Crafting Sweet Perfection With Vegan Donut Holes

Finding the perfect vegan donut hole recipe can feel like a never-ending quest. For those of us with a sweet tooth, the disappointment of dense or flavorless vegan treats is a familiar tale.

Yet, the journey to create a delicious, airy, and sweet vegan donut hole that rivals its traditional counterpart led me to an unexpected discovery.

Initially, my kitchen experiments were hit or miss, often ending in frustration. However, the breakthrough came when I revisited the basics, focusing on the harmony of simple, plant-based ingredients.

This recipe captures what a donut hole should be and presents a delightful treat everyone can enjoy, regardless of dietary preferences.

What Is Vegan Donut Hole? 

Vegan donut holes are delightful, bite-sized treats made without any animal products. Unlike traditional donut holes, which often rely on eggs, milk, and butter for their texture and flavor, vegan versions use plant-based alternatives.

Ingredients such as almond milk, coconut oil, and flaxseeds ensure these treats are moist, airy, and delicious. Perfect for vegans or anyone looking to reduce their animal product consumption, these donut holes offer a compassionate and guilt-free option for satisfying sweet cravings.

They embody the joy of indulgence paired with the principles of veganism, making them a popular choice for conscious consumers.

Fact– Vegan donut holes are cruelty-free and often contain less saturated fat than their traditional counterparts, making them a healthier option for indulgence.

Recipe Directions 

• Prepare the Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment, combine the flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Add the lukewarm milk to the dry ingredients and mix quickly until a dough forms.
• Incorporate the Butter: Add the vegan butter to the bowl. Mix on medium speed for approximately 15 minutes or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
• First Rise: Transfer the dough to a large, lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap and let it sit warmly for about 60 minutes or until it has doubled.
• Shape the Donut Holes: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to a thickness of 1 inch (2.5 cm). Use a small round cookie cutter to cut out the donut holes.
• Second Rise: Arrange the cutouts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with plastic wrap and let them proof for 30 minutes or until they have almost doubled in size.
• Fry the Donut Holes: Heat a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot with neutral oil to 300°F (150°C). Fry the donut holes in batches of 6-8 for 1-2 minutes per side or until golden brown. Ensure not to overcrowd the pot.
• Drain and Coat: Remove the donut holes from the oil and drain them on a cooling rack or paper towel. While still warm, toss them in the sugar-cinnamon mixture to coat evenly.
• Serve: Melt your choice of biscoff or chocolate sauce for dipping. Serve the coated donut holes with the melted sauce, and enjoy your homemade vegan treat!

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings 

Variations

• Flavor Infusions: For a subtle hint of flavor, incorporate lemon zest, orange zest, or vanilla extract into the dough.
• Chocolate Dough: Mix cocoa powder with the dry ingredients for chocolate vegan donut holes.

Add-Ons

• Filling: After frying, inject the donut holes with jam, vegan custard, or chocolate hazelnut spread using a piping bag.
• Dough Mix-Ins: Fold small pieces of vegan chocolate chips, blueberries, or chopped nuts into the dough before the second rise for added texture and flavor.

Toppings

• Glazes: Whisk together powdered sugar, plant-based milk, and your flavoring of choice to create a variety of glazes, such as vanilla, chocolate, or maple. Dip the cooled donut holes in the glaze and let it set.
• Sugar Coatings: Besides the classic cinnamon sugar, try coating the donut holes in powdered sugar, cocoa powder, or a mix of sugar and pumpkin spice.
• Drizzles: Drizzle melted vegan chocolate, caramel sauce, or a fruit coulis over the donut holes for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Decorative Toppings: After glazing, sprinkle on toppings such as shredded coconut, chopped nuts, sprinkles, or crushed vegan cookies for additional texture and flavor.

Vegetable Substitutions

• Applesauce: A perfect substitute for butter or oil, applesauce adds moisture and a slight sweetness while reducing the fat content.
• Mashed Sweet Potato: Sweet potato can replace oil or butter, offering a natural sweetness, moist texture, and a boost of vitamins.
• Pumpkin Puree: Like sweet potato, pumpkin puree can substitute for oil or butter, adding moisture, a subtle flavor, and nutritional benefits.
• Avocado: Mashed avocado is an excellent fat substitute, adding creaminess while packing healthy fats and nutrients.
• Zucchini: Grated zucchini can be added to the dough for extra moisture and to sneak in vegetables without significantly altering the taste.
• Beet Puree: For chocolate donut holes, beet puree can add moisture, natural sweetness, and vibrant color, all while enhancing nutritional value.

Quick Tip-Ensure your frying oil is at the correct temperature for lighter, airier vegan donut holes. Too low, and they absorb oil; too high, and they burn quickly.

