The first time I bit into a jelly donut, I felt like I’d discovered a treasure hidden within a simple pastry. The warm, fluffy dough gave way to luscious strawberry jam, creating a perfect harmony that made my taste buds do a little happy dance. This isn’t just another donut; it’s an experience, a nostalgic throwback to those carefree weekends spent in cozy bakeries, reveling in the sweetness of life.
As the weekend approached, I decided it was high time to recreate that magic in my own kitchen. And let me tell you, there’s something deeply satisfying about making jelly-filled donuts from scratch. Not only are they delicious, but the process is a delightful adventure in itself—kneading the dough, waiting for it to rise, and the excitement of frying those golden rounds. These strawberry jam-filled delights are sure to impress anyone who tries them, whether it’s for a family breakfast or a cozy gathering with friends. So, dust off your apron, and let’s dive into making some jelly donuts that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Why love these jelly donuts?
Unique sweetness: Experience the delightful burst of strawberry jam in every bite, providing a wonderful contrast to the soft, fluffy dough.
Easy-to-follow: Don’t worry if you’re not a pro; the recipe requires just a few simple steps that are perfect for novice bakers.
Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a family breakfast or a friendly brunch, these jelly donuts always steal the show.
Homemade goodness: Skip the store-bought versions and enjoy the satisfaction of creating these sweet treats from scratch.
Crowd-pleaser: Everyone loves a delicious donut, making this recipe an instant favorite at gatherings. Give these jelly donuts a try, and for more delightful variations, check out our classic donut collection!
Jelly Donut Ingredients
For the Dough
- Lukewarm water – ¾ cup helps activate the yeast for perfect rising.
- Granulated sugar – 4 tablespoons sweetens the dough and nourishes the yeast.
- Instant yeast – 2 ¼ teaspoons ensures a quick and fluffy rise in your jelly donuts.
- All-purpose flour – 3 ⅔ cups, plus more for dusting, provides the structure for your delightful treats.
- Vegetable oil – ¼ cup adds moisture and richness to the dough.
- Large eggs – 2 at room temperature help bind the ingredients for a tender texture.
- Vanilla extract – 4 teaspoons infuses a rich flavor that perfectly complements the strawberry jam.
- Salt – 1 teaspoon enhances all the wonderful flavors in your jelly donuts.
For the Filling
- Strained strawberry jam – 1 cup is the star of the show, giving each donut that luscious jelly experience.
For Frying and Finishing
- Oil for frying – Use enough to submerge the donuts for that golden brown finish.
- Powdered sugar – ½ cup for dusting adds a sweet touch that makes jelly donuts irresistible.
How to Make Jelly Donuts
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Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together lukewarm water, granulated sugar, and instant yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until frothy and bubbly.
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Mix flour and salt: In another mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the frothy yeast mixture.
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Add wet ingredients: Pour in the vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until a soft dough forms, combining all the ingredients well.
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Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. It should feel slightly tacky yet hold its shape.
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Let it rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
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Shape the donuts: Punch down the dough gently to release air. Roll it out on a floured surface to about ½ inch thick, then cut out rounds using a donut cutter. Let them rest for another 30 minutes.
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Heat oil: In a deep fryer or large pot, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Ensure there’s enough oil to fully submerge the donuts for even frying.
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Fry the donuts: Carefully place the dough rounds into the hot oil, frying until they are golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes. Drain on paper towels afterward.
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Fill and dust: Once slightly cooled, use a piping bag to fill each donut with strained strawberry jam. Finally, dust them generously with powdered sugar before serving.
Optional: Serve with a side of fresh strawberries for an extra fruity touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Jelly Donut Variations
Treat your taste buds to a little fun and creativity with these delicious twists on classic jelly donuts!
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Fruit Jam Swap: Substitute the strawberry jam with raspberry or blueberry jam for a different fruity filling. Each option brings its own unique flavor to the donut experience.
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Chocolate Hazelnut Fill: Replace the jam with chocolate hazelnut spread for a decadent treat. This indulgent filling will take your donuts on a deliciously rich adventure.
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Citrus Zest Kick: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to your dough for a refreshing citrus aroma. It elevates the sweetness with a vibrant zing that’s simply irresistible.
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Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to cater to dietary needs. Make sure it’s a 1:1 substitute for optimal results!
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Spiced Dough: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough to warm up flavors. These spices offer cozy notes that make your jelly donuts even more comforting.
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Creamy Filling Twist: Try a whipped cream cheese filling instead of jelly for a lush, creamy texture. It pairs beautifully with the soft dough and adds an unexpected delight.
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Savoury Version: For a savory spin, fill the donuts with a herbed cheese spread or jalapeño cream cheese. These savory temptations will lead to delightful conversations at any gathering.
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Coating Options: Instead of powdered sugar, roll the donuts in crushed nuts, coconut flakes, or even cinnamon sugar for a crunchy finish. This adds a delightful crunch and extra flavor with every bite!
