Ice Cream-Filled Donuts (National Donut Day) are the divine creation that dreams are made of. Imagine biting into a pillowy donut, only to discover a luscious core of ice cream waiting to melt in your mouth. The delightful contrast of warm and cold, soft and creamy, combined with the sweet aroma wafting through the air, makes for an unforgettable treat.

Now, let’s be real for a second: who hasn’t daydreamed about dessert? I mean, when else can you indulge like it’s an Olympic sport? Every bite of these donuts transports me back to my childhood when my biggest worry was whether I would get sprinkles on my ice cream or just plain old chocolate syrup. Perfect for National Donut Day or any day you want to celebrate life with a sugary twist, these donuts will have you grinning from ear to ear.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The process is surprisingly simple and quick, making dessert prep a breeze
- These donuts offer the perfect balance of flavors and textures that will wow your taste buds
- Visually stunning with their glossy glaze and colorful sprinkles, they’re sure to impress at any gathering
- Versatile enough for any ice cream flavor, you can mix and match to your heart’s desire!
Ingredients for Ice Cream-Filled Donuts (National Donut Day)
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating the structure of the donuts; make sure it’s fresh for the best results.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetener adds flavor and helps in browning the donuts as they bake.
Baking Powder: A key ingredient that gives the donuts their fluffy rise during baking. For more inspiration, check out this cake recipes recipe.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors in this sweet treat.
Milk: Use whole milk for richness; it hydrates the dry ingredients and adds moisture.
Eggs: They provide structure and richness; make sure they’re at room temperature for better mixing.
Butter: Melted butter lends a rich flavor; don’t skimp on quality here!
Your Favorite Ice Cream: Choose any flavor you love—vanilla, chocolate, or even mint chocolate chip works wonders!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Ice Cream-Filled Donuts (National Donut Day)
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan with nonstick spray or butter so your donuts slide out easily without leaving half in the pan.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together until well mixed—think of it as giving your dry ingredients a mini workout.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and melted butter until smooth. This mixture will give your donuts that rich texture we all crave.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough donuts—nobody wants that! You want it slightly lumpy but without any major flour streaks.
Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan
Spoon the batter into each cavity of your donut pan until about halfway full. It’s crucial not to overfill—these babies will rise!
Step 6: Bake
Pop them into your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until they’re golden brown and spring back when lightly touched. Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack.
Step 7: Fill with Ice Cream
Once cooled completely (but still slightly warm), use a small knife or pastry bag fitted with a round tip to fill each donut with your favorite ice cream. The more generous you are here, the happier everyone will be!
Transfer to plates and serve immediately with extra sprinkles on top because let’s be honest—sprinkles make everything better! Enjoy these delightful Ice Cream-Filled Donuts while basking in their heavenly glory!
You Must Know
- Ice Cream-Filled Donuts are a delightful twist on your classic sweets
- Perfect for celebrating National Donut Day, these treats combine the warmth of donuts with the coolness of ice cream
- They’re easy to make and sure to impress your friends and family!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
First, prepare your dough and let it rise until fluffy. While waiting, scoop your favorite ice cream into balls and freeze them. Fry or bake your donuts until golden brown. Once cooled, fill them with the ice cream using a piping bag for a delicious surprise.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to play around with flavors! Swap vanilla for chocolate ice cream or add sprinkles, nuts, or even fruit fillings. You can also drizzle caramel or chocolate sauce on top for extra indulgence. The possibilities are endless!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover Ice Cream-Filled Donuts in an airtight container in the freezer to keep them fresh. If you need to reheat them, do so quickly in the microwave for a few seconds to preserve that delightful texture without melting the ice cream too much.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure perfect Ice Cream-Filled Donuts, roll out your dough evenly for consistent thickness
- Let donuts cool completely before adding ice cream to prevent melting
- Use a piping bag for neat filling; it’s quicker and cleaner!
Sometimes during my donut adventures, I’ve created flavors that surprised even myself! One time, I combined raspberry ice cream with lemon-glazed donuts—my friends declared it a summer sensation. It was pure joy watching them devour each bite!
FAQs:
What are Ice Cream-Filled Donuts?
Ice Cream-Filled Donuts are a delightful dessert that combines the warmth of a freshly fried donut with the coolness of ice cream. This treat is perfect for warm days or special occasions, like National Donut Day. You can choose any flavor of ice cream to fill your donuts, making this dessert customizable and fun. The contrast between the hot donut and cold ice cream creates a unique taste experience that everyone loves.
How do I make Ice Cream-Filled Donuts at home?
Making Ice Cream-Filled Donuts at home involves preparing your favorite donut dough and frying it until golden brown. Once cooled, you can slice the donuts and fill them with your chosen ice cream flavor. For best results, let the ice cream soften slightly before filling to avoid breaking the donut. After filling, consider rolling the edges in toppings like sprinkles or crushed nuts for extra texture.
Can I use store-bought donuts to create Ice Cream-Filled Donuts?
Yes, using store-bought donuts is a quick and easy way to prepare Ice Cream-Filled Donuts. Simply select your favorite type of donut, slice it open, and fill it with your preferred ice cream flavor. This method saves time and allows you to enjoy this delicious treat without the hassle of making donuts from scratch.
Are Ice Cream-Filled Donuts suitable for kids?
Absolutely! Ice Cream-Filled Donuts are a hit with kids and adults alike. They offer a fun and interactive dessert option that kids love to customize with different ice cream flavors and toppings. Just be sure to supervise young children while eating, as the combination of hot and cold can be a surprising experience.
Conclusion for Ice Cream-Filled Donuts (National Donut Day):
Ice Cream-Filled Donuts are an exciting treat that perfectly celebrates National Donut Day. This dessert combines the comforting warmth of a fried donut with the refreshing chill of ice cream, offering a delightful contrast in flavors and textures. Making them at home is simple and allows for endless customization with various ice cream flavors. Whether using homemade or store-bought donuts, this dessert promises to delight everyone in your family or gathering! Enjoy creating these fun treats today!

Ice Cream-Filled Donuts (National Donut Day)
Ice Cream-Filled Donuts are the ultimate indulgence for dessert lovers! These delightful treats combine the warm, fluffy goodness of freshly baked donuts with a creamy ice cream center, creating a heavenly contrast of textures and temperatures. Perfect for National Donut Day or any special occasion, these easy-to-make donuts are customizable with your favorite ice cream flavors and toppings, ensuring a fun and delicious experience for everyone!
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- 1 cup your favorite ice cream (softened)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix milk, egg, and melted butter until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed; do not overmix.
- Fill each donut cavity halfway with batter and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.
- Once cooled completely, fill each donut with softened ice cream using a piping bag or small knife.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut (80g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg