Never miss a recipe! Subscribe Here

  • About
  • Contact
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Cotter Crunch

Cotter Crunch

Delicious Healthy Gluten Free Recipes

  • All Recipes
    • By Diet
      • Dairy-Free
      • Egg-Free
      • Gluten-Free
      • Grain-Free
      • Low-Carb
      • Nightshade-Free
      • Nut-Free
      • Vegan
      • Vegetarian
      • Whole30
    • By Type
      • Breakfasts
      • Casseroles
      • Condiments
      • Desserts
      • Drinks
      • Main Dishes
      • Sides & Salads
      • Snacks & Appetizers
      • Stews & Soups
    • By Method
      • Air Fryer
      • Blender
      • Instant Pot
      • No-Bake
      • Oven
      • Slow Cooker
      • Stovetop
    • Quick Meals
    • With Video
  • Meal Plans
  • Shop
  • Start Here
    • Gluten-Free Eating
    • More Diet Guides
      • Autoimmune Protocol
      • Anti-Inflammatory
      • Vegan
      • Vegetarian
      • Whole30
  • Cookbooks
  • Search
Home › Recipes › By Type › Desserts
★★★★★44 Comments

Baked Vegan Donut Recipe (Dessert Style)

Avatar photo

by Lindsay Cotter Published: Feb 10, 2022

Dairy-FreeEgg-FreeGluten-FreeVegan
Jump to Recipe
Vegan Donut Recipe Pinterest Image

This Vegan Donut Recipe comes together without the use of yeast, eggs, or dairy and is baked, not fried for a healthier gluten free donut recipe everyone will love! Topped with three different flavor options and super quick to make, these dairy free donuts are perfect for every occasion! 

vegan baked donuts topped with three different flavor options including chocoalte, strawberry, and vanilla

This recipe is part of our fast meals month, meaning from start to finish, it’s ready in 45-minutes or less! 

A Vegan Donut Recipe for Breakfast or Dessert! 

Move over Krispy Kreme! These vegan gluten free donuts are better than any you’ll find at your local donut shop and can be made from the comfort of your own kitchen. Admittedly, I might be a little biased, but once you taste this recipe, you’ll understand why I’m confident in making such a bold claim. After all, there are so many reasons why I know you’re going to love this gluten free donut recipe! 

They’re Quick. From start to finish, these donuts take less than 45 minutes to make. If you want to save even more time, you can even opt for a pre-made frosting (but I highly recommend making your own). 

They’re Gluten Free. Most donuts you’ll find in the store are made with yeast, meaning they contain large quantities of gluten. Luckily, this vegan donut recipe is made with gluten free flours and can easily be adapted to fit your specific needs. 

They’re Baked. Unlike traditional donuts that are fried in inflammatory vegetable oils, these dairy free donuts are baked in the oven and contain a very small amount of heart-healthy oil such as refined coconut oil or avocado oil. 

a hand grabbing a vegan baked donut out of a box filled with three different flavor options including vanilla, chocolate, and berries

They’re Vegan-Friendly . Think you can’t enjoy good-tasting donuts on a vegan diet? Think again! This recipe is made without the use of eggs or dairy for super fluffy donuts everyone can enjoy. 

They’re Versatile. If you’ve ever been to a donut shop or even browsed the aisles at your local grocery store, you’ve likely noticed that there are lots of donuts but only a few different flavor variations. Not to mention, most of them are made with high-allergen ingredients.

This means that for those following special diets, the variety of suitable options to choose from is slim. To remedy this problem and provide you with the best donut experience ever, this recipe comes with three different flavor variations and can be topped with whatever you like best so you can have your cake (er, donut) and eat it, too! 

Vegan Gluten Free Donuts vs Fried Donuts

Although they look similar, there are several key differences between this vegan donut recipe and traditional fried donuts. For example, unlike fried donuts, this recipe is made with simple, whole-food ingredients and is free from additives. In addition, these dairy free donuts are baked in the oven! As a result, they have a slightly more cake-like consistency and a fluffier texture. Take a look to see how they come together below! 

a plate full of unglazed baked vegan donuts with strawberries on the side

How to Make the Best Vegan Donut Recipe 

Instructions

  • Preheat.  To begin, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and spray a donut pan with oil spray.
  • Whisk. In a large bowl, whisk together all of the dry ingredients including the flours, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Make sure they are well-combined.
Pro Tip

Baking Tip: If the oat flour or almond flour is clumpy, be sure to sift it before whisking it together with the rest of the ingredients! 

  • Mix. In a second, smaller bowl, mix together the wet ingredients including the non-dairy milk, oil, vinegar, and vanilla extract. Then, let the wet ingredients sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to create a vegan “buttermilk.”
two glass bowls, one filled with dry ingredients the second with wet ingrdients for vegan baked donuts with a greased donut pan on the side
  • Combine. After 10 minutes have passed, add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, working in 2 batches. Gently stir the two until they are just combined, being careful not to overmix. 
Pro Tip

Pro-Tip: For even fluffier vegan gluten free donuts made with oat flour, let the mixed batter sit for 10 minutes! This allows the baking soda to absorb some of the liquid and the “buttermilk” to help soften the flour.

  • Fill. To fill your donut molds, add the batter to a piping bag, and pipe the batter into the donut pan molds until they are ¾ of the way full. If you don’t have a piping bag, feel free to add the batter to a ziplock bag, and cut off a corner to create your own! Or, just use a spoon instead. 
vegan donut batter in a donut pan for baked donuts
a pile of unglazed baked vegan donuts
  • Bake. Place your donuts in the oven for 14-15 minutes or until the edges are a golden brown color. 
  • Cool. After baking, let your vegan donuts cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing them and placing them on a cooling rack. Trust me, don’t skip this step! If you do, your donuts will likely fall apart!  

Nut Free Ingredient Swap! For a super fast and easy swap that is nut free, replace the oat and almond flours with gluten free 1:1 flour! Just note that the baking times may vary, so be sure to keep an eye on your donuts if you do! 

Allergy-Friendly Topping Options (3 Ways!)

Since variety is the spice of life, we’ve given you not one but three different flavor variations so you can create vegan gluten free donuts to satisfy all your taste buds!

unglazed baked vegan donuts with bowls of frosting including a chocolate flavor, a berry flavor, and a vanilla flavor with bowls of cookie pieces, chocolate chips, and raspberries

Pick your favorite or mix and match all three! No matter which option you choose, you’ll need to combine the ingredients in a small bowl and mix them together until they are smooth. Then, dip your baked donuts into the frosting, and add your favorite toppings! 

Chocolate

Ingredients: 

  • Coconut Whip Frosting (or dairy free topping of choice)
  • Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
  • Sweetener of choice or Maple Syrup (to taste) 
  • Vegan Chocolate Chips or Dark Chocolate Chips

Berry

Ingredients: 

  • Coconut Whip Frosting (or dairy free topping of choice)
  • Raspberry or Strawberry Slices or Puree
  • Maple Syrup (to taste)

Vanilla

Ingredients:

  • Coconut Whip Frosting (or dairy free topping of choice)
  • Maple Syrup 
  • Vanilla Extract

Topping Options

Of course, you don’t have to add extra toppings. However, in my opinion, the more the merrier! Feel free to experiment with your own toppings and flavor variations. However, some of my favorite options include chocolate chips, edible flowers, berries, coconut flakes, sprinkles, and sparkling sugar! 

a close up image of vanilla, chocolate, and vanilla vegan baked donuts topped with frosting, chocolate chips, and fruit

Common Questions

How should I store egg-free/dairy free donuts? 

If you can resist eating them all at once, these gluten free dairy free donuts will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days when stored in an

How do I know when they’re done baking?

You’ll know your donuts are done baking when the edges turn slightly golden brown. 

Do I have to use a donut pan?

No! This recipe works well with a mini muffin tin as well. Just be sure to keep an eye on them as the baking time may vary. 

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
vegan baked donuts topped with three different flavor options including chocoalte, strawberry, and vanilla

Baked Vegan Donut Recipe (Gluten Free)


★★★★★

5 from 15 reviews

  • Author: Lindsay Cotter
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 14–15 Donuts 1x
  • Diet: Vegan
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Description

This Vegan Donut Recipe is baked instead of fried and served dessert-style with 3 different topping options for a gluten free treat you’ll love!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (180 grams) gluten free oat flour
  • ½ cup fine blanched almond flour (*See notes for nut-free flour substitute)
  • ¼ cup arrowroot starch or potato starch
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon fine kosher salt
  • ½ cup raw sugar or monk fruit sugar for lower sugar option
  • 8–10 ounces non-dairy milk
  • ¼ cup neutral oil (such as refined melted coconut oil or avocado oil)
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting Options: To combine in a small bowl before topping.

