Toronto Jelly Doughnut A Bite-Sized History and Guide

toronto jelly doughnut
Toronto, a vibrant mosaic of cultures and cuisines, has embraced many a sweet treat. But none hold a candle to the humble jelly doughnut, a fluffy, golden orb filled with wiggling fruit preserves that has captured the hearts (and stomachs) of Torontonians for generations.
A Doughy Diaspora:
The story of the toronto jelly doughnut begins not in Canada, but across the Atlantic. It traces its roots to Europe, where doughnuts, known by various names like Berliner and Krapfen, were enjoyed for centuries. These early versions were often filled with savory ingredients like meat or fruit, but the sweet jelly filling we know today gained popularity in the 19th century.
As immigrants brought their culinary traditions to Toronto, the jelly doughnut found fertile ground. Jewish communities, in particular, embraced the doughnut during Hanukkah, calling them sufganiyot and filling them with a variety of jams and fruit preserves.
Local Legends:
Over time, the toronto jelly doughnut evolved into a distinct entity. Local bakeries experimented with different flours, sugars, and fillings, creating unique variations that became beloved by Torontonians. Some of the city’s most iconic jelly doughnuts include:
Unholy Donuts:
Known for their outrageous creations, Unholy Donuts offers a variety of jelly-filled wonders, from the classic strawberry to the adventurous Nutella and bacon. Their doughnuts are made fresh daily, using high-quality ingredients and creative flavor combinations. Located in Kensington Market, this popular spot is a must-visit for any jelly doughnut lover.
Glory Hole Doughnuts:
With two locations in Toronto, Glory Hole Doughnuts has become a household name for their delicious and innovative doughnuts. Their jelly-filled options include raspberry, blueberry, and even a seasonal pumpkin spice. They also offer vegan and gluten-free options, making it a great spot for those with dietary restrictions.
Toronto jelly doughnut Video:
For a visual guide to the best jelly doughnuts in Toronto, check out this video from Food Network Canada. It features some of the city’s top doughnut shops and their signature jelly-filled creations. Get ready to drool!
Food Network Canada: Best Jelly Doughnuts in Toronto
Simple Jelly Doughnut Recipe:
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try making your own jelly doughnuts at home, here’s a simple recipe to get you started. This recipe makes about 12 doughnuts.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/2 cup fruit jam or preserves
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until a soft dough forms.
- On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour.
- Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Using a round cookie cutter or a glass, cut out circles of dough.
- Place a small spoonful of jam in the center of half of the circles, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Place the remaining circles of dough on top of the jam-filled ones and press the edges together to seal.
- In a deep pot, heat vegetable oil to 375°F.
- Carefully place the doughnuts into the hot oil and fry for about 2 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove from the oil and let them cool on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar and enjoy your homemade jelly doughnuts!
Donuts Toronto Near Me:
For those who prefer to leave the baking to the professionals, here’s a list of some of the best places to get jelly doughnuts in Toronto:
Bakery | Location | Signature Jelly Doughnut |
---|---|---|
Unholy Donuts | Kensington Market | Nutella and Bacon |
Glory Hole Doughnuts | Parkdale and Gerrard | Blueberry |
SanRemo Bakery | Etobicoke | Raspberry |
The Rolling Pin | Leaside | Lemon Curd |
Von Doughnuts | Danforth | Strawberry Rhubarb |
Note: Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, some bakeries may have limited hours or only offer takeout/delivery options. Please check their websites or social media pages for the most up-to-date information.
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Conclusion:
From its European origins to its evolution into a beloved Toronto treat, the jelly doughnut has certainly made its mark on the city’s culinary scene. Whether you prefer classic flavors or more adventurous combinations, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to satisfying your jelly doughnut cravings in Toronto. So go ahead, indulge in this sweet and doughy delight – after all, it’s a love affair that has stood the test of time.