Lemon Curd Donuts: A Zesty Treat for Any Occasion
Donuts are a delightful treat, but when they’re homemade and filled with a zesty lemon curd, they become an irresistible dessert that’s perfect for any gathering or a cozy morning at home. Today, I’m excited to share with you a recipe for Lemon Curd Donuts that balances sweet, tangy, and comforting flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp rapid-rise yeast
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 8 tbsp unsalted butter, softened and cubed
- 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F)
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 6 cups vegetable oil for frying
For the Filling:
- 3.4 oz. box vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup lemon curd
- Zest of 1 lemon
For the Topping:
- 1 cup sugar
Directions
Preparing the Dough:
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and yeast. Whisk to mix.
- Add the softened butter on top of the dry ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix using a dough hook attachment on medium speed for 10-12 minutes, until the dough is smooth.
- With oiled hands, form the dough into a ball and place in a greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and a towel and let it rise in a warm place for 90 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness. Cut out donuts using a 3-inch cookie cutter, transfer to a baking sheet, cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Frying the Donuts:
- Heat vegetable oil in a pot to 345°F.
- Fry the donuts for about 2 minutes per side or until golden brown. Remove and let drain on paper towels.
Preparing the Filling:
- Mix the vanilla pudding mix with milk until thickened. Stir in the lemon curd and lemon zest.
Finishing Touches:
- Toss the warm donuts in sugar to coat.
- Fill a piping bag with the lemon curd filling and inject into each donut.
Serve and enjoy the burst of lemony sweetness wrapped in a soft, sugary dough!
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 250 kcal per donut
- Servings: 12 donuts
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
These Lemon Curd Donuts are not just a treat; they’re a celebration of flavors that bring a smile with every bite. Whether you’re serving them at a brunch or as a dessert, they promise to be a hit. Happy baking and indulging!
Lemon Curd Donuts
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
Description
These Lemon Curd Donuts bring a burst of sunshine to your taste buds with their perfect balance of tangy lemon curd and sweet, fluffy dough. Each bite delivers a delightful contrast between the crispy exterior and the creamy, zesty filling inside.
Perfect for a special breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat, these donuts are sure to impress. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging yourself, the bright lemon flavor paired with the light, airy dough makes for an unforgettable dessert. Enjoy them fresh and warm for the best experience!
Ingredients
Dough:
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 1/4 tsp rapid-rise yeast
1 tsp cinnamon
8 tbsp unsalted butter, softened, cubed
1/2 cup warm milk
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
6 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
Filling:
3.4 oz. box vanilla pudding mix
1 cup milk
1 cup lemon curd
Zest of 1 lemon
Topping:
1 cup sugar
Instructions
Dough:
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, and rapid-rise yeast. Whisk together.
Scatter softened butter on top of the dry ingredients.
Ensure milk is at 110°F. In a separate mixing bowl, combine warm milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk together.
Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients. Using a dough hook attachment, beat for 10-12 minutes until dough forms.
With oiled hands, knead the dough into a ball for a couple of minutes. Place the dough into a greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and a towel.
Let the dough rise for 90 minutes in a warm place, until it doubles in size.
Punch the dough down. Roll out the dough on a floured surface. Using a 3-inch cookie cutter, cut dough and place on a baking sheet. Cover and let rise for an additional 30 minutes.
Prepare Oil:
While the dough is rising, add vegetable oil to a pot. Heat to 345°F.
Filling:
Combine vanilla pudding mix and milk until thickened. Stir in lemon curd and lemon zest.
Frying:
Fry donuts for about 2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Topping:
While still warm, coat donuts in sugar. Fill with lemon curd filling using a piping bag. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 250 kcal