So much better (and cheaper) than store-bought fried donuts, these Easy Vegan Vanilla Baked Donuts (doughnuts) with Vanilla Glaze come together in minutes and are every bit as delicious! These are always finished off the first day!
I came across these vegan vanilla baked donuts on accident, really. When I was half way through making donuts for my son to take to his class for his birthday, I ran out of eggs. Boo! I quickly changed gears and out came these amazing vegan donuts—no one could tell! They were a huge hit with the whole class! Adults and kids couldn't get enough!
Why You'll Love These Vegan Vanilla Baked Donuts
- Soft and fluffy cake-like texture
- Sweet vanilla flavor in every bite
- Completely vegan
- Easy gluten-free option
- Baked, not fried
- Perfect for parties, classrooms, and celebrations
- Ready in less than 30 minutes
Egg Substitutes
Isn't it the worst when you realize half way through a recipe that you're missing an integral ingredient, like eggs? Or if you prefer to bake vegan, either way, this chart will come in real handy! I like using the ground flaxseed substitute because the texture is really similar to eggs. Plus, ground flaxseed is loaded with nutrients and omega 3 fats!
Milk Substitute
This is an easy one. When baking, it's easy to substitute cow's milk for any nut milk. My favorite is almond milk, mostly because I always have it on hand, and it doesn't change the flavor. But you can use whatever you prefer.
How to make perfect vegan vanilla baked donuts
The best donut pan
This is the donut pan I've been using for over 5 years. It looks good as new and it makes perfect donuts! A little bit of non-stick spray and I never have trouble getting the donuts out, because stuck donuts are the WORST! So, be sure to invest in a good pan.
Using vanilla frosting from a can
I cannot remember where I first saw this frosting idea, but whoever figured this out is a genius!!! Simply open a can of frosting. (I LOVE me some canned frosting!) All you have to do is thin it a little with some heat and it hardens perfectly, creating the ultimate baked donut frosting.
The perfect vegan vanilla donut toppings!
First of all, you can use any flavor canned frosting you want. My son loves vanilla, so that's what we use. But you could swap that out for chocolate, strawberry or any flavor that tickles your fancy. Once frosted, top it off with something fun like mini M&M's, mini chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, peanuts, crushed graham crackers... the possibilities are endless!!
Tips for Success
- Don't overmix the batter. A few small lumps are perfectly fine.
- Fill each donut cavity about three-quarters full for the best shape.
- Add colorful sprinkles or food dye for a more festive donut.
- Make them gluten-free by using your favorite one-to-one gluten-free flour blend, mine is King Arthur Measure-for-Measure.
Storage
Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your household is anything like mine, "leftovers" may simply be a theoretical concept.
To freeze, store unfrosted in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Simply defrost at room temperature, add frosting, and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Simply bake donuts up to 3 day ahead and glaze them before serving. Store in an air tight container in the refrigerator to keep fresh.
Can I use a different milk alternative?
Absolutely. Oat milk, soy milk, or coconut milk all work well in this recipe.
Can I use Eggs if I'm not vegan?
Absolutely! If you're not worried about a vegan recipe, substitute the flax eggs (flax seed and water) for 2 large eggs.
What toppings work best?
Sprinkles are always a crowd favorite, but shredded coconut, crushed cookies, or dairy-free chocolate chips are delicious too.
Easy Vegan Vanilla Donuts with Vanilla Glaze
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour or gluten free flour blend
- ½ cup granulated white sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup almond milk or other milk alternative
- 2 Tablespoons ground flax seed
- 6 Tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 Tablespoons vegetable oil
For the vanilla glaze
- 1 can vanilla frosting warmed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray donut pan with non-stick spray, set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, nutmeg, baking powder and salt.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the ground flax and water until frothy (should look similar to an egg). Add almond milk, vanilla extract and vegetable oil and mix.
- Pour wet ingredients into the flour mixture and mix until just combined, careful not to overmix.
- Pour batter into a large ziploc bag (or bakery bag) and snip a corner about ½" across. Pipe batter evenly into prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
- Bake on middle rack for 8-10 minutes. Remove and allow to cool in pan for 5 minutes, then turn out donuts onto a cooling rack.
- Scoop the vanilla frosting into a microwave safe bowl and heat for 15-20 seconds until warmed through and smooth.
- Once donuts are completely cooled, dip into warm frosting and add toppings right after so they stick.
Brittany
Does this frosting harden some after it sets?
Amy
Yes, it sets nicely at room temperature. If it's a hot day, I'd recommend storing in the refrigerator though.
Sn
Kids loved them!
Sn
Hi! The doughnuts turned out great! Thanks for the recipe. Had to add extra water though as the batter was very thick. I used soy milk due to nut allergies. Not sure if that was the reason.
Steven @ thekitchyn.com
The BEST and most simple donut recipe we have tried!