The Best Homemade Jam Donuts: A Fluffy & Easy Recipe with Strawberry Filling
There’s something truly magical about a warm, freshly made donut, especially one generously filled with sweet, fruity jam. This foolproof recipe will guide you through making the most incredibly light, fluffy, and utterly delicious jam donuts right in your own kitchen. Forget store-bought; these homemade treats, brimming with vibrant strawberry jam, are a classic dessert that both kids and adults will absolutely adore. Prepare to be enchanted by the simple joy of biting into a perfectly golden, sugar-dusted donut, revealing a burst of homemade sweetness within.
As a devoted fan of classic desserts, this jam donut recipe holds a special place in my heart. Crafting these delightful jam-filled donuts requires minimal effort but yields maximum satisfaction. I’ve yet to encounter anyone who can resist their charm – indeed, any kind of homemade donut is usually a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Many of us cherish fond memories of growing up with donuts, often lovingly prepared by our mothers and grandmas. This recipe is an invitation to continue that wonderful tradition, sharing the warmth and comfort of homemade treats with your own family and friends. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a family legacy for creating truly delicious moments!
Easy Homemade Jam Donuts Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need for Perfect Jam Donuts
Gathering your ingredients is the first step towards creating these irresistible jam-filled donuts. Most of these are likely pantry staples, making this a convenient recipe to whip up whenever a craving strikes for a sweet, comforting treat.
- 4 to 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting your work surface
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (ideally between 105-115°F or 40-46°C, to activate the yeast)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for the dough)
- Two large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled to room temperature
- Strawberry jam or your favorite jam (homemade is highly recommended for the best flavor!)
- Vegetable oil (or other neutral oil) for deep frying
- Icing sugar (also known as confectioners’ sugar) for dusting
Essential Equipment for Making Donuts at Home
Having the right tools can make the donut-making process even smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Large mixing bowl: For combining and kneading the dough.
- Small bowl: For activating the yeast.
- Rolling pin: To flatten the dough evenly.
- Round cookie cutter: A 3 to 4-inch cutter is ideal. If you don’t have one, a drinking glass with a thin rim works perfectly!
- Baking sheets: For resting the cut donut dough before frying.
- Deep fryer or a large, heavy-bottomed pot: For safely frying the donuts.
- Pastry bag: For filling the donuts neatly.
- Donut tip or a 1/2-inch round piping tip: Essential for injecting the jam.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Delicious Jam-Filled Donuts
Part 1: Preparing the Dough to Perfection
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the active dry yeast with 2 tablespoons of warm milk and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves. Let this mixture sit undisturbed for about 5 to 10 minutes, or until it becomes visibly foamy. This indicates the yeast is active and ready to work its magic.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 4 cups of all-purpose flour and the salt. Create a well in the center of the flour mixture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour the activated yeast mixture, the remaining warm milk, the beaten eggs, and the cooled melted butter into the well in the flour.
- Mix the Dough: Begin mixing the ingredients, either by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment. Mix until a soft, but not sticky, dough forms. If the dough feels too dry, add a tiny bit more milk, 1 tablespoon at a time. If it’s too sticky, incorporate a little more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it thoroughly for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and springy. This develops the gluten, which is crucial for fluffy donuts.
Part 2: Allowing the Dough to Rise (The Secret to Fluffiness)
- First Rise: Lightly grease a clean bowl with a little oil. Transfer the kneaded dough to this bowl, turning it once to coat the entire surface with oil. Cover the bowl loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot until it has doubled in size. This usually takes about 2 hours, depending on the room temperature.
- Punch Down and Reshape: Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for just a few seconds to gently degas it.
- Roll and Cut: Lightly flour your rolling pin. Gradually roll out the dough to an even thickness of approximately 1/2 inch. Using your lightly floured round cookie cutter (or drinking glass), cut out circular donut shapes, about 3 to 4 inches in diameter. Collect any dough scraps, gently re-roll them, and cut out more rounds until all dough is used.
- Second Rise: Arrange the cut donut rounds on lightly floured baking sheets, ensuring there’s enough space between them so they don’t touch as they rise. Lightly cover the baking sheets with a dry, clean towel. Let them rise in a warm spot for another 20 minutes, or until they have visibly puffed up and increased in size again. This second proofing is vital for achieving those wonderfully airy donuts.
Part 3: Frying the Golden Donuts
- Heat the Oil: Fill a deep fryer or a large, heavy-bottomed pot with vegetable oil to a depth of about 3 inches. Heat the oil to approximately 350°F (175°C). Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the temperature is accurate for best results.
- Fry the Donuts: Carefully place a few donuts into the hot oil at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the fryer. Fry them for about 5 minutes, turning them frequently with tongs or a slotted spoon, until they are beautifully golden brown and puffed up on all sides.
