Raspberry Jam Donuts with Vanilla Sugar: A Sweet, Irresistible Treat
Raspberry jam donuts with vanilla sugar are a delightful pastry that combines the soft, fluffy texture of donuts with the tartness of raspberry jam and the sweetness of vanilla sugar. These donuts are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or tea. The combination of the sweet vanilla sugar coating and the tangy jam inside makes each bite a truly satisfying experience.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make these raspberry jam donuts with vanilla sugar, share tips for achieving the perfect donut texture, and give you advice on storage and variations to suit different dietary preferences. Get ready to enjoy the deliciousness of these homemade donuts!
For more sweet treats, try our Classic Donut Recipe or our Homemade Jam Recipe.
Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions
Here’s a simple recipe for making raspberry jam donuts with vanilla sugar from scratch.
Ingredients:
For the donuts:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warm (110°F or 43°C)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
the filling:
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam (homemade or store-bought)
For the vanilla sugar coating:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, a pinch of sugar, and the yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Donuts: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll the dough out to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a round cutter (about 3 inches in diameter) to cut out donut shapes. Re-roll any excess dough to cut out additional donuts.
- Fry the Donuts: Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts in batches for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Remove the donuts from the oil and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Prepare the Vanilla Sugar Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine the granulated sugar and vanilla bean paste or extract. Once the donuts have cooled slightly, roll them in the vanilla sugar coating until well covered.
- Fill with Raspberry Jam: Use a piping bag fitted with a round tip to fill the donuts with raspberry jam. Insert the tip into the side of the donut and pipe the jam inside. Be generous, but don’t overfill to avoid bursting the donuts.
- Serve: Serve the raspberry jam donuts with vanilla sugar immediately, or store them for later enjoyment.
Advanced Techniques
To take your raspberry jam donuts with vanilla sugar to the next level, here are some advanced techniques and variations:
1. Flavor Variations:
While raspberry jam is a classic filling, feel free to experiment with other fruit preserves like strawberry, blueberry, or apricot. You can even mix a few different jams together for a unique flavor profile. For a more indulgent twist, add a layer of custard or chocolate ganache inside the donuts alongside the jam.
2. Perfecting the Frying Technique:
To ensure your donuts fry evenly and don’t become too greasy, make sure the oil temperature is maintained at 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil by dropping a small piece of dough into it. If it browns quickly but doesn’t burn, the oil is at the right temperature. Always fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
3. Making Donuts Without Frying:
If you prefer a healthier option or don’t want to fry the donuts, you can bake them instead. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the shaped donuts for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. They may not be as crispy on the outside, but they will still be soft and delicious.
4. Adding a Glaze:
For an extra layer of sweetness, drizzle a glaze over the donuts after filling them with raspberry jam. You can make a simple glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a bit of milk and vanilla extract. Drizzle the glaze over the top for a glossy finish.
See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.
Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips
Raspberry jam donuts with vanilla sugar are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, here’s how to store them:
Storage:
Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They may lose some of their crispiness but will still be delicious. For the best results, reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
Freezing:
If you want to store the donuts for longer, you can freeze them before filling. Simply fry the donuts, allow them to cool, and then freeze them in an airtight container for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the donuts and fill them with jam and vanilla sugar before serving.
Reheating:
To reheat the donuts, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This will help restore their crispness while keeping the filling intact.
Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions
You can easily adapt raspberry jam donuts with vanilla sugar to suit various dietary preferences:
1. Vegan Version:
To make the donuts vegan, swap the butter with plant-based butter and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) in place of the eggs. Use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. For the vanilla sugar coating, make sure the sugar is vegan-friendly.
2. Gluten-Free Version:
For a gluten-free version, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the flour blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help with texture. You may need to adjust the dough consistency with more or less flour, so feel free to experiment until you reach the right dough texture.
3. Sugar-Free Version:
To make a sugar-free version, use a sugar substitute like stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit in place of the granulated sugar in both the dough and the vanilla sugar coating. You can also find sugar-free raspberry jam to fill the donuts.
FAQs About The Recipe
1. Can I use store-bought dough for this recipe?
While homemade dough provides the best texture and flavor, you can use store-bought donut dough if you’re short on time. Simply roll it out, shape the donuts, and fry them according to the instructions.
2. How can I prevent the donuts from absorbing too much oil?
Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying (350°F or 175°C). If the oil is too cool, the donuts will absorb more oil and become greasy. Fry the donuts in small batches to prevent overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature.
3. How do I know when the donuts are done frying?
The donuts should be golden brown on both sides. You can test the doneness by gently pressing the donut with a slotted spoon—if it feels firm and the oil isn’t bubbling excessively, it’s ready to be removed.
4. Can I make these donuts ahead of time?
Donuts are best served fresh, but you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Just make sure to let the dough come to room temperature before rolling it out and frying.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
Raspberry jam donuts with vanilla sugar are a delicious and indulgent treat that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply to enjoy a warm, comforting snack, these homemade donuts are sure to impress. With the perfect balance of sweet jam, fluffy donut dough, and the aromatic vanilla sugar coating, this treat is a crowd-pleaser.
With a few simple ingredients and techniques, you can create these decadent donuts in your own kitchen. So, gather your ingredients and treat yourself and your loved ones to these irresistible raspberry jam donuts with vanilla sugar!