Stuffed Donuts

Introduction to Stuffed Donuts

Stuffed Donuts, a delightful twist on the traditional doughnut, have captivated the hearts of sweet treat enthusiasts worldwide. These indulgent pastries elevate the classic doughnut experience by incorporating a burst of filling, hidden within a soft, fluffy exterior. From the creamy richness of vanilla custard to the decadent swirls of chocolate Nutella, the possibilities for stuffing are limitless, offering a surprise with every bite.

The origins of stuffed donuts trace back to various cultures, each adding its unique spin to the filling process. Whether known as Berliners in Germany, jam doughnuts in the UK, or simply jelly doughnuts in the United States, the concept of enhancing doughnuts with a sweet core has universal appeal.

Today, stuffed donuts are celebrated for their versatility and creativity, with bakeries and home cooks alike experimenting with flavors ranging from traditional fruit jams to innovative savory options. This evolution from a simple fried dough to a canvas for culinary artistry showcases the stuffed donut’s ability to adapt and thrive in the ever-changing landscape of global cuisine.

Classic Stuffed Donut Recipes

The allure of classic stuffed donuts lies in their timeless appeal and the comforting flavors that evoke nostalgia and warmth. These pastries blend the simple joy of a soft, airy doughnut with the surprise of a sweet, creamy filling, making each bite a delightful experience. Here, we delve into two quintessential recipes that have become staples in the realm of stuffed donuts: the Vanilla Custard Donut and the Chocolate Nutella Donut. Each recipe offers a unique taste sensation, promising to satisfy both traditionalists and adventurous eaters alike.

Vanilla Custard Donut

The Vanilla Custard Donut is a classic that never goes out of style, featuring a velvety custard encased in a tender dough. The contrast between the dough’s slight chew and the custard’s smooth richness makes it a perennial favorite.

• Ingredients:
  • Dough: All-purpose flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, salt, whole milk, eggs, unsalted butter, and vanilla extract.
  • Filling: Egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, whole milk, and vanilla bean or extract.
• Preparation:
  1. Prepare the dough by combining the dry ingredients, then adding the wet ingredients to form a soft, elastic dough. Let it rise until doubled in size.
  2. For the custard, whisk egg yolks and sugar until pale, then incorporate cornstarch. Heat milk to a simmer, then gradually temper the yolk mixture. Return to heat, whisking until thickened. Stir in vanilla.
  3. Roll out the risen dough, cut into rounds, and let rise again until puffy.
  4. Fry in medium-hot oil until golden brown, then drain.
  5. Once cool, fill with vanilla custard using a piping bag inserted into the side.

Chocolate Nutella Donut

A modern classic, the Chocolate Nutella Donut combines the beloved hazelnut spread with the traditional doughnut form, offering a rich, chocolaty center that’s irresistibly smooth.

• Ingredients:
  • Dough: Similar to the vanilla custard donut, substituting part of the milk with cocoa powder for a chocolate dough.
  • Filling: Nutella or any hazelnut chocolate spread.
• Preparation:
  1. Follow the dough preparation steps for the vanilla custard donut, incorporating cocoa powder for a chocolate dough.
  2. After frying and cooling the doughnuts, fill them with Nutella using a piping bag, inserting it into the doughnut without cutting it open to maintain the surprise filling.

Both the Vanilla Custard and Chocolate Nutella Donuts embody the essence of classic stuffed donuts, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re a fan of the rich, creamy custard or the indulgent chocolate hazelnut filling, these recipes are sure to bring joy and satisfaction to any doughnut lover’s palate.

For those eager to dive into the art of making these classic delights, Brown Eyed Baker offers a fantastic vanilla cream-filled doughnut recipe that is sure to impress.

Unique Stuffed Donut Flavors to Try at Home

In the ever-evolving world of culinary delights, stuffed donuts stand out for their ability to merge traditional baking with inventive flavors. Moving beyond the classic fillings, these unique stuffed donut flavors offer a contemporary twist on the beloved treat, inviting adventurous bakers to explore new taste territories from the comfort of their homes.

Blueberry Cream Cheese Donut

This donut combines the tartness of fresh blueberries with the creamy richness of cream cheese, creating a balance that’s both refreshing and indulgent.

• Ingredients:
  • Dough: Standard donut dough ingredients.
  • Filling: Fresh blueberries, cream cheese, sugar, and lemon zest.
• Preparation:
  1. Prepare the donut dough and let it rise.
  2. For the filling, blend cream cheese with sugar and lemon zest until smooth, then fold in fresh blueberries.
  3. After frying the donuts, cool them slightly before piping in the blueberry cream cheese filling.

