Strawberry Cream-Filled Donuts are a delightful treat that combines fluffy, golden donuts with a sweet and creamy filling. Each bite offers the soft texture of fried dough complemented by the lightness of whipped cream and the fresh, juicy sweetness of strawberries. This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy homemade pastries and are looking for a delicious way to bring a touch of gourmet flair to their baking repertoire.
These donuts are not only irresistible due to their appealing flavors but also offer a visually stunning presentation, making them ideal for special occasions or as a sophisticated upgrade to your regular weekend breakfast. The process of making these donuts from scratch provides a rewarding baking experience, with the end result being as satisfying to look at as they are to eat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Decadently Delicious: The combination of soft donuts with creamy, fruity filling is pure indulgence.
- Perfect for Special Occasions: Impress guests at brunch or treat someone special with these beautiful homemade donuts.
- Engaging Baking Project: Enjoy the process of making dough from scratch and filling your donuts with homemade whipped cream.
Ingredients:
For the donuts:
- 1 cup milk, warmed
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- Oil for frying
For the filling:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, thinly sliced
For garnish:
- Additional powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
Dough Preparation:
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk and allow it to sit until frothy, about 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine sugar, eggs, flour, and salt. Add the frothy yeast mixture and butter, and knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes.
First Rise:
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
Shaping the Donuts:
- After the first rise, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2 inch thickness.
- Cut out rounds using a donut cutter or a large cookie cutter. Let the cut dough rounds rise again until puffy, about 30 minutes.
Frying:
- Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Fry the donuts until golden on each side, approximately 2 minutes per side. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels.
Preparing the Filling:
- Whip the cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until it forms stiff peaks.
Assembly:
- Slice each donut in half horizontally. Fill with a generous layer of whipped cream and arrange sliced strawberries on the cream.
- Replace the top half of the donut, press gently to secure, and dust with powdered sugar.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerator: Assembled donuts can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, covered.
- Freezer: Unfilled donuts can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat gently before filling.
Tips:
- Ensure Oil Temperature: Keep the frying oil at a consistent medium heat to prevent the donuts from absorbing too much oil or burning.
- Customize Your Filling: Experiment with other fruits or flavored creams to suit your taste preferences.
- Serving Suggestion: These donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but if storing, a quick warm-up in the oven can rejuvenate the texture.
These Strawberry Cream-Filled Donuts are sure to delight anyone who tries them, offering a perfect blend of textures and flavors that are both refreshing and satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply indulging in a weekend baking project, these donuts will be a delightful addition to any table.
