Name: Vegan Lemon Doughnuts with Lemon Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; ¾ cup organic granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup unflavored and unsweetened non-dairy milk; ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice; ¼ cup vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons lemon zest; 1 teaspoon lemon extract; 2 drops natural yellow food coloring (optional, or a pinch of turmeric for color); 1 ½ cups organic powdered sugar; 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 49 reviews

If you have a soft spot for bright, zesty flavors and crave something sweet yet light, the Vegan Lemon Doughnuts with Lemon Glaze Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. These baked doughnuts are bursting with natural lemon goodness in every bite, complemented perfectly by a smooth, tangy lemon glaze that shines on top. Better yet, they’re 100 percent vegan and made with simple pantry staples, so you can enjoy a fresh-from-the-oven dessert or breakfast that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll keep coming back for seconds!

Ingredients You'll Need

A dark gray metal donut baking tray with six circular molds filled with pale yellow batter that looks thick and lumpy. Each mold has a hole in the center, showing the tray's bottom. The batter fills each mold almost to the edge but is uneven on top, giving a rough texture. The tray is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To make these delightful Vegan Lemon Doughnuts with Lemon Glaze Recipe, you’ll gather some everyday ingredients that are super simple but totally essential. Each one plays a starring role, whether it’s bringing tangy brightness, tender crumb, or that irresistible moist texture we all love in doughnuts.

2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for your doughnuts that provides structure and softness.
¾ cup organic granulated sugar: Adds sweetness that balances the lemon’s tartness perfectly.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps your doughnuts rise just enough for a light and airy bite.
¼ teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside baking powder to keep the texture tender.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without being obvious.
¾ cup unflavored and unsweetened non-dairy milk: Keeps the doughnuts moist and vegan-friendly.
¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice: The star ingredient that gives these doughnuts their signature bright zing.
¼ cup vegetable oil: Adds richness and keeps the doughnuts soft and tender.
2 teaspoons lemon zest: Packs concentrated lemon flavor and a little texture boost.
1 teaspoon lemon extract: Amplifies the lemony aroma in every bite.
2 drops natural yellow food coloring (optional): Adds a cheerful sunny color, though a pinch of turmeric works well too.
1 ½ cups organic powdered sugar (for glaze): Creates a sweet canvas for the glaze that coats the doughnuts.
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (for glaze): Balances the glaze with a fresh, tangy finish.

How to Make Vegan Lemon Doughnuts with Lemon Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Mix Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly oil your doughnut pans to prevent sticking—using one 12-cavity pan or two 6-cavity ones works great. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This blend of dry ingredients is what gives your doughnuts their perfect crumb.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients for That Zesty Punch

In a separate container, combine your non-dairy milk, freshly squeezed lemon juice, vegetable oil, lemon zest, lemon extract, and optional natural yellow food coloring. Stir gently to blend everything nicely—this mixture brings the signature lemon flavor and moisture that will shine through in your doughnuts.

Step 3: Mix Wet and Dry with Care

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl holding your dry mix, and stir just until everything is combined. Remember, don’t overmix—just enough to blend the batter will keep your doughnuts wonderfully tender and light.

Step 4: Fill the Doughnut Pans

Divide the batter evenly among your doughnut cavities, filling each just below the rim. For easy filling, you can spoon the batter right in or pipe it with a pastry bag if you want a cleaner look.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop your pans into the oven and bake for about 12 minutes until the doughnuts puff up and the edges turn a gentle golden brown. The aroma of lemon filling your kitchen says you’re almost at the finish line!

Step 6: Cool and Prepare the Lemon Glaze

Let the doughnuts cool completely on a rack—this is key for the glaze to stick beautifully. Meanwhile, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl. Adjust the consistency if needed, adding more sugar if it’s too runny or a splash more lemon juice or water if it feels thick.

Step 7: Glaze and Set

Dip the tops of your cooled doughnuts into the glaze, letting the excess drip off, then set them on parchment paper to let the glaze harden just a bit. Now you have your stunning Vegan Lemon Doughnuts with Lemon Glaze Recipe ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Vegan Lemon Doughnuts with Lemon Glaze Recipe

The image shows soft, yellow lemon donuts, each with a white glaze dripping evenly over the top and sides. The donuts have a light, spongy texture visible around the edges. Each donut is decorated with one or two small, bright yellow lemon slices placed on top near the hole in the center. The donuts rest on a silver wire cooling rack, which is placed on a white marbled surface. In the background, blurred lemon wedges and more donuts can be seen, giving the scene a fresh and bright feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh mint leaves to elevate the look and add a hint of herbal freshness. Thin lemon slices or extra lemon zest make a lovely garnish that visually reinforces the zesty appeal.

Side Dishes

Pair these doughnuts with a cup of hot herbal tea like chamomile or a bright green tea to balance the sweet, tangy flavors. A fresh fruit salad or a bowl of mixed berries can add a refreshing contrast and complete the breakfast or dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging the doughnuts on a tiered dessert stand for a lovely brunch display or serve them alongside small dishes of lemon curd and vegan whipped cream for guests to customize their own bites. These little touches add thoughtful flair that’s sure to impress!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep them soft and fresh. Avoid refrigeration if possible since that can dry them out quickly.

Freezing

You can freeze plain baked doughnuts (glaze-free) by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They keep well up to one month. When ready, thaw at room temperature and add the glaze fresh for best results.

Reheating

To revive a day-old doughnut, pop it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in a toaster oven for a couple of minutes. The heat refreshes that soft texture and bright lemon aroma beautifully.

FAQs

Can I substitute the non-dairy milk with another type?

Absolutely! Unsweetened almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk all work wonderfully for these doughnuts. Just keep it unsweetened to balance the flavors.

Is it possible to make these gluten-free?

You can try using a gluten-free flour blend, but keep in mind the texture might vary. Stick to blends designed for baking for the best chance at success.

How can I make the glaze thicker or thinner?

If the glaze is too thin, add more powdered sugar a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. To thin it out, stir in a few drops of lemon juice or water gradually.

Can I bake these doughnuts in a different shape or pan?

Yes! If you don’t have a doughnut pan, a muffin tin works just fine—just adjust baking time slightly and consider skipping the glaze dipping to avoid messy bottoms.

What’s the best way to add extra lemon flavor without making the doughnuts too sour?

Using both lemon zest and lemon extract alongside lemon juice balances sharpness with aromatic citrus notes, so you get all that brightness without overwhelming sourness.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a cheerful, delightful vegan treat that doesn’t skimp on flavor or texture, give this Vegan Lemon Doughnuts with Lemon Glaze Recipe a whirl. It’s straightforward, fast, and results in doughnuts so fresh and zesty, they feel like sunshine on a plate. Perfect with a morning coffee or as a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, these doughnuts are sure to bring a smile every time you bake them. Happy baking, friend!