Airy Sweet Potato Donuts

Airy sweet potato donuts are a delightful and healthier treat that lets you satisfy your sweet tooth guilt-free. Made with sweet potato puree, self-rising flour, and yogurt, these donuts are packed with flavor and fiber. They're perfect for fall gatherings or a simple snack throughout the week. With just around 99 calories per donut, you can indulge without the worry. Stick around, and you'll discover delicious variations and easy steps to make them at home!

History

When you explore the history of sweet potato donuts, you'll find their roots firmly planted in Southern cuisine, where sweet potatoes play an essential role in many baked goods.

The 19th century saw a surge in the popularity of sweet potato desserts, particularly sweet potato pie, paving the way for innovative recipes. As the trend for incorporating vegetable purees gained momentum, sweet potato puree found its way into baking, transforming traditional donuts into something truly unique.

Today, these easy-to-make donuts are celebrated for their natural sweetness and fiber content, appealing to health-conscious food lovers. Furthermore, the use of indigenous ingredients in various cuisines, including Brazilian, highlights the versatility of sweet potatoes in both sweet and savory dishes.

With seasonal spikes in popularity during the fall, sweet potato donuts bring a warm, comforting taste to holiday gatherings and year-round enjoyment.

Recipe

To create delightful airy sweet potato donuts, start by gathering your ingredients and preheating your oven to 350°F. These donuts aren't only a delicious treat but also a healthier alternative, thanks to the use of sweet potato and yogurt. The combination of self-rising flour and sweet potato puree results in a fluffy texture that's perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the heaviness of traditional donuts. Adding spices like cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice can elevate the flavor profile, making these donuts a delightful choice for breakfast or a snack.

Once your oven is ready, mix together the sweet potato puree, self-rising flour, and yogurt in a bowl until a sticky dough forms. This mixture will create the base of your donuts, and it's important to guarantee that all ingredients are well combined. You can then portion the dough into small balls and either air fry them at 350°F for 12-15 minutes or choose to bake them on a parchment-lined sheet for approximately 15 minutes until they're lightly golden and cooked through.

Ingredients:

• Sweet potato puree
• Self-rising flour
• Yogurt
• Optional: cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
• Icing sugar
• Almond milk

To cook the donuts, combine the sweet potato puree, self-rising flour, and yogurt in a mixing bowl until a sticky dough forms. Divide the dough into small balls and place them in an air fryer or on a parchment-lined baking sheet. If air frying, set the temperature to 350°F and cook for 12-15 minutes until lightly golden. If baking, place in the oven for about 15 minutes.

Once cooked, allow the donuts to cool completely before glazing with a mixture of icing sugar and almond milk for a sweet finish. For the best results, be sure to let the donuts cool thoroughly before glazing to guarantee the icing adheres properly and maintains the right texture.

Feel free to experiment with different spices or add-ins such as nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor. These donuts can also be stored in an airtight container for a few days, making them a convenient option for meal prep or quick snacks throughout the week. Enjoy your airy sweet potato donuts!

Cooking Steps

To start making your airy sweet potato donuts, preheat your oven to 350°F.

Next, mix the dry ingredients thoroughly before incorporating the sweet potato puree.

Gradually add the wet ingredients, then fold in the chocolate chips for a delicious twist.

Step 1. Preheat the Oven to 350°F

Preheating the oven to 350°F is an essential step for baking airy sweet potato donuts. This temperature allows your donuts to rise properly and develop that perfect golden brown color.

Make sure to give your oven about 10-15 minutes to fully preheat for consistent baking results. While you're preheating the oven, you can mix your batter.

It's important to check that your baking soda is fresh, as it plays a vital role in creating a light texture. When the batter seems ready, you'll want to pop those sweet potato doughnuts in the oven without delay.

Proper preheating not only contributes to an even texture but also prevents your donuts from becoming dense or gummy. Enjoy the fluffy results!

Step 2. Mix Dry Ingredients Thoroughly

Once you've gathered your dry ingredients, it's crucial to measure them accurately for balanced flavors and proper rising. Start by aerating your flour with a whisk to create a lighter texture. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and any spices or additional flavorings thoroughly. This prevents clumping and guarantees an even distribution.

