Do not underestimate the power of the doughnut. During WWI, simple balls of fried dough were said to raise the morale of US troops. You can read more about the history of this delicious day here, but if you’re in less of an educational mood and more of a “how fast can I find a vegan doughnut?” craze, keep reading.
Traditionally, doughnut recipes involve eggs and milk, which aren’t vegan, of course. But as these spots below prove, it is possible to make doughnuts without animal ingredients. While recipes vary, many bakers choose to swap dairy milk for soy milk and eggs for banana, egg replacer, or silken tofu. But whatever the ingredients, the result is just as delicious. To find out for yourself, head to one of the shops below. You won’t be disappointed!
From coast to coast and everywhere in between, here are some of the best vegan doughnuts to start the day off on the right foot (in no particular order).
Donut Friend
1 Donut Friend
Los Angeles, CA
This vegan doughnut micro chain, with locations in Highland Park and DTLA, is a must-visit in Los Angeles. Since 2013, it has specialized in seriously good plant-based doughnuts, all made fresh in-house every day.
What we’re ordering: It’s nearly impossible to pick just one, but the Youth Brûlée is a standout. This Bavarian cream-filled doughnut is topped with sugar and torched to create a crème brûlée-style crust. When it comes to dessert mashups, this glazed doughnut–crème brûlée hybrid might just give the cronut a run for its money.
Devi’s Donuts
2 Devi’s Donuts
Long Beach, CA
Devi’s Donuts offers an impressive selection of fresh vegan doughnuts, including filled favorites like Crème Brûlée and Boston Creme, as well as plenty of options topped with fresh fruit. Diners praise this Long Beach spot for its sheer variety, reasonable prices, and welcoming atmosphere. “Absolutely, unequivocally one of the best donut shops I have ever been to,” says one customer.
What we’re ordering: You can’t go wrong with the shop’s chocolate selection, but the Oreo-topped Cookies and Cream caught our eye straight away.
Cake Girl
3Cake Girl
Los Angeles, CA
Stop by Cake Girl in Los Angeles for a vegan feast of sweet treats, including cookies, cupcakes, and, of course, the reason we’re all here: doughnuts. They’re moist, fresh, and packed with flavor, and everything on the menu is gluten-free. One tip if you’re struggling to find it: Cake Girl is actually located inside a pharmacy.
What we’re ordering: The Matcha Cake Donut, finished with a matcha green tea glaze. Why drink your matcha when you can eat it in doughnut form instead?
Kimberly Deflores
4 Vegan Donut Gelato
Oakland, CA
This old-school, Oakland-based doughnuttery serves up affordable, accessible pink-box doughnuts in the Bay Area without skimping on flavor. “We love the donuts so much we had them for our wedding, and it’s the main thing people talk about our wedding now,” says one regular. Still hungry? This spot also offers vegan banh mi. It just gets better and better.
What we’re ordering: The Old Fashioned. Each bite of this crinkly, maple-glazed doughnut is utter perfection.
Doe Donuts
5 Doe Donuts
Portland, OR
This vegan doughnuttery specializes in yeasted, fried doughnuts, including plenty of filled options. The result is a slightly denser texture than some other varieties, but if you like your sweet treats with a satisfying chew, it works perfectly. Everything is made fresh with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients and loaded with flavor. One fan even described the menu as “endless scrumptiousness.”
What we’re ordering: The Portland Fog donut is a best-selling treat topped with Earl Grey glaze, whipped topping, and specks of vanilla bean. We’re also ordering a double espresso to wash it down.
Dough Joy
6Dough Joy
Seattle, WA
Even Seattle locals can get a bit down when the weather is exceedingly dreary and they haven’t seen the sun in 10 days. That’s where Dough Joy comes in. While we don’t recommend eating your feelings for every cloudy Seattle day, treating yourself to any one of these yeasted, filled, and frosted treats always lightens the mood.
What we’re ordering: The inventive Everything But The Bagel, featuring a fluffy yeasted dough, everything bagel seasoning, and a cream cheese center.
Mighty-O Donuts
7Mighty-O Donuts
Seattle, WA
In 2025, The Seattle Times named Mighty-O Donuts Best in the PNW, and it’s easy to see why. Since 2000, this vegan favorite has been serving wholesome, organic, non-GMO cake and yeasted doughnuts that are fresh, fluffy, and packed with flavor. Now with four locations across Seattle, it’s a must-visit for locals and visitors alike. “When you’re hard craving amazing donuts—you’d be hard pressed to turn away from one of the best, Mighty-O Donuts,” says one HappyCow reviewer.
