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Cloud-like Vanilla Donuts with Vanilla Pastry Cream and Vanilla Sugar Coating Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 71 reviews

Delight in these Cloud-like Vanilla Donuts, featuring a soft, airy dough infused with natural vanilla and a luscious, velvety vanilla pastry cream filling. Coated in fragrant vanilla sugar, these homemade treats deliver a perfect balance of texture and flavor, making them an ideal sweet snack or dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough (yields 15 donuts):

  • 8.8 oz (250g) “00” flour
  • 0.88 oz (25g) sugar
  • 0.1 oz (3g) salt
  • 0.18 oz (5g) instant yeast
  • 0.18 oz (5g) natural vanilla
  • 1 large egg (50g)
  • 4.9 oz (140g) milk
  • 0.88 oz (25g) butter

For the Vanilla Pastry Cream:

  • 8.8 oz (250g) milk
  • 3.9 oz (110g) heavy cream (35% fat)
  • Half a vanilla bean
  • 2 egg yolks (40g)
  • 0.88 oz (25g) sugar
  • 0.88 oz (25g) cornstarch
  • 2.1 oz (60g) white chocolate
  • 0.88 oz (25g) butter
  • 0.88 oz (25g) gelatin mass (5g gelatin powder dissolved in 0.7 oz (20g) water)

For Finishing:

  • Vanilla sugar (for coating)
  • Oil for frying (enough for deep frying at 329°F/165°C)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, instant yeast, and natural vanilla. Add the egg, milk, and butter. Knead on low speed just until combined. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes to allow ingredients to meld.
  2. Knead the Dough: Knead the dough on high speed for 7-10 minutes until it becomes elastic, shiny, and smooth. Then, cover the dough and refrigerate it overnight for a slow fermentation lasting 12 to 24 hours, which develops flavor and enhances texture.
  3. Make the Vanilla Pastry Cream: In a saucepan, bring the milk, heavy cream, and scraped vanilla bean to a boil. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch. Gradually whisk the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture to temper it, then return to the pan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly for 2 minutes until the cream thickens.
  4. Finish the Pastry Cream: Remove from heat and stir in white chocolate and butter until smooth. Add the gelatin mass and blend well until the mixture is shiny and homogeneous. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap touching the surface, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to chill and set.
  5. Shape the Donuts: After the dough has rested overnight, remove it from the refrigerator and gently press to release trapped air. Divide the dough into 15 equal portions (30-35g each) and shape each into a smooth ball. Arrange the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely, and let them rise at room temperature until doubled in size, approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
  6. Fry the Donuts: Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 329°F (165°C). Carefully fry the raised dough balls for 1.5 to 2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  7. Coat and Fill: While the donuts are still warm, roll them in vanilla sugar to coat evenly. Using a piping bag fitted with a nozzle, fill each donut with the chilled vanilla pastry cream by injecting it gently into the center.
  8. Serve: Serve the donuts fresh for best texture and flavor. Optionally, dust with additional vanilla sugar or drizzle with vanilla glaze or white chocolate to add an elegant touch.

Notes

  • Use “00” flour for an ultra-soft and tender dough texture.
  • Allowing the dough to refrigerate overnight enhances flavor and improves the donut’s crumb.
  • Ensure the oil temperature is steady at 329°F (165°C) for proper frying without absorbing excess oil.
  • The gelatin in the pastry cream helps maintain a stable, smooth filling that holds well inside the donuts.
  • For decoration, drizzle with melted white chocolate or dust with powdered sugar mixed with vanilla bean seeds.
  • Store leftover filled donuts in the refrigerator and consume within 1-2 days for optimum freshness.

Keywords: vanilla donuts, homemade donuts, pastry cream filled donuts, soft donuts, fried donuts, vanilla pastry cream, sweet snack

Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/cloud-like-vanilla-donuts-with-vanilla-pastry-cream-and-vanilla-sugar-coating-recipe/