Sprinkle Vegan Baked Donuts
Soft. Lightly spiced. Fluffy in the center with a smooth vanilla glaze that sets into that perfectly thin crackly shell. These baked vegan donuts come together in one bowl, no frying required, and deliver all the classic bakery vibes with a fraction of the effort.
And yes, the sprinkles are mandatory.
Why You’ll Love These Vegan Baked Donuts
baked donuts can sometimes lean dry. These do not.
Thanks to applesauce and melted vegan butter you get-
- A tender, fluffy crumb
- Just enough richness
- Warm cinnamon-nutmeg depth
- A clean vanilla finish
They’re soft without being cakey and sweet without being overwhelming.
Exactly how a sprinkle donut should be.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Donuts
All Purpose Flour
The structure. Keeps these sturdy enough to hold icing without collapsing.
Cane Sugar
Sweetens without making the donuts dense.
Baking Powder
Gives lift. This is what creates that airy, bakery-style rise.
Cinnamon + Nutmeg
Subtle warmth. Not overpowering, just enough to make them taste nostalgic.
Oat Milk
Keeps everything moist and dairy-free.
Vanilla Extract
Essential. Don’t skip it.
Applesauce
Replaces eggs and keeps the crumb soft.
Melted Vegan Butter
Adds richness and flavor. Let it cool slightly before mixing so it doesn’t activate the baking powder too early.
For the Icing
- Powdered sugar
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
That’s it. Smooth, glossy, classic.
And of course sprinkles.
How to Make Sprinkle Vegan Baked Donuts
1. Preheat + Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease your donut pan.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Cane sugar
- Baking powder
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
Make sure the baking powder is evenly distributed, this ensures even rise.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients
Add:
- Oat milk
- Vanilla
- Applesauce
- Melted vegan butter
Stir until just combined. The batter should be thick but pipeable.
Do not overmix. Once you no longer see dry streaks, stop.
4. Pipe the Batter
Transfer the batter to a piping bag (or zip-top bag with the corner cut).
Pipe into the donut cavities, filling about ¾ full.
Let the filled pan sit for 5 minutes before baking.
This small rest gives the baking powder a head start and helps create a lighter texture.
5. Bake
Bake for 15 minutes, or until
- The tops spring back when gently pressed
- The edges are set
- A toothpick comes out clean
Do not overbake. These should stay soft.
Let cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cool completely before icing.
Make the Vanilla Glaze
Whisk together
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (add more as needed)
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla
You’re looking for a thick but pourable consistency. It should coat the donut but still drip slightly.
Finish with Sprinkles
Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze or spoon it over the top.
Add sprinkles immediately before the glaze sets.
Let the icing firm up for about 10–15 minutes before serving.
Donut Tips
- If your donuts dome too much, your oven may run hot.
- If they’re dense, you may have overmixed.
- For extra color, add sprinkles directly into the batter before piping.
Sprinkle Vegan Baked Donuts
Equipment
Ingredients
Donuts
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup cane sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¾ cup oat milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons applesauce
- â…“ cup vegan butter melted
Vanilla Icing
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 –3 tablespoons milk
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Topping
- Sprinkles
Instructions
Make the Donuts
- Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a donut pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cane sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Add oat milk, vanilla extract, applesauce, and melted vegan butter. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Transfer batter to a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner cut.
- Pipe batter into donut cavities, filling about ¾ full.
- Let the filled pan sit for 5 minutes before baking.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until the tops spring back lightly when touched.
- Allow donuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Cool completely before icing.
Make the Icing
- Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together until smooth.
- Start with 2 tablespoons milk and add more as needed for a thick but pourable glaze.
Decorate
- Dip cooled donuts into icing or spoon glaze over the tops.
- Immediately add sprinkles before the icing sets.
- Allow icing to firm up for about 10–15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Letting the batter rest before baking helps create a lighter texture.
- Avoid overmixing to keep donuts soft and tender.
- A piping bag makes filling the donut pan easier and cleaner.
