Imagine this: a soft, pillowy donut, with a sweet, velvety cream filling that melts in your mouth, all dusted with a light shower of powdered sugar. These Cream-Filled Donuts are the definition of indulgence without being too heavy. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, dessert, or a special treat, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. They’re just the right amount of sweet, with a creaminess that’s impossible to resist. You know what? These might just become your new favorite donut!
Why You’ll Love Cream-Filled Donuts with a Light Dusting
- Light and Fluffy: The donut itself is delicate, airy, and soft—just the way a donut should be.
- Luxuriously Creamy Filling: The filling is rich but not overpowering, perfectly balanced to complement the soft donut.
- Simple, yet Special: With a few simple ingredients and a light dusting of powdered sugar, these donuts feel fancy and indulgent without requiring too much effort.
- Perfect for Any Time: Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee in the morning or serving them as an afternoon treat, these donuts work for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the Donuts:
- All-Purpose Flour: The base for your soft, fluffy donuts.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the dough.
- Baking Powder: Helps the donuts rise and become airy.
- Salt: Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Eggs: Gives structure and richness to the dough.
- Milk: Helps create a moist, soft texture.
- Butter: Adds richness and tenderness to the donut dough.
- Vanilla Extract: For that comforting flavor that pairs so well with the cream filling.
- Oil: For frying (or you can bake if preferred).
For the Cream Filling:
- Heavy Cream: The main ingredient for a smooth and luscious filling.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cream filling to perfection.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a touch of flavor to the filling.
- Butter: Ensures the filling has a rich and smooth texture.
For Dusting:
- Powdered Sugar: A light dusting to make the donuts look irresistible.
(Note: Full ingredient list with measurements can be found in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Let’s get into the steps to make these dreamy cream-filled donuts:
1. Prepare the Donut Dough:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Slowly combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Don’t overmix—this will keep your donuts soft and light.
2. Roll and Shape the Donuts:
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll it to about 1/2 inch thick. Use a round cutter (about 2-3 inches in diameter) to cut out donut shapes. If you want to make donut holes, simply cut smaller circles in the center of each donut.
3. Fry the Donuts:
Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 1-2 minutes per side or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain.
4. Make the Cream Filling:
While the donuts are cooling, make the cream filling. In a bowl, beat together the heavy cream, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla extract until it forms soft peaks. If the filling feels too thick, you can add a tiny bit of milk to adjust the consistency.
5. Fill the Donuts:
Once the donuts have cooled slightly, use a piping bag fitted with a small round tip to carefully inject the cream filling into each donut. Insert the tip into the side of the donut and gently squeeze until the donut feels filled. Be careful not to overfill them!
6. Dust with Powdered Sugar:
Once the donuts are filled, give them a light dusting of powdered sugar. It’ll add a touch of sweetness and make them look absolutely irresistible.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
These Cream-Filled Donuts are best served fresh, while the filling is creamy and the donut is soft. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or a glass of milk for the ultimate treat.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
How to Serve Cream-Filled Donuts
- For Breakfast: These make a lovely, sweet start to your morning, especially with a hot cup of coffee or tea on the side.
- For a Special Dessert: They’re great for serving at parties or gatherings, adding an elegant touch to any table.
- Snack Time: Have them ready for an afternoon snack or anytime you’re craving something sweet.
Additional Tips
- Piping Tip: If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a plastic sandwich bag with the tip cut off. Just fill it with the cream and pipe it into the donuts.
- Baking Option: If you’d rather bake the donuts, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown. Baked donuts will have a slightly different texture but are just as delicious!
- Flavored Cream: You can easily flavor the cream filling by adding a little cocoa powder, cinnamon, or even a splash of liqueur like amaretto for something extra special.
- Make Ahead: You can make the donuts ahead of time and fill them right before serving to keep them fresh.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different filling for these donuts?
A1: Absolutely! You can swap the cream filling for custard, chocolate ganache, or even fruit preserves if you prefer.
Q2: Can I bake the donuts instead of frying them?
A2: Yes! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the donuts for about 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
Q3: How do I store leftover donuts?
A3: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them (just make sure to fill them fresh before serving).
Q4: Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
A4: You can make the donuts a day ahead and store them at room temperature, but it’s best to fill them just before serving to prevent the filling from getting soggy.
Q5: Can I make the cream filling dairy-free?
A5: Yes, you can use coconut cream or another dairy-free alternative to make the filling, and non-dairy butter and milk for the dough!
These Cream-Filled Donuts with a Light Dusting are the kind of treat that makes every bite feel like a little celebration. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends, they’re sure to become a new favorite!
PrintCream-Filled Donuts: A Sweet Indulgence
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these irresistible Cream-Filled Donuts, lightly dusted with powdered sugar and filled with a rich, creamy filling. Perfect for any occasion, these donuts are sure to please everyone at the table!
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 Topping:
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt together.
- 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.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes soft and elastic. 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.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a round cutter to cut out circles for the donuts.
- 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. Drain on paper towels and allow them to cool.
- 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.
- Once the donuts are cooled, use a piping bag with a long nozzle to fill each donut with the whipped cream mixture.
- Dust the tops with powdered sugar for a finishing touch. Add a swirl of Nutella or chocolate cream on top for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Serve fresh for the best taste and texture.
- Store any leftover donuts in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg