As I stood in my kitchen, the intoxicating scent of frying donuts filled the air, transporting me to the festive spirit of Hanukkah. These Sufganiyot Stuffed Donuts are not just delightful treats; they’re a warm embrace of tradition and flavor that beckons everyone to gather around the table. With their fluffy texture and the option to choose between rich vanilla custard or sweet strawberry jelly, these homemade donuts promise to be the star of any celebration. Plus, they’re surprisingly simple to whip up and can be made ahead for busy mornings or festive gatherings. Are you ready to create a delicious memory with your family and friends? Grab your apron, and let’s dive into this enchanting culinary journey!
Why are these donuts a must-try?
Irresistible Flavor: Each bite bursts with the sweet surprise of vanilla custard or strawberry jelly, offering a delightful twist on traditional flavors.
Festive Touch: Perfectly suited for Hanukkah celebrations, these Sufganiyot bring a joyful spirit to your table.
Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can impress their loved ones with homemade treats.
Customizable: Switch up fillings with chocolate custard or fruit jams for a unique twist every time—try them alongside Chocolate Covered Dessert for even more fun!
Crowd-Pleaser: Their fluffy texture and sweet aroma will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Storage-Friendly: They’re just as enjoyable on day two, allowing you to savor the sweetness longer!
Sufganiyot Stuffed Donuts Ingredients
For the Dough
• Dry active yeast – Activates the dough for rising; you can use instant yeast for quicker results.
• All-purpose flour – Provides the structure; make sure to reserve some for dusting surfaces.
• Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps the donuts brown nicely during frying; brown sugar can enhance the flavor.
• Egg yolks & whole egg – Adds richness and moisture; use room temperature eggs for better mixing.
• Whole milk – Contributes creaminess; non-dairy milk works well for lactose-free variations.
• Orange zest & juice – Infuses a lovely citrus aroma; lemon zest or juice makes for a great substitute.
• Brandy (optional) – Boosts flavor complexity; feel free to omit or swap for vanilla extract.
• Kosher salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• Unsalted butter – Brings richness to the dough; soften it beforehand for easier incorporation.
For the Filling
• Vanilla custard or preferred jelly – Sweet filling options for these donuts; consider chocolate custard or any favorite fruit jam for variation.
For Frying and Dusting
• Vegetable oil – Essential for frying; choose one that can maintain a consistent heat.
• Powdered sugar or cinnamon-sugar – Perfect for dusting, providing a touch of sweetness and visual appeal post-frying.
These Sufganiyot Stuffed Donuts are a delightful way to celebrate, filling your home with warmth and joy!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Sufganiyot Stuffed Donuts
Step 1: Make Custard
Begin by preparing your vanilla custard before you start on the dough, as it needs to chill for a bit. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine milk, sugar, and vanilla extract, stirring until sugar dissolves. Mix cornstarch with a bit of milk and slowly add to the saucepan, stirring until thickened (about 5-7 minutes). Transfer the custard to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate.
Step 2: Activate Yeast
In a small bowl, combine 1 packet of dry active yeast, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1/4 cup of warm water (about 110°F). Let it sit for 10 minutes, or until frothy. This step ensures the yeast is active for the Sufganiyot stuffed donuts. Once ready, gently stir into the mixture, moving on to the next step.
Step 3: Mix Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture with 2 egg yolks, 1 whole egg, 1/2 cup of whole milk, 1 tablespoon of orange zest, and orange juice. Gradually add about 3 cups of all-purpose flour, mixing until combined; the dough should be sticky but cohesive. Continue on to incorporate the butter to enrich the dough.
Step 4: Incorporate Butter
Now, add 4 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter to the dough mixture. Use your hands or a mixer with a dough hook to blend until the dough is smooth and slightly elastic; this should take about 5 minutes. If the dough remains sticky, gradually sprinkle in remaining flour, aiming for a soft consistency.
Step 5: Knead
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, ensuring the dough is smooth and no longer sticky. This critical step helps develop the gluten for fluffy Sufganiyot stuffed donuts. Form the dough into a ball and prepare for its first rise.
Step 6: First Rise
Place the kneaded dough into a buttered bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size. Optionally, turn on your oven to its lowest setting for a few minutes, then turn it off and place the dough inside to rise effectively.
Step 7: Shape Donuts
Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out to about 3/4 inch thickness, then use a donut cutter or a round cutter to cut out circles. Place these rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with a cloth, and let them rise for another 45 minutes until they puff up nicely.
Step 8: Heat Oil
In a large, deep pot, heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F. Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the right temperature, which is crucial for even frying. As the oil heats, prepare your work area for frying your Sufganiyot stuffed donuts.
Step 9: Fry
Carefully drop the risen donuts into the hot oil in batches, frying each side for about 1 minute or until golden brown. Keep a close eye on the temperature, adjusting as needed. After frying, use a slotted spoon to transfer the donuts to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 10: Fill & Dust
Once the Sufganiyot stuffed donuts are cool enough to handle, use a piping bag to fill them with the chilled vanilla custard or your chosen jelly. Finish by dusting the donuts generously with powdered sugar or cinnamon-sugar, adding that perfect sweet touch before serving.
Make Ahead Options
These Sufganiyot Stuffed Donuts are perfect for meal prep! You can make the dough up to 24 hours in advance; after mixing, simply cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate to prevent over-proofing. Additionally, you can prepare the vanilla custard or your preferred jelly filling up to 3 days ahead. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to fry, let the dough come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, shape, rise, and fry as usual. This way, you’ll have fresh, fluffy donuts with minimal effort, allowing you to enjoy the sweet taste of tradition anytime!
Storage Tips for Sufganiyot Stuffed Donuts
Room Temperature: Keep the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their fluffy texture and flavor.
