Cream-Filled Donuts: A Sweet Indulgence

Introduction

There’s something magical about biting into a cream-filled donut. The soft, fluffy exterior gives way to a rich, decadent filling that transforms an ordinary treat into something extraordinary. Recently, I decided to whip up a batch of these delightful pastries, and let me tell you, they were a hit! My family couldn’t get enough of the light dusting of powdered sugar and the creamy filling that brought smiles to their faces. Whether for breakfast or as an afternoon snack, these cream-filled donuts quickly became a favorite in our household.

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3/4 cup whole milk, warm
• 1 large egg
• Oil for frying

For the Cream Filling:

• 1 cup heavy cream, cold
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Nutella or chocolate cream spread (optional, for filling)

For Topping:

• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

Step 1:
In a large bowl, mix the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt together. This creates a solid base for your donuts, ensuring they rise perfectly.

Step 2:
In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, warm milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms.

Step 3:
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes soft and elastic. This step is crucial as it develops the gluten, giving the donuts their structure. Once kneaded, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.

Step 4:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles and roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a round cutter to cut out circles for the donuts.

Step 5:
Heat oil in a deep pan to about 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts for 1-2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan to maintain the oil temperature. Drain the fried donuts on paper towels and allow them to cool.

Step 6:
For the cream filling, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. If desired, mix in Nutella or another chocolate cream for extra flavor. This filling will add a rich, creamy texture to the donuts.

Step 7:
Once the donuts are cooled, use a piping bag with a long nozzle to fill each donut with the whipped cream mixture. This step adds that delightful surprise of cream in every bite!

Step 8:
Dust the tops with powdered sugar for a finishing touch. For an extra indulgence, add a swirl of Nutella or chocolate cream on top.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 12 donuts
• Calories: Approximately 210 per donut
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Rising Time: 1-2 hours
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours

How to Serve

• Warm or Room Temperature: Donuts can be served warm or at room temperature.
• Dusting: Dust with powdered sugar right before serving for a pretty presentation.
• With Nutella: Offer Nutella or chocolate spread on the side for extra dipping.
• Pairing: Serve with coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
• Garnish: Add fresh berries or a scoop of ice cream on the side for a more elaborate dessert.

Additional Tips

1. Temperature Matters: Make sure your milk is warm but not hot. Too hot can kill the yeast, while too cold will not activate it.
2. Donut Thickness: Roll the dough to an even thickness for consistent frying or baking results.
3. Test Oil Temperature: Use a small piece of dough to test the oil temperature; it should bubble and rise to the surface immediately.
4. Donut Storage: Keep leftover donuts in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
5. Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to swap out the vanilla cream filling for other flavors like strawberry, raspberry, or lemon.

Recipe Variations

• Glazed Donuts: Skip the cream filling and dip the donuts in a sweet glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
• Fruit-Filled Donuts: Use fruit preserves or pie filling instead of cream for a fruity twist.
• Savory Version: Add herbs and cheese to the dough for a savory donut option.
• Baked Donuts: For a healthier alternative, bake the donuts instead of frying them, adjusting the baking time as necessary.
• Mini Donuts: Use a mini donut cutter to make bite-sized versions for parties or gatherings.

Serving Suggestions

• Dessert Tray: Serve these donuts as part of a dessert tray alongside other pastries.
• Brunch Spread: Include them in a brunch spread with fresh fruit, yogurt, and muffins.
• Gift Idea: Package them in a decorative box to give as a sweet gift.
• Themed Parties: Create themed donut bars for birthdays or celebrations with various toppings and fillings.
• With Coffee: Pair with espresso or cappuccino for a delightful coffee break.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: These donuts freeze well! Place them in an airtight container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Refrigeration: Store leftover donuts in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
   Yes, but you’ll need to activate it first by dissolving it in warm milk with a bit of sugar before mixing it with the dry ingredients.
2. Can I bake these donuts instead of frying them?
   Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 12-15 minutes.
3. How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?
   Use a thermometer to check the temperature or drop a small piece of dough into the oil; it should bubble and rise quickly.
4. Can I use a different filling?
   Yes! Feel free to get creative with different fillings like fruit jams, whipped cream, or custard.
5. What’s the best way to store filled donuts?
   Store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
6. How can I make these donuts vegan?
   Substitute dairy milk with almond or soy milk, and use a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water) instead of the egg.
7. What if I don’t have a piping bag?
   You can use a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off as a makeshift piping bag.
8. How long do these donuts last?
   They are best eaten fresh but can last in the fridge for up to 2 days.
9. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight.
10. Is it necessary to dust the donuts with powdered sugar?
    While not necessary, the powdered sugar adds a beautiful finishing touch and extra sweetness.

Conclusion

These cream-filled donuts are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion, from breakfast to dessert. With a soft, pillowy texture and a luscious filling, they’re sure to impress everyone who tries them. Whether you choose to fill them with classic whipped cream or add a touch of Nutella for extra indulgence, each bite is a little piece of heaven. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create these irresistible donuts that will have everyone coming back for more!

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