Fluffy Tofu Doughnuts

These tofu doughnuts are genuinely the quickest and easiest mini-doughnuts you will ever prepare, offering a delightful and innovative twist on a beloved classic! From the very first bite, you’ll likely find yourself captivated by their unique texture and incredible flavor, making you want to revisit this recipe time and time again. Forget labor-intensive traditional methods; these are effortlessly simple to create and perfectly cater to various dietary preferences.

Our special tofu doughnuts are proudly both vegan and dairy-free, positioning them as an ideal choice for anyone adhering to a plant-based diet or managing sensitivities to dairy. Their remarkable versatility is evident in the myriad ways you can choose to finish them. A light dusting of fine icing sugar provides a delicate, classic sweetness, while rolling them in a fragrant cinnamon sugar mixture infuses each bite with a warm, inviting spice. For those moments when an extra touch of decadence is desired, a simple dip in rich melted chocolate is entirely optional but comes with our highest recommendation for a truly indulgent experience.

tofu donuts on a white plate coated in cinnamon sugar.
Golden brown tofu doughnuts generously coated in aromatic cinnamon sugar, artfully arranged on a pristine white plate, beckoning a taste.

Whether you’re embarking on a journey towards a vegan lifestyle, actively seeking a delicious plant-based dessert, or simply craving an exciting new treat to enjoy on special occasions like Shrove Tuesday, these charming mini doughnuts (affectionately known as tofu donut holes) promise to be the perfect culinary discovery. They present a texture that is distinctly different from a conventional yeasted doughnut; expect them to be a bit more dense and wonderfully chewier, yet every bit as incredibly delicious. With a perfectly crispy exterior and a delightfully chewy middle, these delightful bites are guaranteed to charm and satisfy any crowd, big or small, leaving everyone eager for another!

One of the most compelling aspects of this recipe is its unparalleled speed and simplicity, making it significantly easier to prepare than traditional yeasted doughnuts that demand extensive kneading and lengthy proofing times. The innovative dough for these tofu doughnuts comes together in a matter of mere minutes, requiring no complex steps or frustrating waiting periods. This dramatically reduces preparation time, allowing you to indulge in a fresh batch of utterly delicious, homemade doughnuts without the usual delay. Their sheer simplicity and rapid cooking time make them an ideal choice for a spontaneous treat or a fun, stress-free baking project for even your busiest days.

Why Tofu Works Wonders in Doughnuts: A Culinary Secret

It might initially seem unusual to incorporate tofu, a staple often associated with savory dishes, into sweet doughnuts. However, the secret to the success of these delectable treats lies in the unique characteristics of silken tofu. Silken tofu, renowned for its incredibly smooth, creamy, and delicate consistency, seamlessly blends into the dough, contributing an exceptional moisture content. This moisture is vital, as it’s what gives these doughnuts their distinctive tender, wonderfully chewy interior.

Functionally, silken tofu performs as an excellent binder and emulsifier, skillfully replacing eggs and dairy. This ingenious substitution is precisely why these doughnuts are inherently vegan and dairy-free, without compromising on texture or flavor. Furthermore, tofu possesses a remarkably neutral flavor profile. This allows the other delightful ingredients – such as fragrant vanilla and zesty lemon – to truly flourish and impart their full aroma and taste. The result is a light yet satisfyingly substantial dough that fries to perfection, achieving that highly coveted golden-brown crisp exterior while maintaining a beautifully soft, airy, and utterly enjoyable crumb within. This innovative approach to using tofu not only offers a healthier, plant-based alternative but also introduces an exciting new textural dimension that truly sets these mini doughnuts apart from their more conventional counterparts.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Tofu Doughnuts