What we’re ordering: The Banana Split Donut, a yeast-raised bar topped with glaze, organic bananas, sprinkles, and chocolate sauce. It was a limited-time special in this summer, but we’ll be keeping our eyes peeled (get it?) for its return.
Whack Donuts
8 Whack Donuts
San Francisco, CA
Six years after getting its start in a San Francisco apartment, Whack Donuts now has its own storefront in the city’s downtown Embarcadero neighborhood. Founded by dancer-turned-baker Vandor “Whacko” Hill, the spot has become a beloved local staple thanks to its soft, fluffy baked vegan doughnuts and fun selection of rotating flavors. But it’s more than a doughnut shop; it’s also a community hub, hosting everything from coffee pop-ups and vinyl sales to dance competitions and other events.
What we’re ordering: The classic Homer Simpson donut, complete with bright pink frosting and a generous scattering of sprinkles. Need we say more?
Holey Grail Donuts
9Holey Grail Donuts
Multiple locations , HI
Most of the taro doughnuts at Holey Grail Donuts are vegan; just keep an eye out for honey or bee pollen in a few flavors. There are plenty of creative options to choose from across the chain’s three Hawaii locations, and best of all, every doughnut is fried to order, so you can enjoy it fresh and hot, just as it should be.
What we’re ordering: Strawberry Fields, made with local strawberries and green tea.
Little Vessels Donut Co
10 Little Vessels Donut Co
Honolulu, HI
If you’re in Honolulu, don’t miss Little Vessels’ handmade vegan doughnuts. Born during the pandemic, the business is known for its exceptionally soft, pillowy creations, thanks to a signature recipe made with coconut milk and coconut oil. Just make sure to get there early: it’s a small operation, and once the doughnuts are gone, they’re gone.
What we’re ordering: The Miso Caramel Furikake Donut, which makes occasional appearances on the menu. It combines brown sugar caramel, miso glaze, and furikake for an irresistible sweet-and-savory treat.
Donut Farm
11Donut Farm
Berkeley, CA
Donut Farm has been serving up vegan, organic doughnuts to the Berkeley community since 2006, and thankfully, it shows no signs of slowing down. The menu is always changing, but a few things are guaranteed: creative flavors, a welcoming atmosphere, and organic ingredients.
What we’re ordering: The ever-popular Lavender Earl Grey. It’s sweet and floral, with just the right amount of earthy flavor from the black tea.
Babes
12 Babes
Sacramento, CA
If you’ve got allergies, Babes in Sacramento is officially your new go-to. As well as being entirely vegan, everything on the menu—yes, everything—is gluten-free. The doughnuts are delicious, the vibe is friendly and fun, and the prices are reasonable. Honestly, it might be sweet treat heaven. “This place is a dream come true for anyone who loves dessert without compromises,” declares one super fan.
What we’re ordering: Chocolate Sprinkles. With smooth chocolate frosting and a satisfying sugary crunch, it’s pure indulgence.
Ronalds Doughnuts
13Ronalds Doughnuts
Las Vegas, NV
This no-frills vegan doughnut shop is cranking out some of the best vegan doughnuts in the country, at least according to its loyal customers. Grab a dozen and make sure to snag a few of the Bavarian cream-filled doughnuts, or mix things up with a bear claw or cake doughnut. Whatever you choose, it’s hard to go wrong.
What we’re ordering: Bavarian cream or jelly-filled. Sometimes, you just can’t beat a classic.
Vegan Doughnut Company
14Vegan Doughnut Company
Lakewood, OH
Based in the Cleveland area, this specialty bakery offers a rotating selection of inventive doughnut flavors, each carefully prepared, filled, and decorated by hand. Made with locally sourced organic ingredients, these doughnuts are always fresh, satisfying, and packed with flavor.
What we’re ordering: The cute, bite-sized doughnut holes, available to pre-order online in boxes of 24, 36, or 48.
Level 5 Donuts
15 Level 5 Donuts
Madison, WI
By Level 5 Donuts’ own admission, it serves the “best donuts in the universe.” It’s a bold claim, and there’s only one way to find out if it’s true. Yep, we’re off to Madison to taste-test the vegan spot’s handmade, cruelty-free creations. The menu changes with the seasons, but you can always count on a fun selection of tempting flavors.
What we’re ordering: The Mango Lassi. This summer favorite is hard to resist, thanks to its combination of whipped yogurt, Bavarian cream, and mango glaze.