- Drain Excess Oil: Once golden, lift the fried donuts from the oil and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels. This will help absorb any excess oil, ensuring a less greasy and more enjoyable donut.
Part 4: Filling and Serving Your Jam Donuts
- Cool and Prepare Jam: Allow the fried donuts to cool slightly so they are warm but not too hot to handle. While they cool, prepare your pastry bag by fitting it with a 1/2-inch round tip and filling it with your desired jam. If the jam is too thick, you can gently warm it slightly or add a tiny bit of water to make it easier to pipe.
- Fill and Dust: Insert the tip of the pastry bag into the side of each donut, gently squeezing to inject a generous amount of jam. You can use a slight twisting motion to help distribute the jam evenly inside. Finally, dust each jam-filled donut generously with icing sugar. Serve your strawberry jam donuts warm or at room temperature – they are absolutely delicious either way! A glass of cold milk is the perfect accompaniment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jam Donuts
What exactly are jam donuts filled with?
A jam donut, also affectionately known as a jelly donut in some regions, is a delightful pastry typically filled with a sweet fruit preserve. Our recipe for jam donuts creates light, airy, and fluffy donuts, each brimming with just the right amount of luscious strawberry jam, making it a perfect treat for tea time, breakfast, or dessert. While strawberry is a beloved classic, the beauty of these donuts lies in their versatility. You can fill them with a wide variety of preserves, such as apricot, blueberry, rosehip, raspberry, or cherry jam. Beyond fruit jams, feel free to experiment with marmalade, rich chocolate cream, velvety vanilla custard, light yogurt, creamy peanut butter, or even sweet cheese. The possibilities are endless – anything you can pipe into a donut or spread between two thin dough rounds can be a delicious filling!
These homemade jam-filled donuts taste even more incredible when paired with fresh, homemade strawberry jam. Personally, I enjoy them chilled straight from the fridge, but they are equally fantastic served at room temperature. Some enthusiasts even prefer them served slightly warm, especially when dusted with a fresh coating of icing sugar!
There’s truly nothing quite like freshly cooked donuts. This jam donut recipe requires just a few simple ingredients to produce wonderfully moist, puffy, and utterly irresistible treats. It’s an easy-to-follow recipe that guarantees an unbeatable dessert, particularly when served warm and fresh, generously dusted with sugar. I recall my grandma making these delicious treats; she would cook them, my mother would dust them, and the rest of us would be devouring them even before they were all ready. My cousins and I would snatch one at a time, running around the house to avoid getting caught or having our precious dessert stolen by another eager hand. We were often too engrossed to heed calls to eat “proper food” before indulging in these delightful donuts!
How are jelly donuts traditionally made?
To craft this amazing dessert, you’ll be pleased to know you won’t need a long list of exotic ingredients. Chances are, most of what you need is already in your pantry: all-purpose flour, salt, active dry yeast, warm milk, granulated sugar, large eggs, and unsalted butter. For frying, you’ll need a neutral vegetable oil, and for that final touch, confectioners’ sugar (also known as icing sugar) for dusting. This dusting is optional but highly recommended for that classic donut look and taste!
But don’t feel limited to just icing sugar for the topping! For a festive twist, especially around Christmas, you can sprinkle your donuts with a touch of cinnamon for a special aroma and flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, a hint of nutmeg can elevate the taste even further, adding a unique warmth and spice to your freshly fried donuts.
And, of course, the star of the show: the jam. I chose classic strawberry jam for this recipe, but you are absolutely encouraged to use your favorite fruit preserve. I particularly enjoy making my own strawberry jam and using it fresh, but a good quality store-bought jam works perfectly too. The key is to ensure your chosen jam isn’t too solid; you want a smooth, soft consistency so it can be easily piped into the fluffy donuts without tearing them.
What are the secrets to making exceptionally fluffy donuts?
Achieving those coveted fluffy donuts starts right from the yeast activation. Ensure your yeast is active by mixing it with some warm milk and sugar and allowing it to sit until foamy, which typically takes 5 to 10 minutes. Once your dough is prepared, patience is key. Resist the urge to rush the process. Instead, allow the dough to undergo its first rise for a couple of hours until it has doubled in size. This extended rising time allows the yeast to work thoroughly, creating a light and airy structure.
After cutting the dough into rounds and placing them on your baking sheets, let the donuts rise for a second time, covered with a warm but dry towel. This crucial second proofing significantly contributes to their fluffiness and airiness, not only delighting your taste buds but also creating ample space inside for the delicious jam filling.
