Who doesn’t love a soft, fluffy donut filled with a burst of sweet cream? These homemade strawberry cream-filled donuts are the perfect way to start your day or indulge in a special treat any time. Instead of reaching for store-bought pastries, why not whip up a batch of these delicious donuts from scratch? With a tender, pillowy dough and a rich, fruity strawberry cream filling, these donuts offer an irresistible combination of textures and flavors. Whether you’re making them for a special breakfast or a fun weekend project, these strawberry-filled delights are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Ingredients:
For the Donuts:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) of active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/45°C)
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Strawberry Cream Filling:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup strawberry jam (choose a high-quality or homemade jam for best flavor)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a small bowl, mix the warm milk with the yeast and a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, showing that the yeast is activated.
- In a separate large bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, egg, and melted butter to the dry ingredients, and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Roll and Cut the Donuts
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it to about ½-inch thickness.
- Using a donut cutter or a large round cutter, cut out circles of dough.
- Place the cut dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with a towel, and let them rise for another 30 minutes until puffed up
Step 3: Fry the Donuts
- In a large, deep skillet or pot, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Gently drop the donuts into the hot oil, frying 2-3 at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts from the oil and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Make the Strawberry Cream Filling
- While the donuts are cooling, whip the heavy cream in a chilled bowl until soft peaks form.
- Gently fold in the strawberry jam and vanilla extract, ensuring the cream is well blended with the jam for a smooth, flavorful filling.
- Transfer the mixture to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip.
Step 5: Fill the Donuts
- Using a skewer or a small knife, poke a hole into the side of each cooled donut.
- Insert the piping tip into the hole and fill each donut generously with the strawberry cream.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Once all the donuts are filled, dust them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness, if desired.
- Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container for up to a day.
Conclusion:
There’s something undeniably special about homemade donuts, and these strawberry cream-filled delights are no exception. With their light, fluffy dough and sweet, creamy filling, these donuts are a fantastic way to indulge your cravings for a morning treat or a delightful dessert. The strawberry cream adds a fruity freshness that pairs perfectly with the richness of the whipped cream, making these donuts truly irresistible. Whether enjoyed fresh from the fryer or as a snack later in the day, these donuts are sure to brighten any occasion. Happy baking!