If you're looking to add a little twist to your baking routine, this Matcha Cream-Filled Donuts Recipe is a wonderful treat to try. It's perfect for weekend brunches, afternoon coffee breaks, or any time you want a bite that's both comforting and a touch elegant. The bright, earthy notes of matcha paired with a silky whipped cream filling add something uniquely delightful to classic donuts.
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Why This Recipe Works
This recipe strikes a perfect balance between a fluffy, golden donut and a creamy, subtly bitter matcha filling that's neither overwhelming nor too sweet. Its straightforward steps mean you're in control every step of the way, making it approachable whether you're a seasoned baker or just getting started.
- Consistent Texture: The combination of baking powder and proper frying temperature ensures donuts rise and cook evenly, yielding soft, tender bites.
- Deep, Balanced Flavor: The matcha powder in the cream adds earthy complexity that beautifully complements the richness of the whipped filling.
- Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples come together with a touch of matcha magic, keeping prep quick without sacrificing any flavor.
- Fast Prep, Big Payoff: From mixing to plating, you spend about 35 minutes total - fast enough for a treat whenever the craving hits.
Ingredient Game Plan
Choosing the right ingredients makes all the difference in this Matcha Cream-Filled Donuts Recipe. I like to pick fresh matcha powder to really highlight its vibrant green color and unique flavor, while simple, high-quality pantry staples keep the donuts tender and light.
- All-purpose flour: Use a soft, fresh bag for tender donuts; avoid flour that's too old or stored in humid places.
- Matcha powder: Look for culinary-grade matcha for a bright taste without bitterness - it's perfect for baking and whipping.
- Heavy cream: Full-fat cream whips up easily and lends the perfect silky texture in your filling.
- Oil for frying: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like canola or vegetable oil, for frying without flavor interference.
Quick Note: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.
How to Cook Matcha Cream-Filled Donuts Recipe
Step 1 - Prep & Season
Begin by whisking together the dry ingredients - flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt - in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients - milk, melted butter, and the egg - until combined. Pour the wet into the dry and stir gently just until the batter is smooth and homogenous. You'll notice the batter is a bit thick but soft, perfect for frying or baking. Avoid overmixing, which can make the donuts dense.
Step 2 - Build Flavor
Heat your oil to about 350°F for frying, or if baking, preheat your oven to 375°F and grease your donut molds well. Fry the donuts for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn a rich golden brown with crispy edges. If baking, check your donuts around 12 minutes, and aim for a lightly golden top and a springy texture when pressed. This step locks in that warm, inviting flavor and sets the stage for the creamy filling.
Step 3 - Finish for Best Texture
While the donuts cool, whip together your matcha cream filling. Combine the heavy cream, powdered sugar, matcha powder, and vanilla extract, then beat until stiff peaks form. The filling should be silky and airy with that beautiful green glow. Once your donuts are completely cool, transfer the cream into a piping bag and carefully fill the inside of each donut. Finish with a dusting of powdered sugar or a white chocolate drizzle, whichever you prefer - both add a lovely contrast and sweetness.
Pro Moves I Swear By
From my experience making this recipe multiple times, a few small tricks can boost your success.
- Doneness Cue: Look for a pale gold color with crisp edges; this means the donuts are cooked inside without over-browning.
- Temperature Trick: Use a candy or infrared thermometer to keep oil steady at 350°F - this prevents greasy or undercooked donuts.
- Make-Ahead Move: You can prepare the matcha cream a day in advance and keep it chilled; just re-whip a little if needed before filling.
- Skip This Pitfall: Don't fill warm donuts right away - the cream can melt and make the dough soggy, so let them cool fully.
Serve It Up
Finishing Touches
I love a simple dusting of powdered sugar to finish these Matcha Cream-Filled Donuts Recipe treats, but a gentle drizzle of melted white chocolate adds a delightful sweetness and pretty presentation. The contrasting textures - fluffy donut, creamy filling, and slight crunch from any drizzle that hardens - bring each bite to life.
