Vegan Glazed Donuts

The modern gal meets "little women era" with this amazing recipe: homemade Vegan Glazed Donuts. In the realm of plant-based confections, these fluffy and irresistible treats reign supreme. Get ready to embark on a journey through the art of crafting perfectly golden donuts, adorned with a luscious glaze that adds a hint of sweetness to every bite. Whether you're a skilled, old school home baker or a city girl with little to no experience, this recipe is your golden ticket to savoring a classic favorite without needing a ton of time or skill. Let's learn how to make homemade vegan donuts!

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Ingredients for Vegan Glazed Donuts

Each of these ingredients plays a critical role in creating the perfect vegan glazed donuts, from the rise and texture of the dough to the depth of flavor and overall deliciousness of the final product.

For the Donuts

Pre-Rise Ingredients

• Nondairy Milk (1 c): Nondairy milk serves as the liquid base of the donut dough. It provides moisture and helps bind the ingredients together, just like traditional dairy milk. It also adds flavor and contributes to the tender texture of the donuts. Good choices of nondairy milk are almond, soy, or oat.
• Vegan Butter (¼ c): Vegan butter is a key fat source in the recipe. It adds richness and flavor to the donuts, similar to dairy butter. The fat also contributes to the softness and structure of the dough, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Active Dry Yeast (2 ¼ tsp): Yeast is the leavening agent that makes the donuts rise and become airy. It ferments the dough, creating bubbles of carbon dioxide that cause the dough to expand. This results in the characteristic fluffy texture of donuts. Active dry yeast needs to be activated in warm liquid, and it plays a crucial role in achieving the right rise and volume in the final product.
• Sugar (¼ c): Sugar serves multiple purposes in the donut recipe. It adds sweetness to the dough, contributing to the overall flavor. Sugar also feeds the yeast during the rising process, helping the dough rise properly. Additionally, sugar aids in creating a golden-brown crust when the donuts are fried.
• All-Purpose Flour (2 ¼ c): All-purpose flour is the main structure-building ingredient. It provides the gluten necessary for the dough's elasticity and strength. Proper gluten development results in a chewy yet tender texture. The amount of flour is carefully measured to achieve the desired consistency of the dough.

After Rise Ingredients

• Salt (¼ tsp): Salt enhances the overall flavor of the donuts. It balances the sweetness and brings out the nuances of other ingredients. In baking, a small amount of salt can make a significant difference in taste. It also helps regulate the yeast's activity and strengthens the dough.
• Baking Powder and Baking Soda (¼ teaspoon each): Baking powder and baking soda are additional leavening agents that work alongside the yeast to create lift in the dough. They react with other ingredients when mixed and when exposed to heat during frying, producing carbon dioxide bubbles that expand the dough. This results in an airy and light texture.
• Canola Oil for Frying: Canola oil is used for frying the donuts. It heats to a high temperature without smoking, creating the perfect environment for the donuts to cook evenly and achieve a crisp, golden-brown exterior. Frying gives the donuts their signature crunchy outer layer while maintaining a soft interior.

For the Glaze

• Powdered Sugar (2 c): Powdered sugar, also known as confectioners' sugar or icing sugar, is the main ingredient in the donut glaze. It's finely ground sugar that dissolves easily in liquids, creating a smooth and glossy texture. Powdered sugar is essential for providing sweetness to the glaze and giving it a velvety consistency. As the glaze sets, it hardens slightly to form a delicate, appealing shell on the donuts.
• Nondairy Milk (⅓ c): Nondairy milk, such as almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk, serves as the liquid component of the glaze. It's used to thin down the powdered sugar and create the desired consistency for drizzling or dipping the donuts.
• Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Vanilla extract is added to the glaze to enhance its flavor profile. Vanilla's sweet and aromatic notes complement the sweetness of the powdered sugar, resulting in a well-rounded taste.

Steps to Make Vegan Glazed Donuts (with pictures!)

Making the Dough

1. Melt the Butter: Combine nondairy milk and vegan butter in a small saucepan. Heat on the stove until butter is completely melted. Remove from heat. Check the temperature of the mixture using a candy thermometer. If is falls between 90 and 110 degrees F (32-43 C) you can proceed to the next step.
2. Activate the Yeast: Pour warmed butter mixture into a large bowl. Sprinkle the yeast into the bowl. Sprinkle the sugar over the yeast. There is no need to stir. Allow the yeast to activate for about 5 minutes. At the end of this time the mixture should have puffed up slightly and may appear frothy. If it doesn’t, your yeast is expired and you’ll need to start again.
3. Prepare the Dough: Add the flour to the bowl and stir with a wooden spoon until just-combined. Dough will be wet. Transfer the dough to a heavily floured working surface. Sprinkle a good amount of flour over the top of the dough and cover your hands as well. Knead the dough for 1-2 minutes. Place the dough back in the bowl and cover with a kitchen towel. Set the bowl in a warm place for 1 hour.
4. Knead: After an hour has elapsed, your dough should have doubled in size. If the space you are working in is cool this may take a little bit longer. Punch down the dough and return it to your heavily-floured work surface. Sprinkle the salt, baking powder and baking soda over the dough and knead in for 3 minutes. 

