Heat the soy milk in the microwave for about a minute until it's as warm as bath water.

Pour the warmed milk into a large bowl, or the bowl of a stand mixer. Add the instant yeast and sugar, give it a little stir and let sit for 3-4 minutes, until it's a bit frothy.

To the bowl with the yeast/milk/sugar mixture, add the applesauce, softened vegan butter, vanilla, salt and 2 cups of flour. Mix on low speed with a dough hook (or by hand with a spoon) for a few minutes, then add the rest of the flour and mix, until a soft dough starts to form.

If using a stand mixer, beat with the dough hook for 2-3 minutes. If you are mixing the dough by hand, mix it as well as you can with a spoon, then transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until you have a soft, sturdy ball of dough.

Lightly grease a large bowl, then place the dough inside the bowl. Cover with a tea towel, and allow to rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.

After 30 minutes, punch the dough down gently, and place on a floured surface. Roll to about ½ inch thick and use a donut cutter (or biscuit cutter) to cut the donuts into round circles.

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, and place the cut donuts on it. Cover with the towel for about 15 minutes while you heat the oil.

Heat 2-3 inches of oil in a large pan or pot until it reaches 375℉.

Add a few donuts at a time to the oil and cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side, until golden brown.

Place the cooked donuts on a cooling rack with a pan or parchment paper underneath to catch any oil drippings.

Make the chocolate glaze: Place chocolate chips, vegan butter, corn syrup and water in a small bowl and microwave in 30 second increments, stirring after each time, until completely melted and smooth.

Cut a deep slit in each donut, then use a piping bag with large tip and pipe pastry cream into each one. Dip the tops of the donuts in the glaze, then place back on the cooling rack.

To bake, preheat the oven to 350℉. Spray the tops of the donuts with oil, then bake for 10-15 minutes until lightly golden on top.

To air fry, spray the air fryer basket with oil, then place 3-4 donuts in a single layer. Spray the donuts with oil, and cook at 350℉ for 5 minutes, then flip and cook 3-5 more minutes until golden brown.