Cream-Filled Sugar Doughnuts 

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Ingredients Overview

This recipe has two main parts:

  1. The yeast dough
  2. The vanilla custard cream filling

Ingredients for the Doughnuts

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons instant dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Oil for frying (vegetable or sunflower)

Ingredients for Sugar Coating

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

Ingredients for Vanilla Custard Cream Filling

  • 2 cups milk
  • 4 egg yolks
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step 1: Preparing the Yeast Dough

In a large bowl:

  1. Mix warm milk with sugar
  2. Add yeast and stir gently
  3. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy

This step activates the yeast and ensures fluffy doughnuts.

Step 2: Mixing the Dough

Add to the yeast mixture:

  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract
  • Salt

Mix well, then gradually add flour.

Once the dough starts forming:

  • Add softened butter
  • Knead until incorporated

Step 3: Kneading for Perfect Texture

Knead the dough:

  • By hand: 10–12 minutes
  • Or mixer: 8 minutes on medium speed

Dough Should Be:

  • Soft and elastic
  • Slightly sticky but smooth
  • Not dry

Avoid adding too much flour.

Step 4: First Rise (Fermentation)

Place dough in a lightly greased bowl.

  • Cover with plastic wrap or cloth
  • Let rise in a warm place 1½–2 hours

The dough should double in size.

Step 5: Preparing the Custard Cream Filling

While the dough rises, prepare the filling.

Custard Instructions

  1. Heat milk in a saucepan (do not boil)
  2. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch
  3. Slowly pour warm milk into egg mixture while whisking
  4. Return mixture to saucepan
  5. Cook on low heat until thick
  6. Remove from heat, add butter and vanilla
  7. Cover with plastic wrap touching surface
  8. Chill completely

This creates a smooth, pipeable custard.

Step 6: Shaping the Doughnuts

After the dough has risen:

  1. Punch down gently
  2. Roll out to 1.5 cm thickness
  3. Cut circles using a cutter or glass
  4. Place on parchment paper

Cover and let rest for 30–40 minutes.

Step 7: Second Rise (Very Important)

This second rise ensures:

  • Light texture
  • Proper puffing during frying
  • No dense centers

Doughnuts should look puffy and airy.

Step 8: Frying the Doughnuts

Heat oil to 170–175°C (340°F).

Frying Instructions

  1. Fry 2–3 doughnuts at a time
  2. Fry 1½–2 minutes per side
  3. Turn gently
  4. Cook until golden brown

Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 9: Sugar Coating

While doughnuts are still warm:

  • Roll them in granulated sugar
  • Coat evenly on all sides

This step gives the classic look and taste.

Step 10: Filling the Doughnuts

Fill a piping bag with chilled custard.

How to Fill

  1. Make a small hole in the side of each doughnut
  2. Insert piping tip
  3. Gently squeeze until filled

You’ll see the cream slightly bulge — perfect!

Texture and Flavor Description

A perfect cream-filled doughnut should be:

  • Soft and airy inside
  • Lightly crisp outside
  • Sweet but not greasy
  • Filled generously with silky custard

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Oil Too Hot

Burns outside, raw inside.

Skipping Second Rise

Leads to dense doughnuts.

Overfilling

Causes cream to leak.

Warm Custard

Must be cold before filling.

Delicious Variations You Can Try

Chocolate Cream Doughnuts

Add melted chocolate to custard.

Lemon Cream Doughnuts

Add lemon zest and juice.

Jam-Filled Doughnuts

Replace custard with strawberry or apricot jam.

Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts

Roll in cinnamon sugar instead of plain sugar.

Storage Tips

Same Day (Best)

  • Keep covered at room temperature

Refrigerator

  • Store filled doughnuts up to 2 days
  • Bring to room temperature before serving

Freezing

  • Freeze unfilled doughnuts
  • Fill after thawing

Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

  • Tea or coffee
  • Hot chocolate
  • Milk
  • Fresh fruit on the side

Perfect for:

  • Family gatherings
  • Breakfast treats
  • Celebrations
  • Afternoon snacks

Why These Doughnuts Are Always a Hit

  • Classic bakery favorite
  • Soft and comforting
  • Customizable fillings
  • Loved by kids and adults

They look impressive but are very achievable at home.

Final Thoughts

These cream-filled sugar doughnuts are exactly what you see in the image:

  • Puffy
  • Golden
  • Sugar-coated
  • Filled with rich vanilla cream

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