Chocolate:

  • ½-1/3 cup coconut whip frosting (or dairy free frosting of choice)

  • 1 Tablespoon cocoa powder

  • Optional sweetener to taste (ex: powdered sugar)

  • Dark Chocolate Chips

Berry

  • ½-1/3 cup coconut whip frosting (or dairy free frosting of choice)

  • 4 Tablespoons raspberry or strawberry puree

  • Maple syrup

Plain Vanilla

  • ½-1/3 cup coconut whip frosting (or dairy free frosting of choice)

  • ⅓-1/2 cup maple syrup

  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract


Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400F. Spray a donut pan with cooking oil, and set it aside.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients (almond flour, oat flour, arrowroot starch, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar).*
  3. In another small bowl, mix together the wet ingredients (non-dairy milk, oil, vinegar, and vanilla extract). Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes at room temperature (to create a vegan “buttermilk”). 
  4. Working in 2 batches, gently combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients. Stir to combine, being careful not to over mix.For fluffier donuts, let the batter sit for 10 minutes before pipping.
  5. Place the batter in a piping bag or ziplock bag with one corner cut off, and pipe the batter into the donut pan, filling the molds about ¾ of the way full.* 
  6. Bake for 14-15 minutes or until the donut edges are lightly golden brown. 
  7. Once fully baked, remove the donuts from the oven, and let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. While the donuts cool, prepare the toppings by whisking the ingredients in a small bowl. 
  9. Dip the donuts in the frosting, and add toppings of choice. 

Notes

*If the oat flour or almond flour is clumpy, sift them together before combining with other dry ingredients. 

*Nut-free Flour Substitute

2 cups (295 grams) gluten free 1:1 flour (nut-free blend linked) to replace oat flour, almond flour, and arrowroot or potato starch. Follow the same instructions, except begin with 10 ounces (1 ¼ cups) of non dairy milk. If the batter is too thick, add ¼ cup more milk as needed. Cooking times will vary; 12-17 minutes.
Note – Gluten free 1:1 flour will create a thicker batter. The original oat/almond flour batter has a thinner texture but thickens as it sits.

 *If not using a piping or Ziploc bag, use a spoon to scoop batter into the pan.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dessert/Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 donut
  • Calories: 170
  • Sugar: 6.5 g
  • Sodium: 133.3 mg
  • Fat: 4.7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29.4 g
  • Fiber: .8 g
  • Protein: 1.6 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: vegan, donuts, gluten free, dairy free, dessert, breakfast, baked donuts, allergy friendly

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @cottercrunch on Instagram and hashtag it #cottercrunch

Which version of this vegan donut recipe are you making first? Let me know in the comments below!

Cheers,

LC

1673 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet

Categories: Breakfasts, Dairy-Free, Desserts, Egg-Free, Gluten-Free, Oven, Vegan, Vegetarian Tags: baked donuts, breakfast, dairy free, dessert, donuts, egg free, gluten free, gluten free desserts, kid friendly, vegan, vegetarian

More recipes you’ll love!

pumpkin seed granola in a jar with twine wrapped around the top
Spiced Pumpkin Seed Granola (Grain free)
Close up stack of vegan chocolate breakfast cookies with melted chocolate and crushed hazelnuts.
Vegan Chocolate Protein Cookies
woman's hand holding a Mexican chocolate vegan muffin
Dark Chocolate Vegan Muffin Recipe
hero shot cinnamon rolls
Gluten Free Cinnamon Rolls (Vegan Option)
Vegan Donut Recipe Pinterest Image
Lindsay Cotter of Cotter Crunch

About Lindsay

Hi, y’all, I’m Lindsay Cotter, a Nutrition Specialist with a focus on Gluten-Free eating. I love creating delicious nourishing food that anyone can enjoy.

  • About
  • Studio
  • Shop
  • Subscribe
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Have a question? Use ctrl+f or ⌘+f on your computer or the “find on page” function on your phone browser to search existing comments!

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Rate & Comment Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

  1. Denise

    09/17/2022 at 6:07 AM

    Can these be frozen?

    Reply
    • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

      09/17/2022 at 9:52 PM

      I think so! You would want to warm evenly in oven to reheat though.

      Reply
  2. Lala

    06/30/2022 at 12:41 AM

    Made these and they turned out pretty good. I added 1/4 c. cocoa and about 1/2 c chocolate chips to make them chocolatey. I made donut holes with a small scoop and fried them in coconut oil for 4 minutes.

