The Ultimate Guide to Making Vegan S’mores Donuts for Beginners

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There is something magical about the combination of chocolate, marshmallow, and a crunchy graham cracker base. For many, s’mores evoke childhood memories of campfires and summer nights. Now, imagine bringing that nostalgic flavor into a homemade donut—soft, airy, and filled with fluffy marshmallow. This Vegan S’mores Donut recipe is the perfect treat to make at home, even for those new to baking.

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Unlike traditional donuts, these are completely plant-based, making them an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore vegan baking. They are filled with a luscious marshmallow fluff made from aquafaba, dipped in a smooth chocolate ganache, and topped with crunchy graham cracker crumbs. This recipe is designed to be beginner-friendly, with clear steps and practical tips to ensure success.

If you have ever been intimidated by making donuts from scratch, this guide will walk you through the process in a simple and structured way. You do not need advanced baking skills—just patience and a willingness to experiment.

Why This Recipe is Great for Beginners

• Easy-to-Follow Instructions – Each step is clearly outlined, making it accessible for new bakers.
• Simple Ingredients – No need for complicated or hard-to-find items.
• Time-Efficient Process – While the dough requires some resting time, the actual hands-on preparation is straightforward.
• Healthier Alternative – Since these donuts are vegan, they are free from dairy and eggs, making them suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

Ingredients and Preparation

For the Vegan Donuts

• ½ cup non-dairy milk (such as almond or oat)
• ¼ cup water
• 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
• 3 to 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup cane sugar
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 tablespoons vegan butter
• Vegetable oil (or shortening, for frying)

For the Vegan Chocolate Ganache

• 3 oz chopped chocolate or chocolate chips (½ cup, 85 grams)
• 3 oz coconut cream (⅓ cup, 85 grams)

For the Vegan Marshmallow Fluff

• 240 ml chickpea brine (from canned chickpeas)
• ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping

• Vegan graham cracker crumbs
• Cooked and crumbled beef or chicken bacon (as an alternative to pork bacon)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Making the Donut Dough

1. Warm the liquid ingredients – Heat the non-dairy milk and water to about 90°F (lukewarm). Be careful not to overheat, as this can kill the yeast.
2. Mix the ingredients – In a large bowl, combine the yeast, sugar, vegan butter, 3 cups of flour, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir with a spatula until the dough starts to come together.
3. Knead the dough – If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook attachment for 6–8 minutes. If kneading by hand, work the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add the remaining ¼ cup of flour gradually.
4. First rise – Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise at room temperature for 60–90 minutes until doubled in size.

2. Shaping and Preparing the Donuts

1. Roll out the dough – Lightly flour a work surface and roll the dough to about ¾-inch thickness.
2. Cut the donuts – Use a 3-inch round cookie cutter to cut out donut shapes. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Second rise – Cover the donuts with a towel and let them rise for 45–60 minutes until they double in size.

3. Frying the Donuts

1. Heat the oil – In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat 3 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F.
2. Fry in batches – Carefully add the donuts to the oil and fry for 60–90 seconds per side, until golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
3. Drain and cool – Transfer the fried donuts to a wire rack lined with paper towels and allow them to cool completely before filling.

Making the Fillings and Toppings

1. Vegan Chocolate Ganache

1. Melt the chocolate – Place chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
2. Heat the coconut cream – Bring it just to a boil, then pour it over the chocolate. Let it sit for 1 minute.
3. Stir until smooth – Mix until the chocolate is fully melted. If needed, microwave for a few seconds to remove any lumps.

2. Vegan Marshmallow Fluff

1. Reduce the chickpea brine – Simmer the chickpea liquid over medium heat for 10 minutes to concentrate it. Let it cool completely.
2. Whip the aquafaba – Using a stand mixer, beat the aquafaba on medium speed until foamy. Add cream of tartar and continue beating.
3. Add sugar and vanilla – Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, then beat on high for 5 minutes, until stiff peaks form.
4. Transfer to a piping bag for easy filling.

Assembling the Donuts

1. Fill the donuts – Using a piping bag, inject marshmallow fluff into the center of each donut. Alternatively, slice the donuts in half and spread the filling inside.
2. Dip in chocolate – Dunk the tops of the donuts in the chocolate ganache.
3. Add toppings – Sprinkle with vegan graham cracker crumbs and cooked beef or chicken bacon crumbles while the chocolate is still soft.

Beginner Tips and Notes

• Overnight dough option – Let the dough rise overnight in the fridge before shaping. This makes the dough easier to handle and results in fluffier donuts.
• Prevent deflation – Avoid pressing too hard when handling the dough to maintain the air bubbles inside.
• Temperature control – Keep the frying oil at 350°F to ensure even cooking. Too hot, and the donuts will brown too quickly; too cold, and they will absorb too much oil.
• Storage – Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, the marshmallow fluff may start to melt over time, so these are best enjoyed fresh.

Serving Suggestions

These donuts pair wonderfully with:

• A warm cup of coffee or dairy-free hot chocolate
• A drizzle of extra chocolate ganache for added richness
• A scoop of vanilla or coconut-based vegan ice cream

For a fun variation, try adding:

• Chopped nuts for extra crunch
• A sprinkle of cinnamon for warmth
• A drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet touch

Conclusion

Making Vegan S’mores Donuts from scratch may sound challenging, but with this step-by-step guide, even a beginner can create bakery-quality treats. The combination of fluffy dough, creamy marshmallow filling, rich chocolate, and crunchy toppings creates an indulgent experience that is well worth the effort.

If you try this recipe, share your thoughts and experiences in the comments. Happy baking!