Fresh Cream Doughnuts: The Perfect Sweet Treat for Any Occasion

When it comes to indulgent desserts that combine rich flavors, satisfying textures, and the perfect touch of sweetness, fresh cream doughnuts are hard to beat. These light and fluffy doughnuts filled with a creamy, luscious filling are perfect for any occasion – be it a breakfast treat, a special dessert for a celebration, or a simple snack to accompany your afternoon coffee. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make fresh cream doughnuts step by step, share the origins of this delectable dessert, provide variations, and answer some frequently asked questions. So let’s get started!

What are Fresh Cream Doughnuts?

Fresh cream doughnuts are a type of doughnut that is filled with a sweet, whipped cream filling. Unlike traditional doughnuts that may be glazed or frosted, these doughnuts are unique because they are injected with a soft, velvety cream filling that melts in your mouth. The dough itself is deep-fried to a perfect golden brown, creating a crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling inside. These doughnuts are typically coated in a sugar and cinnamon mixture or simply dusted with powdered sugar for an added touch of sweetness. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee or as an after-dinner treat, fresh cream doughnuts are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

The Origin of Fresh Cream Doughnuts

Doughnuts have a rich history, and many different versions of this beloved dessert exist across the world. The concept of filling doughnuts with cream dates back to the early 20th century. While classic doughnuts were originally made with sugar or glaze, inventive bakers started experimenting with fillings, and whipped cream became a popular choice due to its smooth texture and sweet flavor.

Fresh cream doughnuts are thought to have originated in Europe, where many desserts, especially pastries, are known for their rich, creamy fillings. Over time, this style of doughnut made its way to the United States and became a beloved version of the traditional doughnut, with countless bakeries and home bakers putting their own unique spin on the recipe.

Ingredients for Fresh Cream Doughnuts

To make the most amazing fresh cream doughnuts, you’ll need a few key ingredients. These ingredients work together to create a soft, flavorful dough and a creamy, dreamy filling. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Doughnuts:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour – This is the base for the doughnuts, giving them structure and texture.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness to the dough.
• 1 tbsp baking powder – Helps the doughnuts rise and become light and airy.
• 1/2 tsp salt – Balances out the sweetness.
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg (optional) – Nutmeg adds a warm, subtle spice that complements the sweetness of the doughnuts. It’s optional but highly recommended for that extra touch.
• 2 large eggs – Essential for binding the ingredients and adding richness.
• 3/4 cup whole milk – Provides moisture to the dough.
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted – Adds richness and flavor to the dough.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – Infuses a delicious vanilla flavor into the dough.
• Vegetable oil for frying (about 4 cups) – Used for frying the doughnuts until golden brown and crispy.

For the Cream Filling:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream – The base of the cream filling.
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar – Adds sweetness to the cream filling.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor of the cream filling.

 And lastly the Coating:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar – Coats the doughnuts and adds a sweet finish.
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional) – If you love a warm, spicy flavor, adding cinnamon is a great touch, though it’s optional.

Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions to make your fresh cream doughnuts.

1: Prepare the Doughnuts

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg (if using).
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until the dough comes together. You’ll end up with a soft, sticky dough. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
4. Roll Out the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about 1/2 inch thick. Be gentle with the rolling process to avoid overworking the dough.
5. Cut the Doughnuts: Use a doughnut cutter or two round cookie cutters (one large for the outer circle and a smaller one for the center) to cut out doughnut shapes. You can also use a large round cutter and a small round cutter if you don’t have a doughnut cutter.
6. Fry the Doughnuts: Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. The oil should reach about 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil by dropping a small piece of dough into it – if it rises to the surface immediately and bubbles, it’s ready for frying.
7. Fry Until Golden Brown: Carefully drop the doughnuts into the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

 2: Make the Cream Filling

1. Whip the Cream: In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form. This may take a few minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer.
2. Pipe the Cream: Once the cream is whipped to the right consistency, transfer it to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip.

 3: Assemble the Doughnuts

1. Create a Hole in Each Doughnut: Once the doughnuts have cooled slightly, use a knife to create a small hole in the side of each doughnut. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
2. Fill with Cream: Insert the piping bag into the hole and carefully pipe the whipped cream into the center of each doughnut, filling them generously with the cream.
3. Coat the Doughnuts: In a shallow bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon (if using). Roll each filled doughnut in the sugar mixture to coat them evenly.

Variations of Fresh Cream Doughnuts

While the classic fresh cream doughnuts are delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to customize them to suit your preferences. Here are a few variations:

1. Chocolate Cream Doughnuts

• Swap the whipped cream filling for a chocolate ganache or a chocolate mousse for a decadent twist on the traditional cream doughnut.

2. Fruit-Filled Cream Doughnuts

• Add a few tablespoons of fresh fruit puree, such as strawberry, raspberry, or blueberry, into the cream filling for a fruity variation.

3. Glazed Cream Doughnuts

• Instead of rolling the doughnuts in sugar and cinnamon, dip them in a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk for a shiny, sweet finish.

4. Pumpkin Spice Cream Doughnuts

• For a seasonal twist, add some pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice to the dough, and fill with a cinnamon-spiced whipped cream.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make the doughnuts in advance?

• Yes, you can make the doughnuts in advance. However, they are best served fresh. You can store the fried doughnuts at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days, and then fill them with cream just before serving.

2. Can I bake the doughnuts instead of frying them?

• While frying gives the doughnuts their signature crispiness, you can bake them in a doughnut pan at 350°F for about 12-15 minutes. They may not have the same texture, but they will still be delicious.

3. Can I use a different filling?

• Absolutely! If you prefer, you can fill the doughnuts with custard, chocolate mousse, or even a fruit jam. The options are endless.

4. How can I make the doughnuts lighter?

• To make the doughnuts lighter, make sure to not overwork the dough. The less you handle the dough, the fluffier the doughnuts will be.

Conclusion

Fresh cream doughnuts are the epitome of indulgence. With their soft, golden exterior, rich and velvety cream filling, and optional sweet cinnamon-sugar coating, they are a treat that satisfies every craving. Whether you’re preparing them for a special occasion or just a weekend treat, these doughnuts are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. Don’t forget to experiment with different fillings and toppings to create your own signature version of this delicious dessert.

Fresh Cream Doughnuts: The Perfect Sweet Treat for Any Occasion

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• Author: David Andersson
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Fresh cream doughnuts are a type of doughnut that is filled with a sweet, whipped cream filling. Unlike traditional doughnuts that may be glazed or frosted, these doughnuts are unique because they are injected with a soft, velvety cream filling that melts in your mouth. The dough itself is deep-fried to a perfect golden brown, creating a crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling inside. These doughnuts are typically coated in a sugar and cinnamon mixture or simply dusted with powdered sugar for an added touch of sweetness. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee or as an after-dinner treat, fresh cream doughnuts are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

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Ingredients

For the Doughnuts:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour – This is the base for the doughnuts, giving them structure and texture.

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness to the dough.

• 1 tbsp baking powder – Helps the doughnuts rise and become light and airy.

• 1/2 tsp salt – Balances out the sweetness.

• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg (optional) – Nutmeg adds a warm, subtle spice that complements the sweetness of the doughnuts. It’s optional but highly recommended for that extra touch.

• 2 large eggs – Essential for binding the ingredients and adding richness.

• 3/4 cup whole milk – Provides moisture to the dough.

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted – Adds richness and flavor to the dough.

• 1 tsp vanilla extract – Infuses a delicious vanilla flavor into the dough.

• Vegetable oil for frying (about 4 cups) – Used for frying the doughnuts until golden brown and crispy.

For the Cream Filling:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream – The base of the cream filling.

• 2 tbsp powdered sugar – Adds sweetness to the cream filling.

• 1 tsp vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor of the cream filling.

For the Coating:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar – Coats the doughnuts and adds a sweet finish.

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional) – If you love a warm, spicy flavor, adding cinnamon is a great touch, though it’s optiona

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Doughnuts

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg (if using).

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until the dough comes together. You’ll end up with a soft, sticky dough. Be careful not to overwork the dough.

4. Roll Out the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about 1/2 inch thick. Be gentle with the rolling process to avoid overworking the dough.

5. Cut the Doughnuts: Use a doughnut cutter or two round cookie cutters (one large for the outer circle and a smaller one for the center) to cut out doughnut shapes. You can also use a large round cutter and a small round cutter if you don’t have a doughnut cutter.

6. Fry the Doughnuts: Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. The oil should reach about 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil by dropping a small piece of dough into it – if it rises to the surface immediately and bubbles, it’s ready for frying.

7. Fry Until Golden Brown: Carefully drop the doughnuts into the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 2: Make the Cream Filling

1. Whip the Cream: In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form. This may take a few minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer.

2. Pipe the Cream: Once the cream is whipped to the right consistency, transfer it to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip.

Step 3: Assemble the Doughnuts

1. Create a Hole in Each Doughnut: Once the doughnuts have cooled slightly, use a knife to create a small hole in the side of each doughnut. Be careful not to cut all the way through.

2. Fill with Cream: Insert the piping bag into the hole and carefully pipe the whipped cream into the center of each doughnut, filling them generously with the cream.

3. Coat the Doughnuts: In a shallow bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon (if using). Roll each filled doughnut in the sugar mixture to coat them evenly.

Notes

These fresh cream doughnuts are best enjoyed the same day they’re made to savor their soft texture and creamy filling at its freshest. For a fun twist, try adding a hint of fruit jam or chocolate ganache inside before piping in the cream. Store any leftovers in the fridge and dust with icing sugar just before serving!

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Fried
• Cuisine: British