There’s something magical about biting into a freshly made doughnut and discovering a vibrant rainbow of sweet filling inside. These Rainbow-Filled Doughnuts bring a burst of color and joy to your breakfast table or dessert plate, turning an ordinary day into something special. The contrast between the golden-brown exterior and the colorful surprise inside makes these treats as Instagram-worthy as they are delicious.
Perfect for birthday celebrations, weekend brunch, or whenever you need a cheerful pick-me-up, these homemade doughnuts are surprisingly achievable for home bakers. The pillowy soft dough paired with the sweet, colorful filling creates an irresistible combination that both kids and adults will adore.
Why You’ll Love This
- Fun to make and even more fun to eat – the rainbow filling reveal brings smiles every time
- Customizable colors – adjust the rainbow palette to match any theme or occasion
- No deep fryer needed – these doughnuts are baked, making them easier and less messy
- Make-ahead friendly – prepare components in advance for quick assembly
- Kid-approved – little ones love helping with the colorful filling and decorating
Ingredients
- 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
- 1½ cups confectioner’s sugar
- ½ cup whipping cream
- Rainbow sprinkles for decoration
- 2½ cups vanilla pudding
- Rainbow food coloring (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple)
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the active dry yeast with warm water and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Add the flour, remaining ¼ cup sugar, eggs, room temperature butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Using the dough hook attachment, knead on medium speed for about 5-7 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and place in a warm spot. Let the dough rise for about 1 hour, or until it has roughly doubled in size.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out to about ½-inch thickness. Using a round cookie cutter or glass (about 3 inches in diameter), cut circles from the dough. Place the cut doughnuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Cover the cut doughnuts loosely with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes until puffy.
- While the doughnuts are on their second rise, heat canola oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a plate or baking sheet with paper towels for draining the fried doughnuts.
- Carefully lower 2-3 doughnuts into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 1-2 minutes per side, until they turn a golden brown color. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat with remaining doughnuts.
- Divide the vanilla pudding into 6 small bowls. Add a different food coloring to each bowl (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple), and mix well. Spoon each colored pudding into separate piping bags or into sections of one large piping bag to create a rainbow effect.
- Once the doughnuts have cooled slightly, use a small knife to make a hole in the side of each doughnut. Fill with the rainbow pudding, either layering the colors or piping them simultaneously for a swirled effect.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the confectioner’s sugar and whipping cream until smooth. The consistency should be thick but pourable. Add more cream or sugar as needed to achieve the right consistency.
- Dip the top of each filled doughnut into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off. While the glaze is still wet, sprinkle with rainbow sprinkles. Place on a wire rack to let the glaze set for about 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a quicker version, use refrigerated biscuit dough instead of making dough from scratch
- Create an ombré effect by using varying shades of a single color instead of rainbow colors
- Add sprinkles to the sugar coating for extra fun and texture
- For a tangier filling, use cream cheese frosting instead of buttercream
- Try adding a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a citrus twist
- If you prefer fried doughnuts, heat 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F and fry dough circles for 1-2 minutes per side
Serving Suggestions
These Rainbow-Filled Doughnuts are delightful on their own, but they truly shine as part of a colorful brunch spread. Serve alongside fresh fruit and hot coffee or cold milk for a complete morning treat. For dessert, pair with vanilla ice cream for an over-the-top doughnut sundae experience.
For parties, arrange on a tiered stand with other colorful treats like macarons or cupcakes for a dessert table that will wow your guests. The visual impact of cutting into these doughnuts makes them perfect for reveal parties or celebrations where presentation matters.
Notes
- Doughnuts are best enjoyed the same day they’re made but can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days
- If making ahead, store unfilled doughnuts in an airtight container and fill just before serving
- The dough should be soft but not sticky – add flour 1 tablespoon at a time if needed
- For the perfect filling consistency, buttercream should be room temperature and smooth
FAQs
Can I make these doughnuts gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. The texture may be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious.
How do I know when the doughnuts are properly filled?
You’ll feel some resistance when piping, and the doughnut will feel slightly heavier. Be careful not to overfill, or the filling may burst out the sides.
Can I freeze these doughnuts?
You can freeze the unfilled doughnuts for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature and then fill with the rainbow frosting before serving.
What if I don’t have piping bags?
You can use zip-top plastic bags with a corner snipped off as an alternative to piping bags. For the rainbow effect, place small amounts of each colored frosting side by side in a single bag.
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