There’s something utterly delightful about strawberry shortcake—it’s like a little bite of summer happiness. When I discovered the idea of combining this classic dessert with my favorite breakfast treat, donuts, I could hardly contain my excitement! Vegan Strawberry Shortcake Donuts quickly became one of my go-to recipes for entertaining friends, satisfying my sweet tooth, or simply enjoying a cozy Sunday at home.
Let me take you back to the first time I made these dreamy donuts. It was a sunny Saturday morning, and I was feeling rather adventurous. With strawberries in the fridge and a reliable donut recipe I loved, I decided to merge the two. The result? Soft, fluffy donuts that taste like a sweet hug. Topped with fresh strawberries and a light coconut cream, these donuts are nothing short of a celebration on a plate!
What’s in Vegan Strawberry Shortcake Donuts?
Now, let’s dive into the ingredients! Each component not only contributes to the flavor but also makes this dessert an overall delightful experience.
All-Purpose Flour: The base of our donuts! You can use gluten-free flour too if that’s your jam; just make sure to check the packaging for the right measurements.
Sugar: A little sweetness goes a long way! I prefer using organic cane sugar to keep it simple and clean.
Baking Powder: This is our leavening agent. It’s the magic dust that makes these donuts rise to fluffy perfection.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness; it enhances flavors beautifully.
Almond Milk: I love using almond milk, but feel free to substitute it with any plant-based milk you like—oat, soy, or coconut all work great!
Applesauce: It acts as our binder and adds moisture. Plus, it’s a sneaky way to incorporate some fruit into the mix!
Fresh Strawberries: The star of the show! Juicy and ripe strawberries bring freshness and a burst of flavor to the donuts.
Coconut Cream: Whipped coconut cream adds that signature shortcake goodness. You can buy it canned or make your own by chilling a can of coconut milk overnight.
Is Vegan Strawberry Shortcake Donuts Good for You?
Now, onto the health benefits! While it’s certainly a treat, this recipe can be lighter than traditional versions. Here’s the lowdown:
Almond Milk: It’s lower in calories than dairy milk and packed with Vitamin E, which is great for your skin!
Strawberries: Hello, antioxidants! These beautiful berries are not only tasty but also full of vitamins C and K. They’re great for heart health and keeping those pesky free radicals at bay.
Applesauce: It’s a wonderful way to cut down on fat while adding natural sweetness. Plus, it’s a good source of fiber!
The only caveat? Don’t overindulge—while these donuts are vegan, moderation is key, as they still contain sugar.
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delightful donuts (makes about a dozen):
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup organic cane sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup almond milk (or your choice of plant-based milk)
– 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
– 1 cup finely chopped fresh strawberries
– 1 cup coconut cream (for topping)
How to Make Vegan Strawberry Shortcake Donuts?
Creating these little gems is easy peasy! Let’s get started:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan (or use silicone for easy release).
2. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. In another bowl, whisk the almond milk and applesauce together until smooth.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined. Don’t overmix!
5. Gently fold in the chopped strawberries, taking care not to mash them too much.
6. Using a piping bag or a spoon, fill each donut cavity about 2/3 full with the batter.
7. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Once cooled, top with whipped coconut cream and extra strawberries for that gorgeous shortcake finish!
Sweet Tips and Variations to Elevate Your Donuts!
– If you’re feeling crafty, try adding a splash of vanilla extract or almond extract to the batter for an extra layer of flavor.
– To turn this into a more chocolaty delight, you can also add chocolate chips to the mix—because why not?
– Drizzle a little maple syrup or agave on top for added sweetness.
– These donuts are perfect for brunch gatherings! Serve them alongside a fresh fruit platter for a colorful spread.
I can’t wait for you to try these Vegan Strawberry Shortcake Donuts! They’ll surely impress your friends and family, or you might just enjoy them all by yourself (no judgment here!). So, roll up your sleeves, put on some tunes, and let your kitchen be filled with the aroma of sweet strawberries and baked goodness. Happy baking, and remember to share your experiences with me!