    Next time I’ll use this recipe again and do a different variation.

    Being gluten free and vegan means that I rarely have treats unless I make them myself. Most gf, vegan recipes aren’t that great. Thanks a bunch for a recipe that worked. 🙂

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

      06/30/2022 at 3:48 PM

      I love that you made them into donut ‘holes. Were they fluffy in the middle? What type of pan did you fry them in?

      Reply
  3. wilhelmina

    02/15/2022 at 12:11 PM

    My daughter was thrilled to have donuts before school and I was thrilled to give her a guilt free treat. Delicious!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

      02/15/2022 at 8:09 PM

      Awww I am so glad she enjoyed them

      Reply
  4. Audrey Dander

    02/14/2022 at 12:06 PM

    Delicious! I used coconut oil and these came out perfect!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  5. THUVARAGA SOTHIRAJAH

    11/05/2020 at 3:26 PM

    how much chickpeas flour I need, if I substitute white flour?

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

      11/06/2020 at 9:07 AM

      Hmmm would you use all purpose flour?

      Reply
  6. Mahak yadav

    10/19/2020 at 1:08 PM

    Can i use whole wheat gluten free flour?

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

      10/19/2020 at 8:11 PM

      I haven’t tried it with whole wheat flour since I can’t have gluten. But I bet it work! Or do you have all purpose flour?

      Reply
  7. Vana Verouti

    04/09/2020 at 2:07 PM

    This is a piece of art. It’s like the Spring in a box.
    I can’t stop looking. Excellent!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

      04/09/2020 at 4:25 PM

      Thank you so much Vana!

      Reply
  8. happy wheels

    12/06/2019 at 4:08 AM

    OH my these look and sound so delicious!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  9. Dean

    11/21/2019 at 1:22 PM

    I’m interested in making the grain free option but using a fryer instead. Would this recipe work or would they fall apart in the process? Thanks

    Reply
    • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

      11/21/2019 at 5:53 PM

      oh i am not sure. I would test out one in the air fryer. Are you going to shape them? You could possibly make donut holes if not.

      Reply
  10. couponforless says

    05/23/2019 at 11:27 PM

    Best tutorial I’ve ever seen for this!

    Reply
  11. Emily Swanson

    05/23/2019 at 6:18 PM

    The variety on the toppings is amazing!!!! Wow; that’s beautiful. I totally agree with you about the allergy friendly community. It’s really supportive.

    Reply
    • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

      05/24/2019 at 12:03 PM

      THank you friend! I so agree. Love this community!

      Reply
    • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

      05/25/2019 at 9:49 PM

      Thanks Emily!! So many possibilities…you kinda have to try all the combos…;)

      Reply
  12. Cassie Autumn Tran

    05/15/2019 at 9:15 PM

    This is legitimately everything I could have dreamed of and more. DONUTS ARE FREAKING AMAZING. As of lately, for some reason, I’d rather have a baked donut than a fried one–maybe it’s because I’m craving more of that cakey texture! All of your dessert topping ideas sound phenomenal and I’d take a bite of every single donut because my batch will have a different combination of ingredients!

    Reply
    • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

      05/15/2019 at 10:45 PM

      girl, I so thought of you! Do you have a vegan donut recipe you love?

      Reply
  13. Katie

    05/14/2019 at 2:24 PM

    I have a good friend who can only eat gluten free, and she loves sweets, so this was a huge hit. I made them for her when she was new to the whole food change, and she almost cried. It’s always so reassuring to know that you can still have delicious things (and oh so pretty) like these donuts even when you can’t eat gluten. Thanks for the recipe!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

      05/15/2019 at 11:02 AM

      Oh wonderful! Glad we can satisfy that sweet tooth for her 🙂

      Reply
  14. [email protected]

    05/14/2019 at 2:12 PM

    I “donut: about you, but these look glorious. 🙂

    Reply
    • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

      05/15/2019 at 10:58 AM

      LOL I just love you so!

      Reply
  15. Sommer

    05/14/2019 at 7:28 AM

    Love all the topping ideas!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

      05/14/2019 at 12:33 PM

      Thanks ya Sommer!

      Reply
  16. Toni

    05/14/2019 at 6:47 AM

    All these were really amazing! Lots of great options for my friends and family!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  17. Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious

    05/13/2019 at 6:09 PM

    Now these are some donuts I can really get down with!

