- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, beat together 1 egg, 50g sugar, 360ml milk, and 40ml vegetable oil. This will create the wet mixture that binds all the dry ingredients together.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients: 380g flour, 30g powdered milk, 2 tablespoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Whisk these ingredients together to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
- Step 3: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture while mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands. Once combined, knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes soft, sticky, and cohesive. The dough should be sticky but not too wet. If necessary, add a little more flour to reach the right consistency, but be careful not to add too much.
3. Shape and Fry the Donuts:
Once your dough is ready, it’s time to shape the square donuts. The square shape gives these donuts a unique, modern twist, while the familiar donut texture still shines through.
- Step 1: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and add more flour on top to prevent it from sticking. Roll the dough out to a thickness of 1 inch (2.5 cm). The dough should be thick enough to create a sturdy donut that can hold the pastry cream without falling apart.
- Step 2: Use a square cookie cutter or a sharp knife to cut the dough into squares. Make sure the pieces are even so that they fry evenly.
- Step 3: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop the square dough pieces into the hot oil. Fry the donuts for about 5-6 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly on both sides. They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside while soft on the inside.
- Step 4: Once fried, transfer the donuts to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before filling them with pastry cream.
4. Fill the Donuts with Pastry Cream:
Now that your donuts have cooled slightly, it’s time to fill them with the rich and creamy pastry cream.
- Step 1: Using a spoon or a piping bag, make an indentation in the center of each donut, making sure not to tear the sides.
- Step 2: Spoon or pipe the cooled pastry cream into the hole you created, filling each donut generously. The creamy center will be the highlight of these square donuts, giving each bite a luxurious texture and flavor.
5. Finish and Serve:
To add the perfect finishing touch, dust the filled donuts with powdered sugar before serving. The powdered sugar will provide a sweet contrast to the rich, creamy filling and the crispy fried dough, making each bite even more delicious.
Serving Suggestions:
These square donuts filled with pastry cream are perfect for various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, a tea party, or a special dessert night, these donuts will impress your guests. You can also serve them with a side of fresh fruit or a cup of coffee for a delightful snack.
Pro Tip: If you want to get a little fancy, you can drizzle melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the top for an added touch of sweetness and elegance.
Why You’ll Love These Donuts:
- Unique Shape: The square shape gives these donuts a modern twist on the traditional round donut, making them perfect for anyone who loves novelty treats.
- Crispy on the Outside, Soft on the Inside: The frying method ensures a crisp, golden exterior, while the soft dough inside creates a satisfying texture that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling.
- Decadent Pastry Cream: The silky, homemade pastry cream filling is the star of this dessert. It’s rich, creamy, and comforting—everything you want in a dessert.
- Customizable: You can experiment with different fillings, such as chocolate mousse, whipped cream, or even fruit preserves. The possibilities are endless!
Final Thoughts:
Making square donuts filled with pastry cream at home may seem like a daunting task, but with this detailed recipe, you can easily master it. The result is a beautifully fried donut with a rich and velvety cream center that will surely impress anyone who takes a bite. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or just treating yourself, these square donuts will undoubtedly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. So, get ready to indulge in this delightful treat that’s sure to change your donut game forever!