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest, a dash of vanilla essence, or a tablespoon of vanilla sugar to your dough. These additions can truly enhance the overall taste profile. If you find yourself without a piping tool, don’t despair! An alternative filling method involves cutting two thinner dough rounds for each donut. Place a dollop of jam on one round, then gently place the second round on top, pressing the edges firmly to seal. When using this method, ensure your dough is rolled a bit thinner and your jam is also of a slightly thinner consistency.
For those who prefer to avoid deep-fried foods, or if you’re simply looking for a lighter option, baked donuts are a fantastic alternative. While they might be slightly less puffy than their fried counterparts, they are still incredibly tasty and a healthier option for enjoying these sweet treats!
How do you make homemade jam specifically for donuts?
Making your own strawberry jam for donuts is a rewarding process that guarantees fresh, vibrant flavor. Here’s a simple method:
- Simmer Strawberries: Place fresh or frozen strawberries (hulled and sliced, if large) and your desired amount of sugar into a saucepan with just a splash of water (about 1-2 tablespoons to prevent sticking initially). Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce and Thicken: Continue to cook the mixture, stirring more frequently as it thickens, until the volume has reduced by about half. This typically takes around 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to concentrate and the jam to thicken.
- Puree and Strain: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Use an immersion blender or transfer to a regular blender to puree the mixture until it’s perfectly smooth. For an extra-smooth, seedless jam, pass the puree through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing firmly to extract all the delicious fruit pulp while leaving behind any seeds.
- Final Consistency Adjustment: Return the sieved jam to the saucepan (if you removed it). Cook for a few more minutes over low heat, stirring continuously, until you are happy with the consistency. Remember, jam will thicken further as it cools, so aim for a slightly looser consistency than your final desired thickness while warm. Let it cool completely before filling your donuts.
What other creative fillings can you use for donuts besides jam and custard?
If you’re looking to venture beyond traditional jam and custard, the world of donut fillings is truly expansive! Here are some exciting ideas:
- Fruit & Cream Combo: Bridge the gap between fruit and cream with a delightful mixture of rich vanilla custard and a vibrant fruit jelly or compote.
- Chocolate Indulgence: Keep it wonderfully simple yet decadent by filling your donuts with creamy Nutella or any other favorite chocolate-hazelnut spread. A dark chocolate ganache also makes for an intensely flavored treat.
- Citrusy Chocolate: For a sophisticated twist, I love combining Nutella with tangy orange marmalade. The zesty citrus cuts through the richness of the chocolate beautifully.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: A sweetened cream cheese frosting, perhaps with a hint of vanilla or lemon, offers a rich and tangy contrast to the sweet donut.
- Caramel or Dulce de Leche: For a buttery, sweet, and incredibly comforting flavor, a luscious caramel sauce or dulce de leche makes an amazing filling.
- Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter, perhaps sweetened with a touch of honey or sugar, offers a satisfying and protein-rich filling. You could even swirl in some chocolate!
- Lemon Curd: A bright and tart lemon curd provides a refreshing zing that perfectly balances the sweetness of the donut.
- Maple Glaze/Cream: For a comforting, autumnal flavor, a maple-flavored cream or a thick maple glaze piped inside is a fantastic choice.
What is the best way to fill donuts to make them look professional?
For consistently neat and professional-looking results, I highly recommend using a pastry bag fitted with a dedicated donut filling tip or a standard 1/2-inch round piping tip. Here’s how to do it:
- Prepare Your Bag: Fill your pastry bag with the jam of your choice. Make sure there are no large air bubbles.
- Insert the Tip: Hold a cooled donut in one hand. With the other, gently insert the tip of the pastry bag into the side of the donut, aiming towards the center.
- Inject the Jam: Begin to squeeze the pastry bag steadily. As you inject the jam, use a slight twisting motion to help distribute the filling evenly throughout the donut’s interior. You’ll feel the donut become heavier and slightly puffier as it fills. Stop when you see a little jam just beginning to emerge from the insertion point, indicating it’s sufficiently filled.
- Clean Up: Wipe away any excess jam from the exterior before dusting with icing sugar. This technique ensures a generous and even filling, making each bite a delightful experience.
Can you freeze jam-filled donuts for later enjoyment?
Absolutely, jam-filled donuts can be frozen, which is fantastic for meal prep or saving leftovers! Once your donuts have completely cooled down after frying and filling, place them into freezer-safe bags or an airtight container, ensuring they are sealed tightly to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy them, there’s no need to thaw them beforehand. You can simply reheat the frozen jam-filled donuts in a microwave for a few seconds (start with 15-20 seconds and add more if needed) or in a preheated oven at a low temperature (around 300°F/150°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This makes for a quick and convenient indulgence whenever a craving strikes!
