Ghost Cake – Vegan Ghost Donuts Baked

Get ready to summon some sweetness this Halloween with the most adorable treats you will ever bake. These Ghost Cake – Vegan Ghost Donuts Baked are the perfect combination of spooky and sweet, offering a fluffy, cake-like texture without any of the heavy grease from frying. Whether you are hosting a haunted house party or just want a festive afternoon snack with the kids, these little spirits are sure to disappear fast. Best of all, they are entirely plant-based, making them a crowd-pleasing option for everyone at the table.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 12 donuts
Difficulty: Easy

Nutrition values

Calories: 185 kcal
Protein: 2g
Carbs: 28g

Why Make This Ghost Cake – Vegan Ghost Donuts Baked

Baking these donuts instead of frying them makes the process much cleaner and yields a light, tender crumb that feels like a mini cake. This recipe uses simple pantry staples, so you likely have everything you need in your kitchen right now. They are incredibly fun to decorate, allowing you to give each ghost its own unique personality. Plus, being vegan means they are dairy-free and egg-free, catering to various dietary needs without sacrificing that classic donut flavor everyone loves.

Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant milk)
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup neutral oil (like melted coconut oil or vegetable oil)
1 ½ cups vegan white chocolate chips or vegan royal icing
1 teaspoon coconut oil (for melting chocolate)
Black edible ink pen or black icing for eyes

Directions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a standard 12-slot donut pan with non-stick spray or a little bit of oil to ensure the donuts pop out easily after baking.

Step 2: Curdle the Plant Milk

In a small bowl, whisk together the plant milk and the apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to create a vegan “buttermilk.” This helps the donuts rise and stay moist.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Sifting ensures there are no lumps, resulting in a smoother batter and a more delicate cake texture.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Pour the milk mixture, vanilla extract, and oil into the dry ingredients. Use a whisk or spatula to stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the donuts tough.

Step 5: Fill and Bake

Spoon the batter into the donut pan slots, filling each about 3/4 full. You can also use a piping bag for a cleaner finish. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 6: Glaze and Decorate

Melt the vegan white chocolate chips with a teaspoon of coconut oil in the microwave in 30-second bursts. Dip the top of each cooled donut into the white chocolate. To create the “ghost” look, let some of the glaze drip down the sides unevenly. Once the chocolate sets, use black icing to draw two eyes and a spooky mouth on each ghost.

Expert Tips for Perfect Ghost Cake – Vegan Ghost Donuts Baked

To get the perfect ghost shape, don’t worry about being too neat with the glaze. The drips actually enhance the spectral appearance! Always ensure your donuts are completely cool before glazing; otherwise, the white chocolate will slide right off. If you want a whiter finish, you can add a drop of vegan white food coloring to your melted chocolate. Using a piping bag to fill the donut pan is the easiest way to get professional-looking results without the mess.

Delicious Variations

You can easily customize these treats by changing the base flavor. Try adding a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal fall twist, or use cocoa powder in the batter for “dark” ghosts. If you prefer a different texture, you can use a maple glaze instead of white chocolate. For a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. You can even add tiny sprinkles to the wet glaze for a “party ghost” aesthetic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these donuts ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the donuts a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. However, it is best to wait until the day of serving to add the white chocolate glaze and decorations so they stay fresh and look their best.

How do I store leftovers?

Place any remaining donuts in an airtight container. They will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you refrigerate them, the chocolate might sweat slightly when brought back to room temperature.

What if I don’t have a donut pan?

If you don’t own a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin. Place a small ball of rolled-up aluminum foil in the center of each muffin cup and pipe the batter around it to create the hole. The shape might be slightly different, but they will still be delicious!

Is vegan white chocolate hard to find?

Not at all! Most health food stores and many mainstream grocery stores now carry vegan white chocolate chips. If you can’t find them, you can make a thick white glaze using powdered sugar, a splash of plant milk, and a tiny bit of corn syrup for shine.

Why did my donuts stick to the pan?

This usually happens if the pan wasn’t greased enough or if you tried to remove them while they were still hot. Make sure to grease every corner of the donut molds and let them rest for at least five minutes before gently flipping the pan over.

Conclusion

These Ghost Cake – Vegan Ghost Donuts Baked are the ultimate Halloween DIY project that tastes as good as it looks. By choosing to bake instead of fry, you create a soft, cake-like treat that is easy to decorate and share. They bring a touch of whimsical spookiness to any October gathering while remaining entirely plant-based. Grab your mixing bowl, put on some festive music, and start baking these charming little ghosts today!