Crafting a batch of these exquisite tofu doughnuts requires only a select few, readily accessible ingredients. Each component has been carefully chosen to play a pivotal role in achieving their signature taste and irresistible texture. Below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of what you’ll need, along with tips for optimal results:

ingredients for tofu doughnuts with text labels.
A clear visual guide showcasing the simple yet essential ingredients you’ll need for your homemade tofu doughnuts, making preparation a breeze.
  • Silken Tofu: This is unequivocally the star and cornerstone of our recipe. It is absolutely essential to select silken tofu, as opposed to firm or extra-firm varieties. Its unique smooth, almost custard-like texture is paramount for achieving the desired consistency of the dough. For the best blending and most uniform mixture, ensure your silken tofu is brought to room temperature before you begin the preparation process.
  • Dairy-Free Yoghurt: Any plain, unsweetened plant-based yoghurt will integrate beautifully into this recipe. Its inclusion adds a subtle tanginess and vital additional moisture, which significantly contributes to the doughnuts’ wonderfully soft and tender interior. Excellent options include coconut, almond, or soy yoghurts, all of which lend themselves well to the overall flavor profile.
  • Lemon Juice: The freshly squeezed juice from one medium lemon is not merely a flavor enhancer; it’s a crucial component for both taste and texture. It provides a bright, zesty note that beautifully balances the sweetness, and more importantly, its acidity reacts synergistically with the baking powder, activating it to create the necessary lift and contribute to a more tender crumb.
  • Vanilla Extract: To imbue these mini doughnuts with a truly delightful and comforting aroma, a high-quality vanilla extract is indispensable. It imparts a lovely, warm, and inviting vanilla flavor that harmonizes perfectly with the other ingredients, elevating the overall sensory experience.
  • Sugar: Both caster sugar and granulated sugar are excellent choices for this recipe due to their fine crystals, which dissolve effortlessly into the wet ingredients, ensuring a perfectly smooth dough. Should you desire a deeper, more complex sweetness with hints of caramel, you are welcome to experiment with brown sugar. Powdered sweeteners can also be used, with adjustments made according to your taste preferences.
  • Baking Powder: In this innovative doughnut recipe, baking powder serves as our primary leavening agent, brilliantly replacing traditional yeast. This rapid-acting ingredient reacts promptly with the acidic lemon juice and the moisture from the tofu and yogurt, generating carbon dioxide bubbles. These bubbles are responsible for creating volume and achieving that wonderfully airy yet satisfyingly chewy texture, all without the need for any lengthy rising times.
  • Plain / All-Purpose Flour: This recipe has been meticulously developed and tested exclusively with plain (all-purpose) flour, yielding consistent and excellent results. If your pantry only contains self-raising flour, you can certainly use it, but it is critical to remember to omit the baking powder from the recipe, as self-raising flour already contains a leavening agent. The flour provides the fundamental structure that holds our delicious donut holes together.
  • Optional Coatings (Icing/Powdered Sugar or Cinnamon Sugar): These delightful additions are intended for dusting or generously rolling your cooked tofu balls. Cinnamon sugar offers a wonderful aromatic spice and a slight textural crunch, while icing sugar delivers that classic, delicate sweetness and elegant finish. Don’t hesitate to consider other creative options like a simple chocolate drizzle or a sophisticated sugar glaze to add an extra layer of flair and flavor.

For precise, exact measurements of each ingredient and a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to the cooking process, please make sure to scroll down to the very bottom of this post. There, you will find the complete and detailed recipe card, designed for your convenience.

tofu doughnuts on a dessert plate with one doughnut cut in half.
A close-up shot of a perfectly fried tofu doughnut, elegantly sliced in half to proudly display its soft, enticingly chewy interior, promising a delightful bite.

How to Make Quick and Easy Tofu Doughnuts: A Simple Guide

Preparing these delightful tofu doughnuts is an incredibly straightforward process, demanding minimal effort while promising maximum deliciousness. Follow these clear steps to achieve a perfect batch every time:

Crucial Preparation Steps: Before you even think about mixing, ensure that all your wet ingredients, particularly the silken tofu, have come to a comfortable room temperature. This is a small but important detail that guarantees smoother blending and a more consistent, desirable dough texture. While your dough will come together swiftly, it’s also crucial to get your oil ready for frying. Pour the required amount of oil into your chosen frying pan and begin heating it gently over medium heat; by the time your dough is mixed, the oil will be perfectly primed for frying – a process that takes mere minutes!

bowl with blended tofu and yoghurt.
The silky smooth blend of tofu, yogurt, lemon, vanilla, and sugar, forming the creamy foundation of our delicious doughnuts.