Preparing the Donuts

1. Cut Donuts: Sprinkle a baking sheet with flour and place it close to your work area. Using a rolling pin, roll out your kneaded dough until it is about ½-inch thick. Take a 3 to 3 ½ inch cutter and cut circles into the dough. Place these dough circles onto the floured baking sheet. Once there, use a ¾ to 1 inch cutter to remove the “donut hole” in the center of each dough circle. This is best to do on the baking sheet as the donuts are difficult to transfer once the center is removed. Return holes to your dough scraps and roll out once more and cut again until no more dough remains.
2. Second Rise: Cover the baking sheet with a light kitchen towel or plastic wrap (simply laid over the top not wrapped tightly) and set in a warm area for their second rise. Depending on the temperature of your work space this should take between 20 and 30 minutes. The donuts will poof up a good amount during this time.
3. Prepare the Oil: While donuts are rising, begin to heat your oil. Fill a deep skillet with canola oil until you have a good 2-3 inches of depth. You’ll want to continue heating until the oil is about 350 degrees F (175 C). A little hotter is okay but you won’t want the temperature to dip very far below this mark. Carefully regulate as you fry.

Frying and Glazing

1. Fry Donuts: Grab another baking sheet and lay paper towels inside. Place a wire cooling rack over the paper towels and set near your frying station. Check the temperature of the oil with your candy thermometer and if it falls between 350 and 360 F you are good to go! Place a donut carefully into the oil. If the oil is hot enough you should only need to fry for about 10 seconds on each side. Each side should appear golden brown and donut will further puff up. Remove donut from the oil and place on wire cooling rack. Continue until all donuts are fried. Lightly blot with paper towels to remove excess oil.
2. Glaze Donuts: While donuts are cooling, prepare the glaze. Add all of the ingredients to a large bowl and whisk together until a smooth glaze forms. Once donuts are cool enough to handle, drop them in the glaze one at a time and flip around until coated on all sides. Return donuts to wire rack after glazing. If you have additional glaze left over at the end you can give your donuts a second coat if you’d like. 

Tips for Making Perfect Vegan Donuts at Home

Making a Great Dough

1. Salt: Salt should be added to the dough after the first rise. Salt is important for the overall flavor of the donut but it hinders the yeast fermentation. Adding salt after the initial rise allows us to get all of the flavor we want without interfering with the work of the yeast.
2. Kneading: it's important for gluten to become active within the dough. The more you need the dough the more active the gluten becomes. This is important as it will help the donuts puff up when they fry and keep them from deflating prior to frying. Only a few minutes is necessary.

Preparing Donuts for Frying

1. Rolling and Cutting: When rolling out the dough, use a light touch to avoid compressing it. Dip your cutter in flour to prevent sticking and cut out the donuts as close together as possible to minimize dough waste.
2. Proofing: Proofing is super important when it comes to yeast leavened donuts. Once your donuts are formed you placed them aside for a second opportunity to rise. This stage will determine how airy and light your donuts become during the cooking process. Proofing is best done in a warm and slightly humid environment. See recommendations below for further tips.

Cooking and Storing

1. Frying: Prior to frying you want to make sure your oil is heat it up all of the way. This should be anywhere from 350 to 365°F. You want your donuts to sit in the oil for the shortest amount of time possible to keep their fat content low. Get everything prepped before hand to ensure a seamless transition for your donuts from oil to cooling rack. Check and maintain oil temperature throughout the process.
2. Storing: Do not store your donuts. It is an unfortunate truth that donuts do not keep very well. Trying to store them will only result in heartbreak. Share your donuts to ensure that they are eaten the day they are made.

How to Effectively Proof Vegan Donuts

Proofing occurs after you have already cut out your donuts and placed them on a baking sheet. This is your donuts second and final chance to rise. This must be done in a warm and humid environment. If not, the cool, dry air will surround your donuts and dry out the top creating a skin that makes it difficult for the donuts to rise.

If your kitchen is warm, you can simply place a light kitchen towel or a sheet of plastic wrap over the top of your cut donuts and leave them out during this time. When it is cold, I would recommend creating your own proofing drawer-like space if you do not already have one.

To accomplish this, place a 9 x 13" baking dish on the bottom rack of your oven. Place the baking sheet with your cut donuts on the shelf above this baking dish. Boil 1-2 cups of water in a kettle on the stove and pour the water into the 9 x 13" baking dish and close the oven door. This will create a nice, lightly-steamy environment for your donuts to proof in. You may want to use an aluminum dish as old, glass baking dishes can sometimes crack when they encounter boiling water.

Kitchen Tools Needed For Making Vegan Glazed Donuts

With these tools at your disposal, you'll be well-equipped to create delicious homemade vegan donuts that are sure to impress. You will find that you likely already have most available to you!

