Cream-Filled Doughnuts

Delight in the heavenly taste of homemade Cream-Filled Doughnuts, a treat that combines fluffy, golden dough with a luscious cream filling. Each bite offers a burst of sweet, creamy flavor, encased in a lightly crisped exterior, making these doughnuts a perfect choice for any sweet tooth. Whether you’re looking to impress at a brunch or simply indulge in a decadent snack, these doughnuts promise satisfaction with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • Irresistibly Soft and Fluffy: The perfect texture of these doughnuts makes them a joy to eat.
  • Delicious Cream Filling: The light and airy cream filling adds a luxurious touch to each doughnut.
  • Homemade Goodness: Nothing beats the delightful taste of freshly fried, homemade doughnuts.

Ingredients:

For the Doughnuts:

  • 1 cup whole milk, warm
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Cream Filling:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Coating:

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Instructions:

Dough Preparation:

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, granulated sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
  2. Add the flour, salt, and beaten eggs to the yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.
  3. Incorporate the softened butter, and knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and allow it to rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Forming and Frying:

  1. Once risen, turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll out to about 1/2 inch thickness.
  2. Cut out doughnut shapes using a doughnut cutter or round cutter. Let the cut doughnuts rest for about 30 minutes.
  3. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the doughnuts in batches, turning once, until golden brown on both sides. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Making the Cream Filling:

  1. Whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl until stiff peaks form.

Filling the Doughnuts:

  1. Once the doughnuts have cooled, make a small hole in the side of each doughnut.
  2. Fill a piping bag with the whipped cream and pipe it into each doughnut through the hole.

Finishing Touches:

  1. Roll each filled doughnut in granulated sugar to coat.

Storage Options:

  • Refrigerator: Filled doughnuts should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and are best enjoyed within 1-2 days.
  • Freezer: For longer storage, unfilled doughnuts can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw and fill with cream just before serving.

Tips:

  • Ensure Freshness: Use fresh yeast to guarantee that your dough rises properly.
  • Control Oil Temperature: Keep the oil at a consistent temperature to prevent the doughnuts from absorbing too much oil or burning.
  • Serving Suggestion: For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle the doughnuts with chocolate sauce or dust with powdered sugar after filling.