9 Washington Vegan Donuts Worth Standing In Line For
I’ll admit it: donuts have always been my ultimate weakness. If there was frosting involved, I was first in line. So when I went vegan three years ago, I honestly thought I’d kissed my favorite guilty pleasure goodbye.
No more sprinkles, no more fritters, no more sneaky late-night donut runs. Tragic, right? But Washington had other plans for me. From Seattle to Tacoma, I started stumbling on vegan donut shops that blew my mind — and my waistband.
Turns out, plant-based donuts aren’t just “good for vegan food,” they’re so good they could make a dairy-lover cry into their milk. And yes, I’ve definitely done a happy dance or two in a donut shop line.
1. Mighty-O’s Chocolate Explosion
Remember that scene in Willy Wonka where the kid falls into the chocolate river? That’s basically what happens in your mouth when you bite into Mighty-O’s signature chocolate explosion donut. I actually did a little happy dance right there in the shop when I first tried one!
Seattle’s original vegan donut champion has been slinging egg-free, dairy-free rings of joy since 2000, long before vegan was cool. Their organic ingredients and commitment to sustainability make the calories practically virtuous.
The chocolate frosting has this perfect crackling top that gives way to soft, fluffy donut heaven underneath. Pro tip: get there before 10 am on weekends unless you enjoy making new friends while waiting in line.
2. Dough Joy’s Maple Bacon Fantasy
Last Tuesday, I convinced my bacon-obsessed brother to try Dough Joy’s maple bacon donut. His exact words after the first bite: “Wait, this isn’t real bacon?” Victory never tasted so sweet!
This all-vegan food truck turned brick-and-mortar sensation creates magic with their smoky coconut bacon bits nestled in maple frosting. The contrast between the sweet maple glaze and the savory, slightly crunchy bacon bits is mind-blowing.
Founded by two former Microsoft employees who traded coding for proofing, Dough Joy has quickly become Seattle’s hipster donut headquarters. Their Capitol Hill location often sports a line down the block on weekends, but their Ballard spot is sometimes the sneaky shorter-wait alternative.
3. Askatu Bakery’s Matcha Green Tea Creation
Green food usually makes me think of vegetables, not dessert. But Askatu Bakery changed my mind forever with their matcha green tea donut that’s so pretty it belongs in an art gallery.
Tucked away in Seattle’s International District, this allergen-friendly bakery creates donuts that are not just vegan but also free from nuts and gluten. The matcha donut features a vibrant green tea glaze with a hint of earthy bitterness that perfectly balances the sweetness.
I love watching first-timers’ faces when they realize these treats contain no eggs, dairy, or gluten. The owner, Mie, learned to bake allergen-free for her daughter and turned that love into a business that now has customers driving from Portland just for a donut fix.
4. Zuri’s Gourmet Donutz Lemon Lavender Dream
“Holy moly, this tastes like spring in France!” That’s what escaped my lips when I bit into Zuri’s lemon lavender vegan donut in Lynnwood. The owner laughed and told me she gets that reaction a lot.
Zuri’s may be tucked in a suburban strip mall, but don’t let the location fool you. This Black-owned bakery creates flavor combinations that would make Parisian pastry chefs jealous. The lemon glaze has actual zest in it, giving it a zingy punch, while the lavender is subtle enough not to make you feel like you’re eating soap.
What makes these donuts special is the yeasted dough that ferments overnight, creating complex flavors you just don’t get in typical cake donuts. They only make this flavor on Thursdays, so plan accordingly!
5. Nuflours’ Salted Caramel Apple Fritter
Gluten-free and vegan usually means dry and sad. Not at Nuflours! Their apple fritter made me question everything I thought I knew about gluten-free baking.
This Capitol Hill bakery specializes in creating treats that accommodate multiple dietary restrictions without sacrificing an ounce of flavor. The fritter isn’t a traditional donut shape, but this irregular masterpiece of apple chunks, cinnamon swirls, and caramel drizzle topped with sea salt flakes deserves its spot on this list.
What’s their secret? A custom flour blend with five different gluten-free flours that took the owners two years to perfect. The result is a texture that’s crispy on the outside edges and tender inside. I’ve seen celiac sufferers get misty-eyed after trying these, realizing they can finally enjoy donuts again.
6. Good Day Donuts’ Blueberry Basil Surprise
Good Day Donuts in White Center quickly earned a cult following before recent changes in ownership put its future in flux. When it was in full swing, this tiny neighborhood shop offered a rotating selection of donuts, including creative vegan options that stood out from the crowd.
One of the most memorable was the blueberry basil creation — a glaze made with fresh local berries dotted with flecks of basil for a subtle herbal twist. The husband-and-wife team behind the counter prioritized local sourcing, which gave their flavors a freshness you could taste in every bite. Weekend mornings often meant sell-outs before noon, so early visits were always the best bet.
7. Half And Half Doughnut Co.’s Churro Sensation
“Are you sure these are vegan?” I asked the barista at Half and Half in Tacoma, and she simply pointed to the clear vegan label. One bite of their churro-inspired donut, and I understood why — it tasted just like the carnival treats I remembered from before going plant-based.
This Tacoma gem is known for its yeasted donuts, which go through a long fermentation process before frying, giving them a depth of flavor and light, airy texture. Their churro version comes coated in cinnamon sugar with a creamy, dairy-free filling that feels indulgent without compromise.
The owners, a husband-and-wife team, infuse their menu with influences from their cultural backgrounds, creating flavor combinations you won’t find anywhere else. Vegan options are made in limited batches each day, and locals know to keep an eye on Instagram — fresh trays often sell out in a flash.
8. Rocket Donuts’ Galaxy-Themed Wonder
My first encounter with Rocket Donuts’ galaxy-themed vegan creation in Bellingham nearly broke Instagram. The swirling blues, purples, and edible glitter made it look like something from outer space!
This retro-futuristic donut shop with a giant rocket ship outside creates vegan donuts that are just as good as their regular line. The galaxy donut features a vanilla base with colorful frosting and a black hole of chocolate in the center.
What’s fascinating about Rocket is how they’ve adapted classic donut shop vibes for modern dietary needs. The staff can tell you exactly which ingredients are in each donut, which is reassuring for those with allergies beyond dairy and eggs. They make fresh batches throughout the day, so even afternoon visitors can score warm donuts – a rarity in the donut world.
9. General Porpoise Doughnuts (Seattle)
Seattle’s General Porpoise has built its reputation on pillowy, yeast-raised donuts generously filled with house-made jams, curds, and creams. While not exclusively vegan, they often feature seasonal plant-based options that highlight local fruit and inventive flavor pairings.
The bright, inviting space blends rustic wood accents with modern design, making it as much a community hangout as a donut stop. Each bite of their filled creations balances sweetness with rich, fresh flavor — the kind that lingers long after you’ve finished. For donut lovers seeking something a little more refined, General Porpoise is a must-visit.