Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Baked Cream Fried Donuts are the perfect combination of crispy exterior and soft, pillowy interior. The cream filling is rich and satisfying, creating a delightful contrast with the light donut dough. Baked rather than fried, they’re a healthier option while still delivering that indulgent donut experience. With just a dusting of powdered sugar to finish, these donuts are as elegant as they are delicious. They’re a fantastic option for a weekend breakfast, a sweet snack, or even a special occasion.

Ingredients

For these delicious Baked Cream Fried Donuts, you’ll need the following ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup milk
2 large eggs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup heavy cream (for filling)
Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Vegetable oil (for frying)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a donut pan by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or butter.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

3. Combine Liquid Ingredients:

In another bowl, mix the milk, vanilla extract, eggs, and melted butter until well combined.

4. Combine Mixtures:

Gradually add the liquid ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the donuts light and fluffy.

5. Fill Donut Pan:

Pour the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about halfway.

6. Bake:

Bake the donuts in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Cool the Donuts:

Once baked, remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Prepare the Cream Filling:

While the donuts are cooling, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add powdered sugar gradually to taste, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form and the cream is smooth.

9. Fill the Donuts:

Once the donuts have cooled, use a piping bag to fill each donut with the whipped cream. Poke a small hole in the side of each donut and gently inject the filling until you feel the donut expand.

10. Dust with Sugar:

Lightly dust the filled donuts with powdered sugar before serving. This adds a touch of sweetness and elegance to your donuts.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Yield: 12 donuts
Calories: Approximately 150 kcal per donut

Variations

Chocolate Cream Donuts: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the cream filling and whip it together for a chocolatey twist.
Fruit Filling: Substitute the cream filling with fruit preserves or a fruit-flavored whipped cream for a fruity variation.
Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: After baking, roll the donuts in a cinnamon sugar mixture for a delightful cinnamon-sugar coating.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat the donuts by microwaving them for a few seconds, just until warm. Be cautious not to overheat to maintain the filling’s texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of filling?

Yes! You can use different fillings like chocolate ganache, fruit preserves, or even custard for a unique twist on these donuts.

2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

You can prepare the dough and store it in the fridge for up to 1 day before baking. Allow it to come to room temperature before filling and baking.

3. Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

Yes! You can also pipe the dough into donut shapes on a baking sheet or use muffin tins for a different shape.

4. Can I freeze the donuts?

Yes, you can freeze the baked donuts (without filling) for up to 3 months. Thaw them before filling and serving.

5. How do I keep the cream filling from spilling out?

Make sure the donuts are cool before filling, and use a piping bag with a fine tip to carefully fill them. If necessary, use a small skewer to help guide the cream into the center.

6. Can I use whipped cream from a can instead of homemade?

You can, but homemade whipped cream holds its shape better and offers a fresher flavor. If using canned, ensure it’s chilled before use.

7. How can I add more flavor to the dough?

Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or almond extract to the dough mixture for an extra burst of flavor.

8. Can I bake these donuts without sugar in the batter?

The sugar helps balance the flavor and texture of the donuts, but you can reduce or substitute it with a sweetener like stevia or monk fruit for a lower-calorie version.

9. How do I keep the donuts from becoming soggy after filling?

Let the donuts cool completely before filling them to avoid the cream becoming too runny. Serve the filled donuts immediately for the best texture.

10. Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.

Conclusion

These Baked Cream Fried Donuts are the ultimate indulgence with their soft, airy dough, velvety cream filling, and delicate dusting of powdered sugar. Perfect for any occasion, they are sure to become a favorite treat in your baking repertoire. Enjoy these delightful donuts as a special dessert or a weekend breakfast, and savor each sweet, creamy bite!