Lemon-Filled Donuts Recipe

ByEmma

Nothing beats the delightful combination of soft, fluffy donuts and tangy, sweet lemon filling. This recipe is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy bakery-style lemon-filled donuts at home. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients

For the Donut Dough:

  • 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup whole milk (warm)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Lemon Filling:

  • 1 cup lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

For Frying and Coating:

  • Vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (for coating)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
  2. Add the warm milk, softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until a dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.
  • Pro Tip: If the dough feels too sticky, add a little flour, 1 tablespoon at a time. Be careful not to add too much to avoid making the donuts dense.
  1. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Filling

  1. While the dough is rising, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks.
  2. Gently fold the whipped cream into the lemon curd until smooth and creamy. Refrigerate until needed.
  • Pro Tip: If you prefer a tangier filling, use the lemon curd as is without adding whipped cream.

Step 3: Shape the Donuts

  1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness.
  2. Use a round cutter (about 3 inches in diameter) to cut out donut shapes. Gather the scraps, re-roll, and cut again.
  3. Place the cut donuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely, and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.

Step 4: Fry the Donuts

  1. Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Carefully fry the donuts, a few at a time, for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
  3. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  4. Roll the warm donuts in granulated sugar to coat.
  • Pro Tip: Maintain the oil temperature between 350°F and 375°F for evenly cooked donuts. Use a thermometer to check.

Step 5: Fill the Donuts

  1. Once the donuts have cooled slightly, use a piping bag fitted with a round tip to inject the lemon filling into each donut. Insert the tip into the side of the donut and squeeze gently until filled.
  • Pro Tip: To avoid overfilling, stop piping when you feel slight resistance.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these donuts fresh for the best taste! Pair them with a cup of tea, coffee, or a refreshing lemonade for an extra citrusy kick.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers (unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy warm.

Final Thoughts

Homemade lemon-filled donuts are a labor of love, but the end result is incredibly rewarding. With their pillowy texture and zesty filling, these donuts are guaranteed to impress. Whether it’s for a family brunch or a weekend treat, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!

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