Valkyrie Doughnuts: How I Found Vegan Donut Nirvana in Florida

I’ll be honest—whenever I would see a restaurant or cafe turn one of my favorite foods vegan, I'd be skeptical. For me, growing up indulging in dairy and eggs, I didn't see how certain foods could acclimate for plant-based diners. But, because I’m a sucker for good branding (and let’s be real, anything involving carbs), I always say yes to trying. Let me tell you—Valkyrie Doughnuts in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida, has changed my mind about vegan donuts completely.

Valkyrie Doughnuts originally started in Orlando before blessing St. Petersburg with its presence. Their whole thing? Giant, massively-delicious, 100% vegan doughnuts that don’t just “taste good for being vegan”—they taste incredible, period. Think classic flavors like Boston cream and cinnamon sugar, but also wild, creative concoctions like Ube Coconut and Maple Bacon (yes, vegan bacon. Yes, it works).

If you’re picturing a dry, dense hockey puck that crumbles at first bite, let me stop you right there. Valkyrie’s doughnuts are soft, fluffy, and dangerously addictive. Instead of dairy and eggs, they use plant-based ingredients that somehow create pure magic. I don’t know the exact science, but I assume it involves a sprinkle of wizardry and maybe a deal with a very ethical doughnut-loving sorcerer.

Aside from the fact that these doughnuts are massive and delicious, Valkyrie is just a cool spot. The shop has a fun, artsy vibe, perfect for Instagramming your treats before you inevitably inhale them. And if you’re not in the mood for doughnuts (who are you?), they also offer a ton of bakery items on the more savory side. Picture scone, focaccia bread, and pastelitos. YUM!

I'm not going to lie: I had a very difficult time narrowing down my choices. I could've easily taken home everything, but of course, my eyes are bigger than my stomach. Instead, I opted for a few simple sweets: the chocolate glazed doughnut and the giant, silky cinnamon bun. Both, outstanding. Both the doughnut and the cinnamon bun were not overly sweet or cloying like other non-vegan donuts. Instead, it was a beautiful harmony of sweetness with flavor. The cinnamon bun was crisp on the outside, but slicing through with a fork revealed a gooey center that melted in my mouth.

It doesn't matter if you’re vegan, doughnut-obsessed, or just a person who appreciates a ridiculously good dessert, Valkyrie Doughnuts in St. Pete is a must-visit. Trust me—one bite in, and you’ll forget all about your loyalty to traditional dairy-and-egg-filled pastries. You might even start wondering why all doughnuts aren’t vegan.

Want some more vegan food inspo? Check out these Barnes & Noble vegan cookbooks!