Baked Vegan Donuts with Strawberry Icing

These baked vegan donuts with strawberry icing are soft, fluffy, and packed with sweet, fruity flavor. No dairy or eggs necessary! This easy vegan donut recipe comes together quickly and is perfect for breakfast, brunch or a fun homemade dessert.

Featured Comment:

I made these for my daughter's fifth birthday instead of cake and she absolutely loved them! She demanded we make them together next time. - Olivia

Baked donuts can sometimes get a bad rap. If they aren't deep fried, people don't want to waste their time with them. These donuts will change any hater's mind and give them a new way to enjoy dessert for breakfast!

This recipe will leave you with 12 soft, fluffy donuts smothered in a nostalgic pink icing and topped with rainbow sprinkles. All this goodness and absolutely no greasy residue!

If you want more baked donut recipes be sure to check out our vegan apple cider donuts.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Why You'll Love These Donuts
• How to Make Baked Vegan Donuts (step by step with pictures)
• Recipe Tips
• How to Know When Your Donuts are Done Baking
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Troubleshooting Common Mistakes
• Best Donut Pans for Home Bakers
• Flavor Variations and Mix-Ins
• Serving and Presentation Ideas
• How to Store and Freeze Donuts
• Baked Vegan Donuts with Strawberry Icing
• More Vegan Donuts
• More Vegan Desserts you can Eat for Breakfast

Ingredients

Here are all the ingredients you'll need to make these donuts:

For the Donuts:

• all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the donut batter, providing structure and volume when baked.
• sugars: Add sweetness to the donuts, enhancing their flavor. The combination of granulated and brown sugar provides a depth of flavor and moisture.
• baking powder: Acts as a leavening agent, causing the donuts to rise and become light and fluffy during baking.
• salt: Enhances the flavor of the other ingredients and balances out the sweetness.
• nutmeg: Gives the donuts their signature "donut-y" flavor. Trust us!
• nondairy milk: Helps bind the ingredients together and create a tender crumb.
• nondairy yogurt: Adds moisture and richness to the batter while also contributing to the tender texture.
• canola oil: Helps create a tender crumb.
• vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the donuts, adding a hint of sweetness and depth.

For the Icing:

• vegan butter: Forms the base of the glaze, providing richness and flavor.
• powdered sugar: Sweetens the glaze and helps it thicken to the desired consistency.
• strawberry powder: Adds natural strawberry flavor and color to the glaze, giving it a fruity taste.
• nondairy milk: Helps thin out the glaze to the desired consistency.
• vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the glaze.
• vegan sprinkles: Used to top the donuts, adding a decorative touch.

Why You'll Love These Donuts

• They're soft, fluffy, and perfectly baked. No frying required!
• Topped with sweet, homemade strawberry icing that's naturally pretty and delicious.
• Made with simple, plant-based ingredients you likely already have.
• Easy to make in under 30 minutes, perfect for quick treats.
• Great for breakfast, brunch, or dessert (no rules here).
• Kid-friendly and fun to decorate with sprinkles or toppings.
• They taste so good, no one will guess they're vegan.

Recipe Tips

Here are a few tips to help ensure your baked vegan donuts come out perfectly every time:

1. Don't over-mix the batter: Stir just until combined to keep the donuts light and fluffy.
2. Use a piping bag (or zip-top bag): Makes filling the donut pan quick, neat, and mess-free.
3. Fill molds ¾ full: This helps them rise properly without overflowing.
4. Don't over bake: Bake just until a toothpick comes out clean. Over baking can make them dry.
5. Let donuts cool before icing: Warm donuts will melt the strawberry icing right off.
6. Adjust icing consistency: Add a splash of nondairy milk if it's too thick, or more powdered sugar if too thin.
7. Grease your pan well: Even nonstick pans benefit from a light coating to prevent sticking.

How to Know When Your Donuts are Done Baking

Here's how to tell when your baked vegan donuts are perfectly done:

• Toothpick test: Insert a toothpick into a donut. If it comes out clean or with a few dry crumbs, they're ready.
• Lightly springy texture: Gently press the top. It should bounce back instead of sinking in.
• Edges pulling away slightly: The donuts may start to pull away from the sides of the pan.
• Set tops: The surface should look dry and not wet or glossy.

Pro Tip: Don't over-bake! Even an extra minute or two can make baked donuts dry instead of soft and fluffy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Troubleshooting Common Mistakes

Donuts are flat or didn't rise

• Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh.
• Don't over-mix the batter. Over-worked flour can make donuts dense.

