If you don’t live near Portland, Oregon, you can create your own version of that city’s famous doughnut at home. The fresh homemade doughnuts with a touch of nutmeg, creamy filling and a smooth-as-silk chocolate frosting will disappear in minutes.

Portland Cream Doughnuts are a delightful and indulgent treat that originated in Portland, Oregon. These yeast-raised doughnuts are known for their soft and fluffy texture, filled with a creamy vanilla pudding, and coated with a sweet glaze. Let’s explore the history and story behind these delicious doughnuts.

Portland Cream Doughnuts have a rich history deeply rooted in the doughnut culture of Portland, Oregon. Portland is known for its vibrant food scene and is often referred to as a haven for doughnut lovers. The city boasts numerous doughnut shops that have become iconic destinations for locals and visitors alike.

The cream-filled doughnut, also known as a Boston cream doughnut, has been popular in the United States for decades. The origin of the cream-filled doughnut can be traced back to the 19th century when bakers began experimenting with different fillings for their doughnuts. The combination of soft, yeast-raised dough with a rich, creamy filling proved to be a winning combination.

Portland Cream Doughnuts put a unique spin on the traditional cream-filled doughnut by using a vanilla pudding filling. The dough itself is lightly spiced with nutmeg, adding a subtle flavor to complement the sweetness of the filling and glaze.

These doughnuts are typically enjoyed as a breakfast treat or a special indulgence during coffee breaks or social gatherings. Their popularity has spread beyond Portland, with variations and interpretations appearing in doughnut shops across the country.

PREP: 50 MIN. + RISING

COOK: 5 MIN./BATCH

MAKES: 1 DOZEN

INGREDIENTS

• 3 packages (¼ ounce each) active dry yeast
• ¾ cup warm water (110° to 115°)
• ¾ cup 2% milk
• 1 egg
• 1 egg yolk
• 6 tablespoons butter, softened
• ½ cup sugar
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• ¾ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 4¾ to 5¼ cups all-purpose flour

FOR FILLING:

• 1 package (3 ounces) cook-and-serve vanilla pudding mix
• ¼ cup heavy whipping cream

FOR ASSEMBLY:

• Oil for deep-fat frying
• ⅔ cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1¼ cups confectioners’ sugar
• 3 tablespoons hot water
• Vanilla frosting of your choice (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare the dough.
2. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water.
3. In a large bowl, combine milk, egg, egg yolk, softened butter, sugar, salt, nutmeg, yeast mixture, and 2 cups of flour.
4. Beat the mixture on medium speed until smooth.
5. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft and slightly sticky dough.
6. Let the dough rise.
7. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes.
8. Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning it once to grease the top.
9. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
10. Prepare the filling.
11. Prepare the vanilla pudding mix according to the package directions.
12. Press plastic wrap onto the surface of the pudding and refrigerate until cold.
13. Shape and rise the doughnuts.
14. Punch down the risen dough and turn it onto a lightly floured surface.
15. Roll the dough to a ¾-inch thickness and cut it with a floured 3-inch biscuit cutter.
16. Place the doughnuts 2 inches apart on greased baking sheets.
17. Cover the doughnuts with plastic wrap and let them rise in a warm place until nearly doubled in size, about 25 minutes.
18. Prepare the cream filling.
19. Beat the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
20. Fold the whipped cream into the chilled vanilla pudding.
21. Refrigerate the filling, covered, while frying the doughnuts.
22. Fry the doughnuts.
23. In an electric skillet or deep fryer, heat oil to 350°F.
24. Fry the doughnuts a few at a time, for 1-2 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
25. Drain the fried doughnuts on paper towels and cool them slightly.

Enjoy these delectable Portland Cream Doughnuts as a special treat any time of the day. They are best when served fresh, and their creamy filling and sweet glaze are sure to delight doughnut enthusiasts.