Make bright, citrus-filled donuts with a tart lemon curd center balanced by a sweet, sugared exterior. This recipe simplifies the process for a gourmet donut experience at home.
Author:leogrant
Prep Time:45 min
Cook Time:20 min
Total Time:145 min
Yield:12 donuts 1x
Category:Dessert
Method:Frying
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
1/2 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F
1/4 cup granulated sugar, plus 1 cup for coating
2 large eggs, room temperature
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 teaspoon salt
Vegetable oil, for frying
1 cup prepared lemon curd (for filling)
Instructions
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and 1 teaspoon of the sugar in the warm milk. Let stand 5 minutes until foamy.
In a large bowl, whisk together the remaining sugar, eggs, and melted butter. Add the yeast mixture.
Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Gently punch down the dough. Roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a donut cutter to cut out the donuts. Reroll scraps.
Place the cut donuts on parchment-lined baking sheets. Cover loosely and let rise for 30 minutes.
Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F.
Fry the donuts in batches for 1 to 2 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
While still warm, roll the donuts in the remaining 1 cup of granulated sugar.
Once cooled slightly, use a piping bag fitted with a long, thin tip to inject about 1 to 2 tablespoons of lemon curd into the center of each donut.
Notes
For the best filling results, chill the lemon curd before piping it into the donuts.
If you prefer baked donuts, use a standard donut pan and bake at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes.
You can make your own lemon curd by cooking egg yolks, sugar, lemon juice, and butter until thick.