Name: Cinnamon Sugar Vegan Donuts Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons soy milk; 1 tablespoon applesauce; 1 tablespoon melted vegan butter (for batter); 1 teaspoon vanilla paste; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup melted vegan butter (for dipping)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 9 reviews

If you’re craving a sweet treat that’s entirely plant-based but doesn’t skimp on flavor or texture, this Cinnamon Sugar Vegan Donuts Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Soft, fluffy donuts baked to perfection and coated in a buttery cinnamon sugar blend, these donuts bring all the warmth and sweetness you’d expect without the fuss of frying. Plus, they are quick to whip up, making them perfect for a cozy morning or an afternoon pick-me-up. I can’t wait for you to dive into this delightfully simple recipe and see just how irresistible vegan donuts can be!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two side-by-side white bowls on a white marbled surface, each with a different state of mixture. The left bowl has four dry ingredients placed separately in a round shape: a light beige powder, a white powder, a white granular powder, and a small pile of brown powder on top, with no mixing. The right bowl shows the same bowl with the ingredients mixed into a light brown thick batter with a smooth, slightly textured surface and a swirled center pattern. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Cinnamon Sugar Vegan Donuts Recipe truly begins with a handful of straightforward ingredients. Each one plays such an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, moisture, and texture that makes these donuts utterly crave-worthy.

1 cup all purpose flour: The base that provides structure and lightness.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds the sweetness that makes every bite satisfying.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the donuts rise and become fluffy.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavors and balances the sweetness.
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses warm, fragrant spice right into the dough.
1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons soy milk: Keeps the donuts moist and tender with a subtle creaminess.
1 tablespoon applesauce: Acts as a natural binder and adds moisture without eggs.
1 tablespoon melted vegan butter: Imparts richness and helps with the tender crumb.
1 teaspoon vanilla paste: Lifts the flavors with warm, sweet notes.
1/2 cup granulated sugar (for topping): The sweet foundation of the cinnamon sugar coating.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping): Provides that signature spiced sugar burst on the outside.
1/4 cup melted vegan butter (for topping): The sticky finish that helps the sugar coating cling perfectly.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Vegan Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and generously spraying your donut pan with non-stick spray. This simple step ensures your donuts release easily after baking, keeping their perfect shape intact.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. This combination forms the flavorful base for your donut batter and ensures even distribution of spice and leavening for the lightest texture.

Step 3: Incorporate the Wet Ingredients

Pour the soy milk, applesauce, melted vegan butter, and vanilla paste into the dry mixture. Stir everything together with a large wooden spoon until just combined. The batter should feel like cake batter—neither too thick nor runny—to guarantee fluffy donuts every time.

Step 4: Fill the Donut Pan

You can either spoon the batter directly into the donut pan or try piping it for a cleaner, uniform appearance by placing the batter into a ziplock bag, cutting a hole in one corner, and squeezing it into each mold. Fill about three quarters of each cavity because the donuts will rise during baking, and overfilling can cause them to lose that iconic donut hole.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the donuts for 9 to 10 minutes until the edges just turn golden brown. Depending on your pan size, it may take a little longer, so keep an eye out. Once baked, allow them to rest in the pan for two to three minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack lined with parchment paper to cool further.

Step 6: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While your donuts cool, mix together the sugar and cinnamon for your topping in a medium bowl. Melt the vegan butter separately. This combination will create the luscious coating that makes this Cinnamon Sugar Vegan Donuts Recipe so special.

Step 7: Dip and Coat the Donuts

One at a time, dip each donut into the melted vegan butter, coating both sides if you like yours extra indulgent, or just the top for a lighter touch. Then, roll the donuts in the cinnamon sugar mixture until generously covered. This warm, spiced sugar coating will create a delightful contrast with the soft donut inside.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

These dreamy Cinnamon Sugar Vegan Donuts Recipe treats are best enjoyed immediately or within the day for maximum freshness. They bring such comfort and joy to any table, so dig in while they are still soft and warm!

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Vegan Donuts Recipe

The image shows a stack of three cinnamon sugar-coated donuts on a white marbled surface. The top donut has a bite taken out of it, revealing a soft, light beige inside with a slightly fluffy texture. Each donut is covered evenly with a sparkling layer of cinnamon sugar, creating a grainy texture and warm brown color on the outside. In the background, there is a blurred glass of milk, adding a creamy white color that contrasts gently with the donuts. The light shines softly, highlighting the sugary crystals on the donuts. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To take these donuts to the next level, consider sprinkling a little extra cinnamon sugar on top after coating or adding a light dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness and visual appeal. A drizzle of melted vegan chocolate or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and soy milk also works beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve these donuts alongside a steaming cup of black coffee, chai tea, or a rich hot chocolate for a morning pick-me-up or dessert. Fresh berries or a fruit compote make a lovely, refreshing contrast that brightens the plate with color and natural sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Present your cinnamon sugar donuts stacked on a pretty cake stand or arranged in a rustic basket lined with parchment paper for a casual vibe. If you’re serving a crowd, arrange them in concentric circles sprinkled with cinnamon sugar dust. Adding edible flowers can also elevate the presentation dramatically for special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover donuts from this Cinnamon Sugar Vegan Donuts Recipe keep best when stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days. This method preserves their soft texture, but be warned; they rarely last that long because they’re so good!

Freezing

If you want to prepare these donuts ahead of time, freeze them after baking but before coating. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and then dip in the melted vegan butter and cinnamon sugar topping just before serving.

Reheating

Reheat stored donuts in a toaster oven or regular oven at low heat (around 300 degrees Fahrenheit) for 5 to 7 minutes to refresh their softness and bring back that freshly baked warmth. Avoid microwaving as it can make the texture rubbery.

FAQs

Are these donuts truly vegan?

Yes! This Cinnamon Sugar Vegan Donuts Recipe uses only plant-based ingredients like soy milk, applesauce, and vegan butter, making it completely vegan-friendly without missing any of the classic flavors.

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

You can try substituting with a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary. Because gluten influences the texture and rise, be sure to use a blend designed for baking and consider adding a binder such as xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t contain one.

Is it necessary to use a donut pan?

While a donut pan helps achieve that perfect shape and even baking, you can also pipe this batter into muffin tins for a fun twist or use silicone donut molds for easy release. Just adjust baking time slightly if needed.

Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?

This recipe is specifically designed for baking, making it healthier and simpler without sacrificing any deliciousness. Baked donuts here come out tender and light, so no need to fry!

How do I make the cinnamon sugar coating stick better?

After baking, dipping the warm donuts in melted vegan butter ensures the cinnamon sugar clings perfectly. Be generous with the butter and sugar mixture for that signature crunchy yet soft coating.

Final Thoughts

I promise this Cinnamon Sugar Vegan Donuts Recipe will become one of those go-to treats you turn to again and again. They blend simple ingredients with classic flavors in a way that feels both nostalgic and delightfully fresh. Whether you’re new to vegan baking or simply want a sweet, wholesome snack, these donuts deliver comfort and joy in every bite. Go ahead, bake a batch and share the love!