Veera Donuts
16 Veera Donuts
Missoula, MT
In 2019, Veera Donuts did the Missoula community a major solid by becoming the first shop in the city dedicated entirely to vegan doughnuts. It was a hit from the start, and it’s not hard to see why: The flavors are fun and creative, and the doughnuts look seriously impressive, too. “Hands down some of the world’s best donuts, vegan or not,” says one customer.
What we’re ordering: The Veera, the shop’s signature French toast doughnut, finished with cinnamon sugar and powdered sugar.
Beacon Doughnuts
17 Beacon Doughnuts
Chicago, IL
It’s hard to pick a favorite doughnut at Beacon in Chicago, thanks to its impressive selection of creative vegan flavors. Everything is made in small batches each day, ensuring every doughnut is fresh and pillowy soft. “These may be the greatest doughnuts in the entire world,” claims one fan. Want to see if you agree? There’s only one thing to do.
What we’re ordering: The Blueberry Pancake, a vanilla cake doughnut filled with blueberry jam and finished with a drizzle of maple icing and powdered sugar.
Peaceful Provisions
18 Peaceful Provisions
Beacon, NY
The doughnuts at this vegan bakery are worth getting up early for, which is good, because that’s exactly what you’ll have to do if you want to try one. Based in Beacon, New York, the bakery operates limited hours from Friday through Sunday, and its doughnuts tend to sell out fast. That alone is a good sign you’re in for something special, and one fan even calls it “vegan donut heaven.” Look out for ever-changing inventive flavors like Crème Brûlée and Ube Coconut.
What we’re ordering: Every morsel this bakery makes is epic, but we can’t resist its popular cream- and jam-filled treats.
Dun-Well Doughnuts
19 Dun-Well Doughnuts
Brooklyn, NY
Vegan shop Dun-Well Doughnuts does an excellent job of keeping Brooklyn well-stocked with delicious, freshly made plant-based doughnuts, and we’re grateful for its service. Pair any of its sweet treats with a cup of locally roasted organic coffee for the perfect pick-me-up.
What we’re ordering: The Almondine, a nutty treat with a classic almond glaze and a sliced almond topping. It’s equal parts pillowy, rich, and irresistible.
Angelhearts Donuts
20 Angelhearts Donuts
Ithaca, NY
You don’t need to be in the Big Apple to enjoy top-quality vegan treats in New York. Angelhearts Donuts is holding down the fort in upstate Ithaca with its creative selection of vegan doughnut flavors. And if you’re craving something savory, you can even grab a breakfast sandwich served on an unglazed doughnut.
What we’re ordering: The Classic breakfast sandwich. There aren’t many opportunities to enjoy Just Egg, vegan cheese, and Impossible Sausage sandwiched between a doughnut, so we’re grabbing this one with both hands.
Bitchin Donuts
21 Bitchin Donuts
Albany, NY
There are plenty of reasons to visit Albany: the history, the architecture, the wildlife, and, of course, the vegan doughnuts. They’re high on our list. Head to Bitchin Donuts for an ever-changing but consistently delicious selection of fun, creative flavors. A little tip: if you hold your nerve until the end of the day, you might even score a buy-one-get-one-free deal when there’s a surplus.
What we’re ordering: The Orange Creamsicle, a nostalgic summer classic in doughnut form.
Fry Baby
22 Fry Baby
Buffalo, NY
You’ll want to arrive at Fry Baby with an empty stomach—consider this your warning. Start with a vegan pizza, then move on to the doughnuts. Good luck choosing between the timeless classics and creative seasonal flavors. You might need to plan a few visits to this Buffalo staple, which has been serving up plant-based treats for a decade.
What we’re ordering: The fun, sweet, and nostalgic Bubblegum Glazed caught our eye straight away.
Just Fine Donuts
23 Just Fine Donuts
Alexandria, VA
Just Fine Donuts, tucked inside The Dairy Godmother ice cream shop on Mount Vernon Avenue, serves a tempting mix of cake and yeast doughnuts. And if the reviews are anything to go by, they’re far more than just fine. In fact, one very happy Google reviewer suggested the name “Absolutely Stellar Donuts That Your Family Who Thinks Vegan Things Are Gross Loved.” It might be a little long for a storefront sign, but we totally get the sentiment.
What we’re ordering: The Maple with Vegan Bacon, because meat-eaters shouldn’t get to gatekeep this glorious sweet-and-savory combination.
