Indulge your sweet cravings guilt-free with these incredibly delicious Krispy Kreme Vegan Donuts. These fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth treats are surprisingly easy to make from scratch and will satisfy even the biggest donut enthusiast.
Vegan Donut Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm plant-based milk (soy or almond milk work well)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup vegan butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Vegan Donut Ingredients Laid Out
Easy Vegan Donut Glaze:
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup plant-based milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm plant-based milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast is foamy.
Vegan Donut Yeast Mixture Activating in Bowl -
Combine Wet Ingredients: Stir in the melted vegan butter and vanilla extract until well combined.
Vegan Donut Wet Ingredients in Bowl -
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Vegan Donut Dry Ingredients Being Added -
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Add a little extra flour if the dough is too sticky.
Vegan Donut Dough Being Kneaded -
Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Vegan Donut Dough Rising in Bowl -
Shape the Donuts: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about ½ inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or two different-sized round cutters to cut out the donuts. Don’t forget to cut out the donut holes!
Vegan Donuts Being Shaped With Cutters -
Second Rise: Place the cut-out donuts and donut holes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
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Fry the Donuts: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 375°F (190°C). Carefully lower a few donuts at a time into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
Vegan Donuts Being Fried in Oil -
Make the Glaze: While the donuts are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, plant-based milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth.
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Glaze and Enjoy: Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze and let the excess drip off. You can also sprinkle with your favorite toppings, like sprinkles or chopped nuts.
Finished Vegan Donuts
Vegan Krispy Kreme Donut FAQs:
Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?
While frying creates the signature Krispy Kreme texture, you can bake these donuts in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
What kind of plant-based milk is best for this recipe?
Soy milk or almond milk are excellent choices for this recipe, but feel free to experiment with your favorite plant-based milk alternatives.
Can I freeze these vegan donuts?
Yes, you can freeze the unglazed donuts for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature and then glaze before serving.
What are some other glaze flavors I can try?
Get creative with your glaze flavors! You can add a tablespoon of melted vegan chocolate for a chocolate glaze, or use fruit juice instead of plant-based milk for a fruity twist.
Can I use coconut oil for frying?
While vegetable oil is recommended for a neutral flavor, you can use coconut oil for frying. Keep in mind that it might impart a slight coconut flavor to your donuts.