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Berry Cream Donuts

These homemade Berry Cream Donuts are soft, fluffy, and bursting with flavors of berries and cream, perfect for brunch or a sweet snack.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 12 donuts
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 230
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Donut Base Ingredients
  • 2 and 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast Look for a reputable brand, like Red Star or Fleischmann’s, for consistent results.
  • 3/4 cup warm milk Use whole milk for richer flavor; make sure it's warmed to 110°F (43°C) before adding yeast.
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar This helps activate the yeast and sweeten the dough.
  • 2 large eggs Bring to room temperature for better incorporation into the dough.
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted I prefer using a high-quality butter like Land O'Lakes for the best flavor.
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour Spoon and level for accuracy. King Arthur Baking is a fantastic choice.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt Enhances the overall flavor.
  • Neutral oil for frying or butter/oil spray for baking If frying, canola or vegetable oil works best. For baking, a light layer of butter flavored oil prevents sticking.
Cream Topping Ingredients
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream For that luscious cream topping.
  • 3 tablespoons powdered sugar Sweetens the cream without making it too dense.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Real vanilla extract makes a noticeable difference.
Berry Toppings
  • 1/2 cup strawberries, sliced Fresh berries will bring a vibrant flavor.
  • 1/2 cup raspberries Adds a tartness that balances the sweetness.
  • 1/2 cup blueberries For their natural sweetness and easy biting.
  • 2 tablespoons sugar if desired This is optional, depending on berry sweetness.
  • Powdered sugar for dusting A final beautiful touch that makes these donuts visually appealing.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk and active dry yeast. Let this sit for 5 to 10 minutes until a foamy layer forms.
  2. In a large bowl, mix the yeast mixture with granulated sugar, eggs, and melted butter until combined.
  3. Add all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  4. Transfer your dough to a greased bowl, covering it with a towel. Let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size.
  5. Lightly grease donut molds and divide the dough into portions. Press the dough into the molds to create the classic donut shapes.
  6. Allow the dough to rise in the molds for 30 to 40 minutes until they puff up. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) if baking.
Cooking
  1. For baking: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden.
  2. For frying: Heat oil to 350°F. Fry each donut for 1 to 2 minutes per side until golden brown.
Assembly
  1. In a mixing bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
  2. In a separate bowl, combine the berries and add sugar if desired; gently toss until combined.
  3. Once the donuts cool slightly, add whipped cream on each donut, spoon the berry mixture over, and dust with powdered sugar.

Notes

Warm ingredients are key for better dough consistency. Properly allowing the dough to rise is essential for fluffy donuts.