Donut Stuffed with Strawberry Cream

Making the Donut Dough

1. Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Add the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Shaping and Frying the Donuts

6. Roll Out Dough: Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness.
7. Cut Donuts: Use a round cutter (about 3 inches in diameter) to cut out circles of dough. Place the cut donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
8. Heat Oil: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
9. Fry Donuts: Fry the donuts in batches, about 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the donuts to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Making the Strawberry Cream Filling

10. Whip Cream: In a medium mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
11. Fold in Jam: Gently fold in the strawberry jam or preserves until well combined.

Filling the Donuts

12. Fill Donuts: Use a small, sharp knife to make a small hole on the side of each donut. Fill a piping bag fitted with a small round tip with the strawberry cream filling. Insert the tip into the hole and fill each donut until the filling starts to come out slightly.

Optional Glaze

13. Make Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
14. Glaze Donuts: Dip the tops of the filled donuts into the glaze and place them on a wire rack to set.

Serving

15. Serve: Serve the strawberry cream-filled donuts fresh, and enjoy!

Conclusion

Donuts stuffed with strawberry cream are a delicious and indulgent treat that combines the best of classic donuts with a sweet, fruity filling. Whether you enjoy them glazed or plain, these homemade donuts are sure to impress with their fluffy texture and delightful flavor. Perfect for any occasion, these donuts will quickly become a favorite!