Who doesn’t love biting into a soft, pillowy donut filled with luscious cream? Cream donuts are the ultimate indulgence—light, fluffy, and packed with sweet, creamy filling. This recipe is everything you’ve been dreaming of if you’re a donut lover like me! Whether you’re making them for a weekend treat, a special occasion, or just because you deserve something delicious, this cream donut recipe will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Let’s dive in together and create a bakery-quality treat at home! Oh, and don’t forget to subscribe to my email list—I’ve got plenty more irresistible recipes coming your way!
Why You’ll Love These Cream Donuts
Before we get into the details, let me tell you why this recipe is so special:
- Incredibly Soft Dough: The donuts are made with a light yeast-based dough that is perfectly tender and fluffy.
- Decadent Cream Filling: Choose between classic vanilla pastry cream, whipped cream, or even a rich chocolate custard.
- Customizable Flavors: From flavored creams to fun toppings like powdered sugar, chocolate glaze, or sprinkles, the possibilities are endless!
- Perfect for Sharing: These donuts are always a hit at parties, brunches, or lazy Sunday breakfasts.
When you bite into one of these donuts, it’s a magical moment—the combination of the pillowy dough and creamy filling is pure comfort food bliss.
Ingredients for Cream Donuts
For the Dough:
- 2 ¾ cups (340g) all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (180ml) warm milk (around 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
For the Filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream, whipped, OR
- 1 ½ cups vanilla pastry cream (recipe below)
Optional Toppings:
- Powdered sugar
- Chocolate glaze
- Sprinkles
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl or stand mixer
- Rolling pin
- Round cookie or donut cutter (about 3 inches)
- Deep pot or deep fryer for frying
- Kitchen thermometer (for frying oil temperature)
- Piping bag with a round or star tip for filling
How to Make Cream Donuts
1. Make the Dough:
- In a small bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and the yeast mixture. Add the softened butter and egg, then mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes (or use a stand mixer with a dough hook) until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
2. Shape the Donuts:
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it out to about ½ inch thickness.
- Use a round cutter to cut out circles. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
3. Fry the Donuts:
- Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts in small batches for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Remove the donuts with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Let them cool completely before filling.
4. Prepare the Filling:
- Vanilla Pastry Cream:
- Heat 1 cup milk, ¼ cup sugar, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract in a saucepan until it starts to steam.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 egg yolks, 3 tablespoons sugar, and 2 tablespoons cornstarch.
- Slowly whisk the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture, then return it to the saucepan and cook over medium heat until thickened.
- Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and chill until ready to use.
- Alternatively, whip heavy cream with a little powdered sugar until soft peaks form for a light, airy filling.
5. Fill the Donuts:
- Use a piping bag fitted with a round or star tip to fill the cooled donuts. Insert the tip into the side of the donut and pipe until full (you’ll feel the donut puff up slightly).
- Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with chocolate glaze, or top with sprinkles for a fun twist.
Creative Variations on Cream Donuts
Once you’ve mastered the classic cream donut, why not try something new? Here are some fun and delicious twists to make this recipe your own:
1. Berry Bliss Donuts
Fill your donuts with whipped cream mixed with fresh fruit purée like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. Add a drizzle of berry glaze on top for a tangy-sweet flavor explosion.
2. Tiramisu Donuts
Fill your donuts with a creamy mascarpone filling and dust them with cocoa powder. You can even add a splash of espresso to the filling for a tiramisu-inspired treat.
3. Nutella-Stuffed Donuts
Replace the cream filling with Nutella for a chocolatey twist. Top with a dusting of powdered sugar or chopped hazelnuts.
4. Lemon Meringue Donuts
Use a tangy lemon curd filling and top your donuts with a swirl of toasted meringue for a sophisticated dessert.
5. Churro-Style Donuts
Roll the freshly fried donuts in cinnamon sugar and fill them with vanilla cream or dulce de leche. These are perfect for fans of the classic churro!
6. Matcha Cream Donuts
For a trendy twist, make a matcha-flavored filling by mixing whipped cream with matcha powder and a touch of honey. Dust the donuts with powdered sugar and matcha for a stunning presentation.
Feel free to experiment with your favorite flavors—the sky’s the limit!
Fun Ways to Decorate Cream Donuts
Once your cream donuts are filled, it’s time to make them look as good as they taste. Here are some creative and Instagram-worthy ideas for decorating your donuts:
1. Classic Powdered Sugar Look
Dust your donuts generously with powdered sugar for a simple, timeless finish. This is perfect for showcasing the creamy filling inside.
2. Drizzle and Sprinkles
Drizzle melted chocolate, caramel, or fruit glaze over the top and add a handful of colorful sprinkles. This creates a fun and festive look, especially for kids’ parties!
3. Dip and Coat
Dip the tops of your donuts into a smooth glaze made with powdered sugar, milk, and a splash of vanilla extract. For extra flair, coat the glaze with shredded coconut, crushed nuts, or crushed cookies.
4. Marbled Effect
Combine two or more glaze colors (like pink and white or chocolate and vanilla) and swirl them together for a marbled effect. Simply dip the donuts and twist slightly to achieve this artistic look.
5. Golden Touch
Add edible gold leaf or a dusting of edible glitter to take your cream donuts to the next level. This works beautifully for weddings or fancy celebrations.
6. Holiday Themes
Customize your donuts for holidays: red and green sprinkles for Christmas, heart-shaped sprinkles for Valentine’s Day, or pastel colors for Easter. You can even shape the dough into themed designs before frying!
No matter how you choose to decorate, these cream donuts are sure to be a showstopper!
What to Serve with Cream Donuts
While these donuts are perfect on their own, here are some pairing ideas:
- A cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea.
- A warm mug of hot chocolate for an extra cozy vibe.
- Fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries for a burst of freshness.
Tips for Perfect Cream Donuts
- Use Fresh Yeast: Check the expiration date on your yeast to ensure a proper rise.
- Don’t Overheat the Oil: Maintaining the correct frying temperature (350°F) is key to avoiding greasy or undercooked donuts.
- Let the Donuts Cool: Adding cream to hot donuts can cause the filling to melt or become watery.
- Experiment with Flavors: Try adding citrus zest, cinnamon, or nutmeg to the dough for an extra layer of flavor.
How to Store Cream Donuts
- Refrigerate Filled Donuts: Store cream-filled donuts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Freeze Unfilled Donuts: You can freeze the fried donuts (without filling) for up to 2 months. Thaw and fill before serving.
FAQs About Cream Donuts
Q: Can I bake the donuts instead of frying them?
A: Yes! Brush the shaped donuts with melted butter and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
Q: Can I use a store-bought filling?
A: Absolutely! Pre-made whipped cream or pudding works great if you’re short on time.
Q: What type of oil is best for frying?
A: Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil work well for frying donuts.
Conclusion
There you have it—your new favorite treat, cream donuts! These soft, creamy delights are sure to impress anyone who tries them. From the first fluffy bite to the last dollop of cream, they’re nothing short of pure joy.
Don’t forget to share your creations! Tag me on Pinterest or Instagram with your homemade cream donuts—I’d love to see how they turn out. And if you’re still craving more, check out my other recipes like delicious gluten free donuts or apple cider donuts for more inspiration.
Nutritional Information (Per Donut):
- Calories: ~260
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Protein: 4g
Let’s get baking—because life is better with a little cream-filled sweetness!