Vegan Chestnut Donuts (A Sweet, Cozy Treat Inspired by Childhood Magic)

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The first spark of this recipe came from a children’s book that has become a beloved fixture in our home: “Donut Feed the Squirrels.” It’s a charming little tale about determined squirrels trying to buy donuts from a food truck — and, honestly, my son and I relate a little too much. We’ve daydreamed for years about owning our own tiny vegan food truck, serving warm treats to anyone who wanders by.

And if that dream ever becomes real?

These Vegan Chestnut Donuts would 100% be the top seller.

How These Donuts Were Born (A Mama + Kid Adventure)

The inspiration wasn’t just literary — it was also a very chaotic, very “me” moment involving Trader Joe’s, Target, and a serious lack of self-control.

At Trader Joe’s, I spotted a seasonal bag of prepared chestnuts (and seasonal items at TJ’s donut last long — pun fully intended). Into the cart they went.

Then, at Target, I walked past a tiny donut pan. And like a message whispered from the baking gods, a vision of chestnut-flavored donuts swirled into my brain.

That was it.

The chestnuts, the donut pan, the book… it all clicked.

I was officially on a mission.

And my son?

He was ecstatic. Because suddenly, in his mind, he wasn’t just a kid in a kitchen — he was about to eat the same donuts his imaginary squirrel friends dream about.

A Little More Squirrel Magic

We may not have real squirrels lining up with tiny wallets, but we do have a balcony full of curious ones. They come right up to the window to say hi to my son (and our cat). My kid collects acorns and leaves them in a bucket so the squirrels can “shop” for treats.

So yes — when I told him chestnut donuts were happening, it was basically the Super Bowl of squirrel-themed excitement.

Full Honesty: I Had Never Made Donuts Before

Despite grabbing the donut pan with full confidence… I had never made donuts before this.

Not once.

Between us, I was preparing myself for a flop. A messy, sunken, “why did I think I could do this?” type of flop. I’ve had my share of those kitchen moments.

But these?

These surprised me.

In the best way.

Taste Review: Warm, Soft, and Pure Fall Nostalgia

These vegan chestnut donuts taste like something you’d buy warm from a little farm bakery on a fall New England afternoon.

They’re:

• soft and cake-like
• lightly sweet
• warmly spiced
• subtly nutty
• comforting in that indescribable “childhood treat” kind of way

They remind me of visiting the apple orchards when I was young — the fresh, warm donuts that somehow tasted better than anything from a donut shop, even though they were simple.

That’s exactly what I wanted from these donuts.

And that’s exactly what they taste like.

A Line From the Book That Says It All

Near the end of “Donut Feed the Squirrels,” there’s a moment that perfectly captures the flavor of these donuts:

“I think they taste like sunshine and hugs.”

Yes.

That’s it.

That’s the review.

Final Thoughts (From My Heart to Yours)

These donuts weren’t just baked — they were dreamed up. They came from a place of childhood imagination, mama love, and the magic that happens when a recipe feels like a story.

Food made with love does taste different. It becomes a memory, not just a recipe.

So make these donuts, my friends.

And if you can, curl up with your kiddo and read that wonderful book together while they enjoy one warm from the oven.

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