Step 1: Expertly Blend the Wet Ingredients. Begin by combining the silken tofu, dairy-free yoghurt, freshly squeezed lemon juice, fragrant vanilla extract, and sugar into your food blender. Process these ingredients until the mixture achieves a perfectly smooth, velvety consistency, completely free of any lumps. This step is vital for a uniform dough. Once beautifully smooth, transfer this liquid mixture into a spacious mixing bowl, ready for the next stage.

bowl with loose dough for tofu balls.
The soft, slightly loose dough forming after the gentle incorporation of dry ingredients, ready for frying.

Step 2: Carefully Incorporate the Dry Ingredients. To your expertly blended wet mixture in the bowl, introduce the baking powder and stir gently, yet thoroughly, to ensure even distribution throughout. Following this, gradually add the plain flour, making sure to fold the dry ingredients into the wet using a spatula or a whisk. Mix only until the flour is just combined; it is crucial to avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough doughnuts. The resulting dough will naturally be quite soft, loose, and slightly sticky, which is the exact, desired consistency for these delicate treats.

doughnut dough ball being held above the cooing oil.
A perfectly formed dough ball, ready to be gently lowered into the shimmering hot oil, showcasing the precision of the frying process.

Step 3: Precisely Form and Fry the Doughnuts. To counteract the natural stickiness of this soft dough, it’s highly recommended to lightly coat your hands with a small amount of oil. Alternatively, a small cookie dough scoop, also dipped in oil, is an excellent tool for creating perfectly portioned and uniformly shaped doughnut balls. Gently form the dough into small spheres, each approximately 2-3 cm (about 1 inch) in diameter. With utmost care, slowly and deliberately place these dough balls into the preheated hot oil. It’s important to work in batches to prevent overcrowding the pan, which could drastically lower the oil’s temperature and affect cooking quality.

donut holes being taken out of the hot oil with slotted spoon.
Freshly fried tofu doughnut holes, gleaming golden and crisp, being carefully lifted from the hot oil with a slotted spoon.

Step 4: Achieve Golden-Brown Perfection. Continue to fry the tofu doughnuts for approximately 2-3 minutes per side. During this time, gently turn them with a slotted spoon to ensure they achieve a beautiful, even golden brown color across their entire surface. Once they are perfectly cooked and uniformly golden, promptly remove them from the hot oil using your slotted spoon. Transfer them immediately to a plate generously lined with several layers of paper towels. This crucial step allows any excess oil to drain away effectively, ensuring your doughnuts remain delightfully crispy and not greasy.

Helpful Hint: For effortless handling of the wonderfully soft dough, always remember to lightly moisten your hands with oil before rolling each 2-3 cm (approximately 1-inch) dough ball. This simple lubrication prevents the dough from adhering to your hands and helps in forming smooth, uniform shapes. If you prefer a hands-off approach, a small cookie dough scoop, also dipped in a little oil, is an excellent alternative for creating consistently sized donut holes. Crucially, always lower the dough carefully and slowly into the hot oil to avoid any potential splashes and to ensure your safety in the kitchen.

tofu mini doughnuts balls on a plate with paper towel.
A fresh batch of golden, perfectly fried tofu mini doughnuts resting on paper towels, ready to absorb any excess oil before their sweet coating.

Mastering the Deep Fry for Perfect Tofu Doughnuts: Expert Tips

Deep frying can sometimes appear daunting, but with a few essential techniques and a focus on precision, you can achieve perfectly cooked, non-greasy tofu doughnuts every single time. The most critical factor in successful deep frying is consistently maintaining the correct oil temperature. Ideally, you should aim for the oil to be between 170-180°C (340-350°F).

