Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the sheer joy of making lemon curd filled donuts! These little beauties are sweet, fluffy, and bursting with that deliciously tangy lemon curd that just makes your taste buds dance. Every time I whip up a batch, the whole house fills with this irresistible aroma that’s enough to make anyone’s mouth water. I still remember the first time I made these; I was so excited that I accidentally spilled some flour everywhere—oops! But hey, that’s part of the fun, right? The best part is biting into that warm donut and having the creamy lemon curd ooze out. It’s pure bliss! Trust me, once you try making these at home, you’ll be hooked. They’re perfect for breakfast, dessert, or just a sweet treat any time of day!
Ingredients List
To make these delightful lemon curd filled donuts, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet instant yeast (about 2 and 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk (warm it up a bit for the yeast to wake up!)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted, because who doesn’t love buttery goodness?)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup lemon curd (you can use homemade or store-bought, both are delicious!)
- Oil for frying (enough to fill your pan about 2-3 inches deep)
Having everything prepped and ready to go really makes the process smoother, so take a moment to get organized before diving in!
How to Prepare Lemon Curd Filled Donuts
Ready to dive into the fun of making these lemon curd filled donuts? Let’s get started! The process is really straightforward, and I promise you’ll be so proud of yourself when you see those golden, fluffy donuts come out of the oil. Here’s how to do it:
Step-by-Step Instructions
Mixing the Dough
First things first, grab a large mixing bowl! Start by whisking together the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. This is where the magic begins! Once that’s all mixed up, warm your milk and melted butter together until they’re just comfortable to the touch (think lukewarm but not hot!). Pour the warm mixture into the dry ingredients and beat in the eggs until the dough starts to come together. It should feel slightly sticky but still manageable—like a soft pillow! If it’s too wet, don’t worry, just sprinkle in a bit more flour until it feels right.
Kneading and Rising
Now, let’s get our hands a little floury! Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes. You want it to be smooth and elastic, almost like a soft baby’s bottom (seriously!). Once you’ve done that, place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour or until it’s doubled in size. This is when you can do a little happy dance and imagine the delicious donuts to come!
Cutting and Frying
After your dough has risen, it’s time to shape your donuts! Roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2 inch thick and use a round cutter to cut out circles. Don’t forget to make a hole in the middle for those classic donut vibes! Now, heat your oil in a deep pan until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop in your donuts, frying them until they’re golden brown on both sides, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. It’s so satisfying to watch them bubble away! Once done, let them cool slightly before filling them with that luscious lemon curd. You’re almost there!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you why making these lemon curd filled donuts is such a rewarding experience! From the moment you start mixing the dough to that first glorious bite, it’s pure joy. Here’s what I absolutely love about this recipe:
- Incredible Flavor: The combination of sweet, fluffy donut and the tangy burst of lemon curd is simply irresistible. It’s like a little party in your mouth!
- Homemade Goodness: There’s something so satisfying about making treats from scratch. You know exactly what goes into them, and that makes each bite feel even more special.
- Easy to Make: Trust me, these donuts might look fancy, but they’re actually quite simple to whip up! Once you get the hang of it, you’ll want to make them over and over.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy weekend breakfast, a festive gathering, or just a sweet treat for yourself, these donuts fit the bill perfectly!
- Impress Your Friends: When you serve these to friends or family, they’ll be wowed! It’s such a joy to see their faces light up when they take that first bite.
Seriously, once you make these lemon curd filled donuts, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them! They’re sure to become a beloved recipe in your kitchen.
Tips for Success
Now that you’re ready to whip up these delicious lemon curd filled donuts, let me share some of my go-to tips to ensure everything goes smoothly and your donuts turn out perfect every time!
- Check Your Yeast: Make sure your yeast is fresh! If it’s expired, your donuts won’t rise properly. You can proof it in warm water with a pinch of sugar to see if it bubbles up—if it does, you’re good to go!
- Temperature Matters: When warming your milk and butter, don’t overheat! You want it to be warm enough to activate the yeast but not so hot that it kills it. Lukewarm is ideal!
- Don’t Rush the Rising: Allow your dough to rise until it’s doubled in size. This step is crucial for fluffy donuts, so be patient! If your kitchen is cool, it might take a bit longer.
