Strawberry Cream Donuts are soft, fluffy donuts filled with a luscious strawberry cream filling and topped with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a sweet glaze. These bakery-style treats combine the freshness of strawberries with rich, creamy filling, making them perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a special indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft, pillowy donuts with a creamy, fruity filling.
• A delicious balance of sweetness and freshness.
• Perfect for brunch, special occasions, or a homemade treat.
• Customizable with different glazes or toppings.
• Can be baked or fried based on preference.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Donut Dough:

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Active dry yeast
• Warm milk
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Egg
• Salt
• Vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil (for frying, if applicable)

For the Strawberry Cream Filling:

• Fresh strawberries, pureed
• Heavy cream
• Cream cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

For Topping:

• Powdered sugar (for dusting)
• Strawberry glaze (optional)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, egg, vanilla extract, and softened butter. Add the yeast mixture and knead until a smooth dough forms.
3. Let it rise: Cover the dough with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.

Step 2: Shape and Cook the Donuts

4. Roll and cut: Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ½-inch thickness. Use a round cutter to cut donut shapes.
5. Second rise: Place the cut dough on a lined tray and let rise for another 30 minutes.
6. Cook the donuts:
   • For fried donuts: Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry each donut for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
   • For baked donuts: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.

Step 3: Make the Strawberry Cream Filling

7. Prepare the filling: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Fold in the pureed strawberries and whipped heavy cream until fluffy.
8. Fill the donuts: Use a piping bag to fill the donuts with strawberry cream by inserting a small hole in the side.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

9. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with strawberry glaze.
10. Serve fresh and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 10-12 donuts
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Rise Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 2.5 hours

Variations

• Chocolate Strawberry Donuts: Drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
• Vanilla Bean Cream Filling: Add vanilla bean paste for a richer flavor.
• Berry Mix Filling: Blend raspberries or blueberries into the cream for a mixed berry filling.
• Glazed Version: Coat with a simple vanilla or strawberry glaze instead of powdered sugar.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream and dairy-free butter for a plant-based alternative.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unfilled donuts for up to 2 months. Thaw and fill before serving.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, refrigerate the dough overnight and bring it to room temperature before rolling.

Do I need fresh strawberries for the filling?

Fresh is best, but you can use frozen strawberries (thawed and drained).

Can I make these donuts without yeast?

Yes, use baking powder as a leavening agent, but the texture will be more like cake donuts.

How do I prevent the donuts from absorbing too much oil?

Ensure the oil is at 350°F (175°C) and do not overcrowd the frying pan.

Can I use store-bought jam instead of fresh strawberry puree?

Yes, but fresh puree gives a better texture and flavor.

What’s the best way to fill the donuts?

Use a piping bag with a small round tip to inject the cream smoothly.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, but the donuts will be denser and less fluffy.

How do I make the filling thicker?

Add more cream cheese or reduce the amount of strawberry puree.

Can I air-fry the donuts?

Yes, air-fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How do I make the glaze stick better?

Let the donuts cool slightly before dipping them in the glaze.

Conclusion

Strawberry Cream Donuts are a soft, fluffy, and irresistible treat filled with fresh strawberry cream and topped with a light dusting of sugar or glaze. Whether fried or baked, these homemade donuts are perfect for any occasion and will impress family and friends. Enjoy them fresh for the ultimate indulgence

 

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