Strawberry Glazed Vegan Donuts

Strawberry Glazed Vegan Donuts are tender, moist, and bursting with juicy strawberry flavor. These baked donuts are made with wholesome vegan ingredients, including almond milk, coconut yogurt, and fresh strawberries, offering a delightful combination of sweetness and fruity tang. Perfectly topped with a vibrant strawberry glaze, these donuts are ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a guilt-free dessert. Plus, they’re easy to make and beautiful to serve at any gathering!

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

Dry ingredients

  • 190 g (1½ cups) all-purpose flour

  • 2 tsp baking powder

  • ¼ tsp fine salt

  • 150 g (¾ cup) light brown or caster sugar

Wet ingredients

  • 180 ml (¾ cup) almond milk

  • 40 g (2 tbsp) unsweetened coconut yogurt

  • 50 g (4 tbsp) melted vegan butter, room temperature

Add-ins

  • 150 g (½ cup) chopped strawberries

  • 2 tsp cornstarch

Ingredients for the glaze

  • 140 g (1 cup) icing (powdered) sugar, sifted

  • 30 ml (2 tbsp) almond milk

  • 15 g (1 tbsp) vegan butter, melted, room temp

  • 4 medium strawberries

  • Rose petals or sprinkles for decoration (optional)

Directions

Instructions for the donuts

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).

  2. Prepare a donut tray by lightly greasing it with non-stick spray or oil. Set aside.

  3. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the sugar and whisk to combine evenly.

  4. Add almond milk, coconut yogurt, and melted vegan butter to the dry ingredients, whisking gently until just combined into a smooth batter.

  5. Toss chopped strawberries with cornstarch in a small bowl to coat evenly, then gently fold them into the donut batter.

  6. Spoon the batter into the prepared donut tray, filling each mold about ¾ full.

  7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 17 minutes or until lightly golden on top.

  8. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before transferring donuts to a wire rack to cool completely.

Instructions for the glaze

  1. Mash strawberries through a fine mesh sieve to extract the juice, discarding any solids.

  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, melted vegan butter, almond milk, and about 3 teaspoons of strawberry juice until smooth.

  3. Dip each donut into the glaze, coating evenly, then place on a parchment-lined tray.

  4. Decorate immediately with rose petals or sprinkles as desired. Allow glaze to set before serving.

Nutrients

(Per donut, approximately)

  • Calories: 220 kcal

  • Carbohydrates: 36g

  • Protein: 2g

  • Fat: 7g

  • Saturated Fat: 3g

  • Sodium: 120mg

  • Fiber: 1g

  • Sugars: 22g

Why Vegan Donuts? The Rise of Plant-Based Baking

Plant-based baking is rapidly gaining popularity, not just among vegans but also among those who want to reduce dairy or animal products in their diets without sacrificing taste or texture. Vegan donuts like these showcase how creative and delicious plant-based alternatives can be. By using almond milk and coconut yogurt, this recipe maintains moisture and richness, while vegan butter adds tenderness and flavor—ensuring the donuts remain soft and satisfying.

Baking instead of frying makes these donuts lighter and healthier without compromising the signature soft interior and slightly crisp exterior that everyone loves. This method also simplifies preparation and cleanup, appealing to home cooks seeking convenience alongside flavor.

The Role of Fresh Strawberries: Flavor and Texture

Fresh strawberries are the star ingredient, incorporated into the batter and the glaze to maximize flavor. Tossing chopped strawberries with cornstarch before folding them into the batter prevents excess moisture from making the donuts soggy while infusing the crumb with juicy bursts of sweetness and subtle tartness.

The strawberry glaze is made by extracting fresh strawberry juice and combining it with powdered sugar, almond milk, and melted vegan butter, creating a glossy, vibrant coating. This glaze adds a refreshing fruity contrast to the soft, lightly sweetened donut base and enhances the overall eating experience with every glazed bite.

Tender and Moist: The Perfect Donut Texture

Achieving a tender, moist crumb in vegan baked goods can be tricky, but this recipe strikes the right balance. The combination of coconut yogurt and melted vegan butter contributes moisture and richness, while the almond milk keeps the batter light. The baking powder ensures a gentle rise, giving the donuts a fluffy, airy texture rather than a dense or dry result.

The donuts come out with a delicate golden crust that contrasts with their soft, yielding interior, mimicking the texture that traditional fried donuts provide, but with a lighter, more wholesome feel.

The Beauty of Baked Donuts

Baking donuts instead of frying them offers several advantages. It eliminates the extra oil and calories associated with frying, making the end product healthier and easier on digestion. It also reduces preparation time and mess, making these donuts an approachable choice for home bakers.

The baked method allows the natural flavors of the strawberries and vanilla to shine without being masked by heavy frying oils. The result is a more balanced, fresh-tasting treat that you can enjoy any time of day without guilt.

Customizable and Versatile

This recipe’s straightforward nature makes it highly adaptable. You can experiment with different types of plant-based milk such as oat or soy, swap coconut yogurt for another dairy-free alternative, or use different fruit purees to change the flavor profile. Blueberries, raspberries, or peaches can be incorporated for seasonal variations.

The glaze can also be customized. Adding a touch of lemon zest or a dash of vanilla extract to the strawberry glaze enhances its brightness. Alternatively, you can decorate the donuts with crushed nuts, shredded coconut, or colorful sprinkles to suit different tastes and occasions.

Nutritional Considerations

While these donuts are indulgent, they are a better-for-you option than traditional fried donuts. Made with wholesome plant-based ingredients and baked, they provide fiber and essential nutrients from the strawberries, and healthy fats from vegan butter and coconut yogurt. The sugar content remains moderate, allowing them to satisfy a sweet tooth without excess.

With around 220 calories per donut, they offer a balanced treat portion that fits well into a mindful diet. The combination of carbohydrates, fat, and protein from the batter’s ingredients ensures you stay satisfied after eating, making these donuts suitable even for breakfast.

Serving Suggestions and Occasions

Strawberry Glazed Vegan Donuts are perfect for elevating any brunch or breakfast table. Serve them alongside fresh fruit, coffee, or plant-based milk for a wholesome morning meal. They’re also fantastic as a colorful dessert for spring and summer parties, baby showers, or casual get-togethers.

Their eye-catching glaze and option to garnish with rose petals or sprinkles make them an elegant choice for special occasions. Packaged in decorative boxes, they also make thoughtful and beautiful homemade gifts.

Tips for Baking Success

To ensure perfect results, it’s essential not to overmix the batter; gentle folding keeps the donuts tender and light. Coating the strawberries with cornstarch prevents excess moisture and maintains the dough’s structure. Use a lightly greased or silicone donut pan for easy release and consistent shapes.

Allow donuts to cool completely before glazing to prevent the icing from melting too much and losing its sheen. Dipping each donut into the glaze and then placing them on parchment ensures a neat finish.

Conclusion

Strawberry Glazed Vegan Donuts are a celebration of flavor, texture, and wholesome ingredients. They combine the sweet freshness of strawberries, the creamy richness of coconut yogurt and vegan butter, and the comforting familiarity of baked donuts into one irresistible treat. Light, tender, and adorned with a glossy fruit glaze, they offer an approachable and delicious plant-based alternative that everyone can enjoy.

Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a guilt-free dessert, these donuts show that vegan baking can be both simple and sophisticated. Whether you’re a seasoned plant-based cook or simply looking for a healthier sweet option, these donuts are sure to become a beloved recipe in your repertoire—brightening mornings, impressing guests, and satisfying cravings with every bite.

Leave a Comment