Indulge in the luxurious combination of white chocolate and strawberries with these irresistibly soft and fluffy donuts. The creamy, tangy strawberry filling perfectly complements the rich sweetness of white chocolate, making each bite a moment of pure joy. These White Chocolate Strawberry Cream Donuts are perfect for special occasions, or a sweet treat for your loved ones.
Ingredients:
For the Donut Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup whole milk, lukewarm
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
For the Strawberry Cream Filling:
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, diced
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the White Chocolate Glaze:
- 6 oz white chocolate, chopped
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Donut Dough:
- In a bowl, combine the lukewarm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Pour the yeast mixture into the flour, followed by eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Mix until the dough starts to come together.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
2. Make the Strawberry Cream Filling:
- In a saucepan, combine the diced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the strawberries break down and the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
- Once cooled, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the cooled strawberry mixture into the whipped cream, creating a smooth, creamy filling. Refrigerate while preparing the donuts.
3. Shape and Fry the Donuts:
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface to about ½-inch thickness.
- Using a donut cutter or two round cutters (one large, one small), cut out donut shapes.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts in batches, about 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
4. Prepare the White Chocolate Glaze:
- In a heatproof bowl, melt the white chocolate, butter, and heavy cream together, either in the microwave in 30-second intervals or over a double boiler, stirring until smooth and glossy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Assemble the Donuts:
- Once the donuts have cooled slightly, dip the tops in the white chocolate glaze, letting any excess drip off.
- Using a piping bag or a small spoon, carefully fill the center of each donut with the strawberry cream filling.
- Let the glazed donuts sit for a few minutes for the chocolate to set.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the donuts immediately for the freshest taste. Enjoy the heavenly combination of strawberry cream and white chocolate!