Lemon curd-filled donuts are an absolute delight for both donut lovers and fans of citrus desserts. The moment you bite into one of these fluffy, freshly fried donuts, you are greeted by the warm, sweet-sour burst of homemade lemon curd, which perfectly complements the light, pillowy dough. If youâve ever tried lemon curd, you know how its tangy citrus notes blend beautifully with the rich, creamy texture. Now, imagine this dreamy curd inside a freshly made donut â pure bliss!
PrintLemon Curd Filled Donuts
đLemon Curd Filled Donutsâwhere fluffy meets zesty! đ©đ These golden donuts are filled with creamy lemon curd that adds the perfect pop of citrus to every soft bite. đ Ideal for brunches, dessert platters, or when you want something extra special. Get ready to fall in love with these tangy little indulgences! đ
#LemonCurdDonuts #TangyTreats #CitrusDesserts #FluffyDelight #DonutPerfection #ZestyAndDelicious #BakedWithLove #SweetAndTart #LemonLovers #DonutGoals đ©đđ
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
For the Donut Dough:
- Bread Flour: The backbone of any good donut dough, bread flour gives the dough its chewy texture, which is crucial for achieving that classic donut bite. It has a higher protein content compared to all-purpose flour, making the dough stretchy and able to hold up well when frying.
- Egg: Eggs are essential for the structure of the donut dough, giving it moisture and richness. This also helps with the rise, making the dough soft and fluffy.
- Warm Milk: Milk adds a subtle richness to the dough. Warm milk helps activate the yeast and encourages it to rise properly.
- Unsalted Butter: Softened butter adds a tender, rich texture to the donut dough. It also gives the donuts a delicate flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweet, tangy lemon curd.
- Granulated Sugar: Sugar sweetens the dough and helps in browning the donuts during frying. It also feeds the yeast, assisting with the doughâs rise.
- Salt: Just a pinch of salt enhances the flavor of the dough and helps balance the sweetness of the sugar.
- Instant Yeast: Instant yeast is used in this recipe to make the dough rise quickly and reliably. Itâs essential for achieving that soft, airy texture that defines a great donut.
For the Lemon Curd:
- Whole Milk: Milk provides the creamy base for the curd, helping to create a smooth, luscious texture. Using whole milk adds richness to the curd.
- Lemon: The lemon is the heart of the curd. The zest imparts a vibrant citrusy aroma, while the juice gives the curd its signature tang. Use a fresh, ripe lemon for the best flavor.
- Egg and Egg Yolks: The eggs act as the thickening agents in the lemon curd. The yolks give the curd its velvety texture, while the whites help in setting the curd once cooked.
- Granulated Sugar: Sugar sweetens the curd and balances the tartness of the lemon juice. The sugar also helps achieve the right consistency when cooked.
- Cornstarch: Cornstarch is used to thicken the curd and give it that smooth, custard-like texture. It helps create a firm curd without it being too runny.
- Salt: Just a pinch of salt adds a layer of depth to the curd, enhancing the lemon flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: Butter makes the curd silky and smooth, adding richness and flavor.
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Yeast Mixture
- In a large bowl, whisk together the warm milk with the room-temperature egg. Ensure that the milk is not too hot as it can kill the yeast. The ideal temperature for milk is around 110°F (43°C).
- Sprinkle the instant yeast over the milk and egg mixture, whisking it in until dissolved. This process helps activate the yeast so it can begin fermenting and causing the dough to rise.
Step 2: Making the Donut Dough
- To the yeast mixture, add the flour, sugar, and salt. Using a spatula, stir everything together until it forms a rough dough.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and begin kneading with your hands. Knead the dough for about 5-6 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Add the softened butter to the dough and continue kneading until the butter is fully incorporated and the dough is soft and shiny.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Allow it to rise in a warm place for 2-3 hours, or until it has doubled or tripled in size.
Step 3: Making the Lemon Curd
- While the dough is rising, prepare the homemade lemon curd. In a medium saucepan, add the whole milk and lemon peel. Heat the milk over medium heat until it begins to steam, but be sure not to let it boil.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Once the milk is steaming, remove it from the heat and slowly pour it into the egg mixture, whisking continuously to prevent curdling.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan over medium heat and whisk constantly until the curd thickens, about 5 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the butter until fully melted and incorporated.
- Transfer the curd to a glass bowl and cover it with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the curd to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 4: Shaping the Donuts
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball.
- Place the shaped dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure theyâre spaced apart. Cover with plastic wrap and let them rest for 30-40 minutes, allowing them to puff up slightly.
Step 5: Frying the Donuts
- Heat about 1 1/2 to 2 inches of oil in a deep pan over low-medium heat. Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect frying temperature for golden, crispy donuts.