Now for Some Interesting Donut Facts:
- In the U.S., there are at least 10 people whose last name is “Donut” or “Doughnut,” and at least 13 people whose first name is “Donut.” Talk about a sweet name!
- Canada boasts the most donut shops per capita of any country in the world. In America, Boston holds the record for the city with the most donut shops per person.
- The donut variety cooked in France, which differs slightly from the round American one, was humorously called “Pet de nonne,” meaning “nun’s fart” – a name that certainly sparks curiosity!
- The Guinness World Record for eating donuts is held by John Haigh, who managed to consume no less than 29 donuts in just over 6 minutes. An impressive feat!
- The largest donut ever created was made on January 21, 1993, and weighed an astonishing 1.7 tons. It was, fittingly, a jelly-filled donut.
- The most expensive donut in the world is a true luxury item, featuring edible diamonds, 24k edible gold, and aged chocolate balsamic vinegar. The rest of its ingredients remain a closely guarded secret, but these exclusive donuts reportedly sell for $100 per piece.
- Originally, donuts sold by the famous Dunkin’ Donuts chain actually had “handles,” suggesting a different eating experience than today’s ring-shaped treats.
- Speaking of Dunkin’ Donuts, it’s interesting to note that no more than 8% of their total sales actually come from donuts; their beverage offerings are a significant part of their business.
- It has been scientifically theorized that the size of the hole in a donut is inversely related to the quality of the economy – the better the economy, the smaller the hole!
- In Michigan, there’s a unique donut shop that is entirely run by police officers, combining community service with sweet treats.
- Why are police officers so often depicted eating donuts? This iconic image emerged in the 1940s and 1950s. During their night shifts, food options were scarce, but donut shops would typically open very early in the morning and close very late at night. Consequently, they were often the only readily available establishment for a quick bite, making them a natural stop for officers on patrol.
Celebrity Fun Donut Facts:
- Legendary actor Clark Gable famously explained the proper etiquette for dunking donuts in the 1934 film “It Happened One Night.” He advised a quick dip, cautioning that dunking for too long would only make the donut too soft and cause it to fall apart.
- For her role as Bridget Jones, actress Renee Zellweger had to gain weight rapidly. She reportedly ate up to 20 donuts a day, alongside other indulgent foods like potatoes swimming in butter, milkshakes, pizza, and Big Macs with chips.
More Donut Recipes You’ll Enjoy
If you’ve enjoyed making these jam donuts, you might be interested in exploring other delicious donut recipes:
- Soft Yeast Donuts
- Avocado Donuts
- Baked Chocolate Donuts
- Baked Carrot Cake Donuts
What do you love most as a filling for your donuts? Do you know any unusual donut recipes that you’d like to share with our community? Also, if you have an interesting or funny story involving donuts, we would absolutely love to read about it in the comments section below!
Jam donuts recipe
petro
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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Mixing bowls
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Rolling Pin
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round cookie cutter
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baking sheet
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fryer or frying pan
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pastry bag
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donut tip or 1/2″ round tip
Ingredients
- 4 to 4 1/2 cups flour plus more for dusting
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 1/2 teaspoons dry active yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 eggs large
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted and cooled
- strawberry jam or jam of choice
- vegetable oil for frying
- icing sugar for dusting
Instructions
Prepare the dough
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Mix the yeast with 2 tablespoons of the milk and 2 tablespoons sugar and let sit until foamy, about 5 to 10 minutes then add to the flour with the remaining milk.
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In a mixing bowl combine 4 cups flour and salt then add the yeast.
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Add the eggs and butter to the flour mixture.
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Begin to mix the ingredients into a soft, but not sticky, dough. Add a little extra milk if needed, 1 tablespoon at a time or work in extra flour if needed, 1 tablespoon at a time.
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Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic.
Allow the dough to rise
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Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size, about 2 hours.
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Punch down the risen dough then turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for a few seconds.
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Lightly flour a rolling pin then gradually roll out the dough to about 1/2″ thick. Cut out into 3 to 4-inch rounds with a lightly floured cookie cutter. Re-roll the scraps to make more rounds.
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Place the doughnuts on lightly floured baking sheets, spacing them apart so they don’t touch when rising, and cover lightly with a dry towel. Let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 20 minutes.
Fry the donuts
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Fill a fryer 3-inches high with vegetable oil and heat at about 350 F. Fry the doughnuts, a few at a time, until golden and puffed, turning frequently, about 5 minutes.
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Lift the doughnuts from the oil and place on a plate lined with a paper towel.
Fill donuts with jam
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Let cool slightly and fill a pastry bag, fitted with a 1/2″ round tip, with jam.
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Dust with icing sugar and serve.
Nutrition