Refrigerator: If stored in the fridge, consume within 3-5 days. Place them in a sealed container to avoid drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze Sufganiyot stuffed donuts individually in plastic wrap, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag; they can last for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To enjoy leftovers, reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in an oven at 350°F for a few minutes, restoring their lovely softness.
Expert Tips for Sufganiyot Stuffed Donuts
Monitor Oil Temperature: Make sure to use a thermometer to keep oil at 350°F. This prevents burning and ensures the donuts are golden and fluffy.
Use Fresh Ingredients: For best results, check the expiration dates on your yeast and dairy products. Fresh ingredients lead to lighter Sufganiyot stuffed donuts.
Let Dough Rise: Be patient! Allow the dough to rise until it’s doubled in size. Rushing this step can lead to dense donuts.
Fill Before Dusting: Fill the donuts with custard or jelly while they are still warm but cool enough to handle. This allows the fillings to set beautifully without oozing out.
Practice Patience: It’s tempting to skip steps, but each one adds to the donut’s flavor and texture. Enjoy the process—your family will savor every bite!
Sufganiyot Stuffed Donuts Variations
Feel free to put your own spin on this delightful treat, making it truly yours with these tempting suggestions!
- Chocolate Custard: Substitute vanilla custard with rich chocolate custard for a luxurious alternative.
- Fruit Jam Variance: Swap strawberry jelly for raspberry, apricot, or even blueberry jam for a taste explosion.
- Zesty Lemon Curd: Replace vanilla custard with zesty lemon curd for a refreshing, tangy twist.
- Spiced Dough: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, cozy flavor.
- Nutty Addition: Incorporate chopped nuts like hazelnuts or pistachios into the filling for a crunchy surprise.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use almond or oat milk in place of whole milk and coconut cream for the custard to keep it plant-based.
- Gourmet Garnish: Top with a drizzle of chocolate glaze or a sprinkle of crushed pistachios to elevate their appearance.
- Layered Delight: Create a layered donut by filling one half with chocolate custard and the other with strawberry jelly for variety!
For even more inspiration, consider crafting delectable treats like Creme Brulee Donuts as a sweet pairing or delightful gift!
What to Serve with Sufganiyot Stuffed Donuts?
Bring extra joy to your breakfast or dessert table by pairing these delightful treats with complementary flavors and textures.
Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries add a tart balance to the sweet richness of the donuts. Their vibrant colors brighten any plate!
Rich Hot Chocolate: A warm cup of decadent hot chocolate creates a cozy atmosphere, perfect for chilly mornings. It’s the ultimate sweet indulgence next to your donuts.
Citrusy Fruit Salad: A medley of oranges, grapefruits, and melons provides a refreshing contrast, cleansing the palate between sweet bites.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess of vanilla ice cream enhances the donuts’ classic flavors. Serve a scoop on the side for a delightful dessert experience!
Spiced Nut Mix: Roasted nuts with a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg offer a crunchy texture and aromatic spice, perfectly complementing the soft donuts.
Chai Tea: Warm, spiced chai adds an exotic twist that pairs beautifully with the sweet notes of the Sufganiyot. A great choice for a comforting brunch!
Maple Glaze: Drizzling with a simple maple glaze takes these donuts to new heights, uniting flavors of sweetness and earthiness for a unique taste.
These pairings will not only provide delicious contrasts but elevate the overall experience of enjoying your homemade Sufganiyot Stuffed Donuts!
Sufganiyot Stuffed Donuts Recipe FAQs
What kind of yeast should I use for Sufganiyot?
You can use either dry active yeast or instant yeast for these Sufganiyot stuffed donuts. If you’re using dry active yeast, be sure to activate it in warm water for about 10 minutes until frothy. Instant yeast can be added directly to the dry ingredients without activation, speeding up the process impressively!
How should I store leftover Sufganiyot?
Store your Sufganiyot stuffed donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They are best enjoyed fresh! If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for 3-5 days in a sealed container, though they may lose some fluffiness.
Can I freeze Sufganiyot stuffed donuts?
Absolutely! To freeze them, wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature and reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes to restore that lovely softness.
Why did my Sufganiyot come out dense?
A dense texture can often be traced back to not allowing the dough to rise long enough or not using fresh ingredients. Make sure your yeast is active, cover the dough to keep it warm and let it rise until it’s doubled in size, as specified in the instructions.
Can I use a different filling for the Sufganiyot?
The more the merrier! You can definitely switch up the fillings. Chocolate custard, lemon curd, or any fruit jam like raspberry or apricot are wonderful alternatives. Feel free to play around with flavors to create your unique twist on these Sufganiyot stuffed donuts!
Delicious Sufganiyot Stuffed Donuts You’ll Love to Make
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the vanilla custard by combining milk, sugar, and vanilla extract in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until dissolved.
- Mix cornstarch with a bit of milk and slowly add to the saucepan, stirring until thickened (5-7 minutes). Refrigerate custard.
- Combine yeast, sugar, and warm water in a small bowl; let sit for 10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yeast mixture, egg yolks, whole egg, milk, zest, and juice. Mix in flour until sticky.
- Add softened butter to the dough and blend until smooth and slightly elastic for about 5 minutes.
- Knead dough for approximately 5 minutes on a floured surface until smooth and not sticky.
- Place the kneaded dough into a buttered bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled (1-2 hours).
- Roll out the dough to 3/4 inch thickness and cut into circles; let rise on parchment-lined sheet for 45 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F; prepare your area for frying.
- Fry donuts in batches for 1 minute per side or until golden brown; drain on paper towels.
- Fill donuts with chilled custard or jelly using a piping bag and dust with powdered or cinnamon sugar.