S’mores Donut

Inspired by the classic campfire treat, this donut is filled with a gooey marshmallow cream and topped with crushed graham crackers and a chocolate drizzle.

• Ingredients:
  • Dough: Standard donut dough ingredients with the addition of graham cracker crumbs mixed into the dough.
  • Filling: Marshmallow fluff.
  • Topping: Melted chocolate and additional graham cracker crumbs.
• Preparation:
  1. Incorporate graham cracker crumbs into the dough mixture before the first rise.
  2. After frying, let the donuts cool, then fill with marshmallow fluff.
  3. Dip the top of each donut in melted chocolate and sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Donut

A nostalgic nod to childhood lunches, this donut pairs the classic combination of peanut butter and jelly in a delightful new format.

• Ingredients:
  • Dough: Standard donut dough ingredients.
  • Filling: Your choice of jelly and smooth peanut butter.
• Preparation:
  1. After the donuts are fried and cooled, prepare a piping bag with one side filled with jelly and the other with peanut butter.
  2. Inject both fillings simultaneously into the donut, creating a dual-core that offers the best of both worlds with each bite.

Matcha Green Tea Donut

For those who enjoy the earthy flavors of green tea, this donut offers a sophisticated twist, filled with a matcha-infused cream.

• Ingredients:
  • Dough: Standard donut dough ingredients.
  • Filling: Heavy cream, sugar, matcha green tea powder.
• Preparation:
  1. Whip heavy cream with sugar and matcha powder until stiff peaks form.
  2. Once the donuts are fried and cooled, fill them with the matcha cream for a burst of flavor and color.

These unique flavors not only expand the horizons of stuffed donut possibilities but also cater to a wide range of palates, from those who prefer fruity and tangy to those who delight in the combination of sweet and savory. Experimenting with these recipes at home can transform your baking repertoire and introduce a world of new flavors to your kitchen.

These innovative flavors demonstrate the versatility of stuffed donuts and encourage bakers to experiment with their creations. For more on perfecting these treats, Get Your Fills provides insightful tips on the science behind making the perfect filled donut.

Seasonal and Festive Stuffed Donuts

Stuffed donuts are not just for everyday enjoyment; they can also be tailored to fit any holiday or season:

• Apple Cider Donut:
  • Infused with the flavors of fall, perfect for a crisp autumn day
• Caramel Apple Donut:
  • Combines the classic taste of caramel apples with the soft texture of donuts
• Lemon Blueberry Donut:
  • Bright and refreshing, ideal for spring or summer festivities

These seasonal delights offer a way to celebrate the flavors of the year and make any occasion extra special.

The Art of Perfecting Stuffed Donuts

Creating the perfect stuffed donut involves mastering a few key techniques:

• Even Filling Distribution:
  • Ensures each bite is as good as the last
• Frying vs. Baking:
  • Each method offers a different texture and flavor profile
• Preventing Fillings from Leaking:
  • Keeps the donuts intact and the flavors rich

Exploring different methods and fillings can lead to the discovery of new favorite recipes and techniques.

Stuffed Donuts

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• Author: Talentedcook
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 donuts 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A decadent dessert featuring soft, fluffy donuts filled with rich chocolate hazelnut spread, perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth. These donuts combine the airy lightness of freshly baked dough with the creamy indulgence of chocolate hazelnut, making them an irresistible treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• For the Dough:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp instant yeast
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2/3 cup warm milk
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
• For the Filling:
  • 1 cup chocolate hazelnut spread
• For the Glaze (Optional):
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tbsp milk

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Instructions

1. Dough Preparation: In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Knead until smooth. Let rise for 1 hour.
2. Forming Donuts: Roll out the dough, cut into rounds, and let rise again for 30 minutes.
3. Frying: Fry in medium-hot oil until golden brown. Let cool.
4. Filling: Inject each donut with chocolate hazelnut spread using a piping bag.
5. Glazing: Mix powdered sugar and milk to make the glaze. Drizzle over donuts.

Notes

• Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature (around 350°F) for frying to prevent the donuts from absorbing too much oil.
• The dough can also be baked at 375°F for 10-12 minutes for a lighter version.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Frying/Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 300 kcal
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 5g

Conclusion

Stuffed Donuts are a testament to the creativity and innovation in baking. Whether sticking to the classics or venturing into new flavor territories, the possibilities are endless. By following the tips and recipes outlined in this guide, anyone can become a master of the stuffed donut. So why not start experimenting and share the joy of these delightful treats with friends and family?

For those looking to compare their homemade creations with commercial offerings, Get Your Fills also compares popular filled donut brands, providing valuable insights into what makes a stuffed donut truly stand out.