Irresistible Frozen Custard-Filled Donuts Recipe

There’s something enchanting about the first bite of a frozen custard-filled donut. Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, fluffy donut shell that gives way to a creamy, dreamy custard filling. The contrast of temperatures and textures is like a hug for your taste buds, making every bite a delightful experience. Picture yourself enjoying these donuts on a lazy Sunday morning or at a festive gathering with friends, where laughter fills the air along with the scent of freshly fried dough.

As I recall the first time I made frozen custard-filled donuts, it was an adventure filled with flour clouds and giggles. My friends were convinced I was trying to take over the dessert world! Little did they know, my secret weapon was just this simple recipe that turns ordinary moments into sweet memories. These donuts are perfect for celebrations or simply treating yourself after a long week. Get ready to savor every moment with these irresistible treats.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • The ease of preparation makes these treats approachable even for novice bakers
  • Each bite bursts with rich flavors that will leave you craving more
  • Their golden-brown exterior and luscious custard interior create visual appeal that’s hard to resist
  • Perfect for any occasion, these donuts can be enjoyed warm or chilled and are endlessly customizable!

The first time I served these donuts, my friends devoured them in minutes, leaving only crumbs and smiles behind.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure; use high-quality flour for the best texture.

  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that beautiful golden color.

  • Active Dry Yeast: Ensure your yeast is fresh to get those donuts perfectly puffy.

  • Milk: Whole milk works best; it adds richness to both the dough and custard.

  • Unsalted Butter: Use melted butter for flavor; it makes your donuts soft and tender.

  • Eggs: They bind everything together and add moisture to the dough.

For the Custard Filling:

  • Heavy Cream: The star ingredient; it creates a luxuriously creamy texture in the custard.

  • Vanilla Extract: Choose pure vanilla extract for an aromatic touch that elevates flavors.

  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the custard without grittiness; adjust according to your taste.

  • Cornstarch: Helps thicken the custard to that perfect pudding-like consistency.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Create The Dough: In a large bowl, combine warm milk with sugar and yeast; let it sit until frothy. This ensures your donuts rise beautifully. Gradually mix in melted butter, eggs, and flour until a dough forms.

Knead And Rise: Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer to an oiled bowl covered with a damp cloth. Let it rise until doubled in size—patience is key here!

Shape The Donuts: Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about half an inch thick. Cut out circles using a donut cutter or two different-sized round cutters. Place them on parchment paper to rest while you heat oil.

Fry The Donuts: Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry donuts until golden brown on each side—about 2-3 minutes per side—then drain on paper towels.

Create The Custard: In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cornstarch, and egg yolks until thickened and bubbling—around 5-7 minutes should do it!

Fill And Enjoy: Once cooled slightly, use a piping bag fitted with a round tip to fill each donut with custard. Dust with powdered sugar before serving—watch out for sugar explosions!

Now you’re armed with everything you need to create these fabulous frozen custard-filled donuts! Enjoy them straight away or freeze them for later indulgence; either way, they’re sure to impress!

You Must Know

  • The texture of frozen custard-filled donuts is a delightful blend of fluffy and creamy, perfectly indulgent for any occasion
  • Their rich flavor pairs wonderfully with coffee, making them a delightful treat anytime
  • Just remember, the key is to fill them just before serving for maximum freshness

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preparing the custard first; it needs time to chill. Then, whip up the donut dough while the custard cools. Fry the donuts until golden brown, ensuring they are fully cooked but not overdone for that perfect bite.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize these donuts! Swap out vanilla custard for chocolate or add flavored extracts like almond or peppermint. You can also sprinkle them with different toppings like powdered sugar or crushed nuts for extra flair.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, pop them in a warm oven briefly to restore their crispiness without compromising the filling’s creaminess.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying; this keeps the donuts light and fluffy instead of greasy
  • Use a pastry bag to fill the donuts easily and mess-free
  • Don’t skip chilling the custard; it thickens beautifully!

The first time I made frozen custard-filled donuts, my friends devoured them in minutes! Their delighted faces made all the flour-splattered chaos worthwhile—definitely a day I won’t forget!

FAQs

FAQ

What is the difference between frozen custard and regular custard?

Frozen custard contains more egg yolks and less air than regular custard, resulting in a richer texture.

Can I make these donuts ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the donut dough and custard ahead; fry them fresh right before serving.

How do I know when my oil is hot enough?

Drop a small piece of dough into the oil; if it sizzles immediately, it’s ready for frying!

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Frozen Custard-Filled Donuts


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  • Author: Barbara
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: About 10 donuts 1x

Description

Frozen custard-filled donuts are a delightful treat that perfectly combine a warm, fluffy exterior with a rich, creamy custard center. These indulgent donuts are not only easy to make but can also transform any gathering into a festive occasion. With their inviting aroma and delectable flavors, they’re sure to impress friends and family alike!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup whole milk (warm)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix warm milk with sugar and yeast; let sit until frothy.
  2. Add melted butter and egg; stir in flour until a dough forms.
  3. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
  4. Roll out dough to half an inch thick, cut into donut shapes, and let rest on parchment.
  5. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry donuts for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown; drain on paper towels.
  6. For custard, whisk together heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, cornstarch, and egg yolks in a saucepan over medium heat until thickened.
  7. Cool slightly before filling each donut with custard using a piping bag. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: <1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg
About the author
Barbara Wilson

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