Donuts have been a staple of sweet treats for almost 600 years, and over the centuries, they have undergone various transformations in different parts of the world. Whether you spell it donut or doughnut, there is no denying that it is a beloved pastry that comes in various shapes and flavors. However, for vegans, finding a suitable donut recipe can be a real challenge as most store-bought and bakery donuts contain animal products. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to vegan donut recipes, including what makes most donuts non-vegan, and how to make them vegan-friendly.
Why Most Donuts Are Not Vegan
Donuts are fluffy and light in texture, thanks to the dough’s leavening process. This is accomplished using yeast or baking powder. Eggs typically give them their unique bite density. Most places fry donuts in plant-based oil, but they often contain animal products. In fact, donuts usually contain milk, eggs, or a combination of both. Dairy, in the form of powdered milk or whey solids, is common as well. This is to maintain the donuts’ moistness and freshness.
The sugar used in donut recipes is also a concern for vegans. Generally speaking, any food labeled “sugar” contains a mixture of vegan beet sugar and cane sugar refined using animal byproducts like bone char, which is discarded by the meat industry. While some vegans may consider sugar processed with bone char as vegan, others avoid it entirely to ensure they don’t accidentally consume animal products. For example, most Dunkin’ Donut donuts are not vegan.
Donut Fillings
Donut fillings also pose a challenge for vegans as most contain custards and creams that have eggs and dairy. Even jelly and preserves are likely to contain non-vegan sugar. Another challenge for vegans is the use of oils like palm oil and soybean oil, which may cause deforestation and wildlife habitat destruction in some parts of the world.
Other discrete non-vegan ingredients found in donuts include natural and artificial flavors, which may be derived from animal products or chemically synthesized in a lab, and food coloring, which may be derived from synthetic and unsustainable petroleum-based sources. Additionally, shellac, which is commonly called confectioner’s glaze, is derived from lac bugs, resulting in the death of the insects. Vegan Donut Recipe Making vegan donuts at home is easier than you think.
Here is a recipe for a baked vegan donut with homemade vegan chocolate frosting and vegan sprinkles:
Vegan Chocolate Donut Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 1/4 cup coconut oil melted
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond milk, coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a smooth batter forms.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each mold about 3/4 full.
- Bake the donuts for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the donuts from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Vegan Chocolate Frosting Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup vegan butter softened
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the vegan butter until light and fluffy.
- Sift in the cocoa powder and powdered sugar and mix until well combined.
- Add the almond milk and vanilla extract and beat until a smooth and creamy frosting forms.
To assemble the donuts:
- Dip the tops of the cooled donuts into the chocolate frosting and gently shake off any excess.
- Sprinkle vegan sprinkles over the top of the frosting. (Optional)
- Let the frosting set for a few minutes before serving and enjoying your delicious homemade vegan donuts!
