Cream Cheese Donut from Tous les Jours features a soft, fluffy donut filled with smooth, tangy cream cheese, coated with a light dusting of powdered sugar, offering a delightful blend of sweet and creamy flavors in every bite.
Equipments
- Stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Dough hook attachment
- Whisk
- Rolling pin
- Bench scraper
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pastry bag
- Round piping tip
- Deep fryer or heavy pot
- Slotted spoon
- Cooling rack
- Small fine mesh sieve (for powdered sugar)
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for filling)
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice (for filling)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Using active dry yeast is crucial for achieving the soft, fluffy texture of the donut, so ensure it is fresh and properly activated with warm milk. The cream cheese filling requires the cheese to be softened and mixed with powdered sugar and lemon juice to create a smooth, tangy balance. Proper measurement of all-purpose flour is essential to maintain the dough's consistency and prevent it from becoming too dense. Vegetable oil should be heated to the right temperature for frying to avoid greasy or undercooked donuts. You can recreate the Cream Cheese Donut from Tous les Jours at home with this copycat recipe, enjoying the same delightful blend of sweet and creamy flavors.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk and active dry yeast. Let sit until frothy (about 5 minutes).
- Add granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk to combine.
- Attach dough hook to stand mixer. Gradually add flour and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead dough (stand mixer or by hand) until smooth and elastic (about 5-8 minutes).
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size (about 1-2 hours).
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar (for filling), and lemon juice until smooth. Transfer to a pastry bag fitted with a round piping tip.
- Punch down dough and turn onto a lightly floured surface.
- Roll dough to about 1/2-inch thickness with a rolling pin.
- Cut out rounds using a dough cutter or bench scraper.
- Place rounds onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise again until puffy (30-45 minutes).
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry donuts in batches, flipping with a slotted spoon, until golden brown on both sides (1-2 minutes per side).
- Remove and drain on a cooling rack lined with paper towels.
- Once slightly cooled, use a piping tip or skewer to make a hole in the side of each donut.
- Pipe in cream cheese filling using the pastry bag.
- Dust donuts with powdered sugar using a fine mesh sieve.
- Serve and enjoy!
Substitution
The Cream Cheese Donut from Tous les Jours copycat menu can be adapted if you run out of all-purpose flour by substituting with cake flour, which will yield a slightly lighter texture. If you do not have active dry yeast, instant yeast can be used in the same amount, but reduce the warm milk slightly to maintain dough consistency. When cream cheese softening time is limited, carefully microwave it in short bursts to avoid curdling. Your frying oil should maintain a stable temperature between 350degF and 375degF to ensure the donuts cook evenly without absorbing excess oil. Keep powdered sugar in a fine mesh sieve for an even dusting to enhance the final presentation.
Tips
Ensure your yeast is fresh and the milk is warm but not hot, between 105degF and 115degF, to activate the yeast properly. When kneading the dough, aim for a smooth, elastic texture which prevents dense donuts and supports good rise. Maintain the oil temperature steadily at 350degF (175degC) during frying to achieve even golden color without greasy residue. After frying, allow your donuts to cool slightly before filling to prevent the cream cheese filling from melting or leaking.
Nutritions
Cream Cheese Donut from Tous les Jours provides a rich source of carbohydrates from the all-purpose flour and sugar, delivering quick energy. The cream cheese filling adds protein and calcium, supporting muscle repair and bone health. Your intake of fat comes from the melted unsalted butter and deep-frying oil, contributing to satiety and flavor. Powdered sugar sprinkled on top increases the overall sugar content, making this treat more indulgent but less suitable for those monitoring sugar intake.
Storage
Store your Cream Cheese Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their softness and flavor. For longer storage, refrigerate the donuts in a sealed container for up to 5 days, allowing the cream cheese filling to stay fresh. Reheat gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving to restore the donut's fluffy texture.
Variation or Alternatives
You can replace cream cheese filling with mascarpone mixed with honey for a milder, slightly sweeter flavor. Try infusing the dough with citrus zest or cardamom to introduce a subtle aromatic twist that complements the filling. Baking the donuts at 375degF (190degC) for about 10 minutes offers a lighter alternative to frying, reducing oil content while maintaining softness. Consider swapping powdered sugar dusting with cinnamon sugar to add warmth and a hint of spice to each bite.
Allergies
The Cream Cheese Donut contains common allergens such as eggs, milk (in the form of cream cheese and butter), and wheat from all-purpose flour. If you have dairy or gluten allergies, consuming this donut could trigger allergic reactions ranging from mild discomfort to severe symptoms. Always check ingredient lists carefully and consult with your healthcare provider if you have concerns about allergens in your food.
Why this recipe?
Cream Cheese Donut from Tous les Jours combines a soft, fluffy texture with a rich, creamy filling that delights the taste buds. The perfect balance of sweetness and tangy cream cheese offers a unique flavor that keeps customers coming back. Replicating this recipe allows you to enjoy gourmet-quality pastries at home while customizing ingredients to suit your preferences. Your homemade version can capture the irresistible freshness and indulgence that makes this donut a standout choice.