Doughnuts Versus Sufganiyot

There is some debate over whether sufganiyot are exactly the same as American jelly doughnuts, or a significantly distinct Israeli variation.

"Growing up I think I looked forward to them even more than Chanukah presents," says earthbuilder. "No ordinary Jelly Doughnut can touch a Sufganiya. Sufganiyot are delightfully bready while still being fluffy and airy ... It is as if a challah or brioche was crossed with a doughnut and then filled with delicious jelly (or ideally preserves)."

Others think that sufganiyot are just jelly doughnuts. The difference, thinks Arthur, is that most examples of sufganiyot we have out here come from Israeli bakeries, not specialty doughnut shops, and tend toward the cakier side of things. "Sufganiyot are just jelly donuts, nothing more. If you don't believe this, try to find strongly conflicting recipes," says Arthur.

earthbuilder's personal favorite in the valley is at Sarah J Pastries and Cakes, with a fantastic seedy jam.

Sarah J Pastries and Cakes [Valley - West]
7307 Canoga Avenue, Canoga Park
818-347-6241

Discuss: Sufganiyot (Israeli Jelly Donuts for Chanukah)