Donuts are dry

• Avoid over-baking. Take them out when the centers are just set and slightly springy.

Donuts stick to the pan

• Grease the pan well.
• Fill each mold only ¾ full to prevent overflow and sticking.

Strawberry icing is too thin or too thick

• Thin it with a splash of plant-based milk if too thick.
• Add more powdered sugar if too runny.
• Don't frost donuts while they're still warm. This will melt the icing.

Donuts crack on top

• Don't over-bake or bake at too high a temperature.
• Mix just until combined to avoid over-developing the gluten.

Flavor is bland

• Make sure to use real vanilla extract and quality strawberry powder or freeze-dried strawberries.
• A tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top can make flavors pop.

Best Donut Pans for Home Bakers

Whether you're making baked vegan donuts or experimenting with fun flavors, a good donut pan makes all the difference. Here are some top picks:

1. Wilton Nonstick 6-Cavity Donut Pan: Classic choice, affordable, and widely available. Nonstick surface makes removal easy, and it's durable for repeated use.
2. USA Pan Nonstick Donut Pan: Heavy-duty aluminized steel with nonstick Americoat coating. Ensures even baking and easy release-perfect for golden, fluffy donuts.
3. Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Donut Pan: Premium, high-quality aluminum for even heat distribution. Produces evenly baked donuts with a beautiful shape and crust.
4. Walfos Silicone Donut Pan: Flexible silicone makes it easy to pop out donuts without sticking. Dishwasher safe, easy to clean, and gentle on baked goods.

Flavor Variations and Mix-Ins

Here are a few fun ways to switch up this recipe to fit your cravings:

1. Chocolate Lover's Donuts: Add ½ cup cocoa powder to the batter for a rich chocolate base. Mix in vegan chocolate chips for extra melty pockets of chocolate. These vegan chocolate glazed donuts are also amazing!
2. Fruity & Fresh: Fold in fresh or freeze-dried berries like raspberries or blueberries. Swap strawberry icing for raspberry or blueberry glaze for a fruity twist.
3. Nutty & Crunchy: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the batter. Top with a sprinkle of toasted nuts over the strawberry icing.
4. Coconut Bliss: Fold in shredded coconut for chewiness and extra texture. Top glazed donuts with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical flair.
5. Spiced Donuts: Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, cozy flavor. Perfect for fall-inspired or holiday donuts.
6. Boozy Treats (Adult-Friendly): Keep the bourbon in the batter for a rich, sophisticated flavor. Works especially well with chocolate chips or caramel drizzle.
7. Fun Toppings & Swirls: Swirl in vegan peanut butter, chocolate, or fruit puree before baking. Finish with rainbow sprinkles, cocoa nibs, or a pinch of flaky sea salt.
8. Change the Icing: Here are a few donut frosting ideas. Just switch out butter and milk with nondairy alternatives!

Serving and Presentation Ideas

1. Breakfast or Brunch Spread: Serve donuts alongside vegan coffee, tea, or plant-based milk. Arrange on a tiered stand for a colorful, eye-catching brunch table.
2. Dessert Platter: Slice donuts in half and layer with vegan whipped cream or fruit for a playful dessert. Drizzle extra strawberry glaze or melted chocolate over the top for a fancy touch.
3. Party or Celebration Treats: Top donuts with rainbow sprinkles, edible flowers, or shredded coconut. Place on a decorative platter or cake board for birthdays, showers, or holidays.
4. Donut Sandwiches: Use donuts as a base for vegan ice cream sandwiches or nut butter and jam. Perfect for a fun twist on dessert or snack time.
5. Grab-and-Go Treats: Individually wrap donuts in parchment paper or small boxes for gifting or picnics. Great for bake sales, school treats, or office snacks.

How to Store and Freeze Donuts

Room Temperature

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1-2 days.
• If stacking donuts, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Refrigerator

• Store in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
• Let the donuts come to room temperature before serving to regain soft, fluffy texture.

Freezing

• Freeze donuts without icing for up to 1 month.
• Wrap individually in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Thaw at room temperature and frost just before serving.

Pro Tip: For a freshly baked feel, warm donuts in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before adding icing. It brings back that soft, gooey texture and makes chocolate chips extra melty.

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

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More Vegan Donuts

• vegan apple cider donuts
• vegan glazed donuts
• vegan donut holes

More Vegan Desserts you can Eat for Breakfast