Why Make This Recipe

Strawberry Custard Filled Donuts are a delightful treat that can brighten any day. With their fluffy texture and sweet strawberry flavor, these donuts are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack. The combination of fresh strawberries and creamy custard makes them irresistible. Plus, making them at home gives you the joy of filling them with your own delicious strawberry custard.

How to Make Strawberry Custard Filled Donuts

Ingredients:

Strawberry Custard Filling:

1 cup finely diced strawberries
1 teaspoon sugar
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup whole milk
Pinch of fine sea salt
3 large egg yolks
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon water
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter

Donuts:

¾ cup warm milk
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
⅓ cup melted butter
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon salt
3 ½-4 cups all-purpose flour
Vegetable oil for frying
Sugar for coating

Directions:

Finely dice the strawberries and mix them with 1 teaspoon of sugar. Set aside.
In a small heavy-bottomed pot, combine heavy cream, milk, and a pinch of salt. Cook on medium heat until it gently simmers, then turn off the heat.
In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks and granulated sugar until the mixture turns pale.
Very slowly pour the warm milk into the egg yolk mixture, stirring constantly.
In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to make a paste. Pour this mixture into the custard mix.
Return the custard to the saucepan and cook on medium-low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and add butter and vanilla. Stir until smooth.
Fold in the diced strawberries, transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until cold.
In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit until the yeast blooms.
Once foamy, add melted butter and sugar, then whisk in eggs.
Add 3 ½ cups of flour and salt, knead until a dough forms, adding more flour if necessary.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and allow it to rise until it doubles in size, about 2 hours.
Roll the dough to a thickness of 1 to 2 inches, cut out donuts, and place them on a cookie sheet to rest for 30 to 45 minutes.
Heat oil to 375 degrees and fry donuts in batches until golden brown, about 1 minute per side.
Remove from oil, drain on paper towels, and coat in sugar.
Use a piping bag to fill the donuts with chilled pastry cream.

How to Serve Strawberry Custard Filled Donuts

These donuts are best enjoyed fresh. Serve them warm or at room temperature, and for an added touch, dust them with powdered sugar or serve with extra strawberries on the side. They make a lovely treat for brunch, afternoon tea, or as a dessert after dinner.

How to Store Strawberry Custard Filled Donuts

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you prefer, you can also freeze them for up to a month. Just ensure they are well wrapped to avoid freezer burn.

Tips to Make Strawberry Custard Filled Donuts

Make sure the oil is at the right temperature to avoid greasy donuts.
Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor in the custard.
Knead the dough enough to ensure it’s smooth and elastic.
If you prefer creamier custard, you can add more heavy cream.

Variation

Try different fruit fillings like blueberry, raspberry, or even custards made with chocolate or vanilla. You can also experiment with flavored glazes on top to enhance the taste.

FAQs

Can I make the custard filling in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the custard a day ahead and keep it stored in the refrigerator.
What should I do if my donuts are greasy?
Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying. If the oil is too cool, the donuts will absorb more oil and become greasy.
Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake the donuts in a preheated oven at 375 degrees for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown, but they will have a different texture compared to fried donuts.