If you’re in the mood for something soft, bakery-style, and full of bright citrus flavor, these baked vegan lemon donuts are the perfect choice. They’re light, fluffy, and infused with fresh lemon in every bite.

Made with simple ingredients, they come together quickly and bake up in no time, making them ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an easy homemade treat. The lemon glaze adds a sweet, tangy finish that ties everything together perfectly.

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Ingredients for baked vegan lemon donuts

All-purpose flour: This is the base of the donuts and gives them structure while still keeping them soft.

Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that light, tender texture.

Lemon zest: This is where most of the lemon flavor comes from. It adds a fresh, bright citrus taste.

Baking powder: Helps the donuts rise and keeps them fluffy.

Non-dairy milk: Adds moisture and helps bring the batter together.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the lemon.

Fresh lemon juice: Adds real lemon flavor and a slight tang.

Applesauce: Acts as an egg replacement and keeps the donuts soft and moist.

Vegan salted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps create that classic donut texture.

Ingredients for lemon glaze

Powdered sugar: Creates the smooth, sweet base of the glaze.

Vegan salted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps the glaze set nicely.

Lemon juice: Gives the glaze its bright, tangy flavor.

Vanilla extract: Balances the sweetness and adds depth.

How to make baked vegan lemon donuts

These are simple to make and come together quickly.

Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a donut pan.

In a large bowl, add the sugar and lemon zest. Rub them together with your fingers to release the oils and bring out more lemon flavor.

Add the flour and baking powder, then mix until combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the non-dairy milk, vanilla extract, lemon juice, applesauce, and melted vegan butter.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.

Pipe or spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each about 3/4 full.

Bake until set and lightly golden.

Let cool completely before glazing.

Whisk together all glaze ingredients until smooth, then dip the tops of the donuts and let set.

Tips for making vegan lemon donuts

A few small things will make these turn out even better.

Rub the lemon zest into the sugar: This makes the lemon flavor stronger and more noticeable.

Don’t overmix the batter: This keeps the donuts soft instead of dense.

Use a piping bag: It makes filling the donut pan much easier and cleaner.

Let them cool completely: Glazing too early will cause it to melt off.

Adjust glaze consistency: Add more powdered sugar if too thin or more lemon juice if too thick.

How to store baked vegan lemon donuts

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

To freeze, let them cool completely first, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature or warm slightly before serving.

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Baked Vegan Lemon Donuts

Soft, fluffy baked vegan lemon donuts topped with a sweet and tangy lemon glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dessert.

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 13

Total Time: 23

Servings: DONUTS

Equipment

donut pan

Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup granulated sugar
Zest of 2 lemons
2 teaspoons baking powder
¾ cup non-dairy milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons applesauce
5 tablespoons vegan salted butter melted

Glaze

1 ½ cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon vegan salted butter melted
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a donut pan.
In a mixing bowl, rub together the sugar and lemon zest to release the flavor.
Add flour and baking powder and mix to combine.
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together non-dairy milk, vanilla, lemon juice, applesauce, and melted butter.
Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
Pipe or spoon batter into donut pan, filling each about 3/4 full.
Bake for 10–13 minutes, or until set and lightly golden.
Let donuts cool completely before removing from pan.
Whisk together glaze ingredients until smooth.
Dip donuts into glaze and let set before serving.