Trader Joe's Donuts: How to Make Them Vegan at Home

Craving those classic Trader Joe’s donuts but following a vegan lifestyle? You’re not alone! Many donut lovers who avoid animal products still want to enjoy the nostalgic taste and fluffy texture of these popular treats. This guide will walk you through how to make Trader Joe’s-style donuts at home, swapping in vegan ingredients without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. Whether you’re baking for yourself, friends, or family, you’ll find that vegan donuts can be just as delicious as their dairy- and egg-filled counterparts. Let’s get started!

What You’ll Need

All-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend for GF version)
Organic cane sugar (ensure it’s vegan-certified)
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat, etc.)
Neutral oil (such as sunflower, canola, or melted coconut oil)
Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
Vanilla extract
Vegan butter (for glaze or coating)
Powdered sugar (for glaze)
Ground cinnamon (optional, for cinnamon-sugar style)
Donut pan (for baked donuts) or deep pot (for frying)
Mixing bowls, whisk, measuring cups and spoons
Cooling rack

Step-by-Step

Preheat and Prepare: If baking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a donut pan. If frying, set up your deep pot with oil, heating it to 350°F (175°C).
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup plant-based milk, 1/4 cup neutral oil, 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract. Let this mixture sit for a couple of minutes to slightly curdle the milk, mimicking buttermilk.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup organic cane sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, stirring gently with a spatula or whisk. Mix until just combined—do not overmix, as this can toughen the donuts.
Shape the Donuts: For baked donuts, spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each well about 2/3 full. For fried donuts, turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface, gently pat until 1/2-inch thick, and cut out donut shapes using a donut cutter or two round cutters (one large, one small for the hole).
Bake or Fry:
- Baked: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Fried: Carefully place donuts in the hot oil, frying for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined rack.
Cool: Let the donuts cool for at least 10 minutes before glazing or coating.
Glaze or Coat:
- Classic Glaze: Whisk 1 cup powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons plant milk and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla until smooth. Dip each donut top into the glaze and set on a rack to set.
- Cinnamon Sugar: Mix 1/2 cup organic sugar with 2 teaspoons cinnamon. While donuts are still warm, brush with melted vegan butter and toss in cinnamon sugar mixture.
Serve & Enjoy: Enjoy your vegan Trader Joe’s-style donuts fresh, or store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Common Mistakes

Overmixing the batter: This leads to tough or dense donuts. Mix until just combined.
Not checking sugar source: Some cane sugars are processed with bone char. Always check for vegan certification.
Oil too hot or too cold (for frying): Too hot burns the outside, too cold makes greasy donuts. Use a thermometer to keep oil at 350°F (175°C).
Skipping the cooling step: Glazing or coating hot donuts can cause the glaze to melt off.
Incorrect plant milk: Sweetened or flavored milks can alter the taste. Stick to unsweetened for best results.

Tips

Experiment with flavors: Add citrus zest, nutmeg, or a touch of maple syrup to the batter for extra depth.
Use a piping bag: For neat baked donuts, pipe the batter into the pan instead of spooning it in.
Let the glaze set: Place glazed donuts on a wire rack with parchment underneath for easy cleanup.
Batch and freeze: Donuts freeze well. Let cool, then freeze unglazed. Thaw and glaze before serving.
Go beyond glaze: Top with toasted coconut, sprinkles, or chopped nuts for fun variations.
For extra fluffiness: Sift your flour and don’t skip the vinegar/lemon juice step, as it reacts with baking soda for rise.

Troubleshooting

Donuts are too dense: Likely from overmixing or using expired leaveners. Next time, mix just until combined and check your baking powder/soda freshness.
Donuts are greasy (fried): Oil temperature was too low. Always heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and return to temp between batches.
Glaze is too thin or too thick: Add more powdered sugar to thicken or a splash more plant milk to thin.
Donuts stick to the pan: Ensure you greased the pan well, and let donuts cool 5-10 minutes before removing.
Flavor is bland: Try increasing vanilla, adding a pinch more salt, or incorporating spices or citrus zest next time.
Donuts collapse after baking: This can happen if the oven is opened too early, or if the batter sat too long before baking. Fill pans and bake immediately after mixing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these donuts gluten-free as well as vegan?: Yes! Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The texture may be slightly different, but results are still delicious.
Are Trader Joe’s original donuts vegan?: No, the classic Trader Joe’s donuts typically contain dairy and eggs. This homemade version uses vegan swaps for those ingredients.
What’s the best plant-based milk for vegan donuts?: Unsweetened soy, oat, or almond milk all work well. Choose one without strong flavors for a neutral base.
How long do homemade vegan donuts stay fresh?: They’re best eaten the same day, but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Freeze for longer storage.
Can I air fry these donuts instead of baking or deep frying?: Yes, you can air fry at 350°F for about 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through. They may have a slightly different texture but will still be tasty.
Is it possible to make the donuts oil-free?: You can try substituting applesauce for oil in the batter, but the texture will be more cake-like and less rich. For baking, line pans well to prevent sticking.

Trader Joe’s Donuts: How to Make Them Vegan at Home