Easy Homemade Vegan Oliebollen: Traditional Dutch Doughnuts for New Year's Eve

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Easy Homemade Vegan Oliebollen: Traditional Dutch Doughnuts for New Year's Eve

Craving a sweet, nostalgic treat that’s perfect for ringing in the New Year or any festive gathering? Look no further than these delightful Oliebollen! Often described as Dutch doughnuts or "oil balls," this traditional fried pastry is a staple in the Netherlands, especially during New Year's Eve celebrations. What makes them even more special? As @dafnelately's mum shares, the original recipe has apparently always been vegan-friendly! This means you can enjoy an authentic, accidentally vegan treat that’s naturally dairy-free and egg-free.

This recipe is ideal for anyone looking for a simple, homemade dessert that brings a touch of global tradition to their table. Whether you're a seasoned vegan baker or just starting your plant-based journey, these Oliebollen are incredibly easy to make. They're fluffy on the inside, wonderfully crispy on the outside, and best enjoyed warm with a generous dusting of powdered sugar.

Join the abillion community in celebrating multicultural traditions and the joy of shared plant-based food. As one commenter happily remarked, "Oliebollen 🤤," and another praised, "It's wonderful to have a multi-cultural family ❤️." This recipe truly embodies the spirit of shared culinary experiences.

What Are Oliebollen?

Oliebollen are traditional Dutch fried dough balls, similar to doughnuts or fritters. They are typically made with a simple yeast-based batter, often mixed with fruits like apples or raisins. In the Netherlands, they are a beloved snack sold at street stalls and bakeries during the winter months, especially leading up to and on New Year's Eve. The name literally translates to "oil balls," referring to their deep-fried nature. These sweet, fluffy fritters are a beloved part of Dutch culinary heritage, offering a taste of tradition in every bite.

What You'll Need (Ingredients)

Here's everything you'll need to whip up a batch of these delicious vegan Dutch doughnuts:

500g all-purpose flour
250ml beer (any vegan-friendly beer will work!)
250ml water (or simply use 500ml water if you prefer to omit the beer)
1 teaspoon yeast
Chopped apples (about 1-2 medium apples, peeled and diced) or raisins (about 1/2 cup), or a mix of both
Vegetable oil for deep frying
Powdered sugar for dusting (ensure it's vegan, some brands use bone char in processing)

Recommended Equipment

Gather these essential kitchen tools for making your Oliebollen:

Large mixing bowl
Whisk or spoon
Deep pot or Dutch oven for frying
Slotted spoon or spider strainer
Paper towels or wire rack for draining
Measuring cups and spoons

Image: Fresh ingredients for homemade Oliebollen, including flour, yeast, apples, and powdered sugar, laid out on a wooden surface.

Fresh ingredients for homemade Oliebollen, including flour, yeast, apples, and powdered sugar, laid out on a wooden surface.

How to Make Easy Vegan Oliebollen

Follow these simple steps to create perfect, fluffy Dutch doughnuts at home:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, beer, water, and yeast. Whisk until a smooth batter forms.
Gently fold in your chopped apples or raisins.
Cover the bowl and let the batter rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has noticeably increased in volume and is bubbly.
Heat about 3-4 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot or Dutch oven to 350-375°F (175-190°C).
With wet fingers (or two spoons), carefully scoop out portions of the batter and drop them into the hot oil. Don't overcrowd the pot.
Fry for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the Oliebollen are golden brown and cooked through.
Remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels or a wire rack to drain excess oil.
Serve warm with a generous dusting of powdered sugar. Enjoy immediately!

Variations and Adaptations

Want to put your own spin on these traditional Dutch treats? Here are some ideas:

Gluten-Free Oliebollen: While not tested with this specific recipe, a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend may work. Look for blends designed for yeast baking.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warmer, spicier flavor profile.
Alternative Fillings: Experiment with other dried fruits like chopped dried apricots or cranberries, or even chocolate chips.
Air Fryer (for lighter option): While traditional Oliebollen are deep-fried for their characteristic texture, you can attempt to air fry them for a lighter version. Spray the balls thoroughly with oil and air fry at 350°F (175°C) until golden and cooked through, flipping halfway. The texture will be different from deep-fried, offering a crispier, less greasy bite.

Tips & Hacks for Perfect Oliebollen

Achieve perfectly golden and fluffy Oliebollen every time with these helpful tips:

Temperature is Key: Use a kitchen thermometer to maintain the oil temperature between 350-375°F (175-190°C). Too low, and they'll be greasy; too high, and they'll burn outside before cooking inside. Consistent temperature ensures even cooking.
Wet Fingers Trick: Keeping your fingers wet helps prevent the sticky batter from clinging to your hands, making it easier to form and drop the balls smoothly into the oil. This simple hack makes handling the dough much simpler.
Don't Overcrowd: Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature and allow even cooking. Overcrowding can drop the oil temperature and lead to soggy Oliebollen.
Serve Warm: Oliebollen are best enjoyed fresh and warm. They can be gently reheated in an oven or air fryer if needed for a quick refresh.
Make it a Meal: As @dafnelately showed, these sweet treats pair wonderfully with other festive plant-based dishes like vegan Meesua with Hoshay vegan meatballs, or Dayak/Sarawak dishes, and homemade gulai tempeh.

Celebrate "The Year of Less" with delicious food!

@dafnelately shared her New Year's theme as "the year of less," focusing on simplicity and mindfulness. This Oliebollen recipe embodies that spirit – simple ingredients, maximum flavor, and a chance to enjoy homemade goodness. Other abillion users are also setting positive resolutions, from meeting more vegans IRL to prioritizing "organization" and "creating more." Whatever your theme or resolution, good food can always be a part of it!

Ready to bring a taste of Dutch tradition to your home? Try this Easy Homemade Vegan Oliebollen recipe and share your creations on abillion! We'd love to see your festive doughnuts.