    Reply
    • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

      05/14/2019 at 12:22 PM

      I would deliver to you any day! How are you? Miss you!

      Reply
    • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

      05/14/2019 at 12:31 PM

      Now that’s what I like to hear??

      Reply
  18. Tanya Schroeder

    05/13/2019 at 5:02 PM

    These are soooo good! So light and tender! I love this recipe.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  19. Becky Hardin

    05/13/2019 at 1:32 PM

    OH my these look and sound so delicious!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

      05/13/2019 at 2:16 PM

      Ahh shucks ? thanks dear!

      Reply
  20. Liz

    05/13/2019 at 1:00 PM

    My nephew is dealing with a lot of food challenges! I’m going to have these in the house the next time he visits!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  21. Matt Robinson

    05/13/2019 at 11:41 AM

    These donuts all look so amazing. You are a mad scientist and come up with the greatest creations!

    Reply
    • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

      05/13/2019 at 2:16 PM

      Thanks Matt! I try ??

      Reply
  22. Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen

    05/13/2019 at 10:55 AM

    Such a fun idea for a post Lindsay! Love all the ideas for toppings!

    Reply
    • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

      05/13/2019 at 2:15 PM

      Thanks so much Mary Ann! All the good things ?

      Reply
  23. Liz S

    05/13/2019 at 4:49 AM

    Excellent treat recipe, as well as an awareness week for allergies ❤️.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

      05/13/2019 at 10:43 AM

      Thank you Liz! <3 I'll save you a few donuts when you come for coffee. 😉

      Reply
  24. Shashi at SavorySpin

    05/13/2019 at 4:38 AM

    I’m sitting here with my PB&J toast and wishing I had 1 or 3 of these vegan donuts instead! Wow – these look so good, Lindsay! And what pretty toppings! A boxful of these would make someone’s day!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

      05/13/2019 at 10:45 AM

      Well you know I would deliver if I could. 🙂 Miss you friend!

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

Vegan Donut Recipe Pinterest Image
Lindsay Cotter of Cotter Crunch

About Lindsay

Hi, y’all, I’m Lindsay Cotter, a Nutrition Specialist with a focus on Gluten-Free eating. I love creating delicious nourishing food that anyone can enjoy.

  • About
  • Studio
  • Shop
  • Subscribe
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

[facetwp facet=”search”]

Nourishing Superfood Bowls Cookbook 5 Free Recipes Sneak Peek Sign up & get 5 FREE RECIPES from my Nourishing Superfood Bowls Cookbook

Reader Favorites

  • photo collage of dairy-free gluten-free anti-inflammatory meal plan recipes
    Anti-Inflammatory Meal Plan {Dairy Free, Gluten-Free Recipes & Tips}
  • cinnamon bites in turquoise bowl, top protein ball has bite taken out to show inside texture.
    Cinnamon Vanilla Protein Breakfast Bites + Video
  • a bowl of curried cauliflower rice soup
    Curried Cauliflower Soup with Kale
  • Collage of 4 saucepans and skillets filled with 4 different varieties of gluten free roux.
    How to Make Gluten Free Roux for Keto Sauces + Soups
  • stack of dried orange slices on white background
    Dried Orange Slices (Oven or Dehydrator)
  • a skillet full of four balsamic roasted cranberry chicken thighs surrounded by roasted cranberries
    Balsamic Roasted Cranberry Chicken

Recipes by Diet

  • Dairy-Free
  • Egg-Free
  • Gluten-Free
  • Grain-Free
  • Low-Carb
  • Nightshade-Free
  • Nut-Free
  • Vegan
  • Vegetarian
  • Whole30

Recipes by Method

  • Air Fryer
  • Blender
  • Instant Pot
  • No-Bake
  • Oven
  • Slow Cooker
  • Stovetop

Recipes by Type

  • Breakfasts
  • Casseroles
  • Condiments
  • Desserts
  • Drinks
  • Main Dishes
  • Sides & Salads
  • Snacks & Apps
  • Stews & Soups

Resources & More

  • Meal Plans
  • Nutrition Guides
  • How-To
  • Quick Meals
  • Videos
  • Round Ups
  • Cookbook
  • GF Start Here
Vegan Donut Recipe Pinterest Image
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
Cotter Crunch
  • About
  • Studio
  • Shop
  • Contact

© 2023 · Cotter Crunch · Disclaimer & Terms · Privacy Policy

1673 shares