Growing up as a kid in New England, I had a soft spot for Dunkin Donuts’ strawberry frosted donuts. Since they are not vegan, I can no longer eat them. But when I started experimenting with making frostings out of fruit-based syrups, I knew making something similar would be possible.

These donuts are quite cake-like, almost with a spongy texture. I still like them though. The frosting, however is wonderful. My mom said it is even better than the one at Dunkin Donuts. It is a bit different, however. But still quite good.

Recipe:

Makes 6 donuts in a single donut pan

Ingredients:

For the donuts:

• 3/4 cup unbleached all purpose flour
• 1/4 cup organic evaporated cane juice
• 1 tsp baking powder
• generous dash of ground nutmeg
• 1/3 cup plus 1 tbsp almond milk
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp applesauce
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

For the strawberry syrup:

• 1/2 cup strawberries
• juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1/2 cup organic evaporated cane juice

For the frosting:

• 1 tbsp Earth Balance margarine stick
• 1 tbsp organic non-hydrogenated vegetable shortening
• 1 cup organic powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup strawberry syrup

Directions:

For the donuts:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In a mixing bowl, stir the flour, evaporated cane juice, baking powder, and nutmeg.
3. In a separate small bowl or measuring cup, mix together the remaining donut ingredients.
4. Pour into the dry ingredients and stir together until combined.
5. Spray the donut pan with oil if your pan is not a non-stick pan.
6. Spoon batter into the donut pan.
7. Cook for 12-15 minutes or longer, until the donuts become slightly gold. Check after 12 minutes and gauge from there.
8. Take out of the oven and let cool 10 minutes.
9. Place onto a cooling rack. You may need to take a butter knife and gently ease them out.

To make the syrup:

1. Combine ingredients in a small saucepan.
2. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon over low heat until thick and hot.
3. Strain into a bowl. Allow to cool.
4. You will have extra leftover after making the frosting which you can use on all sorts of delicious things.

To make the frosting:

1. Cream together the Earth Balance and shortening with an electric handheld or stand mixer.
2. Add in the powdered sugar. It will remain clumpy.
3. Fold in the syrup, it will become soft and fluffy.

To make the donuts (time to make the donuts!!):

1. Spread frosting around the tops of the donuts.
2. Decorate with vegan sprinkles on top, if desired.
3. Eat!!