  • Choosing the Right Frying Oil: Always opt for oils that possess a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or rapeseed oil. These oils are formulated to withstand higher temperatures without breaking down, burning, or imparting any undesirable flavors to your delicate doughnuts.
  • Temperature Control is Paramount: Utilizing a reliable kitchen thermometer (specifically designed for deep frying) is highly recommended. It provides real-time, accurate readings, allowing you to make precise adjustments. If the oil is too hot, the doughnuts will rapidly brown on the exterior while remaining raw and uncooked in the center. Conversely, if the oil isn’t sufficiently hot, the dough will absorb an excessive amount of oil, resulting in greasy, heavy, and unappetizing doughnuts. If you don’t own a thermometer, a simple test is to drop a small piece of bread into the oil; if it turns golden brown within approximately 15 seconds, your oil is ready. Remember to adjust the heat as needed between batches to maintain consistency.
  • Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: It is crucial to fry the doughnuts in small batches, typically 5-6 at a time. This prevents a significant drop in the oil’s temperature, which can occur if too many cold dough balls are added at once. Overcrowding often leads to uneven cooking, and more importantly, allows the doughnuts to absorb too much oil, making them greasy.
  • Ensure Even Browning: Use a slotted spoon or a spider skimmer to gently turn the doughnuts frequently as they fry. This ensures uniform cooking and a beautiful, consistent golden-brown color on all sides, indicating thorough cooking.
  • Proper Draining for Crispness: Immediately after removing the fried doughnuts from the hot oil, transfer them to a plate generously lined with several layers of paper towels. The paper towels are essential for absorbing any lingering excess oil, ensuring your doughnuts are delightfully crisp and not soggy. For even better results, consider placing them on a cooling rack positioned over paper towels, which allows for optimal air circulation around each doughnut.

Delicious Variations and Serving Ideas to Inspire Your Creativity

While these incredibly tasty tofu doughnuts are wonderfully delicious on their own, their neutral base makes them a fantastic canvas for culinary creativity. Here are some inspiring ideas to elevate your homemade treats:

  • Exciting Fillings: Take your doughnuts to an entirely new level by incorporating a delightful filling! Once your doughnuts have been fried and allowed to cool slightly, you can artfully fill them with your favorite fruit jam, a decadent chocolate spread, or even a zesty Homemade Lemon Curd (just ensure you use a vegan version to maintain dietary consistency). For precise filling, use a piping bag fitted with a small, plain nozzle to carefully inject the filling into the center of each doughnut. Alternatively, a simpler method is to gently poke a small hole into each doughnut using a skewer, then proceed to pipe in your chosen delicious filling.
  • Irresistible Toppings: The realm of external coatings offers boundless possibilities! As previously suggested, rolling your freshly fried donut balls in a simple yet aromatic cinnamon sugar (much like in my popular Air Fryer Doughnuts recipe) or dusting them with a delicate layer of icing sugar are timeless and incredibly satisfying choices. However, there’s no need to stop there! Unleash your creativity with a luscious sugar glaze, a vibrant vanilla glaze, or even a rich, glossy chocolate glaze. For enhanced texture and eye-catching visual appeal, generously sprinkle them with colorful sprinkles, finely chopped nuts (such as toasted pistachios or almonds), or delicate shredded coconut. For the ultimate indulgence, consider dipping them entirely into a pool of melted chocolate, or artfully drizzling them with a velvety caramel or butterscotch sauce. Pure YUM!
  • Exploring Gluten-Free Tofu Donut Balls: For individuals managing gluten sensitivities, embarking on an experiment with gluten-free flour blends is definitely a promising avenue. While this specific recipe hasn’t been personally tried or extensively tested with alternative flours such as rice flour or other commercial gluten-free blends, the base ingredients are quite adaptable. If you do decide to explore this option, I would be genuinely thrilled to hear about your results and observations in the comments section below, as different flours can indeed yield distinct textural outcomes.
  • Understanding Mochi Donuts: A Key Distinction: It’s important to clarify that while both are delightful, my tofu doughnuts offer a different experience from traditional mochi donut balls. Mochi donuts, a beloved Japanese culinary treat, are characteristically made entirely with glutinous rice flour, which is responsible for their distinctively chewy, bouncy, and somewhat sticky texture. Tofu doughnuts, on the other hand, while wonderfully chewy, are generally less sticky and tend to possess a slightly denser consistency. They provide a satisfying chewiness that is unique to their tofu base, while still being remarkably light. If your craving is specifically for the unique textural experience of mochi doughnuts, I wholeheartedly recommend exploring this excellent Mochi Donuts recipe from the esteemed Spatula Desserts blog!
tofu doughnut being dipped in melted chocolate.
A delectable tofu doughnut being lovingly immersed into a rich, glistening pool of melted chocolate, a truly irresistible sight.

