Quick Answer
Yes, there are many dairy-free donut options for people who avoid dairy due to preference, intolerance, or allergy. Popular dairy-free donut varieties include glazed, chocolate, pumpkin, jelly-filled, and cake donuts made without cow’s milk, butter, or other dairy ingredients. Many major donut chains offer dairy-free options, and there are also specialized dairy-free bakeries making donuts with plant-based milk and vegan ingredients. With some research and label reading, people who avoid dairy can enjoy tasty donuts.
What makes donuts not dairy-free?
Donuts are traditionally made with cow’s milk and butter, which make them not dairy-free. Here are some common ways dairy ingredients are used in donut recipes:
- The donut batter contains cow’s milk or buttermilk
- The donuts are fried in butter or ghee (clarified butter)
- The donuts are topped with dairy-based glazes or frostings made with butter, cream cheese, or milk
- The donuts are filled with dairy-based creams or custards
- The donuts are coated with powders that contain milk ingredients
Any of these uses of dairy ingredients would make the donuts not dairy-free. People with dairy allergies, intolerances, or preferences need to avoid these traditional donuts.
What makes donuts dairy-free?
Dairy-free donuts are made without any cow’s milk, butter, cream, or other dairy derivatives. Here’s what goes into making them dairy-free:
- The batter is made with non-dairy milk such as almond, soy, oat, coconut, or other plant-based milks
- The donuts are fried in vegan oil or shortening without butter or ghee
- The glazes and toppings are made without butter, cream, or milk
- They use dairy-free fillings such as fruit jams, nut butters, or vegan custard
- They are coated with dairy-free powders instead of those containing milk ingredients
Carefully following recipes and using the right dairy-free substitutions makes it possible to enjoy all the delightful flavors and textures of donuts while avoiding dairy.
What are some common dairy-free donut varieties?
Many classic donut types can be made dairy-free, including:
- Glazed donuts – These are made with a simple sugar glaze that contains no dairy.
- Chocolate donuts – Dairy-free chocolate glazes and coatings are used.
- Pumpkin donuts – Pumpkin puree gives great flavor without dairy.
- Jelly-filled donuts – These are filled with dairy-free fruit jams and jellies.
- Cake donuts – The cakey texture comes from baking instead of frying.
- Yeast donuts – These are leavened with yeast rather than baking powder.
- Apple fritters – Chunks of apple are fried into the batter.
- Blueberry cake donuts – Blueberries add fruit flavor.
- Cinnamon sugar donuts – A dusting of cinnamon sugar gives a comforting flavor.
The possibilities are endless for the types of dairy-free donuts that can be created.
Where can you find dairy-free donuts?
More and more options for buying dairy-free donuts are popping up. Here are some places to find them:
- Dunkin’ – Dunkin’ offers several donut varieties that are dairy-free, like glazed, chocolate, and jelly.
- Krispy Kreme – Their original glazed donuts are dairy-free, and seasonally they may have other dairy-free options.
- Shipley Do-Nuts – Their plain glazed donuts are dairy-free.
- Specialty bakeries – Many vegan and allergy-friendly bakeries offer dairy-free donuts, like Erin McKenna’s Bakery in New York.
- Grocery stores – Some grocery stores have dairy-free packaged donuts near other allergy-friendly foods.
- Online ordering – Companies like Partake Foods ship dairy-free donuts.
- DIY – Make your own dairy-free donuts at home with simple recipes and ingredients.
Calling ahead to confirm dairy-free options, reading labels carefully, and asking questions can help ensure you get donuts without dairy.
How are dairy-free donuts made?
Making dairy-free donuts requires swapping out the dairy ingredients for plant-based substitutions. Here is an overview of how they are made:
Dairy-free batters
Rather than milk and butter, dairy-free donuts are made with:
- Non-dairy milk like almond, soy, oat, or coconut
- Vegan butter or oil for fat and moisture
- Egg replacers like flaxseed, chia seeds, or bananas for binding
- Baking powder for leavening
These ingredients make a moist, fluffy dairy-free batter.
Dairy-free frying
The donuts are fried in:
- Vegetable oil, coconut oil, or vegan shortening
Rather than butter or ghee, these vegan fats get the donuts perfectly crisp and golden brown.
Dairy-free glazes and toppings
For flavorful finishes, dairy-free donuts are topped with:
- Glazes made with powdered sugar, non-dairy milk, and vegan butter
- Dairy-free chocolate, caramel, or fruit glazes
- Drizzles, sprinkles, and coconut without milk ingredients
These decorative final touches give dairy-free donuts all the crave-worthy flavors.
Dairy-free fillings
The filled donuts have sweet fillings like:
- Fruit jams and jellies
- Nut butters
- Vegan custard made with non-dairy milk
- Dairy-free cheesecake filling
The fillings provide ooey-gooey enjoyment without any hidden dairy.
