Vegan Baked Donuts with a Warm Chai Twist

May 14, 2025 at 12:03 PM

This article introduces an exciting recipe for cozy chai spiced baked donuts, offering a delightful vegan treat that's simple to prepare. These donuts are infused with the rich flavors of chai spices in both the batter and the glaze, creating a unique taste reminiscent of snickerdoodles. The preparation involves straightforward ingredients like all-purpose flour, vegan sugar, baking powder, and chai spice, along with a few other pantry staples. The process requires whisking dry ingredients, mixing them with wet components, and baking until golden brown. A luscious glaze made from powdered sugar, non-dairy milk, and more chai spice adds an extra layer of flavor. With a total preparation time of 35 minutes, these treats promise to be a hit at any gathering.

To begin, one must gather the necessary ingredients, which include flour, vegan sugar, baking powder, baking soda, chai spice, kosher salt, vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract. Preheating the oven to 375°F is the first step in this culinary adventure. Combining the dry ingredients in a large bowl ensures they are evenly distributed. In a separate small bowl, the liquid components—tea or water, oil, vinegar, and vanilla—are blended before being poured into the center of the dry mixture. This combination creates a smooth doughnut batter that is then carefully scooped into a prepared doughnut pan. It's crucial to fill each well about three-quarters full to maintain the perfect shape after baking.

After ten minutes in the oven, the baked donuts should be slightly golden and firm to the touch. To ensure ease of removal, gently run a butter knife around the edges of each donut before flipping the pan over onto a wire cooling rack. While the first batch cools, it's time to repeat the process with any remaining batter. Once all the donuts are baked and cooled sufficiently, attention turns to crafting the delectable glaze. Whisking together coconut milk, powdered sugar, vanilla, and chai spice in a saucepan over low heat produces a glossy, flavorful coating. Each donut is dipped twice into this glaze for maximum coverage and taste enhancement.

For those seeking an even stronger chai flavor, steeping a chai tea bag in water before using it in the recipe can provide an added kick. Alternatively, plain water works just as well. A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top of the glazed donuts adds a festive touch and enhances their visual appeal. After allowing the glaze to set for several hours, these scrumptious creations are ready to be stored in an airtight container, preserving their freshness and flavor.

These vegan baked donuts not only cater to dietary preferences but also deliver a comforting, spiced experience that everyone can enjoy. Their preparation is accessible to cooks of all skill levels, making them an excellent choice for a weekend baking project or a special occasion treat. With their inviting aroma and irresistible taste, these donuts are sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone lucky enough to try them.