Perfect Baked Cinnamon Sugar Vegan Donuts

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Perfect Baked Cinnamon Sugar Vegan Donuts

Warm, soft, and coated in sparkling cinnamon sugar, these baked vegan donuts are incredibly easy to make and even easier to enjoy. With no frying involved, this recipe delivers all the nostalgic comfort of a classic donut, but with a lighter, plant-based twist. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dessert, these donuts come together in just 20 minutes using simple pantry staples.

No special skills required — only a donut pan (or muffin pan alternative) and a handful of basic ingredients!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Completely egg-free and dairy-free.
  • Baked, not fried — lighter texture, less mess.
  • Quick prep time: ready in 20 minutes.
  • Flexible substitutions for flour, milk, and fat options.
  • Kid-friendly and perfect for beginners.

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons soy milk (or any non-dairy milk)
  • 1 tablespoon applesauce (or sub melted vegan butter or coconut oil)
  • 1 tablespoon melted vegan butter (or coconut oil)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or coconut sugar)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup melted vegan butter (or coconut oil)

Equipment You’ll Need

  • Donut pan (non-stick recommended)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk and spoon
  • Pastry brush (optional but helpful)
  • Wire cooling rack
  • Parchment paper (for easier cleanup)

Instructions

Step 1 – Preheat & Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan with non-stick spray or a bit of oil.

Step 2 – Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Step 3 – Add Wet Ingredients

Add the soy milk, applesauce, melted vegan butter, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until fully combined. The batter will be similar to cake batter — smooth but not overly runny.

Step 4 – Fill the Donut Pan

Spoon the batter into the donut cavities, filling each about 3/4 full. You can also transfer the batter to a large piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped for easier filling.

Step 5 – Bake

Bake for 9–10 minutes, or until the donuts are lightly golden around the edges and spring back when touched. If your donut pan has larger cavities, add 1–2 more minutes as needed.

Step 6 – Cool

Let the donuts cool in the pan for 2–3 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack placed over parchment paper.

Step 7 – Prepare the Coating

In one bowl, stir together the sugar and cinnamon for the coating. In a separate bowl, melt the vegan butter.

Step 8 – Dip & Coat

Dip each donut lightly into the melted butter (you can brush it on with a pastry brush to avoid over-soaking). Then roll or sprinkle generously with the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat.

Step 9 – Serve & Store

Enjoy your donuts fresh for the best texture and flavor. Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Substitutions & Tips

  • Oil-Free Version: Omit melted butter entirely; dip donuts directly into the cinnamon sugar.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Avoid almond flour substitutions as they won’t yield the same texture.
  • Milk Alternatives: Use any plant-based milk: oat, almond, cashew, or coconut milk all work well.
  • No Donut Pan? Use a muffin tin and bake for 18–20 minutes.
  • Freeze for Later: Freeze cooled donuts in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight and warm briefly before serving.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • Topping doesn’t stick? Lightly brush melted butter instead of dipping to avoid soggy donuts.
  • Dense texture? Avoid overmixing the batter and ensure fresh baking powder is used.
  • Too sweet? Adjust sugar in both batter and topping to personal taste.

Nutrition (Per Donut)

  • Calories: 217
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Fat: 6g
  • Sugar: 26g

These baked vegan donuts are proof that you don’t need complicated methods to create a cozy, sweet treat at home. Soft, fluffy, and bursting with cinnamon sugar flavor, they’re perfect for any occasion — or no occasion at all.

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