Raspberry Cheesecake Donuts (Paczki)

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The combination of tangy raspberries and creamy cheesecake creates a delightful taste experience in every bite of Raspberry Cheesecake Polish Doughnuts – Packzki.

These delightful treats combine the fruity tang of raspberries with the creamy delight of cheesecake, making them a must-try for any dessert lover.

The brioche dough used in these homemade donuts is enriched with butter, egg yolks, lemon zest, and a splash of dark rum, giving it a soft and flavorful texture.

Once fried to golden brown perfection, these donuts are coated in sugar for extra sweetness.

Paczki can be enjoyed fresh or frozen for later, making them a versatile and convenient sweet indulgence. 

Raspberry Cheesecake Paczki has an irresistible appeal from the sweet fusion of flavors.

The combination of tangy raspberries and creamy cheesecake creates a delightful taste experience in every bite.

The fluffy brioche dough provides a light and airy texture, while the filling adds fruity and rich creaminess.

These donuts are the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth.

What is Paczki

Paczki, pronounced “poonch-kee,” are Polish donuts traditionally enjoyed on Fat Tuesday, also known as Shrove Tuesday or Mardi Gras.

In Poland, Fat Tuesday is not celebrated on Tuesday. It is traditionally celebrated on the Thursday before Lent, and it is called Fat Thursday.

This day marks the last day of indulgence before the Lenten season begins.

Paczki are deep-fried pastries typically filled with fruit preserves, cream, or other sweet fillings.

Thanks to the enriched dough, they have a rich and decadent texture and are often coated in powdered sugar.

Paczki has become a beloved treat in many cultures worldwide, symbolizing a time of celebration and indulgence.

Fat Tuesday Paczki Dough Ingredients

• 3 3/4 cups (500 g) All-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240 ml) Milk
• 1/4 cup (60 g) Granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (7 g) Quick dry yeast
• 2 Egg yolks
• 1 Large egg
• 1/2 stick (60 g) Unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract (or vanilla paste)
• 1 tablespoon Dark rum
• 1/2 teaspoon fine Sea salt
• zest of 1 small Lemon
• 2 cups Vegetable oil

Raspberry Filling Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup cream cheese
• 1/4 cup Freeze-dried raspberries

How to Make Raspberry Cheesecake Donuts

1. Yeast is a key ingredient in many baked goods, including donuts. Adding yeast to warm milk helps activate it and create a light, fluffy texture in the dough. The milk’s warmth helps wake up the dormant yeast cells, allowing them to feed on the sugars and produce carbon dioxide gas to make the dough rise.
2. A spoonful of sugar is also added to the warm milk and yeast mixture. This provides food for the yeast to feed on and helps with fermentation. The sugar also adds sweetness and flavor to the donuts.
3. Letting the yeast mixture sit for 10 minutes allows it time to activate and start producing bubbles of carbon dioxide gas. This process is called proofing and ensures that your dough will rise properly.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the remaining sugar with egg yolks, whole egg, butter, vanilla extract, rum (optional), salt, and lemon zest. These ingredients add richness, flavor, and moisture to your donut dough.
5. Once you have combined the yeast mixture with the batter mixture, knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. This step develops the gluten in the dough, which gives your donuts structure and strength.
6. After kneading, let the dough rest for 2-3 hours to rise again. This second rising period allows more fermentation and flavor development in your donuts.

1. Finally, form your donuts from the risen dough and let them rest for an hour before frying them in hot oil for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.

1. Set aside to cool.

1. Once cooled, fill them with the delicious raspberry filling using a pastry bag.

1. Sprinkle them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness before indulging in these homemade treats!

Tips for Frying and Filling Paczki Donuts

Frying and filling donuts like a pro requires some skills and knowledge. To start, make sure you have a cast iron skillet, a spider strainer, and a thermometer on hand.

These tools will help you maintain the optimal frying temperature, ensuring that your donuts cook evenly and develop a crispy exterior.

When it comes to filling the donuts with the delicious raspberry cheesecake filling, precision is key. To fill the donuts like a pro, use a pastry bag with a plain round tip.

This will allow you to easily pipe the filling into the donuts, creating a burst of flavor in every bite.

Storing and Enjoying Your Homemade Paczki Treats

Proper handling and techniques are essential for storing and enjoying your homemade Paczki treats.

Whether you have leftover donuts or want to make a batch in advance, follow these freezing instructions for long-term freshness.

Freezing Instructions for Long-Term Freshness

Double-wrap the unfilled donuts in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped donuts in a sealed bag to prevent freezer burn.

Tips for Thawing and Serving Raspberry Cheesecake Donuts

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen Paczki treats, follow these thawing and serving tips:

Thaw the donuts at room temperature for several hours. Allow them to defrost naturally for the best results. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the defrost function in the microwave to thaw the donuts more quickly.

Once the donuts are thawed, serve them as they are or warm them up in the oven for a few minutes to restore their delightful texture.

Raspberry Cheesecake Doughnut Variations

For a delightful twist on traditional flavor, try filling your doughnuts with fresh strawberries, juicy blueberries, or Nutella.

For a rich and decadent experience, drizzle a luscious chocolate glaze over the top. If you prefer some crunch, add a generous amount of crushed nuts. 

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