What are some popular brands of dairy-free donuts?
Many major donut sellers now provide dairy-free options, including:
| Brand | Dairy-Free Options |
|---|---|
| Dunkin’ Donuts | Glazed, chocolate, and select other flavors depending on location |
| Krispy Kreme | Original Glazed and seasonal flavors like pumpkin spice |
| Shipley Do-Nuts | Glazed donuts |
| Whole Foods | Glazed, chocolate, jelly, holes, and seasonal options in bakery |
| Partake Foods | Packaged soft-baked cookies and cream, pumpkin spice, chocolate, etc. |
In addition, many local donut shops and bakeries may offer dairy-free varieties or do special orders. Checking menus, ingredients, and talking to staff is the way to find out what dairy-free donuts are available.
What ingredients and substitutions are used to make dairy-free donuts?
Making donuts dairy-free relies on using plant-based and vegan ingredients. Here are some common substitutions:
| Dairy Ingredient | Dairy-Free Substitution |
|---|---|
| Milk | Almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, coconut milk, etc. |
| Butter | Vegan butter, coconut oil, vegetable oil |
| Whipping cream | Full-fat coconut milk |
| Sour cream | Plain dairy-free yogurt |
| Cream cheese | Dairy-free cream cheese, silken tofu |
| Buttermilk | Non-dairy milk plus lemon juice or vinegar |
| Yogurt | Dairy-free coconut or almond yogurt |
Using these substitutions, nearly any donut recipe can be made completely dairy-free.
What are some health benefits of dairy-free donuts?
Dairy-free donuts offer some potential health advantages:
- They are safe for people with dairy allergies or sensitivities.
- They avoid saturated fat from butter and cream.
- They provide options for people who are vegan or avoid dairy.
- They reduce cholesterol intake compared to dairy-based donuts.
- They may promote heart health if made with healthy oils.
- They eliminate risks associated with lactose and casein.
However, donuts are still considered an indulgence. Homemade versions made with less sugar and healthy fats are a healthier way to enjoy dairy-free donuts.
What are some drawbacks of dairy-free donuts?
Dairy-free donuts do have some disadvantages:
- Store-bought options are often still high in sugar, salt, and refined carbs.
- They tend to have more additives and stabilizers to mimic a dairy-based recipe.
- Completely eliminating rice milk provides no protein.
- Some people miss the richer taste of dairy-based donuts.
- There are fewer options available unless you visit a specialty bakery.
- Home recipes take more time and can be tricky without dairy ingredients.
However, dairy-free donuts are improving as demand increases. With care taken to use quality ingredients, dairy-free donuts can taste fantastic.
Are there nutritious dairy-free donut recipes?
Yes, you can make quite nutritious dairy-free donuts at home. Here are some ideas for healthy recipes:
- Swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat or almond flour.
- Use avocado, banana, or pumpkin puree for moisture instead of oil.
- Reduce sugar by adding fruits, spices, extracts, or low glycemic sweeteners.
- Add nuts, seeds, or oats for fiber and crunch.
- Use non-dairy Greek yogurt for protein and thickness.
- Bake instead of frying when possible.
- Top with fresh fruit, coconut, and natural sweeteners instead of glazes.
- Fill with protein-rich cashew cream, nut butters, and preserves.
With smart substitutions and ingredient choices, dairy-free donuts can still be a delightful treat.
What are the best tips for baking dairy-free donuts?
Here are some top tips for successfully making dairy-free donuts at home:
- Allow non-dairy milk to sit out and curdle slightly to better mimic buttermilk.
- Let dough rise completely for light and airy texture.
- Use arrowroot powder or cornstarch to help bind and add crispness.
- Rest batter for 5-10 minutes before frying for thicker, sturdier donuts.
- Fry donuts in 2-3 inch vegetable oil at 350-375°F for 1-2 minutes per side.
- Flip donuts halfway through frying using a mesh spider or slotted spoon.
- Place donuts on a cooling rack or paper towel to absorb oil.
- Glaze or coat while still warm so flavors seep in.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Perfecting these techniques and timing results in tender, crispy dairy-free donuts that hold up well for days.
Conclusion
Donuts made without any dairy are absolutely possible to find and enjoy. Major brands now produce dairy-free options, and customized recipes allow you to make your own at home. With plant-based milk, butter, and cream substitutes, traditional donuts can be recreated to be safe for vegans and people with dairy issues. While not necessarily a health food, dairy-free donuts can be a delicious comfort food when homemade carefully. With the growing demand, access and quality of dairy-free donuts will continue to improve. So for anyone wanting to avoid dairy, delicious donuts are still on the menu.
