There’s something undeniably joyful about the first bite of a warm, fluffy vegan jelly donut, especially when it’s bursting with sweet jam. I first made these delightful treats to celebrate Hanukkah, but they’ve quickly become a go-to indulgence in my home for any occasion. The smell of frying donuts fills the kitchen with a sense of nostalgia, transporting me back to childhood festivities filled with laughter and warmth.
What I love most about these vegan jelly donuts is their incredible versatility. You can experiment with an array of fillings, from tart raspberry jam to rich chocolate custard, making each batch uniquely yours. Using simple pantry ingredients, these donuts are not just vegan—they are irresistibly delicious and easy to prepare. Whether you’re catering to a festive gathering or simply enjoying a cozy evening at home, these donuts will surely be a hit. Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe and bring some sweetness to your table!
Why are Vegan Jelly Donuts so irresistible?
Indulgent, Fluffy Texture: These donuts boast a light and airy interior that melts in your mouth.
Bursting with Flavor: Each bite is filled with your choice of sweet jam or custard, creating a delightful surprise.
Simple Ingredients: Made with basic pantry staples, they’re easy to whip up and perfect for home bakers.
Versatile Options: From classic raspberry to rich chocolate custard, customize your fillings to keep things exciting!
Festive Treat: Ideal for Hanukkah celebrations or any occasion, these donuts add joy to your table. Don’t forget to check out my tips for creating perfect filled donuts.
Vegan Jelly Donut Ingredients
• Here’s what you need to create delightful Vegan Jelly Donuts:
For the Dough
- Active Dry Yeast – Activates the dough; ensure it’s fresh for proper rising.
- Sugar – Sweetens the dough and provides food for the yeast during activation.
- Warm Water – Essential for yeast activation; use water that’s warm but not too hot.
- Flour – Provides structure; typically requires 3.5-4 cups, adjust based on humidity.
- Baking Powder – Adds lift to the donuts, making them fluffy and light.
- Salt – Enhances the overall flavor of the donuts.
- Canola Oil – Adds moisture to the dough and is used for frying; any neutral oil will work.
For the Filling
- Strawberry Jelly (or other filling) – Invitingly sweet and provides a gooey center; customize with your favorite flavors.
For Serving
- Powdered Sugar – Dust over the donuts for added sweetness and visual appeal before serving.
How to Make Vegan Jelly Donuts
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Activate the Yeast: In a medium bowl, combine active dry yeast, a pinch of sugar, and warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until bubbly and frothy, ensuring a good rise later.
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Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 3.5 cups of flour, baking powder, salt, and the remaining sugar. This blend is essential for the donut’s structure.
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Combine Ingredients: Pour the activated yeast mixture and canola oil into the dry ingredients. Mix gently to form a loose, sticky dough that will melt in your mouth.
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Knead the Dough: On a floured surface, knead the dough until smooth and non-sticky, adding more flour as necessary. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes, creating a soft texture.
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First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise for approximately 2 hours until it has doubled in size. The dough should feel airy and light.
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Prepare for Shaping: Punch down the risen dough to release the air, then roll it out on a floured surface. Cut into circles, using a round cutter, and let the pieces rise again for another 30-45 minutes.
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Heat the Oil: In a deep frying pan, heat oil to 350°F. This temperature is crucial; too hot can burn the donuts, while too cool can lead to oily results.
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Fry the Donuts: Carefully place the donuts in the hot oil, frying for about 5 minutes. Flip halfway through until they achieve a gorgeous golden brown on both sides.
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Drain Excess Oil: Remove the fried donuts and let them drain on paper towels. This step helps them stay light and less greasy.
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Fill the Donuts: Using an icing bag or squirt bottle, fill each donut with your desired jelly or custard. Choose from flavors like raspberry jam or chocolate custard for a delightful surprise!
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Add Finishing Touch: Dust the filled donuts generously with powdered sugar just before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
Optional: Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for a unique twist!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Vegan Jelly Donuts are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by allowing it to rise, then punch it down and refrigerate it in an airtight container. This method keeps the dough ready for frying while maintaining its fluffy texture. You can also cut the donuts into circles and let them rise for about 30 minutes before frying; just cover them with a kitchen towel. When you’re ready to serve, heat the oil and fry until golden brown, then fill them with your desired jelly or custard. Enjoy delicious, fresh donuts with minimal effort!
Vegan Jelly Donuts Variations
Feel free to unleash your creativity and customize these delightful donuts with exciting tweaks that will tantalize your taste buds!
- Flavorful Fillings: Use raspberry jam or homemade apple butter for a fresh, fruity twist that brightens each bite.
- Decadent Chocolate: Try a chocolate custard filling for a rich, dessert-like experience that chocolate lovers adore.
- Caramel Surprise: For those with a sweet tooth, vegan salted caramel adds a luxurious touch, creating an irresistible sweet-salty balance.
- Nutty Goodness: Consider filling them with almond cream for a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness beautifully.
- Autumn Delight: Swap in pumpkin butter for a seasonal twist, perfect for cozy gatherings or fall festivities.
- Citrus Zing: Incorporate a lemon curd filling to add a zesty brightness that cuts through the sweetness.
- Spicy Kick: Add a hint of chili-infused chocolate for some heat, transforming the donut into an adventurous flavor experience.
- Festive Sprinkles: Top with colorful vegan sprinkles for a fun, cheerful touch—great for celebrations or just to brighten your day!
Each of these variations can elevate your homemade vegan jelly donuts into a delightful culinary adventure!
Tips for the Best Vegan Jelly Donuts
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Fresh Yeast Check: Always ensure your active dry yeast is fresh. If it doesn’t foam in warm water, it’s expired, and your dough won’t rise.
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Oil Temperature: Maintain the frying oil at 350°F. Too hot will burn the donuts’ exterior before they cook through; too cool will lead to greasy donuts.
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Kneading Technique: Don’t over-knead your dough. Just enough to make it smooth and non-sticky is key for light, airy Vegan Jelly Donuts.
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Filling Method: Use an icing bag or a squeeze bottle to fill the donuts. This technique helps prevent damaging the structure while achieving that sweet surprise center.
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Dusting Delight: Dust with powdered sugar right before serving for the best presentation and to keep them looking fresh and enticing!
What to Serve with Vegan Jelly Donuts?
There’s nothing quite like the sweet delight of these airy vegan jelly donuts, making them the perfect centerpiece for a joyful gathering.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright and refreshing, a mix of seasonal fruits will balance the sweetness of the donuts and add a pop of color to your table.
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Vanilla Coconut Yogurt: Creamy and tangy, this dairy-free yogurt complements the sweetness, making it a delightful dip or topping.
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Coffee or Tea: A steaming cup of your preferred coffee or fragrant herbal tea pairs perfectly, enhancing the flavors of the donuts while providing a cozy touch.
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Chocolate Fondue: Set up a fun chocolate fondue station for an interactive dessert experience; the richness of melted chocolate pairs beautifully with the sweet jelly filling.
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Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: For a fun twist, toss half the donuts in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for extra indulgence, adding a delightful spiced aroma.
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Sparkling Juice or Cider: Celebrate any occasion with a refreshing, bubbly drink that cuts through the richness of the donuts, making every bite a little more special.
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Nutty Hazelnut Spread: Serve a side of vegan hazelnut spread for dipping, giving your guests an option to add a nutty richness to each bite.
How to Store and Freeze Vegan Jelly Donuts
Room Temperature: Enjoy your vegan jelly donuts fresh for up to 1 day. Store them in an airtight container to maintain their fluffy texture.
Fridge: If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to 3 days. Place in a sealed container to prevent drying out, though they may lose some crispness.
Freezer: Freeze unfilled donut dough before the final rise for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and follow the frying steps when ready to bake.
Reheating: Warm the filled donuts in a microwave for 10-15 seconds to regain softness or place them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes to crisp up before enjoying these delightful vegan jelly donuts.
Vegan Jelly Donuts Recipe FAQs
What kind of yeast should I use for the Vegan Jelly Donuts?
Absolutely! For the best results, use active dry yeast. Always check that it’s fresh and bubbly when activated with warm water. If your yeast doesn’t foam after 5 minutes, it might be expired, and you’ll need a new batch to ensure your donuts rise properly.
How should I store my Vegan Jelly Donuts?
Enjoy your vegan jelly donuts fresh, as they are at their best for up to 1 day at room temperature in an airtight container. If you want to store them longer, refrigerate for up to 3 days in a sealed container to prevent them from drying out. They might lose a bit of their fluffiness but can be revitalized with a quick warm-up!
Can I freeze the dough for Vegan Jelly Donuts?
Yes! You can absolutely freeze the unfilled dough before the final rise. Shape it into balls, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be kept for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and let them rise before frying for a fresh treat!
What can I use as a filling in the Vegan Jelly Donuts?
The more the merrier! You can fill your vegan jelly donuts with a variety of options such as strawberry jelly, raspberry jam, vegan custard, or even chocolate custard. For a fun twist, try vegan salted caramel or fruit butters to surprise your taste buds. Experiment and find your favorite combination!
Is it possible to make these donuts gluten-free?
Very! To make gluten-free Vegan Jelly Donuts, substitute all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend. Look for one that contains xanthan gum to help achieve that delightful, fluffy texture. Keep in mind that you may need to adjust liquid quantities, adding a little more water if needed.
What should I do if my donuts don’t rise properly?
If your donut dough doesn’t rise, don’t worry, it happens even to the best! First, check that your yeast was fresh. If it didn’t foam in warm water, try again with new yeast. Also, ensure your dough is kept in a warm, draft-free area while rising. If it’s still not rising, it might be too cold; placing it in a slightly warmed oven for a short time can help encourage that rise!
Vegan Jelly Donuts That Will Brighten Your Day
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Activate the Yeast: In a medium bowl, combine active dry yeast, a pinch of sugar, and warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until bubbly and frothy.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and remaining sugar.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the activated yeast mixture and canola oil into the dry ingredients. Mix gently to form a loose, sticky dough.
- Knead the Dough: On a floured surface, knead the dough until smooth and non-sticky.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for approximately 2 hours until doubled in size.
- Prepare for Shaping: Punch down the risen dough, roll it out, cut into circles and let rise again for another 30-45 minutes.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep frying pan, heat oil to 350°F.
- Fry the Donuts: Carefully place the donuts in the hot oil, frying for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove donuts and let them drain on paper towels.
- Fill the Donuts: Fill each donut with your desired jelly or custard.
- Add Finishing Touch: Dust the filled donuts with powdered sugar before serving.
