There’s nothing quite like the moment you sink your teeth into a cream-filled donut, especially on National Donut Day. The soft dough gives way to a sweet, velvety filling that dances on your palate and instantly lifts your spirits. Imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen as you prepare these delightful treats, beckoning everyone to gather around and indulge in the deliciousness.
I remember the first time I attempted to make cream-filled donuts; it was an epic kitchen adventure. Flour flew everywhere, my dog snagged a rogue donut hole, and my family stood by, ready for the sweet rewards of my chaotic creation. That day turned into a delightful memory of laughter and sugar, making these donuts a favorite in our home. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a sweet treat, these cream-filled donuts are sure to impress.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This recipe is incredibly easy, perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros
- The flavor combination is heavenly, with creamy filling enveloped in soft dough
- They look stunning on any dessert table, ensuring all eyes are on them
- Versatile enough for breakfast or dessert, these donuts will satisfy any sweet tooth
My family couldn’t stop raving about how delicious these turned out; I even earned the title of “Donut Master” for a day.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of your donut; choose unbleached flour for better texture and flavor.
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Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to your donuts; adjust according to your personal taste preference.
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Instant Yeast: Ensures quick rising; it’s best not to substitute it with active dry yeast for this recipe.
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Milk: Whole milk provides richness; you can use almond or oat milk if preferred.
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Unsalted Butter: Use melted butter for flavor and tenderness; be careful not to use margarine!
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Eggs: Essential for structure; always use large eggs at room temperature for best results.
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Vanilla Extract: A must-have for that lovely flavor; opt for pure vanilla extract instead of imitation.
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Heavy Cream: For the luscious filling that makes these donuts irresistible; ensure it’s fresh for best results.
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Powdered Sugar: Perfect for dusting atop your finished donuts; it adds a touch of sweetness and elegance.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Dough: Start by combining flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Mix until well combined before creating a well in the center.
Add Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the well created in the flour mix.
Knead It Out!: Mix until combined then knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic—around 8-10 minutes should do it!
Let It Rise!: Place the kneaded dough in an oiled bowl covered with plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size—about 1 hour.
Shape Your Donuts!: Roll out the risen dough to about half an inch thickness and cut into circles using a donut cutter (or two round cookie cutters).
Fry Those Donuts!: Heat oil in a deep pan to 375°F (190°C). Fry each donut until golden brown—about 1 minute per side—and drain on paper towels.
Create the Filling!: Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Use a piping bag fitted with a tip to fill each cooled donut with this dreamy mixture.
And there you have it! Enjoy each bite of your homemade cream-filled donuts while basking in all the compliments coming your way!
You Must Know
- This delightful recipe for Cream-Filled Donuts (National Donut Day Special) is a celebration of flavor and texture
- The sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen will make everyone curious, and biting into these soft, fluffy donuts is pure bliss
- They’ll disappear quicker than you can say “glazed!”
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the dough; let it rise while you make the cream filling. Fry the donuts after the dough doubles in size for fluffy results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out vanilla for almond extract in the cream filling for a nutty twist. Experiment with different toppings, such as chocolate glaze or sprinkles.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For a warm treat, reheat briefly in the microwave.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always allow the oil to reach the right temperature before frying to ensure even cooking
- Avoid overcrowding the pot; this helps maintain consistent heat
- Lastly, don’t skip letting your donuts cool before filling them; it prevents sogginess!
The first time I made these Cream-Filled Donuts, my friends devoured them in minutes. Their laughter and happy faces made every bit of effort worthwhile.
FAQ
What type of oil is best for frying donuts?
Use vegetable or canola oil for high smoke points and neutral flavors.
Can I use store-bought filling?
Absolutely! Store-bought cream or custard saves time without compromising taste.
How can I keep my donuts from getting soggy?
Let them cool completely before filling to maintain their light texture.
Homemade Cream-Filled Donuts
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Celebrate National Donut Day with these irresistible cream-filled donuts! Soft and fluffy, each bite reveals a luscious, velvety filling that will have you craving more. Perfect for any occasion or simply as a sweet treat, these delightful donuts are easy to make and sure to impress family and friends. Gather your ingredients and embark on this delicious baking adventure!
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp instant yeast
- 1 cup whole milk (warm)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream (for filling)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for filling)
Instructions
- Combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large bowl. Create a well in the center.
- In another bowl, whisk warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. Pour into the well and mix until combined.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth.
- Place in an oiled bowl covered with plastic wrap to rise for about 1 hour or until doubled.
- Roll out the dough to 1/2 inch thick and cut into donut shapes.
- Heat oil to 375°F (190°C) in a deep pan and fry donuts for about 1 minute on each side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form and fill cooled donuts using a piping bag.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut (70g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
