These vegan jam doughnuts are soft, fluffy, and indulgent treats that surpass store-bought versions. Made with an eggless and dairy-free enriched yeast dough, they are deep-fried to achieve a light texture and classic flavor. Fill them with traditional raspberry jam or experiment with your favorite fillings. 

FULL RECIPE

Ingredients

• 2¼ cups (290g) white bread flour
• ¼ cup (50g) caster sugar, plus extra for rolling
• 2¼ tsp (7g) instant yeast
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup (180ml) unsweetened soy milk
• 2 tbsp (30g) vegan butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Oil for frying (vegetable, sunflower, or groundnut)
• Raspberry jam or filling of choice

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix together the bread flour, caster sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Add the soy milk, melted vegan butter, and vanilla extract. Stir to form a soft, sticky dough.
   
2. Knead: Transfer the dough to an unfloured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and supple. The dough should remain slightly sticky but manageable.
   
3. First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 1½ to 2 hours. Alternatively, refrigerate overnight for a slower rise.
   
4. Shape Doughnuts: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball by gathering the edges and pinching them together, then rolling it smooth. Flatten each ball into a disc about 1½ – 2cm thick.
   
5. Second Rise: Place the dough discs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely and let them rise until puffy, about 45 minutes. They are ready when the dough springs back slowly when gently pressed.
   
6. Heat Oil: Heat oil in a deep fat fryer or heavy-bottomed saucepan to 170°C (340°F). Ensure there’s enough oil for the doughnuts to float without touching the bottom, but do not fill the pan more than two-thirds full.
   
7. Fry Doughnuts: Carefully slide the risen doughnuts into the hot oil, cooking two at a time. Fry for 2½ minutes on one side, then flip and fry for another 2½ minutes until deep golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
   
8. Coat with Sugar: While still warm, roll each doughnut in caster sugar until evenly coated.
   
9. Fill with Jam: Using a skewer or small knife, make a hole in the side of each doughnut. Fill a piping bag fitted with a round nozzle with raspberry jam or your chosen filling. Insert the nozzle into the hole and pipe in the filling until the doughnut feels full.
   
10. Serve: Enjoy the doughnuts fresh for the best taste and texture.
    

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: Approximately 300 kcal
• Total Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 200mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 38g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 10g
• Protein: 5g

The History of Jam Doughnuts

Jam-filled doughnuts have a long and rich history, with variations found in many cultures. In the UK, they are a popular treat from bakeries and supermarkets, often enjoyed with a cup of tea. In Germany, similar doughnuts called “Berliner” are filled with jam or custard and are a staple of celebrations like New Year’s Eve. In Poland, “Pączki” are deep-fried pastries traditionally enjoyed on Fat Thursday before Lent.

The Appeal of Vegan Jam Doughnuts

Vegan jam doughnuts are an absolute treat that can rival any traditional doughnut. Made without eggs or dairy, these deep-fried delights have a soft and fluffy interior with a crisp golden-brown exterior. The jam filling adds a burst of sweetness, making them irresistible to anyone who loves classic comfort food. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just exploring plant-based baking, these doughnuts prove that you don’t need animal products to create delicious, indulgent pastries.

The Magic Behind the Dough

The key to achieving the perfect texture in a vegan doughnut lies in the dough itself. The dough for vegan jam doughnuts is enriched with plant-based milk and vegan butter, ensuring that it remains soft, pliable, and full of flavor. The yeast works its magic by allowing the dough to rise, creating air pockets that give the doughnuts their signature light and airy texture. Using bread flour instead of all-purpose flour contributes to a chewier bite, while a bit of sugar enhances the overall sweetness.

The Deep-Frying Technique

While baked doughnuts have gained popularity as a healthier alternative, deep-frying remains the preferred method for achieving the classic doughnut texture. Frying creates a golden, crispy outer layer while preserving the soft interior. The key to perfect frying is maintaining the right oil temperature, too hot, and the doughnuts will burn on the outside while remaining raw inside; too cool, and they’ll absorb excess oil and become greasy. To ensure consistent frying, it’s best to use a thermometer to keep the oil at around 170°C (340°F).

Choosing the Right Jam Filling

A classic jam doughnut wouldn’t be complete without a delicious filling. Raspberry jam is the most traditional choice, but there’s plenty of room for creativity. Strawberry, blackberry, apricot, or even spiced apple jam can offer unique variations of this beloved treat. It’s important to choose a jam that’s not too runny, as it needs to hold its shape inside the doughnut without seeping out too much. For a smoother filling, some people prefer to strain their jam before using it, ensuring that it pipes easily into the doughnuts.

Storage and Freshness Tips

One of the best things about homemade doughnuts is enjoying them fresh while they’re still warm. However, if you need to store them, here are some tips to keep them tasting great:

• Short-Term Storage: Keep the doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours. Avoid refrigerating them, as this can dry them out.
• Freezing: Doughnuts can be frozen for up to a month. To freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to eat, warm them up in an oven at 160°C (320°F) for a few minutes.
• Reheating: If your doughnuts have gone slightly stale, a quick 5-10 second microwave zap or a few minutes in a warm oven can help restore some of their original texture.

Conclusion

Vegan jam doughnuts prove that indulgence and plant-based eating can go hand in hand. These soft, fluffy, and flavorful treats offer the same delicious experience as traditional doughnuts but without the use of eggs or dairy. With the right techniques, ingredients, and a bit of patience, anyone can master the art of making these delightful pastries at home. Whether you stick with the classic raspberry jam filling or experiment with new flavors, one thing is certain homemade vegan jam doughnuts are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.