Delicious & Easy Baked Vegan Donuts: Your Go-To Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Treat!

Get ready to be absolutely smitten with this incredibly simple and utterly delicious Baked Vegan Donuts recipe! Imagine sinking your teeth into a sweet, tender, cakey donut, perfectly glazed, and so delightful it could even win over Homer Simpson. The best part? These gluten-free and dairy-free donuts are wholesome enough that you can enjoy them without a hint of guilt. 🍩

This post is proudly sponsored by Nature’s Charm. All content, insights, and opinions shared are entirely my own, ensuring an authentic experience.

Crafted with just 11 simple, accessible ingredients and requiring only 15 minutes of active preparation, these are the ultimate make-ahead breakfast or anytime treat you’ve been searching for. As an extra special bonus, I’ve included fantastic recipes for both luscious chocolate and classic vanilla glazes, allowing you to customize your donuts to perfection. YUM!

Recipe Overview: Why These Vegan Baked Donuts Are a Game-Changer

When it comes to breakfast or a sweet indulgence, few things compare to a warm, soft pastry. Hand me a slice of gluten-free coffee cake, a sticky-sweet vegan cinnamon roll, an indulgent bakery-style muffin, or especially a deliciously glazed dairy-free donut first thing in the morning, and you’ll undoubtedly win my affection for the entire day. This particular vegan doughnut recipe has quickly become my latest obsession, and for good reason.

Not only do these baked donuts serve as the perfect make-ahead option for sweet tooths like me, but the results are consistently stellar! Each bite offers a delightful tenderness, a satisfying cakey texture, and a sweetness that’s perfectly balanced without being cloying. Plus, they’re perfectly portioned, meaning no need for extra plates – just grab and enjoy. Truly, what more could one ask for in a treat?

The Perks of Baking Your Donuts

Beyond yielding wildly delicious treats, this vegan baked donuts recipe is also incredibly practical and caters to modern dietary needs:

• Quick & Effortless: While I adore traditional fried donuts (who can forget my fluffy homemade fried donuts recipe?), I don’t always have the time or energy to contend with yeasted dough or the mess of frying oil. These baked vegan donuts offer the ideal solution! You only need to dedicate about 15 minutes of active prep time before they’re ready for the oven, and you’ll be enjoying a fresh, warm donut in less than an hour from start to finish. This makes them perfect for busy mornings or impromptu cravings.
• Minimal Ingredients: You might be surprised to find that these delightful donuts require only 11 simple ingredients. The beauty of this recipe is that most of what you need are likely staples already in your pantry, making it incredibly accessible for a spontaneous baking session.
• Unrivaled Allergen-Friendly: This recipe shines brightly for those with dietary restrictions. These are not only naturally dairy-free and egg-free donuts, but they are also wonderfully gluten-free, lactose-free, and soy-free. This means they’re suitable for a wide range of diets, including vegan, celiac, and those managing various food sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy a delicious donut without compromise.

Essential Ingredients for Your Vegan Gluten-Free Donuts

You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how few ingredients are truly necessary to create these mouthwatering vegan gluten-free donuts. Here’s a closer look at your simple grocery list and why each component is essential:

• Gluten-Free Measure-for-Measure Flour: This is your primary flour, designed to behave similarly to all-purpose flour in gluten-free baking. Many excellent brands are available, though I often recommend Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Baking Flour. The crucial point is to select a blend that already contains xanthan gum, as this is vital for providing structure and elasticity that gluten typically offers. If your blend doesn’t include it, you’ll need to add about ½ teaspoon per cup of flour.
• Fine Almond Flour: Also sometimes labeled “finely ground almond meal,” this ingredient is a game-changer. It not only adds a lovely, subtle nutty flavor but also contributes significantly to the tender, moist texture and body of these dairy-free donuts, preventing them from becoming dry.
• Fine Sea Salt: A small amount of salt is indispensable in baking. It doesn’t just make things salty; it enhances and balances all the other flavors, particularly the sweetness, making them pop. If you’re using a different variety of salt (e.g., coarser kosher salt), remember to use a conversion chart for accurate measurement to avoid over-salting.
• Baking Powder: As a no-yeast donut recipe, this leavening agent is critical. Baking powder provides the lift, creating those perfectly puffy, tender rounds. It’s essential not to confuse it with baking soda, as they react differently and using the wrong one will significantly alter the outcome. Always check the expiration date to ensure it’s still active!
• Ground Cinnamon & Ground Nutmeg: These warming spices are the secret to that classic, comforting donut flavor. They add a cozy layer of aroma and depth, subtly enhancing the perception of sweetness. Feel free to get creative here; experiment with other warming spices like ginger, cardamom, or even a pre-made pumpkin pie spice blend for seasonal variations.
• Granulated Sugar: We use a moderate amount of granulated sugar to achieve that delightful dessert-for-breakfast experience without the inevitable sugar crash later. If you prefer, you can opt for organic cane sugar, which is minimally processed and suitable for vegan diets.
• Vegan Butter: This provides the rich, buttery flavor and tender crumb we crave in baked goods, all without any dairy. If you don’t have vegan butter, a neutral-flavored oil like avocado, melted refined coconut oil, or even peanut oil can be substituted in equal amounts. If dairy isn’t an issue for your needs, regular butter can be used, but then it wouldn’t be a vegan donut.
• Vanilla Extract: A universally beloved flavor in the dessert world, vanilla extract adds crucial richness, depth, and complexity. You can easily swap in an equal amount of vanilla paste or vanilla powder, or use half the amount of ground vanilla bean for an even more intense flavor. For an adventurous twist, consider other extracts like maple, almond, or coffee to completely change the donut’s profile.
• Evaporated Oat Milk (Nature’s Charm): This is where our sponsor shines! Evaporated oat milk from Nature’s Charm adds a wonderful creaminess and richness, contributing to a truly tender baked donut. While you can substitute equal amounts of other unsweetened dairy-free milk, I highly recommend choosing one with a higher fat content (like oat, full-fat coconut, or soy milk) as fat is key to moist and tender baked goods.
• Vegan Mayonnaise: This might sound unusual, but vegan mayo is one of my absolute favorite egg replacements in vegan baking. Its emulsified oil and slight acidity contribute moisture and bind the ingredients beautifully. If you don’t have vegan mayo, you can substitute with equal amounts of plain vegan yogurt or simply use an additional amount of the evaporated oat milk.

How To Make Delicious Vegan Baked Donuts: Step-by-Step

These dairy-free and gluten-free donuts come together with remarkably little fuss, making them a joy to bake. Follow these simple steps for perfectly soft and sweet results:

1. Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the gluten-free measure-for-measure flour, fine almond flour, fine sea salt, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and granulated sugar. Whisking ensures that all the dry components, especially the leavening agents and spices, are evenly distributed, which is crucial for a consistent donut texture.




2. Step 2: Incorporate the Vegan Butter. Add the softened vegan butter to the dry ingredient mixture. Using your fingertips or a pastry blender, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This “reverse creaming” method helps coat the flour particles in fat, which can result in a more tender crumb, especially beneficial when working with gluten-free flours.




3. Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients & Rest the Batter. Add the vanilla extract, vegan mayonnaise, and evaporated oat milk to the butter-flour mixture. Stir gently until all ingredients are just combined and no dry streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough texture. Once mixed, cover the bowl and let the batter rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. This resting period is crucial for gluten-free baking, allowing the flour to fully hydrate and absorb the liquids, resulting in a much better texture and preventing graininess.




4. Step 4: Preheat and Prepare. While your donut batter is resting, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Then, generously grease a donut pan. Even if your pan is marketed as “non-stick,” an extra layer of grease ensures easy release and prevents any sticking. I personally love using refined coconut oil for this, as it adds a subtle sweetness and helps with browning, but a non-stick spray, vegan butter, or any neutral oil will work effectively.




5. Step 5: Bake to Perfection. Carefully spoon or pipe the rested batter into the prepared donut wells, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake the donuts in your preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. They are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the edges are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking, as this can dry out gluten-free treats! Allow the donuts to sit in the pan for 5 minutes after baking to firm up slightly before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking and ensures they hold their shape.

Exciting Optional Variations for Your Vegan Baked Donuts

While this baked vegan donut recipe is absolutely wonderful as is, there’s always room for creativity and personalization! Here are just a few delightful ways to customize and “zhuzh up” your breakfast pastries even further:

• Nut-Free Adaptation: If you or your guests have a nut allergy, you can easily make these donuts nut-free. Simply swap the fine almond flour for an equal amount of additional gluten-free measure-for-measure flour. While the texture might be slightly different – perhaps a little less rich – it will still yield a delicious and safe treat for everyone to enjoy.
• Classic Vanilla Glaze: For a timeless finish, whip up a simple yet elegant vanilla glaze. Combine powdered sugar (sifted for extra smoothness!), a touch of evaporated oat milk (or other plant-based milk), and a generous splash of vanilla extract or vanilla paste. Whisk until it reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. This glaze adds a perfect layer of sweetness and aroma.
• Fun Pink Glaze: Feeling playful? Achieve that iconic Homer Simpson-approved pink donut look! Just add ½ to 1 teaspoon of natural beetroot powder or a few drops of red gel food coloring to your vanilla glaze. You can, of course, experiment with other colors of your choice to match themes or simply for fun!
• Rich Chocolate Glaze: For the chocolate lovers, transform your glaze by swapping out some of the powdered sugar for unsweetened cocoa powder. Combine powdered sugar, cocoa powder, evaporated oat milk, and vanilla extract. This will give your vegan donuts a deep, decadent chocolatey flavor that’s utterly irresistible. Adjust the amount of cocoa to your desired intensity.
• Textural Add-ins & Toppings: Elevate your vegan baked doughnuts with exciting textural elements. These can be mixed directly into the batter before baking or generously sprinkled on top of your freshly glazed donuts:
  • Sprinkles, Jimmies, or Nonpareils: For a festive and colorful touch, especially popular with kids and at parties.
  • Chopped Nuts: Toasted pecans, walnuts, or even pistachios can add a lovely crunch and a rich, earthy flavor.
  • Chocolate Chips: Mini chocolate chips or finely chopped vegan chocolate chunks can be folded into the batter or sprinkled on top of the glaze for an extra dose of chocolatey goodness.
• Citrus Zest: For a bright and zesty twist, add 1-2 teaspoons of finely grated lemon or orange zest to the donut batter. It brightens the flavor profile beautifully.
• Coffee or Espresso Glaze: Replace some of the liquid in your vanilla glaze with strong brewed coffee or espresso for a sophisticated mocha flavor.

