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Overhead shot of two caramel donuts with glossy brown glaze and crushed peanuts on a white surface.

Caramel Donuts

Vegan caramel donuts with brown sugar glaze and chopped peanuts, baked in 25 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings
Calories 270 kcal

Ingredients
  

Donuts

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 300g
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed 150g
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup vegan butter, melted 56g
  • 2/3 cup vegan yogurt 160g
  • 2 teaspoons molasses
  • 3/4 cup water 180ml

Caramel Glaze

  • 1/4 cup vegan butter 56g
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar 100g
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 tablespoon vegan creamer see note
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar 60g
  • 1 tablespoon chopped peanuts

Instructions
 

Donuts

  • Preheat Oven and Pan:

    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a standard donut pan with non-stick spray.
  • Whisk Dry Ingredients:

    In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, 3/4 cup brown sugar, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and nutmeg until uniform.
  • Melt Butter and Mix Wet:

    In a microwave-safe bowl, microwave 1/4 cup vegan butter for 20-30 seconds until liquefied. Mix in vegan yogurt and molasses, then stir in water.
  • Combine Wet and Dry:

    Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Fold together until no dry streaks remain; batter should be thick but smooth.
  • Fill and Bake Donuts:

    Spoon batter into donut cavities, filling each generously and evenly. Use 3 tablespoons per cavity for thinner donuts or 4 tablespoons for thicker ones. Bake 12-16 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Caramel Glaze

  • Boil Butter and Sugar:

    For caramel icing: In a saucepan over medium-high heat, bring 1/4 cup vegan butter and 1/2 cup brown sugar to a boil. Stir constantly and let boil for up to 1 minute.
  • Finish Caramel Glaze:

    Take off heat; mix in vanilla and vegan creamer. Let cool for about 5 minutes, then whisk in powdered sugar until smooth. The glaze will thicken as it cools; thin with 1/2 teaspoon extra creamer if desired.
  • Glaze and Top Donuts:

    Once donuts are baked, remove from oven and let cool a few minutes. Dip the top of each donut into the caramel glaze. Sprinkle chopped peanuts on top while the glaze is still tacky.

Notes

Vegan creamer: substitute any non-dairy creamer or milk.
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