5 Easy Steps to Make Crispy Cream Donuts at Home

Crispy cream donuts, a delightful treat that combines the crunch of a perfectly fried exterior with the soft, airy interior and a sweet, creamy filling. Making these donuts at home may seem like a daunting task, but with the right guidance, you can achieve professional-quality results in your own kitchen. As a seasoned baker with over a decade of experience in creating artisanal pastries, I'll walk you through the 5 easy steps to make crispy cream donuts at home.

In this article, we'll explore the art of crafting these delectable donuts, from preparing the yeast dough to filling and finishing the donuts. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced baker, this guide will provide you with the necessary tools and techniques to create stunning and delicious crispy cream donuts.

Step 1: Preparing the Yeast Dough

The foundation of a great crispy cream donut lies in its yeast dough. To start, you'll need:

• 2 cups of warm water (around 105°F to 115°F)
• 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast
• 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar
• 4 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 cup of whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted

Combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and yeast mixture. Add the milk, eggs, and melted butter, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.

Kneading the Dough

Kneading the dough is crucial for developing the gluten, which will give your donuts their structure and texture. Using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment, knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can knead the dough by hand for 10-12 minutes.

Step 2: Proofing and Shaping the Dough

Once the dough is kneaded, transfer it to a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let it proof in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

After proofing, punch down the dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Use a donut cutter or a glass to cut out the donuts. You should be able to get around 6-8 donuts.

Shaping the Donuts

Use a donut cutter or a glass to cut out the donuts. Place the cut-out donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each donut.

Step 3: Frying the Donuts

Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or a deep fryer to 350°F. Carefully place the donuts in the hot oil, frying for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Draining Excess Oil

Using a slotted spoon, remove the donuts from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Preparing the Cream Filling

For the cream filling, you'll need:

• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups of powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Beat the heavy cream and softened butter until stiff peaks form. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.

Step 5: Filling and Finishing the Donuts

Once the donuts are completely cool, use a pastry bag or a zip-top plastic bag to fill the donuts with the cream filling.

Dust the filled donuts with powdered sugar and serve immediately.