Cloudy Donut Co
24Cloudy Donut Co
New York, NY, and Baltimore, MD
You’ll be spoiled for choice at Cloudy Donut Co. There are classics like Strawberry, Blueberry, and Cinnamon Sugar, but the brand is best known for pushing the boundaries with its inventive, unexpected flavors. Keep an eye out for its weird and wonderful creations the next time you’re in Nolita or Brooklyn in New York City. The brand also hosts pop-ups in Baltimore.
What we’re ordering: The Grapefruit Mimosa, which comes with a tiny pipette of champagne.
Vegan Treats
25 Vegan Treats
Bethlehem, PA
The clue is right there in the name, but if you’re in the mood for a vegan treat, head straight to this phenomenal bakery in Bethlehem. Alongside cheesecakes, chocolate cakes, brownies, whoopie pies, and cannoli, you’ll find an impressive selection of doughnuts. “It’s impossible to walk out without trying to buy one of everything,” says one regular. You have been warned.
What we’re ordering: The Vegan Chicken and Waffle. A light, fluffy doughnut is dipped in maple glaze, then topped with two pieces of homemade crispy fried “chicken” and miniature Belgian waffles. This sweet-and-savory mashup only appears at the baker’s discretion, so if you spot it in-store, grab it while you can.
26Dotties Donuts
Philadelphia, PA
The flavors change daily at this acclaimed vegan doughnut shop, so while we’d love to recommend the Blueberry Pop Tart-topped option or the spicy chocolate cheesecake-filled Chef Special, there’s no guarantee they’ll be around when you visit. What you can count on, however, is fresh, delicious doughnuts—and that’s the most important thing.
What we’re ordering: The classic, always-available Boston Cream, or the Chef’s Special (if it hasn’t sold out, that is).
Lovebird Donuts
27 Lovebirds Donuts
Kittery, Maine, and Portsmouth, NH
Lovebirds Donuts’ menu changes with the seasons, but no matter when you visit, you’ll be greeted with an enticing selection of flavors. If you’re visiting with a group—or you’re feeling particularly hungry—it even offers giant brioche-based doughnuts stuffed with fruit and cream, which can serve up to eight people.
What we’re ordering: When fall rolls around, we’re keeping an eye out for the Jaffa Cake doughnut. If you’re not familiar, Jaffa Cakes are a sweet, citrusy, chocolatey British favorite, and those flavors translate perfectly into doughnut form.
Donut Run
28 Donut Run
Washington, DC
As the country’s capital, it was high time Washington, DC, had a vegan doughnut shop of its own. Established in 2021, the small shop with its light pink exterior specializes in yeasted and glazed creations. By all means, grab your fill of frosted treats, but save room for one of its head-sized fritters, too.
What we’re ordering: A fritter, of course. Available in a rotating selection of flavors, these oversized treats are sweet and craggy on the outside, yet soft and fluffy inside.
Erin McKenna’s
29 Erin McKenna’s
Multiple locations
Looking for something gluten-free that doesn’t taste gluten-free? Erin McKenna’s you covered. This bakery’s cake doughnuts are soft, satisfying, and never gritty. And if you live near one of its locations in Orlando or Los Angeles, you can even have them delivered straight to your door.
What we’re ordering: It’s a tough choice, but we can never resist the rich, chocolatey goodness of the Chocolate Dipped.
Valkyrie Doughnuts
30Valkyrie Doughnuts
Orlando, FL
Valhalla Bakery is known for its seriously impressive custom wedding cakes, but its doughnut business, Valkyrie Doughnuts, deserves plenty of hype, too. The egg- and dairy-free shop offers a wide selection of creative flavors, all made from scratch in small batches. Make sure to get there early to give yourself the best chance of snagging your favorites.
What we’re ordering: The Churro, one of Valkyrie’s popular rotating options. The thought of a doughnut coated in that classic cinnamon-sugar combination has us drooling already.
Roots & Leaves
31 Roots & Leaves
Hatteras Island, NC
The perfect accompaniment to Hatteras Island’s stunning scenery and coastline? A vegan doughnut and an authentic Australian-style oat milk coffee. Fortunately, you can grab both at Roots & Leaves in Buxton, making it a vacation must-visit. “We have planned entire trips around it; they’re that good,” says one visitor.
What we’re ordering: A glazed doughnut with caramel and, of course, an oat flat white.
For more plant-based stories like this, read:
JUMP TO ... Latest News | Recipes | Guides | Health | Subscribe