- Gently drop a few donuts into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each donut for 1-2 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crisp.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts from the oil and place them on a wire rack to cool.
Step 6: Filling the Donuts
- Once the donuts have cooled completely, use a chopstick or a similar tool to poke a hole in the center of each donut.
- Roll the donuts in sugar to coat them evenly on all sides.
- Transfer the cooled lemon curd into a piping bag and carefully fill each donut with curd, ensuring a generous amount in the center.
Notes
- Flour: If you donât have bread flour, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour, but the texture of the donuts may be slightly different. Bread flour gives the donuts a chewier texture.
- Butter: You can replace the butter with vegetable oil or another neutral oil for a dairy-free version of the donuts.
- Milk: For a dairy-free option, use almond milk or oat milk instead of whole milk. The curd may be slightly less rich, but still delicious.
- Lemon: While fresh lemons are ideal for making lemon curd, you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch. However, fresh lemons will provide a much fresher, more vibrant flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Donuts have been a favorite for breakfast, brunch, or dessert for centuries, but this version takes the beloved treat to a whole new level. Instead of the typical filled donuts that use chocolate or custard, these ones bring a refreshing twist by incorporating lemon curd as the star ingredient. And letâs not forget about the crispy sugar coating that adds just the right touch of sweetness. Every bite of these lemon curd-filled donuts is a perfect balance of tart and sweet, crunchy and soft, making them an unforgettable treat.
In this article, we will explore everything you need to know to make these heavenly Lemon Curd Filled Donuts at home. From the dough to the curd, frying tips, and storage suggestions, youâll be prepared to recreate this mouthwatering dessert right in your kitchen. Weâll also offer helpful substitution tips and variations for those who like to experiment. So, letâs dive into the recipe thatâs sure to impress your family and friends!
The Allure of Lemon Curd-Filled Donuts
The appeal of these lemon curd-filled donuts is not just about the combination of sweet and tangy flavors, but also about the texture contrast. The outer donut shell is golden and crispy, thanks to the frying process, while the inside is light and fluffy, providing a satisfying bite. The lemon curd, made from scratch, adds a layer of creamy goodness thatâs both smooth and luscious. The sweetness of the sugar coating perfectly balances the bright citrus tang of the lemon curd, making each donut an irresistible bite.
These donuts are a perfect choice for breakfast, especially during the spring or summer when citrus fruits are in season. They also make for a stunning dessert or a treat for special occasions such as brunches, picnics, or even a fancy afternoon tea. The delicate flavor of lemon curd in a donut is both comforting and refreshing, offering an experience unlike any other sweet treat.
Now, letâs get to work and create these beautiful, melt-in-your-mouth donuts!
Ingredients Breakdown: What You Need to Make Lemon Curd-Filled Donuts
For the Donut Dough:
- Bread Flour:Â The backbone of any good donut dough, bread flour gives the dough its chewy texture, which is crucial for achieving that classic donut bite. It has a higher protein content compared to all-purpose flour, making the dough stretchy and able to hold up well when frying.
- Egg:Â Eggs are essential for the structure of the donut dough, giving it moisture and richness. This also helps with the rise, making the dough soft and fluffy.
- Warm Milk:Â Milk adds a subtle richness to the dough. Warm milk helps activate the yeast and encourages it to rise properly.
- Unsalted Butter:Â Softened butter adds a tender, rich texture to the donut dough. It also gives the donuts a delicate flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweet, tangy lemon curd.
- Granulated Sugar:Â Sugar sweetens the dough and helps in browning the donuts during frying. It also feeds the yeast, assisting with the doughâs rise.
- Salt:Â Just a pinch of salt enhances the flavor of the dough and helps balance the sweetness of the sugar.
- Instant Yeast:Â Instant yeast is used in this recipe to make the dough rise quickly and reliably. Itâs essential for achieving that soft, airy texture that defines a great donut.
For the Lemon Curd:
- Whole Milk:Â Milk provides the creamy base for the curd, helping to create a smooth, luscious texture. Using whole milk adds richness to the curd.
- Lemon:Â The lemon is the heart of the curd. The zest imparts a vibrant citrusy aroma, while the juice gives the curd its signature tang. Use a fresh, ripe lemon for the best flavor.
- Egg and Egg Yolks:Â The eggs act as the thickening agents in the lemon curd. The yolks give the curd its velvety texture, while the whites help in setting the curd once cooked.
- Granulated Sugar:Â Sugar sweetens the curd and balances the tartness of the lemon juice. The sugar also helps achieve the right consistency when cooked.
- Cornstarch:Â Cornstarch is used to thicken the curd and give it that smooth, custard-like texture. It helps create a firm curd without it being too runny.
