Introduction

Bright rainbow filled doughnuts are a fun, colorful treat perfect for impressing friends and family. These homemade doughnuts combine a soft, fluffy texture with vibrant, creamy fillings that brighten up any occasion.

A round donut with two layers, the bottom layer is golden brown and soft with a smooth, slightly crispy edge. The top layer is a thick glaze that is half blue and half light purple, smoothly dripping down the sides. Colorful round sprinkles in red, yellow, green, blue, white, orange, and purple cover the entire glazed top. Other donuts with similar colorful glazes in purple, orange, and green colors are blurred in the background, all placed on a black wire rack on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast
1 cup Warm Milk (Make sure the temperature is just right)
1/4 cup Granulated Sugar (Coconut sugar works as an alternative)
4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (Melted)
2 Large Eggs
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Consider almond extract for variation)
1 teaspoon Salt
3-4 cups All-Purpose Flour (Use gluten-free flour if needed)
1/4 cup Cornstarch (Arrowroot powder as alternative)
2 cups Powdered Sugar (Erythritol for sugar-free version)
1/4 cup Vegetable Oil (Canola or peanut oil are substitutes)
1/4 cup Warm Milk (Adjust for desired thickness)
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Try other extracts if desired)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, active dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Let the mixture froth for about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Mix in melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Gradually add the all-purpose flour until the dough forms. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
Step 3: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Step 4: Turn the risen dough onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out and cut into rounds using a doughnut or round cookie cutter. Place cut rounds on lined baking sheets, gathering scraps to form more doughnuts.
Step 5: Cover the shaped doughnuts with a towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
Step 6: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the doughnuts in batches until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes per side. Drain on a cooling rack.
Step 7: For the filling, heat warm milk, sugar, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Gradually temper the yolks by adding a little hot milk while whisking, then return to the saucepan.
Step 8: Stir in cornstarch and cook the mixture until thickened. Cool completely, then refrigerate.
Step 9: Divide the chilled cream into smaller bowls and color each with gel food coloring. Transfer each to piping bags for filling.
Step 10: In another bowl, mix powdered sugar, warm milk, and vanilla extract until smooth to make the glaze. Adjust consistency as needed.
Step 11: Once doughnuts are cooled, poke holes with a skewer or piping tip and fill with the colored cream.
Step 12: Dip or drizzle the glaze over the filled doughnuts and allow it to set before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use different extracts like almond or lemon for unique flavor twists.
Swap coconut sugar for granulated sugar to add a subtle caramel flavor.
For a sugar-free version, replace powdered sugar with erythritol.
Try gluten-free flour for a gluten-free doughnut option.
Use gel food coloring for vibrant, natural-looking hues without watering down the cream.

Storage

Store filled doughnuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm briefly in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy them chilled. Avoid storing at room temperature to keep the filling fresh.

How to Serve

A close-up of a donut with a bite taken out of it, showing its soft, light yellow inside. The donut has a smooth, shiny icing layer divided into three colors: pastel blue, purple, and pink, each blending softly into the next. On top, there is a thick layer of colorful round and square sprinkles in various bright shades like green, orange, yellow, white, blue, and purple, covering the icing evenly. In the background, there are three more donuts with similar icing colors of pastel pink, yellow, and purple, also topped with colorful sprinkles. All donuts rest on a dark wire rack placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular sugar instead of coconut sugar?

Yes, granulated sugar works perfectly and will give a slightly different but delicious flavor.

How can I make the doughnuts dairy-free?

You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine and use plant-based milk in place of dairy milk.