Soft, fluffy, and filled with smooth whipped cream, these Fresh Cream Doughnuts are everything you love about the bakery classic—but made lighter and more balanced. With a golden baked dough, airy filling, and just a dusting of sweetness, this version lets you indulge your cravings without going overboard. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Baked, Not Fried: Enjoy the doughnut shop flavor without the deep-frying.
Light & Airy: Made with lighter ingredients but still rich and satisfying.
Creamy Center: Filled with whipped cream for a refreshing, indulgent bite.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for a brunch table, special breakfast, or weekend treat.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or half whole-wheat for extra fiber)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
- 2 tbsp sugar substitute (or regular sugar)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup warm skim milk (110°F)
- 2 tbsp light butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Filling
- 1 cup light whipped topping or homemade light whipped cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar substitute (optional)
For Dusting
- 1–2 tbsp powdered sugar substitute (or regular powdered sugar)
Instructions
Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar substitute, and salt.
- Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead on a floured surface for 5–6 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Shape and Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Punch down the dough and divide into 10 equal portions. Roll each into a smooth ball.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced apart. Let rest for 10 minutes.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
- Cool completely on a wire rack.
Prepare the Cream Filling
- In a bowl, gently mix whipped topping with vanilla extract and optional powdered sugar substitute.
- Chill until ready to use.
Fill the Doughnuts
- Once doughnuts are cool, use a sharp knife or piping tip to make a small hole in the side.
- Pipe or spoon whipped cream into the center of each doughnut.
- Dust tops with powdered sugar substitute just before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Doughnut, Approximate)
Calories: 150 | Carbs: 18g | Fat: 6g | Protein: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Fiber: 1g
Tips for Success
- Use Warm Milk: Not hot—this activates the yeast properly without killing it.
- Don’t Overbake: Remove doughnuts as soon as they’re lightly golden for soft centers.
- Chill the Cream: Cold cream pipes easier and holds shape longer.
- Fill Just Before Serving: For freshest texture, fill doughnuts shortly before eating.
Why This Recipe Works
- Balanced and Indulgent: Combines traditional textures and flavors with lighter ingredients.
- Simple Technique: No frying involved, making it beginner-friendly and mess-free.
- Customizable: Add fresh berries to the cream or a dash of cinnamon to the dough.
- Perfectly Portioned: Small enough to enjoy one or two without overindulging.
Fresh Cream Doughnuts are the perfect marriage of light texture and rich filling. By baking instead of frying and using a light cream center, you can enjoy this bakery favorite with a healthier twist. Soft, satisfying, and deliciously creamy—this is a treat you’ll come back to again and again.
Fresh Cream Doughnuts – Better Than Your Local Bakery
10
servings20
minutes20
minutes150
kcal1
hour32
minutesSoft, fluffy, and filled with smooth whipped cream, these Fresh Cream Doughnuts are everything you love about the bakery classic—but made lighter and more balanced. With a golden baked dough, airy filling, and just a dusting of sweetness, this version lets you indulge your cravings without going overboard. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special treat.
Ingredients
For the Dough
2 cups all-purpose flour (or half whole-wheat for extra fiber)
1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
2 tbsp sugar substitute (or regular sugar)
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup warm skim milk (110°F)
2 tbsp light butter, melted
1 large egg
For the Filling
1 cup light whipped topping or homemade light whipped cream
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp powdered sugar substitute (optional)
For Dusting
1–2 tbsp powdered sugar substitute (or regular powdered sugar)
Instructions
- Make the Dough
In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar substitute, and salt.
Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Knead on a floured surface for 5–6 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Place in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size. - Shape and Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Punch down the dough and divide into 10 equal portions. Roll each into a smooth ball.
Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced apart. Let rest for 10 minutes.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
Cool completely on a wire rack. - Prepare the Cream Filling
In a bowl, gently mix whipped topping with vanilla extract and optional powdered sugar substitute.
Chill until ready to use. - Fill the Doughnuts
Once doughnuts are cool, use a sharp knife or piping tip to make a small hole in the side.
Pipe or spoon whipped cream into the center of each doughnut.
Dust tops with powdered sugar substitute just before serving.
Notes
- Use Warm Milk: Not hot—this activates the yeast properly without killing it.
Don’t Overbake: Remove doughnuts as soon as they’re lightly golden for soft centers.
Chill the Cream: Cold cream pipes easier and holds shape longer.
Fill Just Before Serving: For freshest texture, fill doughnuts shortly before eating.