How to Make a Delicious Snack Without Eggs and Milk

Sometimes, we crave a quick snack that’s both delicious and simple to make. Whether you’re avoiding eggs and milk for dietary reasons or you’ve simply run out of them, this easy snack recipe is the perfect solution. With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a batch of soft and tasty doughnuts in no time. These doughnuts are perfect for pairing with a cup of coffee or tea, and they come together without the need for any dairy or eggs.

In this article, we’ll guide you step by step through the process of making these dairy-free and egg-free doughnuts. We’ll also share helpful tips to ensure they come out perfectly every time, and answer common questions you might have about the recipe.

Ingredients for Egg-Free and Milk-Free Doughnuts

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need for this quick and easy snack recipe:

4 cups all-purpose flour (500 g): This forms the base of your dough, giving the doughnuts structure and texture.
1 ½ cups warm water (350 ml): The warm water helps activate the yeast and forms a soft, pliable dough.
1 teaspoon salt: Adds flavor to the dough and balances out the sweetness.

1 tablespoon oil: Helps keep the dough moist and soft.
1 teaspoon sugar: Feeds the yeast, helping the dough to rise properly.
1 tablespoon instant dry yeast: The yeast is essential for making the doughnuts fluffy and light.

Oil for frying: You’ll need enough oil to deep fry the doughnuts, ensuring they turn golden and crispy on the outside.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Egg-Free and Milk-Free Doughnuts

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture

Activate the yeast: Begin by placing the warm water in a large bowl. Add the instant dry yeast and sugar to the water and stir well. Allow this mixture to sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active.

Tip: Make sure the water is warm, not hot, as hot water can kill the yeast. The ideal temperature for yeast activation is between 105-115°F (40-46°C).

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Incorporate the oil and flour: After the yeast has activated, add the tablespoon of oil to the mixture. Gradually start adding the flour, one cup at a time, while stirring. Continue to mix until you form a soft, elastic dough that doesn’t stick to your hands. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour.

Add salt: Once the dough has come together, add the salt and knead it into the dough to ensure the flavor is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Rest the Dough

Coat with oil: Lightly coat the surface of the dough with a little oil. This prevents the dough from drying out as it rests.
Cover and let rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or place the dough in a plastic bag. Let it rest in a warm spot for about 15 minutes.

Step 4: Knead and Rest Again

Knead again: After the dough has rested for 15 minutes, knead it again for a few minutes. This helps develop the gluten in the dough, giving it a soft and chewy texture.
Second rise: Let the dough rest again for another 30 minutes, covered. This will allow the dough to rise further, making the doughnuts light and airy.

Step 5: Shape and Fry the Doughnuts

Step 6: Shape the Dough

Portion the dough: After the dough has rested and risen, lightly coat your hands with oil to prevent the dough from sticking. Divide the dough into 7 equal portions, shaping each one into a ball.
Flatten slightly: Gently flatten each dough ball with your hands, creating small discs. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to make a small hole in the center of each disc. This hole will help the dough cook evenly when fried.

Step 7: Fry the Doughnuts

Heat the oil: In a deep pan or pot, heat enough oil to submerge the doughnuts. The oil should reach a temperature of about 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying.
Fry the doughnuts: Carefully place the shaped doughnuts into the hot oil. Fry them until golden brown on one side, which should take about 2-3 minutes, then flip them over and fry the other side until it is also golden brown.

Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking. Fry the doughnuts in batches if necessary.

Drain the excess oil: Once the doughnuts are golden brown on both sides, remove them from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Serving Suggestions

These egg-free and milk-free doughnuts are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey. For an extra touch of sweetness, try dipping them in melted chocolate or serving them alongside a fruit jam.

Tips for Making the Perfect Egg-Free and Milk-Free Snack

Use warm water: The water temperature is crucial for activating the yeast. If the water is too hot, it can kill the yeast, while if it’s too cold, the dough won’t rise properly. Aim for water that feels warm to the touch but not scalding.
Don’t skip the resting periods: Allowing the dough to rest and rise is essential for light, fluffy doughnuts. Skipping or shortening the resting times can result in dense or tough doughnuts.
Fry at the right temperature: Keeping the oil at a steady temperature of around 350°F (175°C) is key to achieving golden, crispy doughnuts. If the oil is too hot, the doughnuts will brown too quickly on the outside while remaining raw inside. If it’s too cool, the doughnuts will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
Shape the dough evenly: Try to make the dough portions and their shapes as uniform as possible to ensure even cooking. You can use a kitchen scale to divide the dough into equal portions if you want to be precise.

Variations to Try

Sugar-coated doughnuts: After frying, toss the hot doughnuts in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a sweet, spiced treat.
Savory version: If you prefer something savory, you can add spices like garlic powder or dried herbs to the dough. Serve these savory doughnuts with a dipping sauce like marinara or ranch.
Baked version: If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the doughnuts instead of frying them. Place them on a greased baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make these doughnuts in advance?

Yes! You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frying. Just be sure to let the dough come to room temperature before shaping and frying the doughnuts.

2. Can I bake these doughnuts instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake the doughnuts for a healthier alternative. Bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

3. What can I use instead of all-purpose flour?

You can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend if you prefer. However, keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly depending on the flour you use.

4. How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 1 month. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

5. Can I add other flavors to the dough?

Absolutely! You can customize the dough by adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract. If you want a savory twist, try adding garlic powder, paprika, or dried herbs to the dough.

Conclusion

Making a quick snack without eggs or milk is easier than you think. These simple doughnuts come together with just a few basic ingredients and can be made in under an hour. Whether you’re serving them as a sweet treat or a savory snack, this recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit your taste. So the next time you’re in need of a quick, dairy-free and egg-free snack, give this recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed!