Easy Baked Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Donuts You Can Make in 20 Minutes

Who doesn’t love the comfort of sweet donuts? These vegan cinnamon sugar donuts are baked, not fried, making them lighter and healthier without sacrificing flavor.

Plus, they come together in about 20 minutes with just common ingredients and a donut pan. Whether you’re a beginner baker or just want a quick treat, this recipe is a winner!

Let’s dive in and get you baking.

Why these vegan baked donuts are so popular

These vegan donuts stand out because they’re super easy to make and baked, not fried. Baked donuts are lighter and less greasy, perfect for those watching their fat intake but still craving something sweet.

The cinnamon sugar coating gives a perfect balance of spice and sweetness, making each bite feel indulgent yet wholesome. This recipe is kid-friendly, quick, and requires only basic kitchen tools, making it accessible to just about anyone.

What you’ll need to bake these donuts

Before you jump into the recipe, here’s a quick rundown of the essential equipment you’ll need:

• Donut pan (silicone or metal, lightly greased)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wire rack for cooling

If you don’t have a donut pan, a muffin tin can work as a substitute for mini muffins or donut holes. The shape will be different, but the flavor remains the same!

Ingredients that make the magic happen

To keep this recipe simple and delicious, these are the key ingredients:

Dry ingredients:

• All-purpose flour (or a gluten-free blend for GF)
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon

Wet ingredients:

• Soy milk (or your preferred plant milk)
• Applesauce for moisture
• Melted vegan butter (plus extra for coating)
• Pure vanilla extract

Topping:

• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Melted vegan butter (or water for lighter option)

These ingredients are easy to find at most grocery stores and pantry staples for vegan baking!

How to make the batter step-by-step

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing your donut pan. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.

In a separate bowl, combine the soy milk, applesauce, melted vegan butter, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet mix into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined — avoid overmixing to keep donuts light.

Spoon the batter into the pan, filling each mold about 3/4 full to leave room for rising. Bake for 9 to 10 minutes until the edges are slightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

Coating your donuts the right way

For a perfect cinnamon sugar coating without soggy donuts, gently brush each warm donut with melted vegan butter instead of dunking them. Then, roll or sprinkle them in a mix of cinnamon and sugar to coat evenly.

This technique helps the sugar stick beautifully without saturating the donuts. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture or store them properly for later enjoyment.

Tips to make your vegan donuts perfect every time

• Don’t overmix your batter. Mix just until no dry flour remains to keep donuts light and fluffy, a key principle in successful vegan baking.
• Fill molds only up to about 3/4 full to prevent donuts from losing their iconic ring shape.
• Use fresh baking powder for best rise.
• Lightly brushing melted vegan butter (instead of dunking) prevents soggy toppings.
• If you don’t have applesauce, substitute with an extra tablespoon of melted vegan butter or a similar moisture source.
• Try different plant milks such as oat, almond, or coconut to subtly change flavor and texture.

How to store and freeze leftover donuts

To keep your donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. If you want them to last longer, freeze the uncoated donuts by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag.

When ready to eat, thaw overnight and warm in the oven or microwave. You can brush with melted vegan butter and cinnamon sugar again before serving to refresh the coating.

Frequently asked questions about vegan baked donuts

Can I make these donuts gluten-free? Yes, a gluten-free flour blend typically works well. Avoid 100% almond flour, which doesn’t hold well alone.

What if I don’t have a donut pan? Use a muffin pan to bake donut holes or mini muffins with the same batter.

Why does the cinnamon sugar topping sometimes get soggy? It’s best to brush donuts lightly with melted vegan butter instead of dunking, so they don’t absorb too much moisture.

Can I prepare these donuts ahead of time? You can bake them ahead and apply the topping right before serving.

Are these donuts light and airy or dense? They have a cake donut texture: soft and tender but not as airy as yeast donuts.

More vegan treats you’ll enjoy trying

If you love this recipe, you might want to try these delicious vegan baked goods next:

• Vegan Chocolate Glazed Donuts
• Vegan Blueberry Muffins
• Easy Vegan Banana Muffins

Each recipe is easy to follow with wholesome ingredients, perfect for breakfast or dessert. Happy baking!

Conclusion

These easy baked vegan cinnamon sugar donuts offer a perfect balance of simplicity, flavor, and fun. You don’t need a lot of fancy ingredients or equipment to make a treat everyone will love.

Remember the tips to keep your donuts light and the coating perfect, and you’ll be baking like a pro in no time. Don’t forget to experiment with flour types and plant milks to find your favorite combination!