Indulging in Ice Cream-Filled Donuts (National Donut Day) is like a sweet hug from your favorite dessert. Imagine biting into a warm, fluffy donut that’s oozing with creamy ice cream, the flavors dancing together like a joyous conga line at a party. The aroma of freshly fried dough fills the air, teasing your senses and making you weak in the knees.

Every bite offers a delightful contrast: crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and an explosion of cold creaminess that will have you grinning like a kid in a candy store. Whether it’s National Donut Day or just another Tuesday that needs saving, these donuts are perfect for any occasion. Trust me; they’ll make your taste buds sing!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These ice cream-filled donuts are incredibly easy to whip up, making dessert stress-free and fun
- The flavor combination is simply divine, offering a burst of joy in every bite
- Their visual appeal is off the charts—who can resist those gooey centers?
- Plus, they’re versatile; customize with your favorite ice cream and toppings for endless variations!
The first time I made Ice Cream-Filled Donuts, my friends’ eyes went wide with disbelief as they watched the ice cream spill out. It was pure magic!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
Donuts: You can opt for store-bought or homemade; both will work wonders for this recipe.
-
Your Favorite Ice Cream: Choose any flavor that makes your heart flutter—vanilla, chocolate, or even something wild like mint chip!
-
Powdered Sugar: This adds sweetness and a beautiful finish; sprinkle generously!
-
Sprinkles (Optional): Because who doesn’t want their dessert to look like a party?
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients on the counter. If using homemade donuts, get them ready to be filled with deliciousness.
Fry Your Donuts: Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry each donut until golden brown and puffed up—about 1-2 minutes per side.
Cool Down Your Donuts: Remove the fried donuts from oil using a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Let them cool slightly so you don’t burn yourself with molten sugar.
Fill with Ice Cream: Once cooled but still warm, use a piping bag or small spoon to fill each donut with your chosen ice cream flavor. Be generous!
Dress Them Up: Dust the filled donuts with powdered sugar and add sprinkles if you’re feeling festive. Grab some napkins because things might get messy!
Making ice cream-filled donuts at home is not just about satisfying cravings; it’s an adventure that invites laughter and joy into your kitchen! Enjoy every bite as you celebrate National Donut Day or any day that could use some extra sweetness!
You Must Know
- Making Ice Cream-Filled Donuts is a fun way to celebrate National Donut Day
- They combine the warm, fluffy goodness of donuts with the cool, creamy delight of ice cream
- Just imagine biting into one and tasting that perfect contrast of temperatures
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by frying your donuts first; let them cool while you scoop the ice cream. This ensures everything stays perfectly balanced in temperature and flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the vanilla ice cream for any flavor you love, like chocolate or strawberry. Top your finished donuts with sprinkles or drizzles for added flair.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover donuts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat briefly in the microwave to regain that fresh donut warmth.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect Ice Cream-Filled Donuts, always use fresh oil for frying; it affects flavor and texture
- Avoid overfilling with ice cream to prevent messy bites
- Lastly, allow donuts to cool completely before adding ice cream to maintain structure and warmth balance
Creating Ice Cream-Filled Donuts has become a tradition in my family, often resulting in laughter and sticky fingers as we enjoy them together on hot summer days.
FAQ
What type of donuts work best for filling?
Yeast or cake donuts are ideal for filling with ice cream due to their sturdy texture.
Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the donuts a day early; just fill them before serving.
How do I prevent the ice cream from melting too quickly?
Use smaller scoops of ice cream and serve immediately after filling for best results.

Ice Cream-Filled Donuts
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with these Ice Cream-Filled Donuts. Perfectly golden and fluffy on the outside, each donut bursts with creamy ice cream, creating a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures. Whether you’re celebrating National Donut Day or just treating yourself, this easy recipe will surely make your taste buds sing. Customize with your favorite ice cream flavors and toppings for a fun twist on this classic treat!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Oil for frying
- 2 cups ice cream (any flavor)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all ingredients.
- Fry Your Donuts: Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry donuts until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes per side.
- Cool Down Your Donuts: Place fried donuts on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Let cool slightly.
- Fill with Ice Cream: Once warm, use a piping bag or spoon to generously fill each donut with your chosen ice cream.
- Dress Them Up: Dust filled donuts with powdered sugar and add sprinkles if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut (150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg