Quick & Fluffy Cream-Filled Italian Donuts Recipe You’ll Love

Cream-filled Italian donuts have captivated dessert enthusiasts with their irresistible charm and delicate sweetness.

Pastry chefs in naples perfected these delightful treats generations ago.

Soft, pillowy dough envelops a rich, velvety center that melts in your mouth.

Every bite promises a moment of pure culinary bliss.

Delicate powdered sugar dusts the golden surface, creating an elegant presentation.

Light and airy, these donuts represent the pinnacle of Italian bakery craftsmanship.

Let’s uncover the secret to creating these heavenly delights that will make your taste buds dance with joy.

The Allure of Cream-Filled Italian Donuts

• Craft delectable Italian donuts with simple ingredients and straightforward steps that even novice bakers can master easily.
• Personalize these donuts by experimenting with different cream flavors or adding a dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness and visual appeal.
• Enjoy a classic dessert that brings warmth, nostalgia, and pure indulgence with every soft, creamy bite.

Building Blocks of Cream-Filled Italian Donuts

• Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture to the donuts.
• Yeast: Essential for helping the dough rise and creating a light, airy texture.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps activate the yeast for proper dough development.
• Egg: Provides richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Butter: Contributes to the soft, tender crumb of the donuts.

• Vegetable Oil: The primary medium for deep-frying the donuts to golden perfection.
• Powdered Sugar: Used for dusting and adding a sweet finishing touch to the donuts.

• Heavy Cream, Powdered Sugar, Vanilla: These ingredients combine to create a smooth, sweet, and flavorful cream filling that completes the Italian donuts.

• Salt, Sugar: These help enhance the overall flavor of the donuts and balance the sweetness.

Rolling Out Cream-Filled Italian Donuts

Step 1: Wake Up the Yeast

Grab some warm milk and sprinkle yeast with a touch of sugar.

Let this magical mixture sit and bubble up for 5-10 minutes until it looks delightfully frothy.

Step 2: Create the Dough Base

• Flour
• Sugar
• Salt

Dig a little well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg.

Stir everything together until a soft, pillowy dough emerges.

Step 3: Knead with Love

Dust your work surface with flour and transfer the dough.

Knead it tenderly for 5-7 minutes, working it until it becomes smooth and stretchy like a relaxed muscle.

Step 4: First Dough Nap

Tuck the dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a cozy towel, and let it rest in a warm spot.

Watch it grow and double in size over 1-1.5 hours.

Step 5: Shape Your Treats

Roll out the dough to a half-inch thickness.

Use a donut cutter to create perfect circles and adorable little holes.

Step 6: Second Rise

Arrange the cut donuts on a floured baking sheet.

Cover them gently and let them puff up for another 30-40 minutes.

Step 7: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil to a sizzling 350F (175C) in a deep pan.

Carefully lower donuts into the oil, frying each side for 1-2 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Rescue them onto paper towels to drain.

Step 8: Whip Up Dreamy Cream

• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla

Whip until the mixture stands in gorgeous, stiff peaks.

Step 9: Fill with Creamy Goodness

Once the donuts cool down, use a piping bag to inject them with the luscious cream filling.

Step 10: Serve and Celebrate

Present these heavenly Italian donuts and watch everyone’s eyes light up with pure joy.

Little Touches for Cream-Filled Italian Donuts

• Ensure milk is lukewarm, not hot, to prevent killing the yeast and achieve perfect rising.
• Knead thoroughly to develop gluten, creating a soft and elastic texture for light, fluffy donuts.
• Use a cooking thermometer to maintain consistent 350F, preventing donuts from becoming greasy or undercooked.
• Fill donuts just before serving to keep pastry crisp and prevent soggy texture from early filling.
• Store unfilled donuts at room temperature for 1-2 days, refrigerate cream separately, and assemble right before enjoying.

Saving and Serving Cream-Filled Italian Donuts Later

• Store cream-filled donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate texture.
• Wrap individual donuts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Donuts can be frozen before or after filling, though cream-free is recommended for best results.
• Warm gently in a preheated oven at 300F for 3-5 minutes. Avoid microwave, which can make donuts soggy and compromise their crispy exterior.
• Remove donuts from refrigerator 30 minutes before serving to allow them to come to room temperature naturally, restoring their soft, fresh-baked quality.

Enjoying Cream-Filled Italian Donuts with Something Extra

• Harmonize Sweet Richness: Pair these cream-filled Italian donuts with complementary flavors that elevate the dessert experience.
• Explore Beverage Companions: Match the donuts with drinks that balance their creamy sweetness and enhance overall enjoyment.
• Craft Perfect Wine Selections: Choose wines that highlight the delicate texture and rich cream filling.
• Create Contrasting Flavor Experiences: Select accompaniments that provide interesting taste and textural counterpoints.
• Enhance with Espresso Pairing: Serve a shot of strong, robust espresso to cut through the donuts' sweetness and cleanse the palate, creating a classic Italian dessert moment.
• Complement with Moscato Wine: Select a light, sweet Moscato d'Asti that mirrors the donuts' delicate cream and provides a gentle, effervescent contrast.
• Match with Amaretto Liqueur: Drizzle or serve a small glass of almond-flavored amaretto alongside the donuts, echoing traditional Italian dessert traditions and adding depth to the flavor profile.
• Balance with Fresh Berries: Garnish with macerated raspberries or strawberries, offering a tart, fresh element that cuts through the rich cream and provides a vibrant color contrast.

Tasty Versions of Cream-Filled Italian Donuts

• Gluten-Free Zeppole: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend using almond or rice flour, ensuring the same texture and lightness for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Cream Alternative: Substitute dairy ingredients with coconut cream and plant-based milk, using aquafaba for whipping and coconut oil instead of butter to create a dairy-free version.
• Low-Sugar Italian Donuts: Reduce sugar content by using natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit, and incorporate whole wheat flour for added nutrition and lower glycemic impact.
• Baked Version: Transform the traditional frying method by baking donuts in a preheated oven at 375F, creating a lighter option with less oil absorption while maintaining authentic Italian flavor.

FAQs

• Why is yeast important for this recipe?

Yeast helps the dough rise, creating a light and fluffy texture in the donuts. It provides the signature airy structure and contributes to the soft, tender consistency of the final pastry.

• How can I tell if my yeast is still active?

Check for frothiness after mixing yeast with warm milk and sugar. If the mixture becomes foamy and bubbles within 5-10 minutes, your yeast is alive and ready to use. If no reaction occurs, the yeast might be expired and you’ll need a fresh batch.

• What type of flour works best for these donuts?

All-purpose flour is ideal for this recipe. It provides the right protein content to create a tender yet sturdy dough that can hold its shape during frying and filling.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After the first rise, you can refrigerate the dough overnight. Just let it come to room temperature and proceed with shaping before the second rise.

Delicious Cream-Filled Italian Donuts Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Delightful cannoli donuts bring Sicily’s sweet magic right to kitchen counters, blending rich pastry cream with crisp fried dough. Creamy, powdered sugar-dusted treats promise a delectable journey through Italian culinary traditions you’ll savor with pure joy.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup milk, warmed (about 110°F/43°C)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Leavening and Sweeteners:

• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar

Cream Filling and Seasoning:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

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Instructions

1. Dissolve yeast in lukewarm milk with a hint of sugar, allowing the mixture to bloom and become frothy for 5-10 minutes.
2. Create a soft flour foundation by combining dry ingredients, then introduce the activated yeast, melted butter, and egg. Blend thoroughly until a cohesive dough emerges.
3. Transfer the dough onto a lightly dusted surface and manipulate with gentle, consistent motions. Knead for 5-7 minutes until achieving a silky, elastic texture.
4. Nestle the dough in a lightly greased container, drape with a clean cloth, and permit rising in a draft-free environment for 1-1.5 hours until volume doubles.
5. Gently roll the dough to a half-inch thickness. Utilize a donut cutter to craft circular shapes and corresponding holes with precision.
6. Arrange cut donuts on a flour-sprinkled tray, shield with a light covering, and allow a secondary proofing for 30-40 minutes.
7. Warm vegetable oil to a precise 350F (175C) in a deep vessel. Submerge donuts in small batches, frying 1-2 minutes per side until achieving a golden, crisp exterior. Transfer to absorbent paper to drain excess oil.
8. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until stiff, glossy peaks form and maintain their structure.
9. After complete cooling, delicately inject each donut with cream using a piping apparatus, ensuring even distribution.
10. Present the cream-filled delicacies, ready for immediate enjoyment.

Notes

• Yeast Activation Magic: Ensure milk is lukewarm, not hot, to prevent killing the yeast and guarantee a perfect rise for fluffy donuts.
• Kneading Technique: Use the heel of your hand to push and fold the dough, creating a smooth and stretchy texture that guarantees soft, tender donuts.
• Oil Temperature Control: Use a candy thermometer to maintain consistent 350F, preventing greasy or undercooked centers and achieving golden-brown perfection.
• Filling Hack: Chill the whipped cream before piping to maintain structure and prevent leaking, creating clean, professional-looking cream-filled donuts.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 270
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg