To knead dough, place dough onto a surface lightly sprinkled with flour and knead it for approximately five to seven minutes or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Afterwards, put the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel and allow to rise in a warm spot for 1-1.5 hours, until the size doubles.
To shape donuts punch down risen dough and roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use either a donut cutter or two round cutters (one large, one small) to cut out shapes of donuts. Reroll scraps; cut out more donuts.
Second Rise: On parchment-lined baking sheet, place the cutout donuts. Keep covered using cloth till 30 more minutes go by.
As you fry Donuts: The oil in deep fryer is heated up or heavy pan up until it reaches the temperature of 350°F (175°C). Care should be taken not overcrowd the pan as you fry them in batches. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until they become golden brown. Fish out with slotted spoon; place on paper towels..
Making Cream Filling
Preparing Cream Add sugar and vanilla extract into heavy cream bowl and whisk it until soft peaks form
Thickening Cream Mix cornstarch with some water in a small saucepan then heat over medium heat till mixture thickens slightly; fold into whipped cream
Making Donuts
Fill Donuts: Once the donuts have cooled, use a piping bag with a small round tip to fill each donut with the cream. Gently push the piping tip into the side of the donut and squeeze until it is filled.
Glaze (Optional): Mix together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract making it smooth to make glaze. Dip donuts tops into this glaze allowing any excess drip off
Hints for Success.
Temperature Control: Avoid greasy donuts by ensuring that your oil is at correct temperature before frying. Use candy thermometer to watch out for oil temperature.
Filling Technique: Gently fill the donuts so as not to tear them apart. If you do not have a piping bag, then you can also use a needle to insert filling inside them.
Rising Time: Allow dough to rise fully; do not rush rising times in order for light fluffy donuts.
Health Benefits
Portion Control: Homemade donuts enable you to manage quantities and ingredients used hence they may be healthier than those bought from stores.
Quality Ingredients: There will no artificial additives or preservatives when fresh ingredients are used
Nutritional Information (Per Donut)
Approximate values per unglazed doughnut:
Calories 250
Protein 4g
Fat 12g
Carbohydrates 30g
Fibers1g
Sugar10g
Variations and substitutes
Cream Flavouring: Add some flavoured extracts or fruit puree to the cream filling for a different outcome.
Gluten Free Alternative: Use flour that doesn’t contain gluten when making your doughnuts.
Baked Donuts: Alternatively, bake the donuts at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for about 12-15 minutes.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I prepare the dough in advance?
A: Yes, you can make the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Before shaping and frying, bring it to room temperature so that it rises easily.
Q: What is the best way to store remaining donuts?
A: Keep any uneaten donuts at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days and if you need them later but longer storage requires freezing them then thawing as needed.
Q: What are other fillings suitable for use?
A; For sure! Jams, jellies or chocolate ganache may be used as well.
Conclusion
Freshly made from your kitchen, Cream filled Donuts are such a delicious treat. This recipe allows you to create tender, fluffy doughnuts with a creamy rich filling which should be perfect for special occasions or indulgence of yourself with something sweet. Create your own personal variation by using various glazes and fillings. Enjoy both the process and the great result!
