Healthy Donuts: Easy Recipe, Benefits, History, and National Donut Day

Introduction

Many people adore donuts as a treat, but traditional recipes are sometimes high in calories, harmful fats, and sugar. Thankfully, creating nutritious donuts at home is easy and rewarding. This article will walk you through the process of making wholesome and tasty donuts, as well as discuss the history of donuts, their health advantages, and how to celebrate National Donut Day.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Healthy Donuts

Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1/4 cup coconut sugar or sweetener of choice
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/2 cup almond milk or other plant-based milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted

Instructions:

 

1. Get the oven ready:

Set the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan very lightly with nonstick spray or coconut oil.

2. Combine the dry ingredients:

Mix the whole wheat flour, almond flour, coconut sugar, baking soda, baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt in a big basin. Blend thoroughly.

3. Blend the Moist Ingredients:

Mix the applesauce, almond milk, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil thoroughly in a separate bowl.

4. Blend the Dry and Wet Ingredients:

Mixing until just mixed, pour the wet components into the dry ingredients. The batter should be somewhat thick; do not overmix. 

5. Pour Filling Into Donut Pan:

Pour the batter into each donut mold, filling it to approximately 3/4 of the way. For easy filling, you can use a ziplock bag with the corner cut off or a piping bag.

6. Prepare the doughnuts:

A toothpick inserted into the donuts should come out clean after baking for 10 to 12 minutes in a preheated oven. The donuts ought to have a hint of golden brown hue.

7. Chill the doughnuts:

After letting the donuts rest in the pan for approximately five minutes, move them to a wire rack to finish cooling.

8. Glaze Optional:

Blend 1-2 tablespoons of almond milk with 1/4 cup powdered sugar until a smooth glaze is achieved. After cooling, dip the donuts in the glaze and place them on the wire rack to set.

Health Benefits of Healthy Donuts

Rich in Nutrients Ingredients:

Increasing the fiber and protein content with whole wheat and almond flour facilitates digestion and encourages fullness.

Organic Sweeteners:

Because they have a lower glycemic index than processed sweets, coconut sugar, honey, or maple syrup can help control blood sugar levels.

Good Fats:

Avocado, olive, and coconut oils are good sources of fats that promote heart health and general well-being.

Reduced Calorie Level:

Donuts made by baking contain less fat and calories than those made by frying, making them a healthier option. 

The History of Donuts

An extensive history of donuts may be traced back to the early Dutch settlers in North America, who carried the recipe for oily cakes known as "olykoeks" with them. The initial iterations consisted of basic dough balls deep-fried in oil. The recipe changed over time, and by the 19th century, Americans were enjoying donuts with a hole in the middle.

Many people credit American ship captain Hanson Gregory with creating the donut hole in the middle of the 1800s. He said he punched holes in the dough with a tin pepper box so the donuts would cook more uniformly.

National Donut Day

On the first Friday in June each year, people celebrate National Donut Day. The Salvation Army created the day in 1938 in remembrance of the "Donut Lassies," ladies who fed doughnuts to soldiers in World War I. These women gave the soldiers fighting on the front lines a tiny taste of home and comfort.

Today is National Donut Day, a day to celebrate and savor doughnuts, frequently with exclusive offers and incentives at doughnut shops around the nation. It's also a chance to recall the sweet treat's philanthropic beginnings and historical significance.

Conclusion

Baking nutritious donuts at home is a fun way to enjoy a favorite dessert without sacrificing nutrition. You can make tasty donuts that help you achieve your health and fitness goals by baking them instead of frying them and utilizing healthy ingredients. On National Donut Day in particular, as you enjoy these healthful donuts, consider their lengthy history and the happiness they provide to so many people. Savor your freshly cooked doughnuts and commemorate life's sweet moments in a healthy way!