Fried Donuts Filled with Chocolate Cream (Ciambelline Fritte Ripiene di Crema al Cioccolato)
Category: Desserts
Yields: 35 pieces
These delicious fried donuts filled with chocolate cream are a true indulgence, perfect for any occasion. Their crispy exterior and rich, velvety chocolate center are sure to captivate your taste buds. Whether you are preparing them for a gathering, a family treat, or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, these donuts are a delightful way to end any meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Butter | 60g |
| All-purpose flour (00) | 400g |
| Whole milk | 180g |
| Eggs | 173g |
| Honey | 10g |
| Dry yeast (active dry) | 4g |
| Sugar | 70g |
| Fine salt | 1 pinch |
| Heavy cream | 375g |
| Whole milk (for custard) | 375g |
| Sugar (for custard) | 190g |
| Egg yolks (for custard) | 190g |
| Cornstarch (Maizena) | 30g |
| All-purpose flour (for custard) | 30g |
| Dark chocolate | 150g |
| Orange zest | 1 |
| Peanut oil (for frying) | 1L |
Instructions
Making the Dough
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Prepare the Dough: Begin by making the donut dough. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the eggs, sugar, and honey. Gradually add the sifted all-purpose flour to the mixture. Once the ingredients are incorporated, slowly add the milk at room temperature in a steady stream. Continue mixing until the dough begins to come together, wrapping around the hook of the mixer.
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Add the Butter: When the dough is fully formed, add the softened butter in small pieces, and continue mixing until the butter is fully absorbed, resulting in a smooth, elastic dough.
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Rest the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled surface and cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rest and rise for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Making the Chocolate Custard Filling
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Prepare the Custard: While the dough rises, prepare the chocolate custard filling. Start by peeling the orange and zesting it. In a saucepan, combine the whole milk, sugar, and egg yolks. Whisk the mixture until it turns a light, frothy color.
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Add the Cornstarch and Flour: Sift the flour and cornstarch into the milk and egg mixture, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the mixture thickens into a smooth custard consistency.
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Finish the Custard: Once the custard is thick and smooth, remove it from the heat. Add the chopped dark chocolate and continue stirring until the chocolate has fully melted and integrated into the custard. The custard is now ready to use. Transfer it to a dish, cover it with plastic wrap (touching the surface of the custard to avoid a skin forming), and set aside to cool.
Shaping and Frying the Donuts
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Roll and Cut the Dough: Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll out the dough with a rolling pin to a thickness of about 1 cm (approximately ½ inch). Using a 3.5 cm (1.4-inch) round cutter, cut out the donut shapes.
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Shape the Donuts: Carefully remove the excess dough between the rounds and use it to make more donuts. To create the traditional donut shape, use a smaller cutter to punch a hole in the center of each donut. Gather any leftover dough, knead it briefly, and allow it to rest for about 30 minutes before rolling it out again.
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Second Rise: Allow the shaped donuts to rise once more, covered with plastic wrap, for at least 1 hour in a warm place, until they have doubled in size.
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Heat the Oil: While the donuts are resting, heat the peanut oil in a deep pan or fryer to 180°C (350°F). Make sure there is enough oil to fully submerge the donuts.
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Fry the Donuts: Carefully fry the donuts for 2-3 minutes on each side, turning them only once, until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and drain excess oil on a paper towel.
Assembling the Donuts
- Fill the Donuts: Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, use a piping bag to fill each donut with the rich chocolate custard.
Serving
- Serve and Enjoy: Your fried donuts filled with chocolate cream are now ready to be served! These are best enjoyed fresh, with a crispy exterior and a creamy, decadent chocolate interior.
Nutritional Information (Per Donut, Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Cholesterol | 45mg |
| Sodium | 45mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 15g |
These Fried Donuts Filled with Chocolate Cream are a perfect dessert to add a bit of indulgence to any meal. Their smooth and creamy filling paired with the crispy outer layer creates a truly memorable treat. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate dessert experience!
