After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air, and roll it out to about ½ inch thick on a lightly floured surface. Use your cookie cutter to cut out doughnut shapes—this is the fun part! Gather the scraps, reroll, and cut as many doughnuts as you can. Once cut, cover them again and let them rise for about 30 minutes while you heat the oil in your deep pot. The aroma of doughnuts in the making is just heavenly!
When the oil reaches 350°F, gently place a few doughnuts in at a time, frying until golden brown on both sides—about 1-2 minutes per side. Be sure to keep a close eye on them; too long in the oil can lead to greasy doughnuts instead of fluffy ones. After frying, transfer them to a cooling rack lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. While they cool, prepare your custard if you’re making it from scratch.
Once the doughnuts have cooled completely, it’s time to fill them. Using your piping bag or zip bag, fill each doughnut with custard through the side. Don’t be shy—fill generously! Finally, drizzle with chocolate ganache on top and let it set slightly. Trust me; the moment you bite into one of these freshly made doughnuts is utterly blissful.
Pro Tips for Best Results
I tested this recipe three ways to find the best frying temperature, and I can assure you that consistency is key! If your oil is too hot, the doughnuts will cook too quickly on the outside and remain raw on the inside. Too low, and they’ll absorb excess oil, making them heavy. A candy thermometer is a great addition to your kitchen for these moments!
Another tip is about the custard: I’ve experimented with both store-bought and homemade custards. While store-bought is convenient, there’s a certain taste and texture in homemade custard that elevates the entire doughnut experience. If you have the time, I highly recommend whipping up your custard.
Lastly, make sure not to overload your frying pot. This will reduce the oil temperature significantly and negatively impact the frying process. Fry in small batches, and give each doughnut the space to puff up beautifully!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One of the most common mistakes I’ve encountered is not allowing the dough to rise properly. It may feel tempting to skip this step or rush the process, but trust me; allowing time for the dough to rise is crucial for achieving that light and airy texture. If the dough doesn’t rise enough, your doughnuts will turn out dense instead of fluffy. (See the next page below to continue…)