These cream-filled donuts are everything you’ve ever wanted in a donut – light, fluffy, and generously filled with a rich, creamy center. The secret to their perfection lies in the dough, which is expertly crafted to be soft and airy without absorbing excess oil, leaving you with a donut that is deliciously indulgent without being greasy. The filling, made from a luscious homemade custard combined with whipped cream and labneh, elevates these donuts to a new level of deliciousness. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these donuts are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Why You'll Love This:
You’ll love these donuts because they combine the best qualities of a classic donut with the added bonus of a creamy, flavorful filling. The dough is soft and pillowy, with just the right amount of sweetness, while the filling is rich, smooth, and satisfying. These donuts are also less oily than typical fried treats, making them a more enjoyable indulgence. The combination of custard, whipped cream, and labneh in the filling creates a luxurious texture and flavor that will leave you craving more. Plus, they’re easy to make at home, so you can enjoy bakery-quality donuts anytime.
Perfect Occasion:
These cream-filled donuts are perfect for a weekend brunch, a birthday party, or any time you want to impress your family and friends with a homemade treat. They’re also great for special occasions like holidays or celebrations where you want to serve something a little extra special. Serve them with coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon pick-me-up, or surprise your loved ones with a batch of these irresistible donuts as a sweet ending to a meal.
Decoration Tips:
For a classic look, roll the donuts in granulated sugar while they’re still warm for a sweet, crunchy coating. You can also dust them with powdered sugar for a more refined appearance. If you want to get creative, drizzle the donuts with melted chocolate or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. To add a pop of color, sprinkle some edible glitter or colorful sprinkles on top. For an extra indulgent touch, fill a piping bag with the custard filling and pipe a decorative swirl on top of each donut.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1.5 large cups of warm milk (300 ml)
- 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar
- 1 packet of dry yeast (10 grams)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 packet of vanilla extract
- 5 large cups of all-purpose flour (600 grams)
- 80 grams of softened butter
For the Cream Filling:
- 500 ml of milk
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 small cup of granulated sugar (80 grams)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 heaping tablespoon of all-purpose flour (20 grams)
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
Additional Ingredients for the Cream:
- 1 packet of whipped cream powder
- 180 grams of labneh cheese
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon of butter
For the Coating:
- 1 large cup of granulated sugar (170 grams)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. Add the eggs, salt, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, then incorporate the softened butter, kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Make the Cream Filling: While the dough is rising, prepare the cream filling. In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, egg yolks, sugar, vanilla extract, flour, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and forms a smooth custard. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Enhance the Cream Filling: Once the custard has cooled, whisk in the whipped cream powder, labneh cheese, vanilla extract, and butter. Mix until the filling is smooth and creamy. Set aside until ready to use.
- Shape and Fry the Donuts: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter or a round cookie cutter to cut out donut shapes. Cover the cut donuts with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts in batches, turning them once, until they are golden brown on both sides. Remove the donuts from the oil and drain on paper towels.
- Coat and Fill the Donuts: While the donuts are still warm, roll them in granulated sugar to coat. Once the donuts have cooled, use a piping bag fitted with a nozzle to fill each donut with the prepared cream filling.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the donuts fresh, filled with the rich, creamy custard, and coated in sugar. These donuts are best enjoyed the same day they are made, but they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Enjoy!