After mixing, create a well in the center of your dry ingredients. This helps with better incorporation of wet ingredients without overworking the batter.

Step 3. Incorporate Sweet Potato Puree

With your dry ingredients ready, it's time to introduce the sweet potato puree that brings moisture and flavor to your donuts.

Begin by peeling and cubing sweet potatoes, then boil them until fork-tender, about 10 minutes. Drain and cool them for 30 minutes before mashing into a smooth puree.

In your dough mixture, combine the mashed sweet potato with yogurt and gluten-free flour, kneading until a sticky dough ball forms. Add a splash of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.

Let the dough rest for 10 minutes to make it easier to handle. Finally, portion the dough into balls and air fry or bake at 350°F (180°C) for 12-15 minutes, allowing the sweet potato flavor to shine through.

Step 4. Add Wet Ingredients Gradually

As you prepare the batter for your airy sweet potato donuts, gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ones to achieve a smooth, lump-free consistency.

Start by combining your all-purpose flour with other dry ingredients in one bowl. In a separate bowl, mix the sweet potato puree and yogurt, ensuring they're at room temperature for better air incorporation.

Slowly add this wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently to combine without overmixing. If the batter feels too thick, adjust the consistency by adding a small amount of water or milk until it's just right.

Once your batter is well combined, it's ready to be spooned or piped into the prepared donut pan for ideal puffiness.

Step 5. Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Now that your batter is smooth and lump-free, it's time to fold in the chocolate chips. Choose mini or regular chocolate chips for that delightful melty goodness throughout your airy sweet potato donuts.

Using a spatula, gently fold in the chocolate chips, taking care not to overmix. Aim for about 5-6 folds until they're well-mixed in the batter. Overmixing can lead to denser donuts, which you want to avoid for that light texture.

For an extra flavor boost, consider semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips; their richness complements the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes beautifully.

Once incorporated, your batter is ready to rise to a lightly golden perfection in the oven!

Final Thoughts

While you might think of donuts as an indulgent treat, airy sweet potato donuts offer a deliciously wholesome alternative. Made with boiled and mashed sweet potatoes, self-rising flour, and yogurt, these donuts aren't only soft and tender but also packed with nutrients.

You can easily enhance their flavor by adding a teaspoon of vanilla or spices like cinnamon. Whether you choose to air fry or bake them, you'll enjoy a delightful snack that's around 99 calories per donut.

If you want to savor them later, simply store them in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days or freeze for a month. So, why not try this recipe for a guilt-free indulgence? You won't regret it!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Are My Donuts Not Airy?

If your donuts aren't airy, it could be due to a few factors.

First, check the wetness of your ingredients; too much moisture can weigh them down.

You might also be overmixing the batter, so mix gently until just combined.

Make sure you're using the right flour and letting the dough rest adequately.

Finally, verify you're frying or baking at the correct temperature to achieve that light and fluffy texture you want.

What Are the Airy Donuts Called?

Like clouds dancing in the sky, airy donuts are often called "donut holes" or "cake donuts."

These delightful treats are known for their light and fluffy texture, making them a favorite among dessert lovers.

You'll find that they're typically made with self-rising flour and leavening agents, which help achieve that perfect puff.

When you bite into one, you'll experience a heavenly softness that sets them apart from regular donuts.

Why Are Amish Doughnuts so Good?

Amish doughnuts are so good because they're made with care, using wholesome ingredients like fresh milk, eggs, and butter.

You'll appreciate their light, airy texture from the yeast fermentation, which creates a unique flavor. Frying them in lard adds a distinct taste that sets them apart from commercial options.

Often flavored with spices like nutmeg and cinnamon, these doughnuts are served warm, topped with powdered sugar or glaze, making them irresistibly delicious!

Why Don't Sweet Potatoes Get Crispy?

Sweet potatoes don't get crispy mainly due to their high moisture content.

When you cook them, their natural sugars caramelize, creating a moist environment that hinders crispiness.

If you want to achieve a crunchy texture, try air frying or baking at high temperatures.

Adding ingredients like cornstarch or breadcrumbs can also help absorb moisture.

Cooking with the skin on retains some moisture, but it won't give you that crispy bite you're looking for.