Baked vegan chocolate donuts are light, tender, and so delicious! These are easy to bake at home, and make a perfect weekend breakfast or special dessert.
Did you get donuts on the weekend when you were growing up?
It was always a special treat when my parents would get donuts for us on a Saturday morning. Now that I’m a parent of a child with food allergies, it’s been many years since I’ve set foot in a donut shop.
Maybe the same is true for you? Dairy, egg, nuts, peanuts…these are all allergens that lurk in a traditional donut shop or bakery.
But I have good news! You can make amazing, allergy friendly donuts in your own home. It’s so easy to do, if you have a great recipe, and a donut pan.
Where to buy a donut pan:
You can find donut pans at many stores, like Target, Michael’s, and Williams Sonoma. You can also order them on Amazon. Donut pans are usually non-stick, and you can also find silicone versions.
How to make fluffy vegan donuts without eggs:
Baking powder and vinegar make these donuts rise nicely, giving them a perfectly fluffy texture. These are very nice and light! Unsweetened applesauce replaces the egg, and keeps these donuts nice and moist. You don’t need eggs to make perfect donuts.
Tips to make this recipe perfectly:
- Grease the pan – even though the pan is non-stick, I recommend using a little vegan buttery spread to make sure the donuts release easily from the pan.
- Don’t over-mix the batter.
- Let the donuts cool for about 10 minutes before releasing from the pan. Place some parchment paper on the counter and turn the pan over. Tap it firmly against the counter to release the donuts.
Can I use a different flour in this recipe?
You can use whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, or a gluten free flour blend if you like. I don’t recommend using almond flour or coconut flour, as the texture will be very different.
More vegan donut recipes:
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
Vegan Chocolate Donuts with Glaze and Sprinkles.
Tender vegan chocolate donuts are topped with a sweet glaze and colorful sprinkles, making a perfect dessert or weekend breakfast.
Ingredients
For the donuts:
- 1 cup spelt flour or all-purpose flour
- ½ cup organic cane sugar
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup water
- ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 Tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup dairy free buttery spread melted (you could also use coconut oil)
For the glaze:
- 1 cup confectioner’s sugar
- 2 teaspoons water
- sprinkles optional
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
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Mix the melted buttery spread, water, vanilla, and vinegar in a large bowl. Add the dry ingredients and mix together. The dough will be soft, and not too wet.
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Spoon the dough into the donut pan. Each well will be full almost to the top. Smooth out the dough with the back of a spoon.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes. Let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
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Meanwhile, make the glaze in a small bowl. Add water to the confectioner’s sugar and whisk with a fork until you reach the desired thickness. Not too thick, but not super runny.
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Place a piece of parchment on the counter. Turn the pan over, and tap it hard against the counter until the donuts release from the pan.
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Spoon the glaze on top of the cooled donuts. Shake sprinkles on top while the glaze is still wet if desired.
Recipe Notes
Store donuts in an airtight container. They should stay fresh for about 3 days.
The sprinkles are optional. Be sure to call on the brand of sprinkles to make sure that they are suitable for your dietary needs.
This post was originally published in January 2014. It has been updated.
Karina
Thsi recipie is EXACTLY what my 8 year old brother wants for his birthday, I am so exited to make it and see the look on his face! But one question, I dont have a doungnut pan so should I just pipe it onto a sheet pan and bake it that way or will the shape come out wired?
Kelly Roenicke
It may not retain its shape if you do that. This is a way to make donuts without a donut pan: https://prettyprovidence.com/cookie-butter-donuts-how-to-make-donuts-without-a-donut-pan/
dks64 (Heather)
I made these yesterday and they turned out really good! The batter was pretty wet, so I added a little extra flour and cocoa powder. I’ve only made one other vegan donut recipe and this one was the better of the two. Thanks for sharing!
Kelly
So glad they worked out for you! Thanks for letting me know.
Lisa
I can’t wait to make these this weekend. At least it won’t be a snowed in weekend this time (western NY) but I don’t need too many reasons to make every weekend a pjs all day weekend! So happy to find this recipe and hope mine turn out as great as yours. I’ve tried so many with so many failures since becoming vegan. Wish me luck! :)
Kelly
Oh no! I’m so sorry that you’ve had some baking fails, I hate that! There’s always a learning curve when you try to cook/bake for a new diet. I hope these turn out well for you! :)
nicoledavidsohn
Hi!
Can I make these fat free by replacing the butter with silken tofu or more applesauce?
Thanks!
Kelly
Hi Nicole,
I don’t know if that would work because I have never tried it that way…if you give it a try, please let me know what happens! :)
huntfortheverybest
they sound great and look yummy!
Kelly
Thank you so much!
Meeling
Those look delicious!! I want one! :-D
I haven’t made my baked donuts in a while but I should!
Hope you’re staying warm and inside!! It’s all over the news how bad it is everywhere. We’ve had chilly morns and eves here in So Cal, but nothing like the rest of the country!
Kelly
Yes, we are definitely staying inside! I am tired of this cold snap, it is horrible!
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely
It has been one of my secret DREAMS to get snowed in! Like a forced “staycation” where you don’t go to work and just snuggle in pajamas all day and drink cocoa. At least that’s how I picture it, but I’m sure the reality of having to shovel the driveway and such takes the fun out. These donuts look delicious, I love sprinkle donuts. So happy looking. Great pictures too Kelly!
Kelly @ The Pretty Bee: Cooking + Creating
Thanks, Natalie!
Well, Darryl does the snow clearing, and we have a snowblower, so that helps! But it still isn’t too fun for him, because it’s so cold. But yes, staying in PJs, and having cocoa are two must-do snow day activities!