They always say that everything is better with sprinkles and these Vegan Vanilla Donuts with Sprinkles aren't an exception. Super fluffy, soft, moist, and completely dairy-free, these donuts truly are like the perfect sweet treat for adults and kids alike, especially during Easter.
Growing up, I always LOVED. I mean really really loved them! I couldn't eat any form of ice cream (especially my favorite vanilla flavor) without sprinkles. They add the best texture, crunchy and, of course, an extra surgery hit that no kid can turn down.
Now, although I aim to eat healthily and with more intention, ever so often I can't fight off a craving for a vanilla sprinkle donut from Dunkin Donuts. The last time the craving struck, I decided to answer it with a healthier dairy-free and vegan remake of my childhood favorite. And guess what? These vegan vanilla donuts with sprinkles are every bit as sweet-tooth-satisfying and delicious as anything you can buy at Dunkin.
And the best part is that this recipe is super easy, quick, and won't leave you feeling weighed down. However, the one drawback is you have to do the sprinkle clean up 🙂
If you have little helpers at home, this homemade donut recipe is the perfect opportunity to get them in the kitchen. This recipe is perfect for kids to practice their measuring and mixing skills. Not to mention decorating!
While homemade donuts might sound like a project recipe, they actually come together quite easily. To make these sweet treats, you'll combine the dry ingredients in one bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients. Then combine the two and pipe the batter into a donut pan. Bake them up until golden and fully set. Finally, let the donuts cool before glazing them with your quick vanilla frosting and showering them in rainbow sprinkles.
Here's what you need to make easy dairy-free vanilla donuts:
The only unique piece of equipment you need to make homemade donuts is a donut pan. If you're a donut fan, I highly recommend adding one to your kitchen toolbox. You'll never have to go out for donuts again, and you can always customize the ingredients, flavors, and decorations of your breakfast pastries!
The easiest way to fill a donut pan without a major mess is to pipe the batter into the rings. You don't need a special pastry bag, however. A simple gallon-sized Ziploc bg will do the trick. Simply fill the bag with your batter (work in batches to avoid over-filling the bag), then snip off one corner. Aim for a ¾-inch hole to pipe the batter cleanly into the donut rings in the pan.
The last piece of equipment you'll need is a wire cooling rack. Ensure your donuts are fully cooled before glazing them. Waiting for these treats to cool is the hardest part of the whole recipe!
A quick vanilla glaze adds shine, flavor, and extra sweetness to these vegan vanilla donuts. Plus, it helps the sprinkles stick better. To make a simple glaze while the donuts cool, you'll need:
Simply mix all of the ingredients together in a medium bowl. Add more milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, or more powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon at a time, to reach your desired thickness. The glaze should be drizzle-able but not so runny that it runs off of the donuts.
This easy dairy-free glaze recipe is good to keep in your back pocket. It works just as well on donuts as it does on cupcakes and cookies. It's the perfect vegan icing for people who aren't fond of frosting.
The quickest way to glaze and decorate your donuts is by dipping. Invert one donut at a time into the bowl of glaze, then place it back on the cooling rack. Immediately out of the glaze, while it's still wet and shiny, hit the donut with a handful of rainbow sprinkles. Yes, it can get messy, but that's part of the fun! For easier cleanup, place a piece of parchment paper under the wire rack.
No! While many of the donuts you buy at places like Dunkin Donuts are deep-fried to get their golden crust and flaky layers, these vegan vanilla donuts are cooked fully in the oven. This makes them a much lighter option with little oil. In fact, this entire recipe only has three tablespoons of coconut oil to ensure your donuts stay moist and tender. There are no grease stains left behind by these homemade treats!
Who doesn't like to start their day with a homemade donut? These are a perfect weekend breakfast treat, especially for special occasions like a birthday. Serve them with these easy Warm Apple Chai Lattes in the winter, or with refreshing Lemon Blackberry Mint Tea in warmer months.
These are also a great treat for Easter morning. The colorful sprinkles always remind me of springtime.
The donuts are best enjoyed the day they're made. If you have leftovers, however, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze the donuts in an airtight container for up to three months. To serve, defrost the donuts on the counter for several hours. You can also freeze the baked, undecorated donuts and add the glaze and sprinkles just before serving.
For more popular dairy-free doughnut recipes, check out these:
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Vegan Vanilla Donuts with Sprinkles.
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Hello, do you know how long I should cook them if I use a mini doughnut pan?
Thank you very much ^_^
Hi Brooklyn! They should be around the same time or 5-6 minutes early. I usually use a small toothpick to test the centers! 🙂
I want to try these for my first donut attempt! Do you think these would turn out ok if I swap the AP flour for a gluten-free version?
Hi Rebecca! That's so awesome! Yes, they definitely can be made GF! To make these donuts GF, I recommend using a GF Flour Blend (Bob’s Red Mills has a great version!). **NOTE: When using this GF flour, be sure to reduce the liquid to 1/3 cup and add 1 Tbsp at a time of milk until consistency is met.** I hope that you enjoy them! 🙂
What is the best way to store them and for how long? Thanks xxx
Hi Cat! These are best stored in the Refrigerator because of the Chocolate glaze. They usually last up to a week if tightly sealed. I hope that you enjoy!
This look so yummy and beautiful! Great recipe! Will have to try this!
Thanks so much Sarah! I do hope that you enjoy them once you do give them a try!
My 6 year loves donuts. She even says she's going to own a donut shop when she's older.
Haha! Your 6 year old is super smart! A donut shop would be awesome! Free donuts daily!
These donuts look amazing! I've to try this recipe 😀
Thanks so much Cristina! I do hope that you enjoy once it give it a try!
Ooooh! We're dairy-free over here so this recipe is perfect for us. We'll have to try this on our next baking day. Looks so yummy!
Thanks so much Kim! Yes, this is great for us too since I try minimize dairy in our diet as well. I do hope that you enjoy!