Soft Pillowy Crunchy Donuts (Print-Friendly Version)
Indulge in donuts that combine pillowy dough, creamy filling and a crunchy caramelized top for an irresistible dessert experience.
# Ingredients:
→ Dough
01 -
All-purpose flour
02 -
Instant yeast
03 -
Sugar
04 -
Salt
05 -
Eggs
06 -
Unsalted butter
07 -
Warm water or warm milk
08 -
Lemon zest (optional)
09 -
Vanilla extract (optional)
→ Pastry Cream
10 -
Milk
11 -
Egg yolks
12 -
Cornstarch
13 -
Sugar
14 -
Unsalted butter
15 -
Rum or brandy (optional)
→ Caramel Topping
16 -
Sugar
→ Optional Garnishes
17 -
Chopped nuts (optional)
18 -
Cinnamon or nutmeg (optional)
19 -
Cocoa powder (optional)
20 -
Almond, coconut, or hazelnut extracts (optional)
# Steps:
01 -
Combine instant yeast with warm water and let sit for about 10 minutes until foamy.
02 -
In a stand mixer, mix together flour, sugar, and salt. Gradually add the yeast mixture and eggs, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Add room temperature butter, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, kneading until smooth and elastic.
03 -
Refrigerate the dough overnight or let sit at room temperature for a few hours until doubled in size.
04 -
Divide the dough into equal parts and shape into small buns by rolling the dough in your hands.
05 -
Place the shaped buns on a parchment-lined tray, cover with a towel, and let rise again until doubled in size.
06 -
Heat oil to 175°C/350°F in a deep fryer or pot. Fry the doughnuts in small batches, cooking each side for about 2 minutes until golden brown. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
07 -
Heat milk in a saucepan until hot but not boiling. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch. Gradually add hot milk to the egg mixture while whisking constantly, then return the mixture to the saucepan and cook on medium heat until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in butter, and let cool. Transfer to a piping bag.
08 -
Pipe the cooled pastry cream into the fried doughnuts through a small hole.
09 -
Caramelize sugar using a kitchen torch or the wet caramel method (heating sugar with water until golden brown). Dip the doughnuts into the caramel and allow it to harden.
10 -
Enjoy the doughnuts with their soft texture, creamy filling, and crunchy caramel topping.
# Notes & Tips:
01 -
Experiment with citrus zests or nutty toppings for personalization.
02 -
Use a kitchen torch to achieve the perfect caramel layer.
03 -
Master dough and custard techniques for the best results.