Delightful Serving Suggestions for Your Gluten-Free Vegan Donuts

These versatile gluten-free vegan donuts are perfect for a multitude of occasions, from quick weekday breakfasts to leisurely weekend indulgences:

• Breakfast on the Go: Their convenient individual portions make them ideal for a quick and satisfying breakfast when you’re rushing out the door. Grab one (or two!) with your morning coffee or tea.
• Cozy Weekend Treat: There’s nothing quite like cozying up at home on a lazy weekend morning with a warm mug of golden milk or your favorite herbal tea, paired with one of these tender donuts.
• Sharing with Friends & Family: These donuts are excellent for sharing at book clubs, potlucks, bake sales, or as a delightful offering for a ladies’ brunch. Everyone, regardless of dietary needs, will appreciate these delicious treats.
• Dessert Delight: Don’t limit them to breakfast! These baked donuts make a fantastic light dessert, especially when served with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream or a side of fresh berries.
• Gift Giving: Package a few glazed donuts in a cute box or bag for a thoughtful homemade gift that’s sure to be cherished.

Pro Tips for Perfectly Baked Vegan Donuts Every Time

Achieving perfectly tender and delicious dairy-free donuts is easy with a few key strategies. Keep these tips in mind to ensure your baking success:

• Always Grease Your Donut Tin Generously: This step is non-negotiable, even if your donut pan boasts non-stick properties! Gluten-free baked goods can be more prone to sticking, and a well-greased pan ensures your beautiful donuts release cleanly without tearing. I highly recommend refined coconut oil for its natural non-stick qualities and subtle flavor, but a good quality non-stick spray, vegan butter, or a neutral-flavored oil will also work wonders.
• Do Not Skip the Batter Resting Time: This is arguably one of the most crucial tips for gluten-free baking. Unlike wheat flour, gluten-free flours are “thirstier” and require time to fully absorb the liquid ingredients. The 30-minute rest allows the starches in the gluten-free flour blend to properly hydrate. If you skip this, you’ll likely end up with a disappointingly grainy or crumbly texture. Trust the process – patience here truly pays off!
• Avoid Overbaking Your Dairy-Free Donuts: Gluten-free baked goods can go from perfectly moist to dry and crumbly in a matter of minutes. Keep a close eye on your donuts and remove them from the oven as soon as a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached. Overbaking will compromise their tender texture and deliciousness.
• Ensure Donuts Are Completely Cool Before Glazing: Just like frosting cakes or cupcakes, it’s essential that your donuts are completely cooled to room temperature (or even cooler) before you apply any glaze. If they are warm, the glaze will melt, slide right off, and create a messy, unappealing result. To speed up cooling, you can transfer them to a wire rack immediately after the initial 5-minute rest in the pan.
• Measure Flour Correctly: For consistent results, always spoon your flour into the measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge. Scooping directly from the bag can compact the flour, leading to using too much and a drier donut.
• Use a Piping Bag for Easy Filling: For cleaner, more evenly shaped donuts, transfer your batter to a piping bag (or a large Ziploc bag with the corner snipped off). This makes filling the donut wells quick and mess-free.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan Baked Donuts

Explore More Delicious Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free Desserts

If you loved these gluten-free dairy-free donuts, you’ll be thrilled to discover more of my favorite allergen-friendly dessert recipes:

• Decadent Vegan Magic Bars
• Sweet & Chewy Shiratama Dango
• Comforting Vegan Apple Pie Bread Pudding
• Irresistible Vegan Coconut Macaroons
• Rich & Creamy Dairy-Free Fudge

I genuinely hope you enjoyed this recipe for gluten-free dairy-free donuts as much as my family and I do! Please let me know how they turned out for you by giving it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and leaving a comment below. Your feedback helps others discover and enjoy these amazing treats. You can also feel free to tag me (@aimadeitforyou) on your social media posts so I can cheer you on and share your creations!

For even more delightful recipes that are safe and delicious for your lactose-free, gluten-free, or egg-free friends and family, be sure to follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, or Facebook. And for all my newest content and exclusive tips delivered straight to your inbox, don’t forget to sign up for my email newsletter!

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