Homemade yeast donuts with jam are one of those delightful treats that can brighten up any day. Soft, fluffy, and filled with your favorite jam, these donuts are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a party treat. The warm aroma of freshly fried donuts wafting through your kitchen is simply irresistible. Plus, they give a fun twist to traditional donuts, making them a hit at home or for sharing with friends. Let’s dive into making these delicious homemade goodies!
What You’ll Need for Delicious Yeast Donuts
To whip up these fantastic homemade yeast donuts filled with jam, gather the following ingredients:
- 500 g plain flour (about 4 cups)
- 300 ml lukewarm milk (about 1 ¼ cups)
- 1 packet of dried yeast (about 7 g) or 20 g fresh yeast
- 50 g caster sugar (about ¼ cup)
- A pinch of salt
- 4 tablespoons melted butter (unsalted)
- 2 egg yolks plus 1 whole egg
- 4 tablespoons rum (substitute with vanilla extract if preferred)
- A little finely grated lemon peel
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Pork lard (optional, for better flavor and color; use another cooking fat like shortening if preferred)
- Jam (e.g., strawberry, apricot, or any flavor you love for filling)
- Powdered sugar (for sprinkling.)
Step-by-Step Recipe for Homemade Yeast Donuts
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Prepare the yeast: If you’re using fresh yeast, crumble it into a small bowl, add a teaspoon of sugar, and mix with a bit of lukewarm milk. Let it rise for about 10-15 minutes until it’s frothy. If you’re using dried yeast, simply mix it directly into the flour.
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Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine the plain flour, caster sugar, and salt. Add melted butter, the egg yolks, the whole egg, rum, lemon zest, lukewarm milk, and either your risen sourdough or dried yeast. Knead everything together until a smooth dough forms.
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Let it rise: Cover the dough with a kitchen towel and place it in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
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Shape the donuts: Roll out the risen dough on a floured surface to about 1.5-2 cm thick. Use a round cutter to cut out circles. You can also use a smaller cutter to make holes in the center if you prefer traditional donut shapes. Allow them to rise for another 20 minutes.
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Heat the oil: In a deep pan, heat enough vegetable oil or pork lard for frying. The oil should be hot enough to fry the donuts without them absorbing too much oil.
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Fry the donuts: Make a hole in the center of each donut (if you haven’t already), and carefully place them in the hot oil. Fry until golden brown on both sides. Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure they cook evenly.
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Drain the donuts: Once fried, drain the donuts on paper towels to remove excess oil.
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Fill and serve: While still warm, fill each donut with your favorite jam and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Serve immediately for the best taste!
How to Serve Yeast Donuts
These homemade yeast donuts are exceptionally delicious when served warm. You can plate them elegantly by dusting a bit of powdered sugar on a serving platter and arranging the filled donuts nicely. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making them a perfect snack or dessert. For an inviting brunch setting, serve alongside fresh fruits and whipped cream for dipping!
Expert Tips for Homemade Yeast Donuts
- Rising Tips: Ensure your kitchen is warm enough for the dough to rise. You can place it near a warm oven or in a sunny spot for optimal rising.
- Jam Variations: Feel free to get creative with flavors! You can use chocolate spread, Nutella, or even custard if you want a deviation from classic jam fillings.
- Frying Alternatives: If you prefer a lighter option, you can bake the shaped donuts at 180°C (350°F) for about 12-15 minutes instead of frying.
Homemade Yeast Donuts FAQs
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and place it in the refrigerator once it has risen. Allow it to come to room temperature before shaping and frying.
Q: What type of jam is best for filling?
A: It really depends on your personal taste! Strawberry and apricot are classics, but feel free to experiment with raspberry or even lemon curd for something different!
Q: How do I store leftover donuts?
A: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. You can also freeze them, but it’s best to fill them with jam after thawing.
Enjoy creating your delicious homemade yeast donuts filled with jam! I hope you find joy in every bite and a smile in every moment spent making them. Happy frying!