- Oil Temperature is Key: Keep an eye on that frying oil! Too hot and your donuts will burn on the outside while remaining raw inside; too cool and they’ll soak up oil and be greasy. A thermometer is your best friend here!
- Cool Before Filling: Let your donuts cool slightly after frying; filling them while they’re too hot can cause the lemon curd to run out. You want that perfect burst of flavor with every bite!
- Experiment with Flavors: Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, feel free to experiment! Add a hint of vanilla to the dough or try different fillings to mix things up.
- Store Properly: If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’re best enjoyed fresh but can last a couple of days. Just reheat slightly in the microwave before devouring!
With these tips up your sleeve, you’ll be well on your way to making the most delightful lemon curd filled donuts. Just remember, have fun with it! Cooking is all about enjoying the process as much as the delicious results.
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the numbers! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values for each lemon curd filled donut. Just keep in mind that these can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, but this should give you a good idea:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 3g
These donuts are a treat, so enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet! Whether you’re savoring one with your morning coffee or treating yourself after dinner, they’re bound to bring a smile to your face. Happy indulging!
FAQ Section
Can I use store-bought lemon curd?
Absolutely! Using store-bought lemon curd is a fantastic time-saver, and it can be just as delicious as homemade. I’ve tried both, and honestly, you can’t go wrong with either option. If you’re in a pinch or just want to skip the extra step, grab a jar of your favorite brand, and you’re good to go. Just make sure it’s nice and creamy for that perfect filling!
How do I store leftover donuts?
To keep those delicious lemon curd filled donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps maintain their flavor and texture. If you’re like me and can’t resist them, they probably won’t last long! But if you do have leftovers, they’ll stay good for about 2-3 days. Just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up before enjoying. Trust me, they’re still delightful!
Can I make these donuts in advance?
You can definitely make these donuts in advance! If you want to prepare them ahead of time, I recommend frying them and then letting them cool completely before storing. Just keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, fill them with lemon curd and give them a quick warm-up in the microwave or in a toaster oven to bring back that fresh taste. They’ll still be a hit, and your friends will think you’re a genius for having them ready to go!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got these delicious lemon curd filled donuts ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve alongside them to elevate the experience even more! Trust me, pairing these treats with the right flavors and beverages can take your enjoyment to a whole new level.
- Coffee: There’s nothing quite like a warm donut paired with a freshly brewed cup of coffee. The rich, bold flavors of coffee complement the sweetness of the lemon curd perfectly!
- Tea: If you’re in a more relaxed mood, a nice cup of herbal or green tea works wonders. The gentle flavors of tea can balance the zesty lemon, making for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Fresh Berries: Serve your donuts with a side of fresh berries—strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a pop of color and a burst of freshness that pairs beautifully with the lemon filling.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream on the side is an indulgent touch that adds creaminess and richness. You can even flavor it with a hint of vanilla or lemon zest for an extra zing!
- Iced Lemonade: For a refreshing twist, serve these donuts with a glass of iced lemonade. The tartness of the lemonade accentuates the lemon curd filling and makes for a fun summer treat!
- Yogurt: A small bowl of vanilla or lemon-flavored yogurt can provide a creamy contrast to the donut’s texture, making it a perfect pairing for brunch or a light dessert.
Whatever you choose, these lemon curd filled donuts are sure to shine! Enjoy experimenting with different combinations to find your perfect match, and don’t forget to savor every moment of this delightful treat!
Print
Lemon Curd Filled Donuts: 5 Sweet Moments of Joy
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lemon curd filled donuts are sweet, fluffy pastries filled with tangy lemon curd.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet instant yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup lemon curd
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- Warm milk and butter until melted. Add to dry ingredients.
- Beat in eggs until dough forms.
- Knead dough on a floured surface until smooth.
- Let dough rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Roll out dough and cut into circles.
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry donuts until golden brown on both sides.
- Cool slightly and fill with lemon curd.
Notes
- Use homemade or store-bought lemon curd.
- Allow donuts to cool before filling.
- Store filled donuts in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: lemon curd filled donuts, donuts, dessert