- Salt:Â Just a pinch of salt adds a layer of depth to the curd, enhancing the lemon flavor.
- Unsalted Butter:Â Butter makes the curd silky and smooth, adding richness and flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
How to Make Lemon Curd Filled Donuts
Step 1: Preparing the Yeast Mixture
- In a large bowl, whisk together the warm milk with the room-temperature egg. Ensure that the milk is not too hot as it can kill the yeast. The ideal temperature for milk is around 110°F (43°C).
- Sprinkle the instant yeast over the milk and egg mixture, whisking it in until dissolved. This process helps activate the yeast so it can begin fermenting and causing the dough to rise.
Step 2: Making the Donut Dough
- To the yeast mixture, add the flour, sugar, and salt. Using a spatula, stir everything together until it forms a rough dough.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and begin kneading with your hands. Knead the dough for about 5-6 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Add the softened butter to the dough and continue kneading until the butter is fully incorporated and the dough is soft and shiny.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Allow it to rise in a warm place for 2-3 hours, or until it has doubled or tripled in size.
Step 3: Making the Lemon Curd
- While the dough is rising, prepare the homemade lemon curd. In a medium saucepan, add the whole milk and lemon peel. Heat the milk over medium heat until it begins to steam, but be sure not to let it boil.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Once the milk is steaming, remove it from the heat and slowly pour it into the egg mixture, whisking continuously to prevent curdling.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan over medium heat and whisk constantly until the curd thickens, about 5 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the butter until fully melted and incorporated.
- Transfer the curd to a glass bowl and cover it with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the curd to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 4: Shaping the Donuts
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball.
- Place the shaped dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure theyâre spaced apart. Cover with plastic wrap and let them rest for 30-40 minutes, allowing them to puff up slightly.
Step 5: Frying the Donuts
- Heat about 1 1/2 to 2 inches of oil in a deep pan over low-medium heat. Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect frying temperature for golden, crispy donuts.
- Gently drop a few donuts into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each donut for 1-2 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crisp.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts from the oil and place them on a wire rack to cool.
Step 6: Filling the Donuts
- Once the donuts have cooled completely, use a chopstick or a similar tool to poke a hole in the center of each donut.
- Roll the donuts in sugar to coat them evenly on all sides.
- Transfer the cooled lemon curd into a piping bag and carefully fill each donut with curd, ensuring a generous amount in the center.
Flavor, Texture, and Aroma: What to Expect
When you take a bite of one of these lemon curd-filled donuts, the experience is truly magical. The first thing youâll notice is the slight crunch from the sugary coating, followed by the light and airy texture of the donut dough. The dough is not overly greasy, making each bite feel satisfying but not heavy.
Inside, the rich, tangy lemon curd contrasts beautifully with the soft, sweet donut. The curd has a velvety smoothness that coats your tongue with its citrus flavor, which isnât overpowering but adds the perfect amount of zing. The butteriness of the curd complements the sweetness of the sugar coating and the dough, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
The aroma wafting through the kitchen while frying these donuts is intoxicating. The fresh scent of citrus from the curd mingles with the delightful, fried dough smell, filling your space with the promise of a delicious treat.
Substitutions, Variations, and Tips for Perfect Donuts
Substitutions:
- Flour:Â If you donât have bread flour, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour, but the texture of the donuts may be slightly different. Bread flour gives the donuts a chewier texture.
- Butter:Â You can replace the butter with vegetable oil or another neutral oil for a dairy-free version of the donuts.
- Milk:Â For a dairy-free option, use almond milk or oat milk instead of whole milk. The curd may be slightly less rich, but still delicious.
- Lemon:Â While fresh lemons are ideal for making lemon curd, you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch. However, fresh lemons will provide a much fresher, more vibrant flavor.
Variations:
- Lime Curd Donuts:Â If youâre a fan of lime, you can swap the lemon curd for lime curd for a refreshing twist on the classic.
- Filled with Other Creams:Â Try filling these donuts with other flavors of curd, such as orange curd or raspberry. You can also use custard, chocolate ganache, or even whipped cream for a different filling.
Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips
These lemon curd-filled donuts are best served fresh, as the dough remains soft and airy, and the curd is rich and creamy. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
If you want to reheat them, simply warm them up in the microwave for about 10 seconds to soften the curd, or reheat them in the oven for a few minutes.
Conclusion: A Refreshing Twist on a Classic Treat
Lemon curd-filled donuts are a delightful combination of tangy and sweet, with a delicate texture and mouthwatering flavor. Whether youâre indulging in them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. With the step-by-step instructions and tips provided in this article, you can easily recreate this delicious treat in your own kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the sweet satisfaction of homemade Lemon Curd Filled Donuts!