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Classic Vegan Donuts: Soft, Sweet, and Irresistibly Plant-Based


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  • Author: Madilyn
  • Total Time: 3 hrs 40 min

Ingredients

For the Tangzhong:

2 tbsp all-purpose flour (15g)

¼ cup non-dairy milk (60mL)

2 tbsp water (30mL)

For the Donuts:

3 cups all-purpose flour (360g), plus up to 2 tbsp for kneading

¼ cup brown sugar (50g)

2 ¼ tsp instant yeast

½ tsp sea salt

¾ cup warm non-dairy milk (180mL)

⅓ cup melted vegan butter (69g)

1 tsp vanilla or almond extract

6 cups oil for frying (peanut or other high-heat oil)

For the Glaze:

2 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar

¼ cup warm non-dairy milk

1 tsp vanilla or almond extract

Equipment:

Candy/deep fry thermometer

Heavy, deep skillet

Donut or biscuit cutters


Instructions

Tangzhong:

  1. Whisk flour, milk, and water in a small pan.
  2. Heat over medium-high, stirring until thickened (1–2 minutes).
  3. Chill in the fridge for 10 minutes.

Dough:

  1. Mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large bowl.
  2. Whisk tangzhong, milk, melted butter, and extract separately.
  3. Combine wet and dry ingredients; knead until soft and slightly sticky. Cover and rest 10 minutes.
  4. Knead 6–8 more minutes, adding up to 2 tbsp flour if needed.
  5. Transfer to a greased bowl; cover and rise 2 hours.

Shaping & Second Rise:

  1. Punch down dough and roll to ¼–½ inch thickness.
  2. Cut donuts; re-roll scraps.
  3. Place on parchment, cover, and rise 45–60 minutes.

Frying:

  1. Heat oil to 350°F (180°C).
  2. Fry donuts 1 minute per side until golden. Drain on paper towels.

Glazing:

  1. Mix sugar, milk, and extract until smooth.
  2. Dip warm donuts and holes; let excess drip on a wire rack.

Notes

  • Best eaten fresh; store in an airtight container up to 1 day.
  • Don’t freeze for best texture.
  • Tangzhong helps keep donuts soft and tender.
  • Prep Time: 20 min
  • Cook Time: 20 min