy-free indulgence, these donuts bring joy in every bite without the need for eggs or butter.

Perfect for weekend brunches, festive mornings, or a cozy treat with coffee, these donuts come together faster than traditional yeasted versions. The secret lies in a simple batter, a donut pan, and a few pantry staples. They’re baked, not fried, which makes cleanup easier and the process even more approachable for beginners.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the batter, make sure your kitchen is equipped with the right tools:

• Donut Pan: This is a must-have for shaping your donuts perfectly. Silicone or non-stick metal pans work well.
• Mixing Bowls: A couple of medium to large bowls will help you keep wet and dry ingredients separate until ready to combine.
• Whisk or Electric Mixer: For a smooth batter and well-incorporated ingredients, a hand whisk works fine, but an electric mixer speeds things up.
• Spatula: Essential for scraping down the sides of the bowl and ensuring none of your precious batter goes to waste.
• Cooling Rack: This allows the donuts to cool evenly and helps the glaze set nicely.
• Piping Bag or Ziplock Bag (optional): Makes transferring batter into the donut molds cleaner and faster.

Each of these tools supports a fuss-free donut-making experience. Having them ready before you start will make the process smooth, clean, and fun.

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Ingredients for the Quick and Easy Vegan Donuts

Every ingredient in these donuts has a purpose beyond flavor. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each one matters:

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the donut, providing structure and softness.
• Baking Powder: This gives the donuts their lift and fluff without yeast, keeping them quick.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the golden color of the baked donut.
• Cinnamon (optional): Adds warmth and a subtle spice that complements the glaze.
• Salt: Enhances the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Non-Dairy Milk (such as almond or oat milk): Adds moisture and helps blend all the ingredients.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Reacts with the baking powder to help the donuts rise and gives a tender crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor with a hint of sweetness and warmth.
• Neutral Oil (like canola or avocado): Keeps the donuts moist without making them greasy.

For the glaze:

• Powdered Sugar: Creates that classic donut icing when mixed with a bit of non-dairy milk.
• Non-Dairy Milk: Helps smooth out the glaze to a pourable consistency.
• Sprinkles (optional): Just for fun and flair!

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How To Make the Quick and Easy Vegan Donuts

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your donut pan to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the non-dairy milk, apple cider vinegar, vanilla extract, and oil. Let it sit for a minute to curdle slightly — this mimics buttermilk.

Step 4: Make the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Don’t overmix; the batter should be thick but smooth.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan

Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut molds, filling each about 3/4 full.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Step 7: Glaze and Decorate

While the donuts cool, whisk together powdered sugar and non-dairy milk to make the glaze. Dip each donut or drizzle over the tops, then add sprinkles if you like. Let the glaze set before serving.

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How to Serve and Store These Donuts

These Quick and Easy Vegan Donuts are best enjoyed fresh while the glaze is still a little gooey and the interior is tender. Serve them with a hot cup of coffee, a chai latte, or even a tall glass of almond milk for a comforting combo. They make a lovely addition to brunch spreads, dessert tables, or even as a fun afternoon snack.

To store, keep the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’d like to extend their life, refrigerate them for up to 5 days, but be sure to bring them back to room temp or warm slightly before eating. You can also freeze unglazed donuts for up to a month—just thaw and glaze when ready to enjoy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of apple cider vinegar?

Lemon juice is a great substitute as it also provides the acidity needed to react with baking powder for that fluffy texture.

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Yes! Just use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure.

Do I have to use a donut pan?

A donut pan gives you that classic shape, but you can use a muffin tin and call them “donut muffins” if you’re in a pinch.

Can I fry this batter instead of baking?

This batter is designed for baking. For frying, you’d want a thicker, yeast-based dough for best results.

How do I make the glaze thicker or thinner?

Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar to thicken or a bit more non-dairy milk to thin it out.

Are these donuts sweet enough without glaze?

They’re mildly sweet on their own, but the glaze really brings them to life. For a sugar-reduced version, dust with cinnamon sugar instead.

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Want More Dessert Ideas?

If these Quick and Easy Vegan Donuts have you in the mood for more sweet treats, you’ll want to check out some of these delicious favorites from Life With Olivia:

• Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake for an easy, fruit-forward indulgence.
• Lemon Blueberry Loaf if you’re craving something citrusy and moist.
• Carrot Pound Cake with Vanilla Glaze for a cozy, spiced loaf with a sweet finish.
• Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes when you need a decadent bite-sized dessert.
• Whipped Shortbread Cookies that melt in your mouth.

For even more sweet inspiration, check out my daily recipe pins on Pinterest at Life With Olivia Pinterest.

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Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you go with a rainbow sprinkle finish or try a chocolate glaze? Maybe added some citrus zest to the batter?

I love seeing how others personalize these donuts. Questions, tweaks, and baking wins are always welcome here. Let’s make delicious memories together.

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