Strawberry Cream Filled Donuts

Introduction

When I first made these Strawberry Cream Filled Donuts, I was eager to see how my family would react. As the sweet aroma filled the kitchen, everyone gathered around, curious and excited. The combination of fluffy donuts and fresh strawberry cream was a hit! Each bite was a delightful explosion of flavors, and they disappeared faster than I could keep up with. It’s now a special treat that my family requests often, especially for brunch or special occasions.

---

Ingredients

• 1 envelope active dry yeast
• 2 tbsp warm water
• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 stick softened butter
• 3 egg yolks
• 4 tbsp sugar
• 1 quart vegetable oil (for frying)
• 2 cups granulated sugar (for coating)
• 4 cups sliced strawberries
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for syrup)
• 1 1/2 tbsp water
• 16 oz softened cream cheese
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp strawberry preserves

---

Instructions

1. Mix the yeast with warm water in a bowl and let it sit for a few minutes.
2. In a stand mixer with a dough hook, combine the flour, milk, butter, egg yolks, and sugar with the yeast mixture. Blend on low speed until a dough forms and pulls away from the sides.
3. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise until doubled (about 90 minutes).
5. Punch down the dough and divide it into 14 pieces, shaping each into small balls. Place on a floured parchment-lined baking tray and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
6. Heat oil to 375°F. Fry 3-4 donuts at a time for 1-2 minutes on each side, then drain on paper towels.
7. Once cooled, coat the donuts in sugar and create a hole in the side of each with a sharp tool.
8. In the stand mixer, combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, and strawberry preserves.
9. In a small pan, simmer sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and water for about 10 minutes; let cool.
10. Stir 1 cup of the strawberry mixture into the cream cheese filling, then fill a piping bag and pipe the filling into each donut.

---

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 12
• Calories per serving: Approximately 300

---

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 4 minutes
• Cooking Time: 4 minutes
• Preparation Time: 1 hour

---

How to Serve

• Serve warm or at room temperature.
• Dust with additional powdered sugar.
• Pair with coffee or tea.
• Add extra sliced strawberries on the side.
• Consider serving with whipped cream for a luxurious touch.

---

Additional Tips

1. Ensure the oil is at the right temperature for even frying.
2. Let the filled donuts sit for a few minutes before serving to enhance flavors.
3. Experiment with different fillings like chocolate or vanilla.
4. Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor.
5. Keep the donuts covered to maintain freshness.

---

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Cream Filled Donuts: Substitute strawberry preserves with chocolate ganache.
• Fruit Variations: Use blueberries or raspberries instead of strawberries.
• Glazed Donuts: Instead of coating in sugar, glaze with a simple icing.
• Baked Version: Bake the donuts at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes instead of frying.

---

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a brunch centerpiece.
• Perfect for dessert tables at parties.
• Pair with ice cream for a decadent treat.
• Great for holiday celebrations or family gatherings.

---

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Allow donuts to cool completely before freezing. Place in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

---

FAQ Section

1. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
   Yes, just activate it in warm water first.
2. What type of oil is best for frying?
   Vegetable oil works well, but you can also use canola oil.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Yes, you can refrigerate it after the first rise.
4. How can I make these donuts healthier?
   Try using whole wheat flour and reducing sugar.
5. Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?
   Yes, bake at 375°F for a lighter version.
6. What if I don’t have a piping bag?
   You can use a plastic bag with the corner snipped off.
7. How do I know when the donuts are done frying?
   They should be golden brown and float to the top.
8. Can I use frozen strawberries?
   Yes, just thaw and drain excess liquid.
9. How long can I store filled donuts?
   They’re best eaten fresh but can be stored for 1-2 days in the fridge.
10. What’s the best way to reheat leftover donuts?
    Warm them in the microwave for a few seconds or in a toaster oven.

---

Conclusion

These Strawberry Cream Filled Donuts are a delightful treat that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. With a crispy exterior and luscious cream filling, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them on a leisurely weekend or serving them at a festive gathering, this recipe is bound to create lasting memories. Happy baking!

Print