Apple Donuts (Vegan)

Apple Doughnuts (Vegan) - A Sweet and Aromatic Delight

Who could resist warm, fluffy, and fragrant apple doughnuts? This recipe is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a nostalgic reminder of childhood memories when doughnuts were a regular delight in households. Whether you're preparing them for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, these vegan apple doughnuts are absolutely irresistible!

Get ready to discover the necessary steps to create these mini masterpieces, and at the end, don't forget to enjoy them with a cup of warm tea or a glass of plant-based milk.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 50-60 minutes
Baking time: 20-30 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12 doughnuts

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 300 g whole wheat flour
- ½ cube of fresh yeast (about 20 g)
- 200 ml lukewarm water (not hot, about 37°C)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon rum essence
- A pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 3 large apples (preferably tart)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (you can adjust according to the sweetness of the apples)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, place the whole wheat flour. Add the sugar, salt, and rum essence. Mix the dry ingredients well to combine them evenly.

2. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in lukewarm water. Wait a few minutes until the yeast starts to form bubbles on the surface, indicating that it is active. This will help the dough rise.

3. Forming the dough: Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the dissolved yeast. Gradually add water and mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until you obtain a smooth and elastic dough. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.

4. Rising: Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for 50-60 minutes. The dough should double in volume.

5. Preparing the apple filling: Meanwhile, peel the apples and grate them. Place them in a saucepan and add the sugar and cinnamon. Sauté over low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly, until the apples become slightly soft. Turn off the heat and let them cool.

6. Forming the doughnuts: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface to about 1 cm thick. Cut out round shapes (or other desired shapes) using a glass or cutter.

7. Filling: On each dough shape, place a spoonful of the cooled apple filling. Then, cover with another dough shape, gently pressing the edges to seal the doughnuts. Make sure there is no filling on the edges; otherwise, they will open while baking.

8. Baking: Place the doughnuts on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them. Preheat the oven to 180°C (moderate heat) and let the doughnuts rise for another 10-15 minutes before putting them in the oven. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until they become golden and fluffy.

9. Finishing: Once baked, remove the doughnuts from the oven and let them cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar on top for a sweet and aromatic finish.

Serving Suggestions

Warm apple doughnuts are delicious on their own, but they can also be accompanied by a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. A cup of fruit tea or an almond latte would perfectly complement this culinary experience.

Tips and Variations

- Filling variations: Instead of apples, you can use pears or a mix of berries. Additionally, adding chopped nuts or raisins can provide an interesting texture.
- Stuffed doughnuts: You can turn these doughnuts into stuffed ones by making a well in the center of each dough shape and filling them with jam or vegan chocolate.
- Glazed doughnuts: For an extra flavor boost, you can prepare a glaze from powdered sugar and water or lemon juice to pour over the doughnuts after baking.

Nutritional Benefits

These doughnuts are an excellent choice for a vegan dessert, being low in fat and high in fiber due to the use of whole wheat flour. Apples add essential vitamins and antioxidants, benefiting digestive health and immunity.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use white flour instead of whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can use white flour, but the doughnuts will have a different texture and taste. Whole wheat flour provides a deeper flavor and superior nutritional value.

2. How can I make the doughnuts fluffier?
Ensure that the yeast is fresh and active, and that the dough has enough time to rise. Also, do not add too much flour during kneading.

3. Can I freeze the doughnuts?
Yes, the doughnuts can be frozen. Make sure to let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. When you want to consume them, take them out of the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature.

I hope this recipe inspires you to try making delicious apple doughnuts and enjoy every bite! Enjoy your meal!