There’s something magical about biting into a warm, cream-filled donut. Imagine a soft, fluffy exterior giving way to a luscious, sweet cream that dances on your taste buds. The aroma wafts through the air, teasing your senses and inviting you to indulge. Whether it’s National Donut Day or just a Tuesday that needs brightening, these cream-filled donuts are the perfect treat to elevate any occasion.
I remember the first time I tried making these delights. My kitchen looked like a flour explosion had taken place, and let’s just say that my dog was not impressed with the sugar sprinkles covering every surface. But despite the chaos, the moment I pulled those golden donuts from the fryer was sheer bliss. Just one bite of those fluffy pillows filled with creamy goodness made all the mess worthwhile.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These cream-filled donuts are incredibly easy to prepare at home, ensuring no bakery trip is necessary
- Their rich flavor profile combines sweetness and creaminess in perfect harmony
- Visually appealing with their golden hue and powdered sugar topping, they’re sure to impress anyone who sees them
- Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or just because you can!
Every time I whip up these donuts, my family does a happy dance like they’ve just won the lottery. The kids practically hover around me while I fry each batch, eyes wide with anticipation.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: A versatile ingredient that gives your donuts structure; be sure it’s fresh for best results.
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Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness; don’t skimp on it unless you enjoy sad donuts.
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Dairy Milk: Whole milk will create a richer flavor; feel free to substitute with almond or oat milk if preferred.
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Yeast: Instant yeast works wonders for fluffy donuts; it’s like magic in tiny granules.
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Eggs: Large eggs bind everything together and add moisture; always use room temperature for best results.
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Butter: Unsalted butter contributes richness; melt it slightly before adding to the mix.
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Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract imparts a delightful aroma; avoid imitation unless you want “meh” donuts.
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Cream Filling (Pastry Cream or Whipped Cream): The star of the show; choose your favorite recipe for this sweet surprise.
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Powdered Sugar: For dusting; it adds an appealing finish and makes everything look fancier.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Prepare Your Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and yeast until well combined. Then add warm milk and melted butter. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead That Dough!: Transfer your dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. It should feel soft but not sticky—like hugging a cloud!
Let It Rise!: Place your kneaded dough in a greased bowl and cover with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size—approximately 1 hour of pure suspense.
Shape the Donuts!: Once risen, punch down your dough (yes, it sounds aggressive but is necessary). Roll out to about ½ inch thick and cut out circles using a donut cutter or two round cookie cutters.
Fry Those Donuts!: Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat (about 350°F/175°C). Fry each donut until golden brown on both sides—about 1-2 minutes per side. Keep an eye on them; they can go from golden to “oops” quickly.
Fill Them Up!: Allow your fried donuts to cool slightly before injecting them with cream filling using a piping bag fitted with a long tip. Dust with powdered sugar before serving for that extra touch of elegance!
Now that you’ve made these delightful cream-filled donuts from scratch, it’s time to gather friends and family around for their reactions—trust me; they’ll be delighted! Enjoy every sweet moment as you savor these scrumptious treats!
You Must Know
- Cream-filled donuts are a delightful treat that can easily be customized
- The aroma of freshly baked donuts will fill your kitchen, creating an irresistible atmosphere
- Remember, the right filling makes all the difference, so experiment with flavors to find your perfect match
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing your dough and letting it rise until doubled. While waiting, heat oil for frying. Once dough is ready, gently fry until golden brown and then fill with your favorite cream.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the traditional vanilla cream for chocolate or even fruit-flavored fillings. Topping them with icing or sprinkles can add extra fun and flair to your cream-filled donuts.
Storing & Reheating
Keep your cream-filled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to reheat them, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds to regain that fresh taste.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh yeast for the fluffiest donuts; it makes a noticeable difference in texture
- Avoid overcrowding the frying pan to maintain oil temperature for even cooking
- Don’t forget to let the filled donuts cool slightly before serving to prevent burns!
Sometimes I make these cream-filled donuts just to see my friends’ faces light up when they take their first bite; it’s pure joy that keeps me baking!
FAQ
What type of cream works best for filling?
Using pastry cream or whipped cream creates a delightful texture and flavor.
Can I use store-bought dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought dough saves time while still delivering delicious results.
How do I know when my donuts are cooked?
Donuts should be golden brown and float when properly cooked in hot oil.
Cream-Filled Donuts
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 donuts 1x
Description
Indulge in the delight of homemade cream-filled donuts, where a soft, fluffy exterior meets a luscious, sweet filling. Perfect for any occasion, these donuts are sure to impress family and friends with their rich flavor and inviting aroma. Whether you’re celebrating National Donut Day or simply treating yourself on a Tuesday, this easy-to-follow recipe will have you frying up batches of joy in no time.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup whole milk (warm)
- 2 tsp instant yeast
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup cream filling (pastry cream or whipped cream)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and yeast. Add warm milk and melted butter; mix until a dough forms.
- Knead on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled (about 1 hour).
- Roll out the dough to ½ inch thick and cut out circles using a donut cutter.
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry donuts until golden brown on both sides (1-2 minutes per side).
- Cool slightly before filling with cream using a piping bag and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut (50g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
