5 Best Chicken Broth Substitutes for Doughnuts

Quick tip: Maintains moisture and adds subtle savory notes without overpowering sweetness.

Vegetable broth mimics the moisture content and mild umami of chicken broth, which helps in gluten development and yeast activity in doughnuts. The savory undertone balances the sweetness, enhancing overall flavor complexity.

To ensure success, use a low-sodium vegetable broth to avoid excessive saltiness that can inhibit yeast fermentation. Warm the broth slightly to match the recipe’s temperature requirements for optimal yeast activation.

Compared to chicken broth, vegetable broth yields a similarly tender crumb and moist texture, preserving the doughnut’s characteristic lightness while keeping the flavor profile balanced and nuanced.

Quick tip: Adds a deeper umami flavor which can enrich the doughnut’s taste subtly.

Mushroom broth contains natural glutamates that enhance savory notes and moisture, supporting yeast fermentation and gluten structure similarly to chicken broth. This broth can add a mild earthiness that complements the doughnut’s sweetness.

Use a mild mushroom broth to avoid overpowering flavors, and ensure it is strained well to prevent textural inconsistencies. Warm it before mixing to maintain dough temperature.

The final doughnut may have a slightly richer and earthier flavor compared to chicken broth but retains a moist, tender crumb and good rise.

Quick tip: Provides umami and saltiness but must be diluted to avoid overpowering the doughnut’s flavor.

Soy sauce contains amino acids that contribute umami, mimicking some savory aspects of chicken broth. Diluting it with water reduces salt concentration and strong flavors, helping maintain dough moisture and yeast activity.

Carefully measure and dilute to avoid excessive saltiness which can inhibit yeast. Use low-sodium soy sauce if possible and warm the mixture before use.

The doughnut will have a subtle savory note with a slight soy undertone, which may alter the flavor profile more noticeably than broth but still supports texture and rise.

Quick tip: Adds mild herbal aroma and moisture but lacks umami depth.

Herb-infused water provides moisture and subtle aromatic complexity without adding fat or salt. While it lacks the umami and savory depth of broth, it can contribute freshness and slight flavor enhancement to the dough.

Prepare by steeping mild herbs (e.g., thyme, rosemary) in hot water and cooling before use. Avoid strong herbs that could overpower the doughnut’s sweetness.

The doughnut will be moist with a light herbal note but less savory complexity, resulting in a slightly simpler flavor profile and potentially less tender crumb compared to broth-based doughs.

Quick tip: Adds natural sweetness and moisture but changes flavor and fermentation dynamics.

Coconut water contains natural sugars and electrolytes that can aid yeast fermentation and provide moisture. However, its inherent sweetness and distinct flavor profile differ significantly from chicken broth’s savory notes.

Use fresh or unsweetened coconut water and monitor dough hydration carefully to avoid overly sticky dough. The natural sugars may accelerate fermentation, so adjust proofing times accordingly.

The resulting doughnut will be moister with a subtle tropical sweetness, deviating from the original savory-sweet balance and potentially altering texture and rise.