Mini donuts with different frosting on a cookie rack

Soft-Baked Maple Donuts

These Soft-Baked Maple Donuts are tender, lightly sweet, and perfectly cozy, made with whole wheat flour, coconut sugar, applesauce, and a splash of maple flavor for that old-fashioned bakery taste. These plant-based, vegan mini donuts are baked (not fried), giving them a soft, cake-like texture that feels comforting without being heavy. Sweetened naturally and made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, soft-baked maple donuts are the kind of treat you can enjoy with your morning coffee, pack into a lunchbox, or serve as a wholesome dessert that still feels special.

Why You’ll Love These Soft-Baked Maple Donuts

  • Soft, cake-like texture – Baked instead of fried, these donuts are tender, fluffy, and perfectly moist with every bite.
  • Made in the donut pan that I love because it makes them perfectly soft and evenly baked.
  • Naturally sweetened – Made with coconut sugar and applesauce for just the right amount of sweetness without being overpowering.
  • Warm maple flavor – That subtle maple note gives them a classic, old-fashioned donut shop feel—comforting and nostalgic.
  • Wholesome ingredients – Whole wheat flour and simple pantry staples make these feel nourishing and satisfying.
  • Plant-based & vegan – No eggs or dairy needed, but you’d never guess from the texture or flavor.
  • Mini and portion-friendly – Perfect for a little treat that doesn’t feel heavy or indulgent.
  • Baked, not fried – Easier to make, less messy, and lighter while still delivering big donut energy.
  • Great any time of day – Ideal for breakfast, snack time, lunchboxes, or a cozy afternoon coffee break.
  • Kid-approved – Soft, lightly sweet, and fun to eat—these disappear fast.
  • Simple and comforting – No fancy steps or ingredients, just easy, feel-good baking.

Ingredient Swap Options

  • No coconut sugar? → cane sugar or brown sugar
  • No soy milk? → oat or almond milk
  • Want extra warmth? → cinnamon or nutmeg

How to Serve Them

  • With a morning smoothie or tea
  • As an after-school snack
  • Paired with fresh berries
  • Warmed (Air-Fryer) slightly and drizzled with maple syrup
  • Served at brunch or baby showers

Topping Ideas

  • Maple glaze
  • Powdered coconut sugar
  • Cinnamon sugar
  • Crushed walnuts or pecans
  • Mini chocolate drizzle

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Mini donuts with different frosting on a cookie rack

Soft-Baked Maple Donuts

Melissa Champagne
Soft-Baked Maple Donuts are tender, lightly sweet vegan mini donuts made with whole wheat flour and cozy maple flavor—baked, not fried.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 157 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 cup coconut sugar
  • 3 tbsp baking powder
  • 1.5 cups soy milk
  • 1/3 cup apple sauce
  • 2 tsp maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp oil

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the donut maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions and lightly grease the plates if needed.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, coconut sugar, and baking powder until evenly combined.
  • In the same bowl, mix the soy milk, applesauce, maple syrup, and oil until smooth.
  • Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut maker cavities, filling them about ¾ full.
  • Close the lid and cook for 3–5 minutes, or until the donuts are set, lightly golden, and spring back when touched.
  • Carefully remove the donuts and place them on a wire rack to cool before glazing or topping.

Nutrition

Calories: 157kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 4gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 0.4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.01gSodium: 416mgPotassium: 147mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 144IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 271mgIron: 1mg
Keyword donuts
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