Best Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad A colorful assortment of fresh fruits contrasts the sweet, fried donut holes.
• Vegan Yogurt Parfait Layer vegan yogurt with granola and fresh berries for a creamy and crunchy side that complements the soft donut holes.
• Coffee or Tea A hot cup is a classic pairing that cuts through the sweetness and offers warmth and comfort.
• Vegan Ice Cream Serve alongside a scoop of your favorite vegan ice cream for a decadent treat, perfect for dessert.
• Nut Butter Dip A creamy dip made from almond or peanut butter, sweetened with maple syrup, makes a rich and satisfying accompaniment.
• Homemade Fruit Compote A slightly tart fruit compote can balance the sweetness of the donut holes, adding a delightful layer of flavor.
• Vegan Whipped Cream A dollop of vegan whipped cream can add a light, airy texture and a hint of sweetness, elevating the overall experience.
• Dark Chocolate Sauce For chocolate lovers, a rich dark chocolate sauce for dipping can turn the donut holes into an indulgent dessert.

How To Serve?

• Stacked on a Platter: Arrange them in a pyramid or stacked rows on a large platter for a visually appealing display.
• Dipping Sauces: Serve a selection of dipping sauces, such as chocolate, caramel, or fruit coulis, in small bowls so guests can choose their favorite.
• Skewered: Thread several donut holes onto skewers and serve them as donut kebabs for a fun and easy-to-eat treat.
• Dusted with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving adds a touch of elegance and extra sweetness.
• In a Dessert Cup: Place a few donut holes in a small dessert cup, layering with vegan whipped cream, fruit, or a drizzle of sauce for a deconstructed dessert parfait.
• Coffee or Tea Pairing: Serve alongside freshly brewed coffee or a selection of teas, perfect for a morning treat or an afternoon pick-me-up.
• As a Dessert Charcuterie Board: Create a dessert board with vegan donut holes, fruits, nuts, chocolates, and sauces for a luxurious grazing experience.
• Mini Dessert Buffet: Combine with other mini vegan desserts, such as cupcakes and cookies, for various sweet options at gatherings or parties.

Quick Tip-The first recorded donut recipe appeared in an English cookbook in 1803, signaling the treat’s long-standing popularity before evolving into today’s diverse and inclusive versions, including vegan adaptations.

Storage & Make Ahead

• Airtight Container: Store cooled donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.
• Refrigerate for Longer Freshness: For longer storage, refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 5 days. Warm slightly before serving.
• Freezing: Freeze donut holes on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the dough a day before and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. This allows flavors to develop more fully and saves time on the frying day.
• Reheating: Refresh donut holes by warming them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes, restoring their crisp exterior and soft interior.

Fact-Vegan donut holes are a delightful plant-based alternative to traditional donuts. They use plant-based milk and butter ingredients to create a compassionate, guilt-free sweet treat.

Time-Saving Tips

• Pre-Measure Ingredients: Before starting, measure out all your ingredients. This mise en place approach prevents any scrambling during the cooking process.
• Use Instant Yeast: Opt for instant yeast to save time on proofing. It can be mixed directly into the dry ingredients without being activated in warm liquid first.
• Batch Prep: If you plan to make donut holes frequently, mix dry ingredients in bulk beforehand. Store the mixture in airtight containers, and just measure what you need when you’re ready to bake.
• Double the Recipe: Since vegan donut holes freeze well, it’s efficient to double the batch and freeze half for later, ensuring you always have a quick treat on hand.
• Fry in Batches: To save time on frying, use a larger pot to fry more donut holes at once, but be careful not to overcrowd them, as this can lower the oil’s temperature and lead to soggy donuts.
• Cooling Racks: Transfer fried donut holes directly onto cooling racks with a sheet of paper towel underneath. This setup avoids blotting each donut hole individually, saving time and reducing mess.
• Simple Decorations: Choose simple toppings like a sugar-cinnamon mix or a quick glaze. These options are not only time-efficient but also universally appealing.

 

Frequently Asked Question

Can I Make Vegan Donut Holes Without A Stand Mixer?

Yes, you can make vegan donut holes without a stand mixer. Instead, combine the ingredients in a large bowl and use a sturdy spoon or your hands to mix the dough until smooth and elastic.

The key is to knead the dough thoroughly by hand, which might take longer than a mixer but can still yield excellent results. Ensure the dough is well-kneaded and smooth before proceeding to the rising steps.

How Do I Know If The Oil Is At The Correct Temperature For Frying?

It’s best to use a cooking thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature (300°F/150°C) for frying.

If you don’t have one, you can test the oil by placing a small piece of dough in it. The oil is ready if it sizzles and starts to fry gently without burning. If it browns too quickly, the oil is too hot; if it doesn’t sizzle, it is not hot enough.

Can I Bake Vegan Donut Holes Instead Of Frying Them?

Yes, vegan donut holes can be baked as a healthier alternative to frying. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the prepared donut holes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake them for 10-15 minutes or until they’re lightly golden. Remember that the texture will differ from frying, resembling a soft, bread-like consistency.

How Can I Store Leftover Vegan Donut Holes?

To store leftover vegan donut holes, place them in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days.

You can freeze them for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving to restore warmth and texture.

Are There Any Gluten-Free Options For Vegan Donut Holes?

To make gluten-free vegan donut holes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Look for a blend that includes xanthan gum, which helps mimic the texture of gluten.

Remember that you may need to slightly adjust the amount of plant-based milk, as gluten-free flour can absorb liquids differently than wheat flour. Mix and knead until you achieve a smooth, elastic dough, and follow the rest of the recipe as directed.