Cinnamon Sugar Baked Donuts with Cream Filling Recipe

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If you’ve ever dreamed of a cozy, irresistible treat that combines warm spices with creamy indulgence, then you absolutely must try these Cinnamon Sugar Baked Donuts with Cream Filling. Each bite delivers a tender, cakey donut dusted in perfectly spiced cinnamon sugar and filled with a luscious, fluffy cream that simply melts in your mouth. This recipe brings the joy of homemade donuts together with the comfort of classic cinnamon sugar and a dreamy cream center, making it a standout for breakfast, dessert, or anytime sweet cravings hit.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these heavenly donuts. Each component plays an essential role, from the flour’s structure to the cinnamon’s warm kick and the cream’s silky texture, resulting in donuts that are perfectly balanced in flavor and texture.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the donuts, providing that soft yet sturdy crumb we all love.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a golden crust during baking.
• 1 tablespoon baking powder: The magic leavening agent that makes these donuts rise just right.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses the batter with that iconic warm spice flavor crucial to the cinnamon sugar coating.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
• 1 cup whole milk: Adds moisture and richness, ensuring the donuts stay soft and tender.
• 2 large eggs: Provide structure and help the donuts hold their shape while staying fluffy.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds a subtle buttery richness that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a gentle warmth and depth, rounding out the flavor profile.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating): Combined with cinnamon to create that classic, irresistible sugar crust.
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for coating): For the perfect cinnamon sugar blend to coat each donut.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for coating): Helps the sugar mixture stick to the donuts beautifully.
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream (for filling): Whipped to fluffy perfection for a luscious, creamy center.
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for filling): Sweetens the cream filling without adding graininess.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling): Adds a fragrant finish to the whipped cream filling.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Baked Donuts with Cream Filling

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your donut pan to ensure the donuts release easily after baking. This prep step saves you from any frustrating sticking and keeps your donut shape perfect.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. This dry mix forms the backbone of your donuts and ensures the cinnamon flavor is evenly distributed throughout.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, blend the whole milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. These wet ingredients bring moisture and richness that will keep your donuts tender and flavorful.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—keeping a slightly lumpy batter will lead to the softest donuts possible.

Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan and Bake

Spoon the batter into your prepared pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full to allow for rising. Slide them into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

Let the donuts cool briefly in the pan so they hold their shape, then transfer to a wire rack. Mix the cinnamon sugar coating by combining granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish. Brush each warm donut with melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture for that classic, irresistible crust.

Step 7: Prepare and Add the Cream Filling

Whip together the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Using a piping bag fitted with a small tip, gently fill the center of each donut with this cloud-like cream. Now your Cinnamon Sugar Baked Donuts with Cream Filling are ready to be enjoyed!

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Baked Donuts with Cream Filling

Garnishes

These donuts are delightful on their own, but a light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon sugar on top adds an elegant finish. Fresh berries or a drizzle of honey or caramel can also elevate their flavor and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Pair your Cinnamon Sugar Baked Donuts with Cream Filling alongside a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea to complement the spicy sweetness. For a brunch spread, fresh fruit salad or scrambled eggs can balance the indulgence with refreshing or savory notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these donuts stacked on a vintage cake stand for a charming look, or arrange them in colorful paper muffin liners for easy serving at parties. You could also place a single donut on each dessert plate with a swirl of berry coulis or chocolate sauce for an impressive treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Cinnamon Sugar Baked Donuts with Cream Filling left, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and moist for up to two days, although enjoying them fresh is best for that perfect texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked donuts without the cream filling by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to one month. When ready, thaw at room temperature and add fresh cream filling before serving.

Reheating

Warm your donuts gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This quick reheat revives the softness and brings back the warm cinnamon aroma, making each bite just as delightful as fresh.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of milk for the batter?

Absolutely! Whole milk provides richness, but you can substitute with 2% milk or even non-dairy options like almond or oat milk. Just keep in mind that non-dairy versions may slightly change the texture and flavor.

Is it possible to make these donuts without a donut pan?

If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin pan and adjust the baking time slightly. The shape will be different, but you’ll still get that delicious cinnamon sugar flavor and creamy filling.

Can I prepare the cream filling in advance?

Yes! You can whip the cream filling a day ahead and store it tightly covered in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick whisk before piping it into the donuts for the best consistency.

How do I prevent the donuts from becoming soggy after adding the cream?

To keep your donuts from becoming soggy, add the cream filling just before serving. The moisture in the whipped cream can soften the donut if left for too long.

Can I bake these donuts without the cinnamon sugar coating?

You can skip the cinnamon sugar coating if you prefer a simpler donut. They’ll still be tasty, but that warm cinnamon sugar crust is definitely what makes this recipe shine!

Final Thoughts

These Cinnamon Sugar Baked Donuts with Cream Filling have quickly become one of my favorite go-to treats when I want something homey and special. Their fluffy texture, combined with that cozy cinnamon sugar coating and dreamy cream filling, creates an experience that’s hard to beat. I hope you take a chance on making this recipe, because once you taste these donuts, you’ll want to keep them around for every occasion!

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