Essential Equipment for Your Tofu Doughnuts Journey

Having the correct tools on hand before you begin will ensure the process of creating these delicious tofu doughnuts is both smooth and thoroughly enjoyable. Here’s a comprehensive list of what you’ll likely need:

  • Food Blender or Immersion Blender: This piece of equipment is absolutely essential for achieving the perfectly smooth, lump-free base when blending the silken tofu with the other wet ingredients. This smooth base is critical for the final texture of your doughnuts. If a dedicated food blender isn’t available, an immersion blender (often called a stick blender) will perform just as effectively, making it a versatile alternative.
  • Heavy-Based Medium or Large Pan: This is a crucial item for successful deep frying. A pan with a heavy base features a thicker bottom, which is superior at distributing and absorbing heat much more evenly than thinner pots or pans. This consistent heat distribution is vital for maintaining a stable oil temperature, preventing hotspots or scorching, and ultimately ensuring your doughnuts cook perfectly and uniformly. As an alternative, a dedicated deep fryer, often equipped with a built-in thermometer, offers excellent and convenient temperature control.
  • Slotted Spoon or Spider Skimmer: This tool is indispensable for safely and efficiently removing the fried tofu balls from the hot oil. Its design allows any excess oil to drain away quickly, which is key to preventing your doughnuts from becoming greasy. A small metal sieve or a sturdy, heat-resistant spoon can also serve this purpose effectively. Always remember to transfer the freshly fried doughnuts onto paper kitchen towels initially, to absorb any remaining superficial oil.
  • Kitchen Thermometer / Deep Frying Thermometer: While not strictly mandatory, possessing a thermometer significantly elevates your deep-frying success rate by enabling you to precisely monitor and control the oil temperature. Maintaining the ideal temperature (around 170-180°C or 340-350°F) is the secret to doughnuts that are thoroughly cooked through, beautifully golden brown, and neither overly oily nor raw in the center. If you do not have a thermometer, a reliable alternative involves dropping a small piece of bread into the hot oil; if it turns perfectly golden-brown within 15 seconds, your oil is ready for frying.
  • Mixing Bowls: You will need at least one good-sized mixing bowl, ideally medium-sized, for combining your blended wet ingredients with the dry flour mixture to form the dough.
  • Whisk or Spatula: These tools are perfect for gently folding the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, ensuring a light and well-incorporated dough.
  • Paper Towels: An ample supply of paper towels is essential for effectively draining excess oil from your freshly fried doughnuts, ensuring they remain wonderfully crisp.
tofu doughnuts on a dessert plate with one doughnut cut in half.
A tantalizing view of golden-brown tofu doughnuts arranged on a dessert plate, with one thoughtfully cut in half to showcase its soft, inviting interior texture.

Storage and Freshness Tips for Your Tofu Doughnuts

To ensure you enjoy these delectable tofu doughnuts at their absolute finest, consider these valuable storage recommendations:

  • Best Eaten Fresh: Like most freshly fried pastries, tofu doughnuts truly shine and are at their peak of flavor and texture when enjoyed on the very same day they are made. Their exterior is crispiest, and the interior is at its softest, chewiest best immediately after they have cooled from the fryer.
  • Short-Term Storage for Leftovers: Should you find yourself with any delicious leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain enjoyable for approximately 1-2 days. It’s worth noting that with the passage of time, the doughnuts will naturally lose some of their initial delightful crispiness and may become a bit denser in texture, though their wonderful flavor will certainly persist.
  • Freezing for Extended Preservation: For those planning ahead or wanting to enjoy these treats at a later date, plain tofu doughnuts (meaning, before any coatings, glazes, or fillings are applied) are perfectly suitable for freezing. To freeze them effectively, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze until they are solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container. They can be safely stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge again, simply thaw them overnight at room temperature. For a revitalized texture, a quick gentle warming in an oven or air fryer for a few minutes after thawing can bring back some of their original appeal.
chocolate dipped tofu doughnut with bite taken out of it.
A tempting close-up of a chocolate-dipped tofu doughnut, revealing a delightful bite taken, showcasing its soft, moist texture beneath the rich coating.

Top Frying Tip for Achieving Perfect Doughnuts Every Time

The undisputed golden rule for creating perfectly cooked, uniformly delicious doughnuts is meticulous oil temperature control. It is absolutely crucial to ensure that your frying oil’s temperature does not exceed 180°C (350°F). Maintaining a consistent, steady medium heat throughout the frying process is paramount. Always introduce the dough balls into the hot oil slowly and with great care, and crucially, avoid overcrowding the pan. This precise approach is your best defense against the common pitfall of doughnuts browning too rapidly on the outside while remaining disappointingly raw in the middle. By following this tip, you are guaranteed to achieve a beautiful golden finish and a thoroughly cooked, wonderfully chewy interior in every single tofu doughnut.

Troubleshooting Common Doughnut Issues: Your Guide to Perfection

Even with the simplest and most forgiving recipes, minor challenges can occasionally arise. Here’s a practical guide to help you troubleshoot common problems you might encounter while making your delightful tofu doughnuts, ensuring every batch is a success:

  • Why are my doughnuts raw in the middle? This is a very common issue that almost always stems from the oil temperature being too high. If the frying oil is excessively hot, the exterior of the doughnut will cook and brown very quickly, forming a protective crust that unfortunately prevents the heat from sufficiently penetrating and cooking the center of the dough. Conversely, if the oil isn’t hot enough, the doughnuts will tend to absorb too much oil, resulting in a greasy and heavy texture instead of a light and airy one. Always strive for a stable oil temperature between 170-180°C (340-350°F) and remember to fry in small, manageable batches to maintain this temperature consistency.
  • My doughnuts are too greasy or soggy: This undesirable outcome can often be attributed to an oil temperature that is too low. When the oil isn’t hot enough, the dough has ample time to soak up oil rather than frying crisply. Another contributing factor can be overcrowding the pan, which causes a significant drop in the oil’s temperature. To prevent this, ensure your oil is at the correct temperature and strictly adhere to frying in small batches. Furthermore, immediately after frying, draining the doughnuts on several layers of paper towels, followed by a transfer to a wire rack, is crucial for allowing excess oil to drip away, ensuring a crisp finish.
  • The dough is too sticky to handle: The dough for these particular tofu doughnuts is intentionally designed to be quite soft and a little loose, which contributes to their unique chewy texture. If you find it excessively sticky and difficult to manage, the simple solution is to lightly oil your hands thoroughly before attempting to form each dough ball. Alternatively, using an oiled cookie scoop can be a fantastic, mess-free method. It’s important to resist the urge to add too much extra flour directly into the dough itself, as this can alter the delicate balance of ingredients and potentially make the final doughnuts tough.
  • My doughnuts are flat or haven’t risen enough: If your doughnuts aren’t achieving the expected volume, the first thing to check is the freshness of your baking powder. Baking powder loses its potency over time, and an old batch won’t provide the necessary lift. You can test its freshness by mixing a spoonful with a little hot water; if it fizzes vigorously, it’s still good. Secondly, ensure that the lemon juice you’re using is fresh, as its acidity plays a crucial role in reacting with the baking powder to generate the carbon dioxide needed for rising.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tofu Doughnuts

I don’t have a food blender. What else can I use instead?