1. Mixing Bowls: Various sizes of mixing bowls are essential for combining and mixing the donut dough ingredients.
2. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial in baking. You'll need measuring cups for both dry and liquid ingredients, as well as measuring spoons for smaller quantities.
3. Rolling Pin: A rolling pin is needed to roll out the donut dough to the desired thickness before cutting out the donut shapes.
4. Donut Cutter or Biscuit Cutter: A donut cutter or a biscuit cutter with a round shape is used to cut out the donut shapes from the rolled-out dough.
5. Candy Thermometer: If the recipe involves activating yeast with warm liquid, a kitchen thermometer helps ensure that the liquid is at the correct temperature to activate the yeast.
6. Frying Pan or Deep Fryer: A frying pan or deep fryer is required for frying the donuts. Ensure the pan or fryer is deep enough to fully submerge the donuts in oil.
7. Slotted Spoon or Spider Strainer: These tools are used to carefully place the donuts into the hot oil, flip them during frying, and remove them from the oil once they're cooked.
8. Cooling Rack: A cooling rack is essential for placing the fried donuts to cool down and drain any excess oil.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a deep fryer to make vegan donuts?

While a deep fryer can provide consistent frying temperatures, you can still make delicious vegan donuts using a regular frying pan. Just be sure to monitor the oil temperature using a thermometer and adjust the heat as needed.

How can I ensure my vegan donuts are fluffy and not dense?

To achieve fluffy donuts, be careful not to overwork the dough during kneading. Proper rising time is crucial—let the dough rise until it has doubled in size. Also, make sure your yeast is fresh and properly activated.

How do I prevent my vegan donuts from getting too oily?

To prevent overly oily donuts, make sure the oil is at the correct temperature before frying. Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to remove excess oil after frying, and let the donuts drain on a cooling rack or paper towels.

Can I make donut holes instead of traditional donut shapes?

Absolutely! Donut holes are a fun alternative. Roll the dough into small balls and fry them until golden. They cook faster than larger donuts, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Glaze or coat with sugar while they're still warm.

Recipe Variations for Vegan Glazed Donuts

Feel free to combine these variations, experiment with different glaze flavors, and let your creativity shine while making homemade glazed donuts that suit your taste preferences. The recipe below is for a standard, glazed donut but you are free to alter it as you please.

1. Chocolate Glazed Donuts: Add cocoa powder to the glaze mixture for a rich and decadent chocolate glaze. You can also fold chocolate chips into the donut batter for extra chocolatey goodness.
2. Matcha Green Tea Glazed Donuts: Mix matcha green tea powder into the glaze for a vibrant and earthy flavor. The natural green color adds a unique touch to your donuts.
3. Maple Glazed Donuts: Replace vanilla extract with maple syrup in the glaze for a delightful maple flavor. You can also sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top.
4. Berry Glazed Donuts: Puree berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries and mix the puree into the glaze. This adds a fruity and colorful element to your donuts.
5. Lemon Glazed Donuts: Add lemon zest and lemon juice to the glaze for a zesty and tangy twist. To explain, lemon complements the sweetness of the glaze beautifully.
6. Cinnamon Sugar Glazed Donuts: After glazing, roll the warm donuts in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. This creates a sweet and spiced coating that's simply irresistible.
7. Espresso Glazed Donuts: Add a shot of espresso or strong brewed coffee to the glaze for a coffee-infused flavor. It's a perfect match for the sweet donuts.
8. Coconut Glazed Donuts: Add shredded coconut to the glaze for a tropical twist. You can also sprinkle more coconut on top of the glazed donuts.
9. Peanut Butter Glazed Donuts: Mix creamy peanut butter into the glaze for a nutty and indulgent flavor. Drizzle melted chocolate over the glazed donuts for an extra treat.

How to Serve/Store Vegan Glazed Donuts

Serving

Here is a list of several fun ways to serve homemade donuts. What do they all have in common, you ask? All should occur immediately after glazing. Donuts are best when eaten asap.

1. Freshly Glazed: Serve the vegan glazed donuts fresh out of the kitchen, while the glaze is still slightly warm and gooey. This is when they're at their peak deliciousness.
2. Brunch Spread: Create a brunch spread with a variety of vegan donuts, offering different glaze flavors and toppings. Arrange them on a platter or tiered stand for a visually appealing presentation.
3. Coffee or Tea Time: Pair the vegan glazed donuts with your favorite hot or iced coffee, tea, or even a frothy latte. The sweet and indulgent donuts also make a wonderful accompaniment to your beverage of choice.
4. Ice Cream Sandwiches: Slice the glazed donuts in half and use them as a base for vegan ice cream sandwiches. You can even dip the cut sides in melted chocolate before assembling.
5. Vegan Donut Tower: Create a stunning donut tower by stacking glazed donuts on a cake stand or tiered tray. This works well for larger gatherings and adds a touch of elegance.

Storing

Don't. That's right. Don't store them. I know we all hate to waste food but donuts really do not have a long shelf life. They can survive for 24 hours tops. That might even be a little sketchy if I'm honest.

The best thing you can do is wait to make this recipe until you know you will have a lot of hungry people on your hands that you can feed these to. This will help you minimize waste and share a dessert/breakfast treat with others that is a true labor of love.

If you make this recipe be sure to tag @censoredbaker on Instagram!

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