Introduction
These Cream-Filled Donuts are soft, pillowy, and bursting with rich, creamy filling inside. Made with a buttery, yeast-raised dough, these donuts are fried to golden perfection, then filled with a smooth vanilla or custard cream. Whether you’re making them for a weekend treat, a holiday breakfast, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these homemade donuts are far better than store-bought ones!
-Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Soft & Fluffy Texture – Perfectly light, airy, and melt-in-your-mouth.
✔ Creamy & Indulgent Filling – Choose vanilla, chocolate, or custard.
✔ Better than Bakery Donuts – Freshly made at home for ultimate flavor.
✔ Customizable – Add different fillings and toppings.
-Ingredients
For the Dough
3 cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup sugar
2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) instant yeast
½ tsp salt
¾ cup warm milk (110°F / 45°C)
1 egg
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla extract
Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Cream Filling
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup whole milk
¼ cup sugar
2 tbsp cornstarch
2 egg yolks
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp unsalted butter
For Coating & Topping
½ cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Melted chocolate or glaze (optional)
-Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. Add warm milk, egg, butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until the dough starts to come together.
3. Knead for 8–10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
-2. Shape and Fry the Donuts
1. Roll out the dough to about ½-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
2. Use a round cutter (3-inch diameter) to cut out donut shapes.
3. Place on a tray, cover, and let them rest for 30 minutes.
4. Heat oil in a deep fryer or pan to 350°F (175°C).
5. Fry the donuts for 1–2 minutes per side, until golden brown.
6. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
-3. Make the Cream Filling
1. In a saucepan, whisk together milk, heavy cream, sugar, and cornstarch over medium heat.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks and slowly temper them by adding a small amount of the warm milk mixture.
3. Gradually add the egg mixture back into the saucepan, stirring constantly.
4. Cook until the mixture thickens (about 3–5 minutes).
5. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract and butter, then let it cool completely.
-4. Fill the Donuts
1. Using a piping bag with a round tip, poke a hole in each donut and fill it with the cream mixture.
2. Dust with powdered sugar, or dip in glaze or melted chocolate if desired.
-Serving Suggestions
With Coffee or Hot Chocolate – A classic pairing.
Topped with Caramel or Chocolate Drizzle – Extra indulgence.
Rolled in Cinnamon Sugar – For a warm, spiced touch.
-Tips for the Best Cream-Filled Donuts
✅ Use Fresh Yeast – Ensures the dough rises properly.
✅ Fry at the Right Temperature – Keeps the donuts from becoming greasy.
✅ Let the Dough Rise Fully – Gives a light, airy texture.
✅ Cool Before Filling – Prevents the cream from melting.
-Variations to Try
Chocolate Cream Donuts – Use chocolate custard for filling.
Strawberry-Filled Donuts – Swap cream for strawberry jam or pastry cream.
Nutella Donuts – Fill with Nutella for a decadent treat.
Boston Cream Donuts – Fill with custard and top with chocolate glaze.
-Storage and Shelf Life
Room Temperature: Best eaten fresh but can be stored for 1 day.
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze unfilled donuts for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 10 seconds before serving.
-The Story Behind This Recipe
Cream-filled donuts have been a bakery favorite for decades, originating from European pastry-filled treats like the Berliner or Bomboloni. This version keeps the classic fluffy texture while allowing for endless flavor possibilities, making them a fun and delicious homemade treat.
-Final Thoughts
These Cream-Filled Donuts are the ultimate homemade indulgence, combining fluffy dough, rich cream filling, and a sweet finish. Whether you enjoy them plain, dusted, or glazed, they are a treat that will impress family and friends.
Try this recipe today and enjoy bakery-style donuts, made fresh at home!