Absolutely no need to worry if you don’t own a food blender! You have several excellent alternatives to achieve that perfectly smooth tofu mixture required for this recipe. An immersion or stick blender is a fantastic substitute, delivering similar results with ease. If neither of those is available, you can still get the job done effectively by finely mashing the silken tofu using a potato masher until it’s lump-free, or by pressing it meticulously through a fine-mesh kitchen sieve with the back of a spoon. A sturdy fork can also work wonders with a bit of patience and effort, and for those with more kitchen gadgets, a food processor is another reliable option for achieving that essential smooth consistency.

Why are my doughnuts raw in the middle?

This particular issue, a common frustration for home cooks, almost invariably points to the oil temperature being incorrect. If your frying oil is too hot, the exterior of the doughnuts will cook and brown at an accelerated rate, forming a protective, crispy crust that unfortunately prevents the heat from adequately penetrating and cooking the interior. The result is a doughnut that looks beautifully golden on the outside but remains uncooked and doughy in the center. Conversely, if the oil is not sufficiently hot, the dough will linger in the oil, absorbing an excessive amount, leading to greasy, heavy, and unappealing doughnuts. The key is to consistently aim for an oil temperature between 170-180°C (340-350°F) and always ensure there is a generous amount of oil in the pan, allowing the doughnuts to float freely and cook evenly without touching the bottom.

How do I make cinnamon sugar?

Crafting your own delicious cinnamon sugar is wonderfully simple and requires just two ingredients! Begin by mixing approximately 100g (which is roughly ½ cup) of white caster sugar with 1 generous tablespoon of ground cinnamon. You are absolutely encouraged to adjust the amount of cinnamon to perfectly suit your personal taste preference – some enjoy a bolder spice, while others prefer a more subtle hint. While caster sugar is ideal for its fine texture, you can certainly use granulated sugar instead. If you desire an even finer texture for your granulated sugar, a quick grind in a pestle and mortar or a few pulses in a food processor will achieve a slightly more powdery consistency, perfect for dusting.

half of mini donut made with tofu being held in hands.
A soft, delectable mini doughnut crafted from tofu, perfectly halved to gracefully showcase its appealing and chewy interior texture, held gently in cupped hands.

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If you decide to try this delightful tofu doughnut recipe, or indeed any other recipe featured on Anna Banana, please take a moment to rate the recipe and/or share your thoughts by leaving a comment. Your invaluable feedback is deeply appreciated – I genuinely love hearing about your cooking experiences, and your insights also significantly help other readers who are considering making the recipe. Thank you for being a part of our culinary community!

📖 Recipe: Easy Vegan Tofu Doughnuts

tofu mini doughnuts balls on a plate with paper towel.

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5 from 23 votes

Tofu Doughnuts

Delicious mini doughnuts, with crisp, golden brown exterior, and soft and chewy middle. These tofu doughnuts are an exceptional treat, originally inspired by Japanese culinary innovations. They are also vegan and dairy free!
Prep Time

15
Cook Time

20
Course:
Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine:
American, British, Dairy Free, Japanese, Vegan
Keyword:
donuts, doughnuts, mini donuts, tofu donuts, tofu doughnuts, vegan donuts, vegan doughnuts
Servings:

20 mini doughnuts
Calories:

75kcal
Author:
Anna Wierzbinska

Equipment

  • â–¢
    Food Blender (optional, see notes for alternatives)
  • â–¢
    Mixing Bowl
  • â–¢
    Medium Heavy-Based Pan
  • â–¢
    Kitchen Thermometer (optional, see notes for alternative)
  • â–¢
    Slotted Spoon

Ingredients

  • â–¢ 180 g silken tofu (room temperature)
  • â–¢ 160 g dairy-free yoghurt
  • â–¢ 1 medium lemon (juice only)
  • â–¢ 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • â–¢ 75 g sugar (caster or granulated)
  • â–¢ 2 tsp baking powder
  • â–¢ 250 g plain flour
  • â–¢ 1 litre vegetable or rapeseed oil (for frying)
  • â–¢ cinnamon sugar or icing sugar (for dusting)
Metric – US Customary
Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

