Cream-Filled Donuts

Introduction

Golden, pillowy, and irresistibly sweet, Cream-Filled Donuts deliver that perfect balance of crisp exterior and luscious, silky filling. Each bite offers a light, airy dough wrapped around rich vanilla cream that melts on your tongue. These bakery-style treats feel indulgent, yet you can easily make them at home with simple pantry staples. Whether you crave classic homemade cream donuts or bakery-style cream doughnuts, this recipe guarantees success. You’ll learn how to create soft dough, fry to perfection, and fill like a pro.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something magical about biting into freshly made Cream-Filled Donuts. The outside turns lightly crisp and golden, while the inside stays fluffy and tender. Then comes the creamy surprise — smooth, sweet filling that contrasts beautifully with the delicate dough.

This recipe stands out because it delivers true bakery-quality results without complicated techniques. You don’t need professional equipment. A sturdy pot, thermometer, and piping bag handle the job perfectly. The dough comes together easily and develops a soft structure that fries evenly every time.

Texture plays a starring role here. The thin, crisp shell gives way to airy crumb, and the chilled vanilla cream filling creates a cool, silky center. These homemade cream donuts taste fresh and balanced, never greasy or overly sweet. Perfect for weekend brunch, special gatherings, or satisfying a late-night dessert craving, they always impress.

Ingredients

For the dough:

3 ½ cups (440 g) all-purpose flour
2 ¼ tsp (7 g) active dry yeast
¾ cup (180 ml) warm whole milk (110°F / 43°C)
¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs (room temperature)
¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, softened
½ tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 cups (1 liter) vegetable oil for frying

For the cream filling:

2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
3 large egg yolks
3 tbsp (24 g) cornstarch
2 tbsp (28 g) unsalted butter
1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream, whipped

For coating:

½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar or powdered sugar

Pro Tips for Perfect Cream-Filled Donuts

First, control your oil temperature carefully. Keep it between 350°F and 360°F (175–182°C). If the oil runs too hot, the outside browns too quickly while the inside stays undercooked. Too cool, and the donuts absorb excess oil.

Second, knead until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Proper gluten development ensures soft, airy donuts. The dough should feel slightly tacky but not sticky. Perform the windowpane test — stretch a small piece thin enough to see light through it without tearing.

Third, chill the cream completely before filling. Warm filling can loosen the structure and create soggy centers. Pipe the cream gently until you feel slight resistance. That signals a perfectly filled donut without overstuffing.

These small adjustments elevate your Cream-Filled Donuts from good to unforgettable.

Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Combine warm milk and sugar in a bowl. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. This step ensures your dough rises properly.

Step 2: Make the Dough
Add eggs, butter, vanilla, salt, and flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Filling
Whisk milk, sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick and smooth. Remove from heat, stir in butter and vanilla, then cool completely. Fold in whipped cream for extra lightness. Chill.

Step 4: Shape the Donuts
Roll the risen dough to ½-inch thickness. Cut into 3-inch rounds. Place on a parchment-lined tray, cover loosely, and let rise again for 30–40 minutes.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry 2–3 donuts at a time for about 1–2 minutes per side. Flip once golden brown. Transfer to paper towels to drain.

Step 6: Fill and Coat
Once cool, poke a small hole in each donut. Pipe chilled cream inside until filled. Roll in sugar or dust with powdered sugar. Your bakery-style cream doughnuts are ready to enjoy.

Variations

Chocolate lovers can swap vanilla filling for chocolate pastry cream. Add 2 tablespoons (15 g) cocoa powder to the custard base for rich chocolate cream-filled doughnuts.

For a lighter option, fill with stabilized whipped cream sweetened with powdered sugar. This version tastes airy and less dense.

Fruit fans can pipe in strawberry or raspberry jam before adding cream for a layered surprise. You can even experiment with coffee pastry cream for a café-inspired twist.

Baked cream-filled donuts offer another alternative. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes instead of frying. While the texture differs slightly, they still deliver sweet satisfaction.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Store Cream-Filled Donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because of the dairy filling, refrigeration keeps them fresh and safe. Allow them to sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving for the best texture.

If you plan to make them ahead, fry the donuts and store them unfilled at room temperature for one day. Fill just before serving to maintain freshness.

Serve these homemade cream donuts with hot coffee, cappuccino, or a cold glass of milk. Arrange them on a dessert platter for brunch gatherings or holiday mornings. They also make delightful gifts when wrapped individually in parchment paper.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes. Refrigerate the dough after the first rise overnight. Let it return to room temperature before shaping.

Why are my donuts greasy?
Oil temperature likely dropped too low. Maintain steady heat between 350–360°F.

Can I freeze cream-filled donuts?
Freeze unfilled donuts only. Thaw and fill fresh for best results.

What piping tip works best?
Use a long filling tip or small round nozzle to inject cream smoothly.

Can I use instant yeast?
Yes. Mix it directly with flour and skip the proofing step.

Conclusion

This Cream-Filled Donuts is comfort food at its finest — soft, golden pillows bursting with silky vanilla cream and finished with a delicate sugar coating. It’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary morning into something special and brings bakery-quality indulgence straight to your kitchen.