Welcome to the world of homemade delights where we transform simple ingredients into extraordinary treats! Today, we’re diving into a recipe that’s sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face – our Delightful Strawberry Cream Donuts. Imagine biting into a soft, fluffy donut, filled with luscious whipped cream and topped with fresh, juicy strawberries. This recipe offers a perfect balance of sweetness, with a hint of fruitiness, making it an irresistible indulgence for all ages.
Crafting these donuts at home might seem like a gourmet challenge, but our step-by-step guide makes it achievable and fun. We’ve included tips to ensure your donuts come out perfectly fluffy and your whipped cream reaches just the right consistency. Whether you choose to fry for a traditional texture or bake for a lighter option, these donuts will turn out delicious.
So, gather your ingredients, and let’s embark on a baking adventure that will end with the most delightful strawberry cream donuts you’ve ever tasted. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat, these donuts are about to become your new favorite homemade dessert.
For the Donut Dough:
- 300g of bread flour (all-purpose flour is also suitable)
- 1 egg, brought to room temperature
- 45g (about 4.5 tablespoons) of sugar
- 5g (about 1.5 teaspoons) of salt
- 5g (slightly less than 1 tablespoon) of instant dry yeast
- 140ml of warm milk
- 40g of unsalted butter, softened
For the Whipped Cream:
- 300g of heavy cream
- 30g of sugar
Toppings:
- Fresh strawberries
- Strawberry syrup (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Preparation Tips:
- For the donuts to achieve maximum fluffiness, allow the dough to undergo three rounds of fermentation. The duration will depend on the ambient room temperature.
- If you prefer baking to frying, preheat your oven to 170°C (338°F) and bake for approximately 20 minutes, though timing might vary depending on your oven.
- Eggs in the dough can be replaced with an equivalent amount of milk if desired.
- For perfectly stiff whipped cream, ensure the mixing environment is cool, below 20°C. Placing the bowl over ice water can help achieve this texture.
- Whipped cream may lose its firmness if stored in the refrigerator for an extended period.
Directions:
- Dough Preparation: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, sugar, salt, and instant dry yeast. Gradually add the warm milk and the egg, mixing until the dough starts to form. Knead in the room-temperature unsalted butter until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First Fermentation: Allow the dough to rise in a warm place until it doubles in size. This initial rise is crucial for developing the texture.
- Shape and Second Fermentation: Once risen, punch down the dough to release air bubbles, then divide and shape into individual donuts. Let them rise again until puffy and almost doubled.
- Cooking: Fry the donuts in oil at a controlled temperature until golden brown, or bake in a preheated oven at 170°C (338°F) for about 20 minutes, until cooked through and lightly golden.
- Whipped Cream: While the donuts are cooling, whip the heavy cream and sugar together in a chilled bowl until stiff peaks form. Keep the environment cool for best results.
- Assembly: Slice the cooled donuts in half, fill with a generous dollop of whipped cream, and add sliced strawberries. Drizzle with strawberry syrup if using, and dust with powdered sugar.
Enjoy these delightful homemade donuts, a perfect treat that combines the airy softness of freshly made donuts with the sweet, creamy texture of whipped cream, all complemented by the fresh tanginess of strawberries. Whether for a special occasion or a decadent weekend breakfast, these donuts are sure to impress.