  • 1. For easier blending, cut the silken tofu into small cubes. Place these cubes into your food blender, along with the dairy-free yoghurt, fresh lemon juice, vanilla extract, and sugar. Blend until the mixture becomes completely smooth and free of any lumps. Once perfectly blended, transfer this creamy mixture into a medium-sized mixing bowl, ready for the next stage.
    180 g silken tofu, 160 g dairy-free yoghurt, 1 medium lemon (juice only), 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, 75 g sugar
  • 2. To the blended mixture in your bowl, add the baking powder and stir gently but thoroughly to ensure it is evenly distributed. Next, gradually add the 250g of plain flour. Use a whisk or a spatula to gently fold the flour into the wet ingredients until they are just combined. It is important to avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough doughnuts. The resulting dough will naturally be soft, somewhat loose, and slightly sticky – this is the correct consistency for these delicious treats.
    2 teaspoon baking powder, 250 g plain flour
  • 3. Prepare for frying: Pour approximately 2 tablespoons of vegetable or rapeseed oil into a small separate bowl and set it aside; this oil will be used to lightly coat your hands or scoop. Heat the remaining 1 litre of oil in a heavy-based pan over medium heat until it reaches an optimal temperature of 170-180°C (340-350°F). Lightly wet your hands with the reserved oil, then proceed to roll small dough balls, each about 2-3 cm (approximately 1 inch) in size. Carefully and slowly place these dough balls into the hot oil, exercising extreme caution when working with hot oil to ensure your safety.
    1 litre vegetable or rapeseed oil
  • 4. Fry the tofu doughnuts in small batches of 5 or 6, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking and browning. Continue frying for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they achieve a beautiful, consistent golden brown color all over. Once cooked to perfection, use a slotted spoon to carefully lift them from the oil and transfer them immediately to a plate generously lined with kitchen paper to absorb any excess oil, ensuring they remain delightfully crisp.
  • 5. Allow the freshly fried doughnuts to cool for a few minutes until they are comfortable enough to handle. At this point, you can generously roll them in cinnamon sugar for a warm, spiced coating, or opt for a delicate dusting of icing sugar. For an extra special touch, serve them alongside a small bowl of melted chocolate for dipping. These doughnuts are undeniably best enjoyed on the day they are cooked to experience their optimal texture and flavor.
    cinnamon sugar or icing sugar

Please note that all my recipes are meticulously developed and tested using metric grams for precision. I highly recommend using digital scales for the most accurate results in your baking. While I have included a conversion to US customary units within the recipe card, please be aware that I haven’t personally tested the recipe using this method, so the outcomes may vary slightly. Metric measurements offer a higher degree of consistency for baking.

Video

A video showcasing the step-by-step preparation of these delicious tofu doughnuts would go here, providing visual guidance for every stage of the recipe.

Notes

  • No Food Blender? Alternative Methods: If you find yourself without a food blender, don’t despair! An immersion or stick blender is an excellent, effective substitute. Additionally, you can achieve a smooth tofu consistency by finely mashing the silken tofu using a potato masher, or by carefully pushing it through a fine-mesh kitchen sieve. A sturdy fork can also work with enough effort, and a food processor is another reliable tool for this task.
  • Kitchen Thermometer Not Available? Try This Test: Should you not possess a deep frying, meat, or general kitchen thermometer, there’s a reliable way to gauge your oil temperature. Simply add a small piece of bread into the heated oil. If this piece of bread turns a beautiful golden brown within approximately 15 seconds, your oil is perfectly heated and ready for frying your doughnuts.

Storage and Freezing Guidelines:

Tofu doughnuts are truly at their peak when savored fresh, ideally on the very same day they are expertly prepared. Any leftover doughnuts should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will retain their quality for approximately 1-2 days. Please note that their texture may become slightly denser over time.

For longer-term preservation, plain tofu doughnuts (without any added coatings, glazes, or fillings) can be safely frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them overnight at room temperature to bring them back to an enjoyable state.

Nutrition

Serving: 30g | Calories: 75kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 0.5mg | Sodium: 47mg | Potassium: 38mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 6IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 1mg

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