Name: Vegan Baked Vanilla Doughnuts with Colorful Icing Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup pure cane sugar; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup non-dairy milk; 2 tablespoons unsweetened apple sauce; 1 tablespoon vegan butter, melted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup confectioners’ sugar; 2 ½ tablespoons vegan butter, melted; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon food coloring (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 21 reviews

If you’ve ever craved a sweet treat that feels indulgent yet light, look no further than this delightful Vegan Baked Vanilla Doughnuts with Colorful Icing Recipe. These doughnuts bring together the nostalgic comfort of classic vanilla with a vibrant twist thanks to the colorful icing. Baked instead of fried, they deliver a perfectly soft and fluffy texture that’s gentle on the conscience without sacrificing any flavor. Whether you’re vegan or simply seeking a healthier sweet snack, this recipe will quickly become your new obsession!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl with a light brown, smooth batter inside, partially mixed with a metal whisk resting in the bowl. The texture of the batter looks creamy and slightly thick. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with soft grey veins visible, and a white textured cloth is placed nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is the first step to making these dreamy doughnuts. They’re simple staples you might already have in your pantry, and each has an important role in crafting the perfect texture, taste, and appearance.

All-purpose flour: Forms the tender yet sturdy base of our doughnuts.
Pure cane sugar: Adds natural sweetness that complements the vanilla perfectly.
Ground cinnamon: Brings a mild, warm spice that enhances the vanilla flavor.
Baking powder: A crucial leavening agent to make the doughnuts fluffy and light.
Unsweetened applesauce: Works as a vegan binder while keeping the dough moist.
Non-dairy milk: Helps blend all the ingredients smoothly and keeps things plant-based.
Vegan butter: Adds richness and buttery flavor without any dairy.
Vanilla extract: The star that infuses warm, sweet notes into every bite.
Salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors in the batter.
Confectioners’ sugar: Essential for a smooth, sweet icing that coats each doughnut beautifully.
Food coloring: Optional, but perfect for adding a burst of cheerful color to the icing.

How to Make Vegan Baked Vanilla Doughnuts with Colorful Icing Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C) and giving your doughnut mold a quick spray with non-stick spray. Setting the right temperature ensures even baking, while preparing your pan keeps your doughnuts intact and perfect for glazing.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until everything is evenly combined. This simple mix brings together all the dry essentials that create the base and delicate spice tones of your doughnuts.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Next, add the non-dairy milk, melted vegan butter, applesauce, and vanilla extract to your dry ingredients. Whisk until the batter is smooth and silky, with no lumps. The applesauce cleverly keeps the dough moist and soft, achieving that irresistible chewiness.

Step 4: Fill and Bake

Fill each cavity in your doughnut mold about three-quarters full with the batter. This helps them rise nicely without overflowing. Pop them in the oven and let them bake for 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted comes out clean and the tops spring back to the touch.

Step 5: Prepare the Colorful Icing

While the doughnuts bake, melt the vegan butter and whisk it with confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and your choice of food coloring. If your icing feels too thick, a splash of non-dairy milk or water will smooth it out perfectly. This icing recipe is where the fun truly begins — you can create any colors that make you smile!

Step 6: Cool and Dip

Once cooled for about 15 minutes, dip each doughnut into the bright, sweet icing. Allow excess icing to drip off, creating those charming uneven swirls that make homemade treats so special. The softness of the doughnuts paired with the creamy, colorful glaze is pure joy in every bite.

How to Serve Vegan Baked Vanilla Doughnuts with Colorful Icing Recipe

Two donuts are shown on a light pink wooden board placed on a white marbled surface. Each donut has one layer: a light brown cake base topped with smooth, thick pink glaze that drips down the sides unevenly. One donut is in focus in the front center, and the second one is slightly blurred in the back right. The background is softly light and blurred, with a white marbled texture as well. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Add an extra wow factor with garnishes! Sprinkle shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or rainbow sprinkles right after dipping the doughnuts in icing. Fresh berries or a light dusting of cocoa powder can also elevate the presentation and flavor profile.

Side Dishes

Pair these doughnuts with a freshly brewed cup of strong coffee or a frothy oat milk latte. For brunch occasions, they go wonderfully alongside a fruit salad or a refreshing smoothie bowl to balance sweetness and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties and gatherings, arrange your doughnuts on a colorful cake stand or tiered tray. Combine a few colors of icing on each doughnut for a playful rainbow effect, or pipe designs for a festive touch. These vegan baked vanilla doughnuts with colorful icing recipe doubles as an eye-catching centerpiece and crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them soft and fresh without the icing getting sticky or melting away.

Freezing

To enjoy later, freeze un-iced doughnuts individually on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to a month and thaw quickly at room temperature—perfect for a last-minute treat.

Reheating

Warm doughnuts gently in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes or in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Avoid overheating to keep that tender texture. Add icing fresh after reheating for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend meant for baking. Keep an eye on the batter’s consistency and consider adding a bit more liquid if it feels too thick.

Is it necessary to use applesauce?

Applesauce acts as an egg replacer and keeps doughnuts moist. If you don’t have any, mashed banana or a flaxseed “egg” could work as alternatives but might subtly change the flavor.

What type of non-dairy milk works best?

Feel free to use almond, soy, oat, or any plant-based milk you prefer. They all work well in this recipe and subtly affect the doughnut’s final taste and richness.

Can I make the icing without food coloring?

Yes! The icing is delicious on its own with just vanilla flavor and vegan butter. The food coloring is purely optional and adds a fun, vibrant touch perfect for celebrations or when baking with kids.

Why bake instead of fry doughnuts?

Baking makes these doughnuts lighter and less greasy while still maintaining that soft, tender crumb. It’s a healthier method that fits perfectly with this vegan approach without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about making your own Vegan Baked Vanilla Doughnuts with Colorful Icing Recipe from scratch. It’s a wonderful way to brighten up your day, share happy moments with loved ones, and savor something sweet that doesn’t compromise your values. Once you try this recipe, I’m sure these doughnuts will earn a permanent spot in your baking repertoire!