Expert Tips for Jelly Donuts
Proper Yeast Activation: Make sure your water is lukewarm, not hot; too much heat can kill the yeast, preventing your jelly donuts from rising properly.
Knead Well: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic, about 5-10 minutes. This develops the gluten for that perfect fluffy texture.
Rest Time is Key: Don’t skip the resting times for the dough in both rise and after cutting. This ensures your donuts have a light, airy texture when fried.
Monitor Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to keep the oil at 350°F (175°C). If it’s too hot, the donuts may burn; too cool, and they will be greasy instead of crispy.
Use a Piping Bag: For even filling, use a piping bag or squeeze bottle to inject the strained strawberry jam into your donuts. This helps avoid a mess and makes each bite delicious!
Serve Fresh: Jelly donuts are best enjoyed fresh, right after frying and filling. Consider making them in small batches to maintain that just-made quality.
Make Ahead Options
These jelly donuts are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply follow the first five steps, then cover the dough and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to fry, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before punching it down and shaping your donuts. The filling can also be prepped ahead—just fill a piping bag with strained strawberry jam and store it in the refrigerator. This way, when it’s frying time, you’ll enjoy the same delicious result while minimizing your kitchen effort, allowing you to savor every delightful bite with ease!
How to Store and Freeze Jelly Donuts
Room Temperature: Store jelly donuts at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and avoid sogginess.
Fridge: If you prefer, jelly donuts can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze jelly donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To enjoy again, microwave frozen jelly donuts for 15-20 seconds, or warm them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until heated through.
What to Serve with Strawberry Jam Filled Donuts?
Creating a heavenly breakfast spread with these delightful donuts can elevate any morning into something truly special.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of juicy berries and citrus adds a refreshing contrast and balances the sweetness of the donuts.
- Coffee or Espresso: A rich, bold brew complements the sweet and fruity flavor of the jelly donuts, making for the perfect morning boost.
- Creamy Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt provides a tangy counterpart that enhances the taste experience while adding a lovely creaminess.
- Whipped Cream Topping: Adding a light swirl of whipped cream creates a luscious texture, perfectly pairing with the fluffy donuts.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate adds a decadent touch that creates an indulgent treat for chocolate lovers.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve them a la mode for dessert! The cold ice cream melts slightly on the warm donuts, creating a delightful contrast.
- Mint Tea: A soothing cup of mint tea refreshes the palate and provides a perfect light drink to accompany the sweetness.
- Maple Syrup: A drizzle of maple syrup over the donuts enhances their sweetness while adding a warm and earthy flavor.
Strawberry Jam Filled Donuts Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right strawberries for the jam?
Absolutely! When picking strawberries, look for ones that are vibrant red, firm, and shiny. Avoid any berries with dark spots or mold, as they won’t taste sweet and could spoil the jam. If possible, organic strawberries are a fantastic choice for making homemade jam since they are free from pesticides and chemicals.
What’s the best way to store leftover jelly donuts?
Absolutely! Store jelly donuts at room temperature in an airtight container lined with paper towels for up to 2 days. If you want to prolong their freshness, you can refrigerate them for up to 3 days, but be sure to wrap them well to avoid drying out.
Can I freeze jelly donuts?
Definitely! For longer storage, freeze your jelly donuts by placing them on a baking sheet in a single layer until they’re solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag, where they can last up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply microwave them for 15-20 seconds or warm them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.
What if my dough doesn’t rise?
Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us! If your dough hasn’t risen after an hour, check if your yeast was fresh and the water was at the right temperature (around 110°F/43°C). If everything seems fine, try placing the dough in a warmer location, such as an oven with just the light on, as that helps create a cozy environment for it to rise.
Are these jelly donuts suitable for those with allergies?
Very! This recipe contains flour, eggs, and sugar, which are common allergens. If you need to accommodate someone with dietary restrictions, consider using gluten-free flour, egg substitutes like flaxseed, or vegan alternatives. Just be mindful of cross-contamination if someone has severe allergies.
What should I do if I don’t have a donut cutter?
No problem at all! If you don’t have a donut cutter, you can use a round cookie cutter for the outer donut shape and a smaller one, like a bottle cap, for the inner hole. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider making filled donuts without a hole at all—just fry a ball of dough and fill it with jam afterward!
Delicious Jelly Donuts That Will Elevate Your Breakfast Game
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, whisk together lukewarm water, granulated sugar, and instant yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until frothy and bubbly.
- In another mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the frothy yeast mixture.
- Pour in the vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough gently to release air. Roll it out on a floured surface to about ½ inch thick, then cut out rounds using a donut cutter.
- Let them rest for another 30 minutes.
- In a deep fryer or large pot, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Ensure there’s enough oil to fully submerge the donuts.
- Carefully place the dough rounds into the hot oil, frying until they are golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
- Once slightly cooled, use a piping bag to fill each donut with strained strawberry jam. Finally, dust them generously with powdered sugar before serving.