Who can resist the allure of fluffy donuts filled with fresh strawberries and whipped cream? These Heavenly Strawberry Cream Donuts are the perfect homemade treat, combining soft, airy bread with sweet, luscious filling. Whether you’re indulging in them for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, these donuts will bring a burst of flavor and joy to your day. And the best part? You can customize them with your favorite seasonal fruits for a treat that’s delicious all year round!
Ingredients
For the Donut Dough:
- 300g bread flour (all-purpose flour is also an option)
- 54g egg (approximately 1 room temperature egg)
- 45g sugar (4.5 Tbsp)
- 5g salt (1.5 tsp)
- 5g instant dry yeast (0.8 Tbsp)
- 140ml warm milk (not too hot, about 100°F or 38°C)
- 40g unsalted butter, room temperature
For the Whipped Cream:
- 300g heavy cream
- 30g sugar
Toppings:
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Strawberry syrup (optional)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
Prepare the Donut Dough:
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, mix the warm milk with the instant dry yeast.
- Allow it to rest for about 5 minutes until it becomes bubbly, signaling that the yeast is working.
- Mix the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, sugar, and salt. Add the room temperature egg and the frothy yeast mixture.
- Mix the ingredients together until they start to form a dough.
- Knead the Dough:
- After the dough has risen, deflate it by pressing down to expel the air.
- Knead the dough by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for about 10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise:
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Donuts:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1cm thickness.
- Use a round cutter (8-9cm in diameter) to cut out donut shapes. You can use a smaller cutter to create holes in the center, or leave them as filled donuts.
- Place the shaped donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them again and let them rise for another 30 minutes until puffy.
- Fry the Donuts:
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the donuts in batches, about 2-3 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the donuts from the oil and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Prepare the Whipped Cream:
- Whip the Cream:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream and sugar.
- Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the cream until it thickens and holds stiff peaks.
- Be careful not to overwhip.
Assemble the Donuts:
- Fill the Donuts:
- Once the donuts have cooled completely, use a piping bag fitted with a star tip to pipe the whipped cream into the center of each donut (if you didn’t create holes) or on top of the donut.
- Add the Toppings:
- Top each donut with sliced fresh strawberries.
- If desired, drizzle the donuts with strawberry syrup for extra flavor.
- Lightly dust the tops with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.
Conclusion
These Heavenly Strawberry Cream Donuts are the perfect combination of fluffy, airy dough and rich, creamy filling. The freshness of the strawberries paired with the soft whipped cream creates a delightful treat that’s both visually appealing and incredibly delicious. Whether enjoyed fresh or shared with friends and family, these donuts are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Customize with other seasonal fruits for endless variations of this delectable dessert!