Rainbow-Filled Doughnuts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These doughnuts are not only visually stunning with their rainbow colors, but they also taste incredibly light and fluffy. The combination of homemade doughnut dough, sweet vanilla pudding, and a glossy glaze makes each bite a delightful experience. Plus, with the fun pop of colors inside, they’re guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike. The doughnut dough itself is soft and airy, while the rainbow pudding filling adds a rich, creamy texture. And with the sweet glaze and sprinkles on top, these doughnuts have the perfect balance of sweetness and joy.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Doughnut Dough:

• 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
• ½ cup warm water (105-110°F)
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (for yeast)
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons salt
• Canola oil for frying

For the Sweet Glaze:

• 1½ cups confectioner’s sugar
• ½ cup whipping cream
• Rainbow sprinkles for decoration

For the Rainbow Pudding Filling:

• 2½ cups vanilla pudding (store-bought or homemade)
• Rainbow food coloring (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple)

Directions

Make the Doughnut Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast:
   • In a small bowl, combine the warm water, granulated sugar (for the yeast), and active dry yeast. Stir to dissolve the sugar and let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
2. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, ¼ cup sugar, eggs, butter, and salt.
   • Pour in the activated yeast mixture and stir until the dough begins to come together. Once it does, knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Let the Dough Rise:
   • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Fry the Doughnuts:

4. Prepare for Frying:
   • Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface to about ½ inch thickness. Use a doughnut cutter to cut out the doughnuts. If you don’t have a doughnut cutter, you can use two round cookie cutters (one large and one small) to make the doughnut shape.
5. Fry the Doughnuts:
   • Heat canola oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
   • Fry the doughnuts in batches, cooking each side for about 2 minutes or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove the doughnuts and set them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Make the Rainbow Pudding Filling:

6. Prepare the Pudding:
   • If you’re using store-bought vanilla pudding, simply divide it into six small bowls. If you’re using homemade vanilla pudding, let it cool before dividing.
   • Add a few drops of each color of rainbow food coloring to each bowl to create the different rainbow colors—red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. Stir each bowl gently to mix the colors.

Assemble the Doughnuts:

7. Fill the Doughnuts:
   • Once the doughnuts are cooled, use a small knife or a piping bag with a round tip to make a hole in the side of each doughnut. Carefully pipe or spoon the rainbow-colored pudding into the center of each doughnut. You can alternate the colors or layer them for a fun swirl effect.

Make the Sweet Glaze:

8. Prepare the Glaze:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioner’s sugar and whipping cream until smooth and glossy.
9. Glaze the Doughnuts:
   • Dip the top of each doughnut into the sweet glaze and let the excess drip off. Place the glazed doughnuts on a cooling rack to allow the glaze to set.
10. Add the Sprinkles:

• Immediately sprinkle the tops of the doughnuts with rainbow sprinkles for a festive touch.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 doughnuts
• Prep time: 30 minutes (plus 1-1.5 hours for dough to rise)
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 2 hours (including rising time)

Variations

• Gluten-Free Doughnuts: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these doughnuts gluten-free. Ensure that your pudding is also gluten-free.
• Chocolate Pudding Filling: For a twist, substitute the vanilla pudding with chocolate pudding, or create a mix of both fillings for variety.
• Flavored Glaze: Add a drop of almond or vanilla extract to the glaze for an extra layer of flavor.
• Baked Doughnuts: For a healthier alternative, bake the doughnuts at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown, instead of frying them.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be kept for a short time before they start to lose their crispiness.
• Reheating: If you want to serve the doughnuts warm again, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to warm them up.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pudding for the filling?

Yes, homemade vanilla pudding works perfectly for this recipe! Just be sure to let it cool completely before adding the food coloring and filling the doughnuts.

Can I make these doughnuts ahead of time?

While the doughnuts are best fresh, you can make the dough and fill the doughnuts a day ahead of time. Simply store the doughnuts in an airtight container and glaze them just before serving.

Can I bake the doughnuts instead of frying them?

Yes! If you’d like to bake the doughnuts, shape them as instructed, and place them on a lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

Can I use a different kind of filling for these doughnuts?

Absolutely! You can fill the doughnuts with other flavors of pudding, jam, or even whipped cream. Feel free to get creative with your fillings!

How do I prevent the doughnuts from being greasy after frying?

Make sure the oil is hot enough (350°F/175°C) before frying the doughnuts. If the oil is too cool, the doughnuts will absorb excess oil. Drain them well on paper towels to remove any remaining grease.

Can I make mini doughnuts?

Yes, you can make smaller versions of these doughnuts by using a mini doughnut cutter or by adjusting the frying time. Just be sure to fry them in smaller batches.

How can I keep the doughnuts from getting soggy?

To avoid sogginess, don’t overfill the doughnuts with pudding. A small spoonful is enough. Also, try to serve the doughnuts soon after they are filled and glazed.

Can I freeze the doughnuts?

Yes, you can freeze the doughnuts before filling and glazing. After frying, let them cool completely, and then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to serve, fill and glaze them as usual.

Can I use a different kind of food coloring?

Yes, you can use gel or liquid food coloring, but gel food coloring often provides more vibrant colors and won’t thin out the pudding as much as liquid coloring.

Can I make these doughnuts without a doughnut cutter?

If you don’t have a doughnut cutter, you can use a round cookie cutter and a smaller round cutter for the hole in the center of the doughnuts.

Conclusion

Rainbow-Filled Doughnuts are a vibrant and fun treat that will delight both the eyes and the taste buds. With their soft, fluffy dough, creamy rainbow pudding filling, sweet glaze, and colorful sprinkles, these doughnuts are sure to become a favorite for any occasion. Whether for a birthday party, holiday gathering, or just as a fun treat to enjoy with family, these doughnuts are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get creative with your fillings and toppings, and enjoy a colorful, sweet experience!

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