Great Pairings
These donuts pair beautifully with a cup of green tea to echo the matcha flavor or a rich latte to balance the earthiness. Fresh fruit like berries or citrus slices add a refreshing contrast that brightens the plate. I've also served them alongside a simple vanilla yogurt drizzle for extra creaminess.
Easy Plating Wins
For weeknights, just stack your donuts on a pretty plate and sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar on top. For special occasions, I like setting them on a cake stand with small bowls for dipping sauces or extra matcha dusting around. A few edible flowers or fresh mint leaves are simple but elevate the whole look.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store these donuts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. You'll notice the cream filling keeps its silky texture well, but the donut might soften slightly - which is still delicious but less crisp than fresh.
Freezer Notes
These donuts freeze fairly well, though I recommend freezing them unfrosted or unfilled, then adding matcha cream after thawing. Freeze in a single layer wrapped tightly, and thaw in the fridge overnight to keep the donut moist without losing flavor.
Reheating Matcha Cream-Filled Donuts Recipe Without Drying Out
To warm them without drying, pop the donuts in the microwave for about 10 seconds on a low setting or briefly heat in a 300°F oven for 3 to 5 minutes. If you're using an air fryer, 2 to 3 minutes at 320°F works well. Just watch closely and avoid reheating the filling directly to keep it from separating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Baking is a great alternative. Use greased donut molds and bake at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes until golden and springy. The texture will be lighter with less crispiness but still delicious.
I recommend culinary-grade matcha for this recipe. It offers a balanced flavor without being too grassy or bitter, which blends beautifully into the cream.
Yes! Make the donuts a day ahead and keep them sealed airtight. Prepare the matcha cream and refrigerate separately; re-whip slightly before piping.
Make sure your donuts are completely cooled before piping in the filling. Warm donuts will cause the cream to melt and create sogginess quickly.
Final Thoughts
Making this Matcha Cream-Filled Donuts Recipe always feels a little like a special occasion in my kitchen, even on a regular day. The process is simple, but the result is a rich, comforting experience that you and anyone you share it with will genuinely enjoy. Take your time, savor the scents as your donuts fry or bake, then indulge in that perfect balance of pillowy dough and creamy matcha filling. Once you try it, I bet it'll become a favorite go-to for those moments you want to treat yourself or impress friends with something uniquely homemade.
PrintComplete Recipe
Matcha Cream-Filled Donuts Recipe
Delight in these homemade Matcha Cream-Filled Donuts featuring fluffy, golden fried donuts filled with a smooth, sweet matcha cream. Perfect as a unique dessert or special snack, topped with powdered sugar and optional white chocolate drizzle for extra indulgence.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 donuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
Ingredients
Donuts
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 large egg
- oil for frying
Matcha Cream Filling
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon matcha powder
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
- powdered sugar to taste
- white chocolate drizzle to taste
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, ¼ cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Whisk together to evenly distribute the leavening and salt.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together ½ cup milk, 2 tablespoon melted butter, and 1 large egg until smooth. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until a smooth dough forms without lumps.
- Cook donuts: Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F. Carefully fry rounded spoonfuls of dough for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Alternatively, spoon the batter into greased donut molds and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 15 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels or cooling rack.
- Whip matcha cream: In a chilled bowl, combine ½ cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoon powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon matcha powder, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Whip with a mixer or whisk until stiff peaks form, ensuring the cream holds shape for filling.
- Fill donuts: Once the donuts have cooled completely, use a piping bag fitted with a small tip to inject the matcha cream into the center of each donut. Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with white chocolate if desired for an elegant finish.
Notes
- Ensure donuts are completely cooled before filling to prevent the cream from melting or leaking.
- Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature at 350°F for consistent frying results and to avoid greasy donuts.
- Matcha powder quality affects flavor; use culinary-grade matcha for a balanced, vibrant taste.
- Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version, but note texture differences.
- For baking, lightly grease the donut molds to ensure easy release after cooking.
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