As a kid I loved a good raised sugar donut. That soft yeasty deliciousness was my absolute favorite treat- I was loyal, no other type would do. Throughout my childhood, I can recall many a messy car ride with that particular donut in hand, the sugar finding its way into my hair and coating my face as I attempted to eat while my Mama drove. Sweet memories like that are sometimes all it takes to push me into the kitchen.

I usually make beignets but this past weekend I decided to delve into whipping up a more traditional donut. Well, “traditional” may not be the right word for these- they are vegan after all…and tiny and baked instead of deep fried but you know what else they are? Fucking delicious. 

petite donut pan

1 cup all purpose flour

1/2 cup sugar

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1 tiny pinch cinnamon

1/2 cup soy milk

1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

egg substitue for 1 egg

4 TBSP Earth Balance margarine

1. Preheat oven to 350.

2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, nutmeg & cinnamon. Mix thoroughly.

3. Combine the soy milk, apple cider vinegar, vanilla extract, egg substitute & margarine in a small saucepan over medium low heat and mix until the margarine is melted. Dont get the mixture too hot- just slightly warm (you should be able to stick your finger in it without burning yourself).

4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. This should form a very soft dough.

5. Using a tablespoon measure, scoop out the dough into the ungreased mini donut pan. Smooth out the top of the donuts with your fingers making sure to clear off the post in the middle of each one. 

6. Bake for 12 minutes or until the donuts are almost browned on top & a toothpick comes out clean. Invert pan over a cutting board or cooling rack to release the donuts. Allow to cool completely before decorating (unless you want sugar or powdered sugar donuts, and in that case roll them in the sugar while they’re still warm from the oven).

7. For chocolate dipped doughnuts: melt 1 bar of your favorite chocolate in the microwave, stirring often while heating (every 15 seconds or so) until its super smooth. Dip the bottom half of the donut (the side with the nicer shape) into the glaze, let some drip off and then place the donut on a wire rack to allow the chocolate to set.

(makes 20 tiny donuts)

-Vegan Yum Yum by Lauren Ulm