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Instructions for Making Strawberry Cream-Filled Donuts
1. Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm milk (make sure it’s not too hot, or it will kill the yeast) with sugar and active dry yeast. Stir gently, and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. The mixture should become frothy. If it doesn’t bubble up, your yeast may be expired or the milk might have been too hot, so try again with fresh yeast.
2. Make the Donut Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Once the yeast mixture is ready, add it to the flour mixture along with the eggs, butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until the dough comes together. It will be a little sticky, but that’s okay!
3. Knead the Dough
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as you knead. Once it’s smooth, shape it into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
4. Shape the Donuts
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll it out to about ½ inch thickness. Using a donut cutter or two round cookie cutters (one large and one small for the hole), cut out the donuts.
5. Fry the Donuts
In a deep frying pan or a large pot, heat the oil to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop the donut dough into the hot oil, a few at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each donut for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. Prepare the Strawberry Cream Filling
While the donuts are cooling, it’s time to prepare the strawberry cream filling. In a medium bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar together until stiff peaks form. In a separate bowl, mash the fresh strawberries with the sugar until they become a puree, and then fold the strawberry mixture into the whipped cream until fully combined.
7. Fill the Donuts
Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, use a small knife to make a slit on the side of each donut. If you have a piping bag with a filling tip, you can pipe the strawberry cream into each donut. If not, you can simply spoon the filling into the center. Be generous—after all, the filling is the best part!
8. Optional Toppings
For an extra touch, dust the filled donuts with powdered sugar, or drizzle them with strawberry glaze for an even sweeter finish.
Tips for Success
- Perfect Frying Temperature: Ensure your oil is at the correct temperature. If the oil is too hot, the donuts will burn on the outside before cooking through. If it’s not hot enough, the donuts will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the donuts with the strawberry cream. You want enough filling to be delicious, but not so much that it leaks out when you bite into it.
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare the donuts the day before and store them in an airtight container. Simply fill them with the strawberry cream right before serving to keep them fresh.
- Flavor Variations: Get creative with the filling! You can add a touch of lemon zest, vanilla bean, or a bit of strawberry jam for added flavor.
Why These Strawberry Cream-Filled Donuts Are a Must-Try
These Strawberry Cream-Filled Donuts are not just about their mouthwatering taste; they are also a visual delight. The bright red strawberry filling, paired with the golden-brown donut exterior, makes them perfect for special occasions like Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, or any time you want to treat yourself or your loved ones to something special.
The donut itself is soft and pillowy, while the strawberry cream filling offers a luxurious sweetness with a hint of fruity freshness. The best part? You can enjoy them right out of the fryer or let them cool before serving—either way, they’re absolutely irresistible.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Sweet Treat
Making Strawberry Cream-Filled Donuts at home is a fun, rewarding experience that’s sure to delight everyone who takes a bite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and yields perfect results every time. With a soft donut, sweet strawberry cream, and an optional sugary topping, these donuts will be a hit at your next brunch, party, or dessert table.
Go ahead—give this recipe a try, and prepare to indulge in one of the most delicious treats you’ll ever make at home!
