Lemon Curd Filled Donuts

Introduction

Lemon Curd Filled Donuts are soft, pillowy fried donuts bursting with a tangy and creamy lemon curd filling. The contrast between the fluffy dough and the smooth, zesty curd makes these donuts an irresistible treat. Lightly dusted with powdered sugar or coated in granulated sugar, they are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an indulgent snack. Whether you’re a fan of citrusy flavors or simply love a classic filled donut, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.

I remember making these donuts for the first time, eager to recreate the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. As they fried to golden perfection, the anticipation grew, but it was that first bite—where the silky lemon curd met the airy dough—that made them unforgettable. The bright, citrusy filling added a refreshing twist to the classic fried donut, making each bite pure bliss.

What makes these donuts truly special is their versatility. You can swap the filling for other fruit curds, add a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch, or even drizzle them with a light glaze for extra indulgence. Whether you’re serving them for a special brunch or enjoying one with a cup of coffee, these lemon curd filled donuts are guaranteed to impress!

Perfect for:

• Breakfast or brunch treats
• Citrus lovers
• Homemade bakery-style pastries
• Special occasions and celebrations
• Afternoon tea or coffee pairings

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Curd Filled Donuts

• Soft and Fluffy Texture: The donut dough is light, airy, and perfectly soft.
• Tangy Lemon Curd Filling: A smooth, homemade lemon curd that balances sweetness with a bright citrusy zing.
• Fresh and Homemade: Nothing beats the taste of freshly fried donuts filled with homemade curd.
• Customizable: Swap the lemon curd for other fillings like jam, custard, or chocolate.
• Perfectly Sweet: Coated in sugar, these donuts have just the right amount of sweetness.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 3 hours (includes proofing time)
• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Resting/Proofing Time: 2 hours
• Servings: 12 donuts
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 5g, Carbs: 38g, Fat: 10g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Lemon Curd Filled Donuts:

For the Donut Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• ½ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

Lemon Curd Filling:

• ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1 whole egg
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces

For Coating:

• ½ cup granulated sugar or powdered sugar

Ingredient Highlights

• Fresh Lemon Juice and Zest: Provides the perfect balance of tartness and bright citrus flavor.
• Egg Yolks: Give the lemon curd its rich, creamy consistency.
• Yeast Dough: Creates a soft, pillowy donut with a bakery-quality texture.
• Butter: Adds richness to both the dough and the curd.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Donut Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, vanilla, and softened butter. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5 minutes.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1½ hours or until doubled in size.

Make the Lemon Curd Filling:

5. Cook the Curd: In a small saucepan, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, egg yolks, and whole egg. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 5-7 minutes).
6. Add the Butter: Remove from heat and whisk in the butter until smooth.
7. Strain and Chill: Strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any cooked egg bits. Cover with plastic wrap (pressing it directly onto the surface) and refrigerate until needed.

Shape and Fry the Donuts:

8. Roll Out the Dough: Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out to about ½-inch thickness.
9. Cut the Donuts: Use a 3-inch round cutter to cut out circles. Place them on a parchment-lined tray and cover loosely with a towel. Let rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
10. Heat the Oil: In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).
11. Fry the Donuts: Fry in batches, about 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate.
12. Coat in Sugar: While warm, roll each donut in granulated sugar or dust with powdered sugar.

Fill the Donuts:

13. Prepare a Piping Bag: Fill a piping bag fitted with a small round tip with the chilled lemon curd.
14. Fill the Donuts: Use a skewer or chopstick to poke a hole in each donut, then pipe in the lemon curd until full.

How to Serve Lemon Curd Filled Donuts

Lemon Curd Filled Donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but here are some ways to serve them:

• With Coffee or Tea: A perfect pairing for a warm beverage.
• With Whipped Cream: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
• As a Dessert Plate: Arrange with other pastries for a beautiful dessert spread.
• For Brunch: Add these to your brunch menu alongside fresh fruit and eggs.

Additional Tips for Lemon Curd Filled Donuts

• Use Fresh Lemons: Fresh juice and zest make a big difference in flavor.
• Don’t Overheat the Oil: Keep it at 350°F for perfectly golden donuts.
• Let the Lemon Curd Cool: Warm curd can be too runny; chill it for easier filling.
• Eat the Same Day: These are best eaten fresh but can be stored for later.
• Try a Different Coating: Swap the sugar coating for a light glaze if preferred.

Recipe Variations for Lemon Curd Filled Donuts

Here are 10 ways to change up Lemon Curd Filled Donuts:

• Berry Lemon Donuts: Mix raspberry or strawberry jam into the curd.
• Glazed Lemon Donuts: Dip in a simple lemon glaze instead of sugar.
• Lemon Cream Cheese Donuts: Mix cream cheese into the curd for extra richness.
• Coconut Lemon Donuts: Add shredded coconut to the sugar coating.
• Chocolate Lemon Donuts: Drizzle with melted white or dark chocolate.
• Vanilla Bean Lemon Donuts: Add vanilla bean paste to the curd for extra depth.
• Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts: Stir poppy seeds into the dough.
• Honey Lemon Donuts: Drizzle with honey for a natural sweetness.
• Orange Curd Donuts: Swap lemon juice for orange juice for a citrusy twist.
• Cardamom Lemon Donuts: Add a pinch of cardamom to the dough for a subtle spice.
• Try Different Variations – Mix lemon curd with a bit of raspberry or passion fruit puree for a unique flavor twist.

Freezing and Storage for Lemon Curd Filled Donuts

• Freezing: Donuts can be frozen before filling. Reheat and fill after thawing.
• Storage: Store unfilled donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Special Equipment for Lemon Curd Filled Donuts

• Deep Fry Thermometer: Ensures accurate oil temperature.
• Stand Mixer (Optional): Makes kneading easier.
• Fine-Mesh Sieve: For a smooth lemon curd.
• Piping Bag: Helps fill the donuts neatly.

Frequently Asked Questions for Lemon Curd Filled Donuts

1. How do I prevent the lemon curd from leaking out?
   • Make sure the curd is fully chilled before filling, and don’t overfill the donuts. Seal the hole with a bit of extra dough or sugar coating if needed.
2. Can I bake the donuts instead of frying them?
   • Yes! Baked donuts are lighter but won’t have the same crispy texture as fried ones. Brush with melted butter after baking for extra flavor.
3. What’s the best way to fill the donuts?
   • Use a piping bag with a small round tip or a squeeze bottle to inject the lemon curd into the center without making a mess.
4. How do I know when my donuts are cooked through?
   • If frying, they should be golden brown on the outside and sound hollow when tapped. If baking, check with a toothpick—if it comes out clean, they’re done.
5. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   • Yes! You can prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature before frying or baking.

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Conclusion

Lemon Curd Filled Donuts are a bright and citrusy twist on a classic treat, combining soft, fluffy dough with a tangy, luscious lemon curd filling. Every bite is bursting with fresh, zesty flavor, making these donuts absolutely irresistible.

Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a special indulgence, these homemade delights are sure to impress anyone who tries them. Dust them with powdered sugar or add a light glaze for an extra touch of sweetness!

I’d love to see your take on Lemon Curd Filled Donuts! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creation. Happy baking!