Are Donuts Made Out of Eggs? It Depends on the Recipe

November 25, 2025 •

3 min read

While traditional yeast donuts almost always contain eggs, modern recipes and varieties like vegan donuts are made without them. This means the answer to 'Are donuts made out of eggs?' is not a simple yes or no, but depends entirely on the recipe and type.

Quick Summary

The inclusion of eggs in donuts varies significantly by recipe, with traditional yeast and cake varieties using them for structure and richness, while eggless and vegan options rely on substitutes. Understanding the type of donut is key.

Key Points

Traditional recipes often contain eggs: Classic yeast-raised and cake donuts typically use eggs for binding, moisture, and richness.
Eggs add structure and tenderness: The proteins and fats in eggs help the donut hold its shape and contribute to a soft, tender crumb.
Yeast vs. cake matters: Cake donuts often rely more heavily on eggs for their dense, cake-like texture, while yeast donuts use them for enrichment.
Vegan and eggless alternatives exist: Many recipes successfully use substitutes like aquafaba, flaxseed meal, or applesauce to replace eggs.
Always check the label for allergens: For those with egg allergies or following a vegan diet, checking the ingredient list or confirming with the baker is essential.

The Role of Eggs in Traditional Donut Recipes

Eggs are a powerhouse ingredient in many traditional baked goods, and donuts are no exception. In classic recipes, eggs serve several critical functions that contribute to the final taste, texture, and appearance of the donut. The proteins in egg whites provide structure and binding, while the fat in egg yolks adds richness, tenderness, and flavor. This is particularly important for yeast-raised donuts, where the eggs help the dough maintain its shape during the fermentation and frying process. For example, a company like Krispy Kreme uses eggs in its traditional doughnut mix. The inclusion of eggs results in a lighter, fluffier texture and a richer golden color after frying.

The Science Behind Eggs and Donut Texture

Structure and Binding: Egg proteins coagulate when heated, creating a stable network that holds the ingredients together. This is crucial for preventing the dough from falling apart during frying and for giving the donut its characteristic soft crumb.
Moisture and Tenderness: The liquid and fat from eggs add moisture to the dough, preventing it from becoming dry and dense. The emulsifying properties of the yolk also help distribute fats evenly, leading to a tender and consistent texture.
Leavening: Beaten eggs can incorporate air into the batter, acting as a natural leavening agent. While yeast is the primary leavener in yeast-raised donuts, the air trapped by the eggs contributes to the final rise and airy quality.
Flavor and Color: The fat-rich egg yolks impart a rich flavor and a desirable golden-brown color to the finished product.

Yeast-Raised vs. Cake Donuts: How Egg Usage Differs

Donuts can be broadly categorized into two main types: yeast-raised and cake. The role of eggs, while important in both, can vary depending on the type and recipe.

Comparison of Donut Types and Egg Usage


Feature	Yeast-Raised Donuts	Cake Donuts	Vegan/Eggless Donuts
Egg Usage	Typically uses eggs for richness and structure.	Often uses a higher ratio of eggs for a tender, cake-like crumb.	Explicitly made without eggs, using substitutes.
Primary Leavening	Yeast	Chemical leaveners like baking powder and baking soda.	Varies, can be yeast or chemical leaveners.
Texture	Light, airy, and chewy.	Dense, tender, and cake-like.	Can be light and airy or dense, depending on the substitute.
Preparation	Dough is kneaded and proofed, often for a longer time.	Batter is mixed and baked or fried immediately.	Varies greatly based on the specific recipe.

The Rise of Eggless and Vegan Donuts

With the increasing demand for plant-based and allergy-friendly foods, eggless and vegan donuts have become widely available. These recipes prove that while eggs are traditional, they are not essential. Bakers use a variety of ingenious egg substitutes to achieve a similar texture and binding effect.

Common Egg Replacements in Donuts

Aquafaba: The liquid from canned chickpeas can be whipped like egg whites to create a light, airy texture, making it an excellent binder.
Flaxseed Meal: When mixed with water, ground flaxseed creates a gelatinous mixture that acts as a binder and adds moisture.
Applesauce or Mashed Banana: These can add moisture and a slight sweetness, helping to create a tender crumb.
Commercial Egg Replacers: Powdered, starch-based products are specifically designed to mimic the binding properties of eggs in baking.

For those who are allergic to eggs or follow a vegan diet, it is always crucial to check the ingredient list or confirmation from the manufacturer. Many major donut chains like Krispy Kreme are not vegan, but independent bakeries often offer dedicated vegan ranges. For a more detailed look at the ingredients and history of doughnuts, see the Wikipedia entry here: Doughnut.

Conclusion: So, are donuts made out of eggs?

The simple answer is that it depends. For a traditional, store-bought donut from a popular chain, the chances are high that it contains eggs. The eggs provide essential functions like binding, structure, and a tender, moist texture. However, for those with dietary restrictions or ethical preferences, there is a thriving market of egg-free and vegan donuts that use plant-based alternatives to achieve a delicious result. The key is to know what kind of donut you're buying or making. For homemade donuts, you have complete control over the ingredients and can easily substitute eggs if needed. Ultimately, whether a donut contains eggs is a choice that depends on the baker and the specific recipe, not a universal rule.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all donuts have eggs. While traditional recipes for yeast-raised and cake donuts typically include eggs, many modern and specialty donuts are made without them, especially vegan varieties.

Eggs in a donut recipe serve multiple purposes, including acting as a binder, adding moisture and richness, providing structure, and contributing to the dough's leavening and color.

Yes, according to Krispy Kreme's nutritional information, their traditional donuts contain eggs (both whites and yolks).

Common egg substitutes in vegan and eggless donuts include aquafaba (chickpea liquid), flaxseed meal mixed with water, applesauce, mashed banana, and commercial egg replacers.

To determine if a store-bought donut has eggs, you should always check the ingredient list on the packaging. For bakery items without packaging, it's best to ask the staff directly.

Cake donuts often use a slightly higher ratio of eggs and liquid to flour compared to yeast donuts. This helps achieve their characteristic dense and cake-like crumb structure.

Yes, many fried donuts, particularly traditional yeast-raised and cake varieties, contain eggs. However, fried vegan donuts exist and use vegetable oil for frying, so it depends on the specific recipe.