Caramel-Glazed Donuts with Cream Filling Recipe

Indulge in this decadent recipe for Caramel-Glazed Donuts with Cream Filling. These homemade donuts are soft, fluffy, and filled with a rich cream, then topped with a luscious caramel glaze. Perfect for breakfast or dessert!

Ingredients

1. Prepare the Donut Dough:
   • In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy and bubbly, indicating that the yeast is active.
   • In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and nutmeg. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, and warm water. Stir to form a dough.
   • Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.
   • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
2. Shape the Donuts:
   • Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough out to about 1/2-inch thick.
   • Use a donut cutter or two round cookie cutters (one large and one small for the hole) to cut out the donut shapes.
   • Place the shaped donuts on a floured baking sheet, cover them with a towel, and let them rise again for about 30 minutes, until puffy.
3. Fry the Donuts:
   • While the donuts are rising, heat the vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
   • Carefully drop the donuts into the hot oil in batches, frying for about 2-3 minutes per side until they are golden brown.
   • Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
4. Prepare the Cream Filling:
   • In a medium bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
   • In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and mascarpone cheese (if using) until smooth. Gently fold in the whipped cream until the mixture is light and fluffy.
   • Transfer the cream filling to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip or use a zip-top bag with the tip cut off.
5. Make the Caramel Glaze:
   • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and bring to a simmer.
   • Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture has thickened.
   • Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir well and simmer for another 1-2 minutes until the glaze is smooth and slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes before glazing the donuts.
6. Fill and Glaze the Donuts:
   • Once the donuts are slightly cooled, use a skewer or small knife to make a hole in the side of each donut.
   • Pipe the cream filling into each donut until it’s filled and slightly puffed.
   • Dip each filled donut into the warm caramel glaze, making sure to cover the top completely. Allow the excess glaze to drip off before serving.
7. Serve:
   • Place the caramel-glazed donuts on a serving platter and enjoy while still slightly warm for the best texture and flavor.

These Caramel-Glazed Donuts with Cream Filling are indulgent and delicious, combining a fluffy donut, sweet cream filling, and a rich caramel glaze. They’re perfect for a special treat or a weekend breakfast! Enjoy!