Are you craving a sweet treat that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple to make? Look no further than these Amish Cream Filled Donuts! These fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth donuts, filled with a creamy, dreamy custard, are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, this recipe offers a delightful homemade touch without the fuss. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade baking with this easy recipe for a truly special treat.
Ingredients:
For the Donuts:
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4-4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Cream Filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Making the Donuts:
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic, creating those wonderfully airy donuts.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Whisk until well combined.
- Gradually Add Flour: Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or a spatula until a soft dough forms. Don't add all the flour at once; you might not need it all. The dough should be slightly sticky but not overly wet.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Donuts: Punch down the dough to release the air. Roll out the dough to about ½ inch thickness and use a 3-inch donut cutter (or a biscuit cutter and a smaller round cutter to create the hole) to cut out the donuts.
- Second Rise: Place the donuts on a lightly floured baking sheet and let rise for another 30 minutes, or until puffy.
- Fry the Donuts: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 375°F (190°C). Carefully place a few donuts in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
- Drain and Cool: Remove the donuts with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil. Let them cool completely before filling.
Making the Cream Filling:
- Whip the Cream: In a medium bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
Filling the Donuts:
- Prepare for Filling: Once the donuts have cooled completely, use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off to fill the donuts with the cream filling. You can also carefully use a knife to create a small slit in the side of the donut and insert the filling using a spoon.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use whole milk instead of regular milk.
- Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the donut dough for a delicious twist.
- Instead of frying, you can bake the donuts at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes.
- Get creative with fillings! Try chocolate pudding, lemon curd, or even Nutella.
- Dust the finished donuts with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Nutritional Information (per donut, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 250-300 (depending on frying oil absorption and filling amount) Fat: High (due to frying and cream filling) Protein: Moderate Carbohydrates: High
Enjoy your delicious homemade Amish Cream Filled Donuts! These easy recipes are a perfect addition to your homemade cooking repertoire, offering a delicious and quick dinner idea, or a healthy meal option. They're sure to become a family favorite. Remember to share your creations with us!