Ice cream and donuts – two iconic treats that scream joy and indulgence! Now imagine combining them into one heavenly bite. That’s right, we’re talking about ice cream-stuffed donuts! This fun and surprisingly easy recipe is perfect for impressing your loved ones or simply enjoying a delightful treat any day of the week.
Gather Your Ingredients:
For the donuts:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast
- ½ cup (120ml) warm milk (around 105°F or 40°C)
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the ice cream filling:
- 1 pint of your favorite ice cream, slightly softened
For the topping:
- ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Sprinkles (optional)
Tools You’ll Need:
- Large bowl
- Whisk
- Plastic wrap
- Rolling pin
- 3-inch donut cutter or two round cutters (one 3-inch and one 1-inch)
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Slotted spoon
- Wire rack
- Piping bag or zip-top bag
Let’s Get Started!
Making the Donuts:
- Activate the Yeast: In the large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy. This means the yeast is active and ready to work its magic.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Whisk in the eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until doubled in size.
- Roll & Cut: Punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about ½ inch thickness. Use your donut cutter to cut out the donuts.
- Second Rise: Place the donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Fry Time: Heat about 2 inches of oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Carefully lower the donuts into the hot oil, a few at a time. Fry for about 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Cool Down: Remove the donuts from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
Filling the Donuts:
- Prepare the Ice Cream: Let your favorite ice cream soften slightly. You want it scoopable but not melting.
- Fill ‘Em Up: Fit a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off with a large round tip. Fill it with the softened ice cream.
- Stuff the Donuts: Carefully insert the tip of the piping bag into the side of each donut and fill it generously with ice cream.
The Finishing Touch:
- Make the Glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Dip the filled donuts in the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Sprinkle Fun: If desired, add a sprinkle of joy to your donuts. Get creative with rainbow sprinkles, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts.
- Enjoy: These donuts are best enjoyed immediately.
Ice Cream Stuffed Donuts
Tips and Tricks for Donut Perfection:
- Yeast Check: Make sure your yeast is fresh! Proofing it in the beginning ensures it’s alive and kicking.
- Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature around 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too hot, the donuts will burn; too low, and they’ll be greasy.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Fry the donuts in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and dropping the oil temperature.
- Freezing for Later: You can freeze the filled donuts for later! Just place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Frying Donuts
FAQs:
Q: Can I use store-bought donut holes?
A: Absolutely! Using store-bought donut holes is a great time-saver. Simply inject your favorite ice cream and enjoy.
Q: What other toppings can I use?
A: The possibilities are endless! Get creative with melted chocolate, chopped nuts, crushed cookies, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Q: How long can I store ice cream-stuffed donuts?
A: It’s best to enjoy them immediately for the best texture. However, you can store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months.
A Sweet Conclusion:
There you have it – a foolproof guide to creating your own ice cream-stuffed donuts at home. This delightful treat is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your loved ones. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready for a delicious adventure!
Decorated Donuts
Have you tried making ice cream-stuffed donuts? What’s your favorite ice cream and topping combination? Share your creations and experiences in the comments below! We’d love to hear from you. And don’t forget to explore our website for more mouthwatering ice cream and frozen treat recipes. Happy indulging!
