Introduction: Cream-filled donuts are the ultimate indulgence, offering a sweet, soft, and fluffy pastry filled with rich, velvety cream. These donuts are perfect for breakfast, an afternoon treat, or any time you’re craving something sweet and comforting. With a light dough, crispy golden exterior, and creamy filling, these donuts are sure to impress your taste buds. Homemade cream-filled donuts take a bit of time, but the result is well worth the effort!
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
3/4 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Cream Filling:
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons mascarpone cheese (optional, for richness)
For the Topping:
Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions:
Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until it becomes frothy.
Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic.
Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Shape the Donuts: Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles, then roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or two round cookie cutters (one large and one small) to cut out donut shapes.
Fry the Donuts: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts in batches, about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Prepare the Cream Filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and mascarpone cheese (if using) until stiff peaks form. You can also use an electric mixer for ease.
Fill the Donuts: Once the donuts have cooled slightly, use a small piping tip or a skewer to make a hole in the side of each donut. Carefully pipe the cream filling into the center of each donut.
Finish and Serve: Dust the filled donuts with powdered sugar and serve warm.
Description:
These cream-filled donuts are an irresistible treat. The dough is soft and fluffy with just the right balance of sweetness, and the rich, smooth cream filling makes each bite heavenly. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the fryer or after a little cooling, these donuts are a perfect combination of crispy, creamy, and sweet. These homemade donuts will rival anything from a bakery and leave you wanting more!
Tips:
For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a spiced touch.
Ensure the oil temperature stays around 350°F (175°C) while frying; if the oil is too hot, the donuts may burn, and if it’s too cold, they may turn out greasy.
If you don’t have a donut cutter, you can simply use two round cookie cutters, one large and one small, to create the donut shape.
Don’t overfill the donuts with cream, or they may burst.
Let the donuts cool slightly before filling them with cream to prevent the filling from melting.
Variations:
Chocolate Cream-Filled Donuts: Swap out the cream filling for chocolate ganache or chocolate whipped cream for a different flavor profile.
Fruit-Filled Donuts: Instead of cream, fill the donuts with fruit preserves or jam for a fruity twist.
Glazed Donuts: After frying, you can glaze the donuts with a simple sugar glaze made from powdered sugar and a little milk, instead of filling them with cream.
Corrections:
If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour, but be careful not to make the dough too stiff. A soft, slightly tacky dough will yield the fluffiest donuts.
If the cream is not stiffening when whipped, you may need to whip it a bit longer or add a bit more powdered sugar to help stabilize it.
Enjoy:
These cream-filled donuts are sure to be a hit at any occasion. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with others, they’re the perfect sweet indulgence. Serve them fresh for a melt-in-your-mouth experience, and enjoy the rich, velvety filling with each bite!