Dairy Free Donut Recipe

This Dairy Free Donut Recipe is perfect for making soft and fluffy donuts fit for any occasion! Perfect for anyone craving a no milk donut that's easy, delicious, and completely budget-friendly.

If you've been craving donuts but want something lighter, cheaper, and easier, this dairy free donut recipe is for you! These soft, fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth donuts taste just like the kind from a bakery, but without any milk products.

Perfect for those avoiding dairy or simply running out of milk in the fridge, this recipe gives you a sweet fix in minutes

These non dairy donuts are great because they're versatile, you can dress them up with glazes, cinnamon sugar, or keep them plain and simple for coffee dipping.

The dough itself is light but still sturdy enough to hold fun toppings (just like my Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts). You'll love how this dough fries or bakes beautifully, meaning you can choose whichever method works best for your kitchen.

We also love this Dairy Free Donut Recipe because it's perfect for experimenting. Try shaping them into mini donuts, filled donuts, or even turning them into donut holes. If you've ever made my Sourdough Donuts, you'll notice these are quicker while still giving that comforting homemade flavor.

🛒 Ingredients

• Flour - Gives the donuts structure and helps them puff up beautifully.
• Sugar - Sweetens the dough and encourages golden color when fried.
• Egg - Adds richness and helps bind everything together.
• Oil for Frying or Baking - Creates that signature crisp outside while keeping the inside fluffy.
• Non-Dairy Milk - Keeps the donuts soft and moist without traditional milk.

See the recipe card below for full ingredients and instructions.

🔀 Substitutions & Variations

Flour: Swap all-purpose with bread flour for extra chew and flavor. (See my guide on How to Make Bread Flour if you want to whip some up cheaply.)

Non-Dairy Milk: Almond, oat, or soy milk all work well. Oat milk adds creaminess, almond milk keeps it light. Use whatever you already have on hand.

Toppings & Glazes: Change up the finish for fun flavor twists!

• Maple Glaze: Whisk 1 cup powdered sugar with 2 tablespoon maple syrup. Add 1 tablespoon milk if needed until smooth.
• Strawberry Glaze: Whisk 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoon milk, and ½ teaspoon strawberry extract. Add 1 drop pink food coloring if desired.
• Chocolate Glaze: Melt ½ cup chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon milk, stir until smooth, dip donuts, and top with sprinkles.
• Cinnamon Sugar: Mix ½ cup sugar with 2 teaspoon cinnamon. Brush donuts with ¼ cup melted butter or margarine, then roll in cinnamon sugar.
• Powdered Sugar: Place 1 cup powdered sugar in a bag or bowl and toss warm donuts to coat.

🥄 Instructions for Dairy Free Donuts

Step 1: Warm the milk in the microwave until it's warm but not too hot. About 110°F is good. Pour milk into large mixing bowl. (Image 1)

Step 2: Add the yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar (Image 2), let it rest for about 5 minutes until frothy. (Image 3)

Step 3: Add in the remaining sugar, egg, and melted, cooled shortening. (Image 4)

Step 4: Add the flour and salt. (Image 5). Stir until a soft dough forms; do not overmix. (Image 6)

Step 5: Roll out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Feed the dough more flour, a little at a time, until it's no longer sticky. You shouldn't need much. (Image 7)

Step 6: Place the dough into a cleaned and greased mixing bowl and place a piece of greased plastic wrap over the top. Let rest for an hour or until doubled in size. (Image 8)

Step 7: Punch down the dough (Image 9) and roll it out on a floured surface. Roll dough out to ½ inch thick, (Image 10) then cut into donuts using a donut cutter or round cookie cutter. (Image 11)

Step 8: Place the cut donuts onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet and lightly cover with plastic wrap to rest and rise as you preheat the oil. (Image 12)

Step 9: Heat oil to 350°F. Fry donuts for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown. (Images 13 & 14)

Step 10: Drain on paper towels, then glaze or coat while warm. See recipe for different toppings above in the Variations section.

Serve and Enjoy!

⏲️ Bread Machine Instructions

• Add ingredients. Measure all ingredients into the bread machine pan in the order recommended by your machine, usually liquids first, then dry ingredients, with yeast added last.
• Run dough cycle. Select the Dough setting and start the machine. It will mix, knead, and complete the first rise automatically.
• Roll and cut. Roll the dough to about ½ inch thick on a lightly floured surface. Cut using a 2½ inch donut cutter or round cutters.
• Second rise. Place donuts on a lined tray, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise for about 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
• Fry and finish. Heat oil to 375°F and fry donuts until golden on both sides, turning as they rise. Drain on paper towels, then glaze, dust with powdered sugar, or coat with desired toppings while warm.

🥗 Pairing Ideas

This Dairy Free Donut Recipe shines on their own, but pairing them makes the treat feel extra special. Serve with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or chai latte for breakfast or brunch. Fresh fruit or a fruit salad balances the sweetness. For a balanced spread, pair donuts with other brunch favorites like scrambled eggs, bacon, or a smoothie.

❓ Dairy Free Donut Recipe FAQs

🍽️ More Recipes You'll Love