Irresistible Plant-Based Doughnuts

Irresistible Plant-Based Doughnuts

Yield: 12

These plant-based doughnuts are soft, airy, and bursting with flavour. A simple, vegan-friendly recipe that’s easy to make at home and guaranteed to impress family and friends.

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Ingredients

Wets

• 240ml (1 cup) soy milk
• 110g (0.5 cup) non-dairy butter
• 4 tbsp egg replacement
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Dry

• 240g (2 cups) plain (all purpose) flour
• 200g (1 cup) unrefined caster (granulated) sugar
• 2.5 tsp baking powder
• 0.25 tsp fine sea salt
• 0.25 tsp ground cinnamon
• 0.25 tsp grated nutmeg

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180C (350 F). Grease 2 doughnut trays lightly with vegetable oil.
2. Heat all of the wet ingredients in a small saucepan over a low heat until everything has melted and mixed together. Remove from the heat.
3. Mix all the dry ingredients together in a large mixing bowl. Make a well in the middle and pour in the wet mixture. Stir well until you have a thick batter.
4. Ladle batter into each doughnut ring. The neater you are, the more perfect your doughnuts will look, so clean off any drips.
5. Place the rays into the oven on the middle shelf to bake for 14 minutes or until lightly golden..
6. Remove the doughnuts from the oven and allow to slightly cool for 5 minutes before turning them out of the tray. Apply any of your preferred toppings or alternatively just sprinkle with coconut sugar to serve.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 29Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 174mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 0gSugar: 1gProtein: 1g

When it comes to sweet treats, few things are as universally loved as the doughnut. Whether you spell it doughnut or donut, this fried (or baked) delight has become a global favourite, appearing in bakeries, coffee shops, and even pop culture. But have you ever wondered where doughnuts come from, why there are two spellings, or why Homer Simpson can’t get enough of them? Let’s dive into the delicious history and fun facts of doughnuts.

Spelling: Doughnut vs. Donut

The word doughnut is the original spelling, dating back to the early 1800s. It literally refers to “nuts of dough” — small pieces of fried dough that resembled little balls or knots. The shorter spelling, donut, rose to popularity in the United States during the 20th century, largely thanks to marketing by companies like Dunkin’ Donuts. Today, both spellings are used interchangeably, though doughnut is more traditional, while donut feels more modern and Americanised.

The Origin of Doughnuts

Historians believe doughnuts trace their origins back to Dutch settlers in early America. The Dutch made a fried pastry called olykoek, or “oil cake,” which closely resembled the modern doughnut. These were balls of sweetened dough fried in fat, often with fruit or nuts inside.

But why the hole in the middle? Legend credits Hanson Gregory, an American sailor from the 1800s, with inventing the ring-shaped doughnut. Tired of eating raw, undercooked centers in fried dough, he supposedly punched a hole in the middle to ensure even cooking. Today, that iconic ring shape is instantly recognisable worldwide.

Fun Facts About Doughnuts

• National Doughnut Day is celebrated in the U.S. on the first Friday of June. It was started in 1938 by the Salvation Army to honor the women, known as “Doughnut Lassies,” who served doughnuts to soldiers during World War I.

• The largest doughnut ever made weighed over 1.7 tons and measured more than 16 feet in diameter.

• In Canada, doughnuts are a national obsession. Tim Hortons, the famous coffee and doughnut chain, sells millions every year.

• In Japan, doughnuts are often lighter and come in unique flavors like matcha or sweet potato.

Doughnuts in Pop Culture

No discussion about doughnuts is complete without mentioning The Simpsons. Homer Simpson, the lovable cartoon dad, is famously obsessed with them. His catchphrase “Mmm… doughnuts” has become iconic, turning the pastry into a symbol of comfort food and indulgence. Pink-frosted doughnuts with sprinkles are especially tied to the show’s imagery and are now recognised worldwide as “Homer’s doughnut.”

Doughnuts have also appeared in countless films, TV shows, and even music videos. They’ve become more than just a snack — they’re a cultural icon.

The Modern Doughnut

Today, doughnuts come in endless varieties. From classic glazed rings to artisanal creations filled with custard, topped with bacon, or infused with matcha, there’s a doughnut for everyone. Health-conscious bakers have also reimagined doughnuts by baking them instead of frying and using plant-based ingredients — making them more inclusive and guilt-free.

Closing Thought

Whether you spell it doughnut or donut, this timeless treat continues to evolve and delight. From Dutch oil cakes to Homer Simpson’s snack of choice, the doughnut has secured its place in both culinary history and pop culture. And with recipes like this plant-based version, everyone can enjoy their sweet, fluffy goodness.