These Vegan Tofu Donuts are light, fluffy, chewy, and surprisingly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. Made with silken tofu, flour, sugar, maple syrup, and baking powder, these little donut holes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
They are completely egg-free, dairy-free, and vegan, but still taste sweet, tender, and satisfying. The silken tofu adds moisture and helps create that soft, springy texture without needing butter, milk, or eggs.
Serve them warm with cinnamon sugar, cacao sugar, or kinako sugar for a simple homemade dessert or snack.
Why You’ll Love These Tofu Donuts
These vegan donut holes are quick, easy, and fun to make.
You’ll love this recipe because it is:
- Vegan and dairy-free
- Made without eggs or butter
- Ready in about 15 minutes
- Crispy outside and chewy inside
- Made with only a few ingredients
- Perfect for snacks or dessert
- Easy to coat with different toppings
- Great for tofu beginners
What Are Tofu Donuts?
Tofu donuts are soft fried donut holes made with silken tofu. The tofu adds moisture to the dough and helps create a fluffy, chewy texture.
You do not need to press the tofu for this recipe. The moisture in the tofu is part of what brings the dough together.
The dough is shaped with spoons, fried until golden, and rolled in sugar while warm.
Recipe Summary
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: About 20 donut holes
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: Japanese-Inspired / Vegan
Ingredients
For the Donuts
- ½ block silken tofu, about 7 ounces
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 cup plus 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Sugar Coating
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon, cacao powder, or kinako
Ingredient Notes
Silken Tofu
Silken tofu makes the donuts soft, moist, and chewy. There is no need to press it because the moisture helps form the dough.
Sugar
Sugar adds sweetness to the dough and helps the donuts brown as they fry.
Maple Syrup
Maple syrup adds a little extra sweetness and flavor.
Flour
All-purpose flour gives the donuts structure. Add it gradually and mix until a thick dough forms.
Baking Powder
Baking powder helps the donuts puff up and become light.
Oil
Use a neutral oil for frying, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or sunflower oil.
How to Make Vegan Tofu Donuts
Step 1: Mash the Tofu
Add the silken tofu to a mixing bowl.
Whisk until smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Add Sweeteners
Add the sugar and maple syrup.
Whisk again until fully combined.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Add the flour and baking powder.
Mix until a thick, smooth dough forms.
The dough will be sticky, and that is normal.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
The oil should be around 320°F–350°F.
Step 5: Shape the Donuts
Use two spoons to scoop and shape small balls of dough.
Carefully drop the dough into the hot oil.
Step 6: Fry
Fry the donuts for 2–3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides.
Work in batches so the pan does not get overcrowded.
Step 7: Drain
Transfer the cooked donut holes to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate.
Let them cool slightly.
Step 8: Coat with Sugar
Mix sugar with cinnamon, cacao powder, or kinako.
While the donuts are still warm, roll them in the sugar mixture until coated.
Serve warm.
Sugar Coating Ideas
Cinnamon Sugar
A classic sweet coating with warm flavor.
Cacao Sugar
A chocolatey coating with a slightly rich and bittersweet taste.
Kinako Sugar
A Japanese-style coating made with roasted soybean flour. It has a mild, nutty flavor.
Plain Sugar
Simple, sweet, and perfect for a quick finish.
Tips for the Best Tofu Donuts
Do not press the tofu.
Whisk the tofu until smooth before adding the other ingredients.
Use two spoons to shape the sticky dough.
Keep the oil between 320°F and 350°F.
Do not make the donut holes too large, or the inside may not cook properly.
Fry in small batches.
Coat the donuts while they are still warm.
Eat them fresh for the best texture.
Easy Variations
Matcha Tofu Donuts
Add 1 teaspoon matcha powder to the sugar coating.
Chocolate Tofu Donuts
Add cacao powder to the coating or drizzle with melted vegan chocolate.
Vanilla Tofu Donuts
Add ½ teaspoon vanilla extract to the dough.
Lemon Sugar Donuts
Mix sugar with a little lemon zest for a fresh flavor.
Powdered Sugar Donuts
Dust the cooled donuts with powdered sugar.
What to Serve with Tofu Donuts
These donuts are delicious as a snack, dessert, or tea-time treat.
Serve them with:
- Hot coffee
- Matcha latte
- Green tea
- Iced coffee
- Vegan hot chocolate
- Fresh fruit
- Vegan whipped cream
- Chocolate sauce
- Maple syrup
- Strawberry jam
Storage Instructions
These tofu donuts taste best the day they are made.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating Tips
Reheat tofu donuts in a toaster oven, air fryer, or oven until warm.
This helps bring back some of the crisp texture.
Avoid microwaving if you want the outside to stay crisp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to press the tofu?
No. This recipe uses silken tofu’s moisture to form the dough.
Can I use firm tofu?
Silken tofu works best. Firm tofu will not blend as smoothly and may create a different texture.
Why is my dough sticky?
The dough is supposed to be sticky. Use two spoons instead of your hands to shape it.
Why are my donuts browning too fast?
The oil may be too hot. Keep the oil around 320°F–350°F so the inside cooks before the outside burns.
Can I bake these donuts?
This recipe is designed for frying. Baking will give a different texture and may not be as fluffy or crisp.
Can I make them ahead?
They are best fresh, but you can store them for up to 3 days and reheat before serving.
Recipe Card
Vegan Tofu Donuts
Light and fluffy vegan tofu donut holes made with silken tofu, sugar, maple syrup, flour, and baking powder. Crispy outside, chewy inside, and perfect with cinnamon sugar.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: About 20 pieces
Ingredients
Donuts
- ½ block silken tofu, about 7 ounces
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 cup plus 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Sugar Coating
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon, cacao powder, or kinako
Instructions
- Add silken tofu to a mixing bowl and whisk until creamy.
- Add sugar and maple syrup. Whisk until smooth.
- Add flour and baking powder.
- Mix until a thick dough forms.
- Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Use two spoons to shape small balls of dough.
- Carefully drop the dough balls into the hot oil.
- Fry for 2–3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown.
- Transfer to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate.
- Mix sugar with cinnamon, cacao powder, or kinako.
- Roll warm donuts in the sugar coating.
- Serve and enjoy.
Notes
Do not press the tofu.
The dough will be sticky, so shape it with spoons.
Keep the oil temperature between 320°F and 350°F.
Make the donut holes small so they cook evenly.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for 1 day or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Estimate
Per donut hole:
- Calories: 65
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on oil absorption and coating.
Final Thoughts
These Vegan Tofu Donuts are simple, soft, chewy, and delicious. The silken tofu keeps them moist and tender, while frying gives them a golden, crispy outside.
They are quick enough for a sweet snack, fun enough for sharing, and easy to customize with your favorite sugar coating.