The sweet aroma of freshly fried donuts wafts through the air, teasing your senses and promising a delightful treat. Imagine sinking your teeth into a fluffy, golden donut, only to discover a luscious cream filling that oozes with every bite. Cream-filled donuts are like a hug in pastry form, perfect for indulging on National Donut Day or any day that ends in “y.”
This sugary delight isn’t just about flavor; it’s about nostalgia. Picture a sunny Saturday morning when your childhood self eagerly awaited the arrival of the donut box, eyes wide with excitement. Each donut was a treasure, especially those filled with velvety cream. You can almost hear the playful banter as family members fought over the last one. Whether it’s for breakfast or a midnight snack binge, these cream-filled wonders bring joy and sweetness to any occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These cream-filled donuts are easy to make and perfect for sharing (or hoarding)
- Their rich and creamy filling provides an explosion of flavor in every bite
- With their golden-brown exterior and soft interior, these treats are as beautiful as they are delicious
- Enjoy them fresh or customize the filling based on your cravings for endless versatility
Ingredients for Cream-Filled Donuts (National Donut Day Special)
For more inspiration, check out this cake recipes recipe.
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of your donuts. Use high-quality flour for that perfect fluffy texture.
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Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and balances out the richness of the filling.
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Active Dry Yeast: This little magic ingredient helps your donuts rise and gives them that airy quality we all love.
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Milk: Use whole milk for creaminess; it makes the dough tender and flavorful.
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Unsalted Butter: Adds richness to the dough; make sure it’s softened so it mixes well.
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Eggs: Bind everything together and provide moisture; they’re essential for that traditional donut texture.
For the Cream Filling:
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Heavy Whipping Cream: The star of your filling! It whips up beautifully for a light, airy texture.
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Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling without adding graininess; it’s a must-have for smooth cream.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Cream-Filled Donuts (National Donut Day Special)
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit until foamy – this is how you know your yeast is alive! Then add flour, softened butter, eggs, and salt. Mix until you have a sticky dough that you can work with.
Step 2: Knead Like You Mean It
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it until smooth and elastic – about 5-7 minutes should do it. Think of it as an arm workout; those biceps will thank you later!
Step 3: Let It Rise
Place your kneaded dough into an oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size—this takes about an hour. Patience is key here!
Step 4: Shape Your Donuts
Once risen, punch down that dough (yes!) and roll it out to about half an inch thick. Cut circles using a donut cutter or two different-sized round cookie cutters—one big for the outer ring and one small for the center hole.
Step 5: Fry Time
Heat oil in a deep pan to around 350°F (175°C). Carefully place each donut into the hot oil—don’t overcrowd them! Fry until golden brown on both sides (about 2-3 minutes per side), then drain on paper towels.
Step 6: Fill Those Beauties
While they cool down slightly, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Once cooled significantly, use a piping bag to inject that creamy goodness into each donut.
Transfer to plates and serve warm—they’re best enjoyed fresh! You’ll want to savor each bite while sporting that sugar-coated smile.
Now go forth and celebrate National Donut Day with these scrumptious cream-filled delights! Your taste buds will thank you as you indulge in this irresistible treat that’s sure to bring happiness to any gathering—or even just yourself on a cozy couch binge-watching your favorite series.
You Must Know
- Cream-filled donuts are not just desserts; they are little pockets of joy
- With endless filling options and toppings, they can fit any occasion and even your cravings at 2 AM
- Whether you are celebrating National Donut Day or just having a rough week, these donuts will definitely brighten your day!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing your dough, allowing it to rise until doubled in size. Next, shape the donuts and let them proof again. While they are rising, heat the oil for frying. Fry until golden brown, then fill with cream for the ultimate indulgence.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with fillings! Swap traditional cream for chocolate ganache or fruit preserves. Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for an unexpected twist. Toppings can also vary—think sprinkles, powdered sugar, or a drizzle of melted chocolate.
Storing & Reheating
Store cream-filled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you need to reheat them, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring back that fresh taste.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure perfect cream-filled donuts, always check the oil temperature before frying; too hot will burn them
- Also, let the filled donuts rest briefly before serving to allow flavors to meld beautifully
- Lastly, use a piping bag for mess-free filling—your kitchen (and clothes) will thank you!
Nothing beats the look on my friend’s face when I surprised her with homemade cream-filled donuts for her birthday! She said they were better than any store-bought version—and who knew fried goodness could spark such joy?
FAQs:
What are Cream-Filled Donuts?
Cream-filled donuts are delightful pastries that feature a fluffy dough filled with rich cream or custard. These treats come in various flavors, such as vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. They are made by frying or baking dough and then piping in the creamy filling. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, they can be topped with powdered sugar, glaze, or chocolate for extra indulgence.
How do I make Cream-Filled Donuts at home?
To make cream-filled donuts at home, start by preparing the dough using flour, yeast, sugar, eggs, and butter. Let the dough rise until it doubles in size. Roll it out, cut into donut shapes, and fry until golden brown. Once cooled, fill each donut with your favorite cream filling using a piping bag. Finally, dust them with powdered sugar or dip them in glaze for an irresistible finish.
Can I use different fillings for my Cream-Filled Donuts?
Absolutely! While traditional cream-filled donuts often use pastry cream or whipped cream, you can experiment with various fillings. Consider using fruit jams, chocolate ganache, or even savory options like cream cheese. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to customize your donuts to suit your taste preferences and celebrate National Donut Day creatively.
How should I store leftover Cream-Filled Donuts?
To preserve the freshness of your cream-filled donuts, store them in an airtight container at room temperature if you plan to eat them within a day or two. For longer storage, refrigerate them to prevent spoilage. However, note that refrigeration may affect their texture. If freezing is necessary, wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.
Conclusion for Cream-Filled Donuts (National Donut Day Special):
Cream-filled donuts are a delicious treat that perfectly celebrates National Donut Day. With their soft dough and luscious fillings, they provide a satisfying experience for any sweet tooth. Making these donuts at home allows you to customize flavors and fillings according to your preferences. Don’t forget to share these delightful pastries with friends and family to make the celebration even more special! Enjoy this indulgent dessert any day of the year! For more inspiration, check out this delicious dessert recipes recipe.

Cream-Filled Donuts
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Cream-filled donuts are the ultimate indulgent treat, perfect for any occasion. These fluffy, golden delights are bursting with rich, creamy filling that satisfies your sweet tooth and evokes fond memories of childhood. Whether you’re celebrating National Donut Day or simply craving something sweet, these donuts are sure to impress. With a simple recipe that allows for creative variations, you can customize the flavors to suit your taste. Get ready to enjoy a delicious bite of nostalgia!
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast; let sit until foamy.
- Add flour, softened butter, eggs, and salt; mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.
- Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm area until doubled (about 1 hour).
- Roll out dough to 1/2 inch thick; cut into donut shapes.
- Fry in heated oil at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form; fill cooled donuts using a piping bag.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg