Irresistible Mexican Chocolate Filled Doughnuts: A Spicy-Sweet Fiesta for Your Taste Buds
Prepare to have your taste buds utterly enchanted by these Mexican Chocolate Filled Doughnuts! Imagine a cloud-like, incredibly fluffy doughnut, perfectly golden and slightly crisp on the outside, yielding to a luscious, dark chocolate pastry cream within. But this isn’t just any chocolate cream; it’s a deeply flavorful, cinnamon-infused, and subtly spicy Mexican chocolate filling that promises an unforgettable culinary experience. These aren’t merely doughnuts; they are a celebration of vibrant flavors and textures, making them the ultimate festive treat to kick off your Cinco de Mayo festivities, or any day you crave something truly special.
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My Enduring Love Affair with Doughnuts
My adoration for doughnuts runs deep, a true and unwavering passion that rivals few other breakfast items. There’s an undeniable magic in a perfectly crafted doughnut – that initial, delicate crispness of the golden-fried exterior, giving way to an incredibly soft, airy, and cloud-like interior. And then, of course, there’s the filling! Whether it’s a bright lemon curd, a rich and velvety pastry cream, or a smooth, decadent custard, the filling elevates a simple fried dough to an art form. Each bite is a symphony of textures and flavors, a truly comforting and indulgent experience that brightens any morning.
For me, doughnuts represent a unique kind of breakfast perfection, a delightful indulgence that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with my other morning favorites like a hearty bowl of cereal or Santiago’s legendary breakfast burritos. While my willpower often crumbles at the sight of a fresh doughnut, I’m incredibly fortunate that an exceptional doughnut shop isn’t conveniently located just around the corner from my home. Otherwise, my wallet would undoubtedly be empty, and I’d likely be far rounder! The distance, thankfully, preserves both my finances and my waistline, allowing these homemade treats to remain a truly special, occasional delight.
Why Mexican Chocolate Doughnuts for Your Cinco de Mayo Celebration?
Cinco de Mayo is more than just a date on the calendar; it’s an occasion for vibrant celebrations, rich flavors, and a joyous atmosphere. This year, with the festive day falling on a Saturday, it presents the perfect opportunity to elevate our breakfast traditions. Instead of opting for the usual, I’ve been dreaming up a sweet and spectacular way to start the day, and these Mexican Chocolate Filled Doughnuts are the answer to that dream.
If you’re a connoisseur of Mexican chocolate, prepare to be utterly captivated. These doughnuts are designed to showcase its unique charm. The star of the show is undeniably the dark chocolate pastry cream, generously infused with fragrant ground cinnamon and a subtle, yet invigorating, kick of cayenne pepper. This combination creates a truly magical flavor profile: the deep bitterness of dark chocolate, the warm spice of cinnamon, and the intriguing heat of cayenne. It’s a sophisticated balance that tantalizes the palate, offering a richness that’s both comforting and exhilarating, perfectly embodying the spirit of Mexican culinary traditions. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience.
The Harmony of Flavors and Textures in Every Bite
What makes these Mexican chocolate doughnuts truly extraordinary is the incredible harmony between the dough and the filling. A wonderfully light, airy, and fluffy yeast dough acts as the perfect vehicle, enveloping the rich, spicy chocolate pastry cream in a delightful embrace. The contrast between the tender, slightly sweet dough and the intense, complex chocolate filling creates an explosion of flavors and textures with every single bite. It’s a sensory journey that’s both indulgent and comforting, a testament to the beauty of thoughtful dessert creation.
These doughnuts are an ideal companion to your morning caffeine ritual. Picture yourself savoring one alongside a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee, or perhaps a creamy, frothy café con leche. The bold flavors of the doughnut find a perfect counterpart in the warmth and robust notes of your favorite hot beverage, making for an utterly divine start to your day. Whether it’s a lazy weekend morning or a special holiday brunch, this pairing is guaranteed to please.
Overnight Dough: Your Secret to Stress-Free Doughnut Mornings
One of the most appealing aspects of this Mexican chocolate doughnut recipe is the genius of preparing the dough the night before. This clever step allows the yeast to work its magic slowly and steadily in the refrigerator, developing a deeper flavor profile and achieving that desirable light and airy texture. Waking up to a ready-to-go dough means you can enjoy freshly fried, warm, and utterly delectable doughnuts without the morning rush. The extra planning truly pays off, transforming a potentially daunting baking project into a surprisingly manageable and enjoyable experience. Once they are fried and filled, trust me, these irresistible treats won’t last long!
Elevate Your Cinco de Mayo Brunch: More Festive Breakfast Ideas
While these Mexican Chocolate Filled Doughnuts are undoubtedly a showstopper, planning a Cinco de Mayo brunch calls for an array of delightful dishes to truly capture the festive spirit. If you’re hosting, consider incorporating a variety of sweet and savory options to please every palate. Here are some fantastic breakfast ideas, all infused with vibrant Mexican flavors, to complement your doughnuts and make your celebration unforgettable:
- Easy Breakfast Taquitos: These savory delights are always a crowd-pleaser and wonderfully convenient, as they can be prepared ahead of time, making your morning much smoother. Filled with scrambled eggs, cheese, and your favorite breakfast meats, they’re perfect for dipping.
- Hearty Chilaquiles: Known affectionately as the “ultimate hangover food,” chilaquiles are a must-have for a true Mexican breakfast experience. Crispy tortilla chips simmered in a rich salsa, topped with cheese, crema, and often a fried egg, they are incredibly satisfying and a perfect recipe to have ready for May 6th.
- Refreshing Breakfast Tostadas with Guacamole: These tostadas offer a brilliant medley of textures and fresh flavors. A crispy tortilla base, creamy guacamole, a fried egg, and perhaps some salsa or beans create an “hella addictive” combination that’s both light and fulfilling.
- Flavorful Migas: For egg lovers, migas are an absolute revelation. This “gorgeous mess of yummmmm” typically involves scrambled eggs cooked with crispy tortilla strips, onions, peppers, and cheese. It’s a comforting and flavorful dish that’s easy to customize.
- Classic Huevos Rancheros: A timeless Mexican breakfast staple, huevos rancheros feature fried eggs served on lightly fried tortillas, generously smothered in a fresh tomato-chili sauce. While some older recipe photos might not do it justice, the recipe itself is always “ON POINT!” and guarantees a delicious, satisfying meal.
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Essential Tools for Doughnut Perfection
Crafting homemade doughnuts, especially filled ones, is a rewarding experience that becomes even more enjoyable with the right tools. Having these key items on hand will ensure your Mexican chocolate doughnuts turn out perfectly every time, from crafting the rich pastry cream to frying them to golden perfection:
- Tramontina Enameled Cast Iron Covered Sauce Pan: This sturdy saucepan is ideal for simmering the incredible, slightly spicy Mexican chocolate pastry cream. Its even heat distribution prevents scorching and ensures a smooth, luscious filling.
- Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven: For frying your doughnuts, a heavy-bottomed pot like a Dutch oven is indispensable. It maintains a consistent oil temperature, which is crucial for achieving perfectly cooked, golden-brown doughnuts without them becoming greasy.
- Helen Chen’s Asian Kitchen Stainless Steel Spider Strainer: This is the ultimate tool for safely and efficiently removing your freshly fried doughnuts from the hot oil. Its wide mesh allows excess oil to drain quickly, ensuring your doughnuts remain light and airy.
Pin This Delicious Mexican Chocolate Doughnuts Recipe for Later!
Don’t let this incredible recipe slip away! Make sure to pin these Mexican Chocolate Filled Doughnuts to your favorite dessert or breakfast boards on Pinterest. You’ll want to revisit this recipe for every Cinco de Mayo, special brunch, or simply whenever you crave a unique, spicy-sweet indulgence. Share the love and inspire others to create these extraordinary homemade treats!
Mexican Chocolate Filled Doughnuts
ingredients
- 2 1/2 tsp dry active yeast
- 2/3 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar + more for coating
- 3 large eggs room temperature
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- 8 Tbsp unsalted butter softened
- Canola oil for frying
- 1 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch
- 3 1/2 Tbsp cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 1/2 oz dark chocolate cut into small pieces
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
instructions
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To make the cinnamon sugar, whisk together sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
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To make the doughnuts, add yeast, 2 tsp sugar and warm milk in the bowl of a stand mixer. Let stand for 5 to 8 minutes, until the mixture is foamy. Whisk in remaining sugar and eggs.
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Add half of the flour and all of the salt to the bowl. Using a dough hook, mix on low until the dough starts to come together. Add the rest of the flour and mix until the dough looks a bit shaggy. Slowly add the butter and beat at medium speed. Knead for about 3 minutes until the mixture is a smooth dough.
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Add dough to a bowl that’s been greased lightly with oil. Cover with plastic wrap. Place in the refrigerator and let chill overnight.
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To make the filling, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, cocoa powder, and salt in a medium saucepan. Slowly whisk in the milk. Place pan over medium low heat and slowly warm the mixture, stirring constantly.
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Once the mixture comes to a boil, the chocolate mixture will thicken. Remove from heat and continue to whisk until thick and smooth. Add chocolate chunks, butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon and cayenne pepper. Stir until the chocolate and butter has melted and is well-combined.
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Add pastry cream to a small bowl and cover with plastic wrap, making sure the plastic touches the top of the cream. Chill for at least 2 hours.
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When you are ready to make the doughnuts, flour a flat work surface and roll out the dough to approximately 1/2 inch thick. Using a 4 inch round cutter, cut out the doughnuts, placing them on a parchment lined baking sheet. Cover the rounds with plastic wrap and let rest for 45 minutes. They should be puffy!
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Add oil to a large, heavy bottomed pot (I used a Dutch oven) and heat over medium heat until oil is 350 degrees F.
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Fry the doughnuts in batches of approximately 2 to 3 rounds. Cook for approximately 2 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove when cooked and toss in cinnamon sugar. Set on plate aside. to cool.
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When the doughnuts are cooled, use a straw or chopstick to poke holes on either side of the doughnut.
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Fill a pastry bag, fitted with a small piping tip, with the chilled pastry cream. Pipe in the pastry cream on both sides of each doughnut, approximately 1/4 cup of cream on each side. Serve immediately.