Think of a donut. Now, imagine that donut, but with flaky, buttery layers like a croissant. That’s the magic of layered donuts! They’re a delightful twist on the classic treat, offering a unique texture that’s both soft and crisp, and they’ve become a bonafide food trend.
You’ve probably heard of the cronut, a croissant-donut hybrid, but there are plenty of other variations out there.
So, let’s dive into the delicious world of layered donuts, from easy homemade recipes to the best places to find them already made.
What is a Cronut?
So, about that Cronut… It’s basically the Frankenstein’s monster of pastries, a croissant-donut hybrid made with laminated dough. In other words, it’s got layers for days.
Pastry chef Dominique Ansel invented the Cronut back in 2013, and the world went wild.
The key to a good Cronut is that it’s crispy on the outside, buttery and tender on the inside. They’re usually filled with some sort of cream or custard and glazed to perfection.
The science of lamination
Understanding laminated dough
Lamination is the process of folding butter into dough to create layers. When the laminated dough is baked or fried, the steam separates those layers, creating a flaky texture.
Keeping the butter cold is key. You don’t want the butter to melt into the dough.
Ingredients for success
What you put in your dough will affect the finished product. For laminated donuts, the following ingredients will help you achieve the flakiest results:
- High-quality butter. A dry butter or European butter with a high butterfat content is best.
- Proper flour. All-purpose flour will do the trick.
Making Homemade Cronuts: A Simplified Approach
Making cronuts at home is a bit of a project, but it’s totally doable, especially if you streamline the process.
Dough Preparation
For the best flavor and easiest dough handling, let the dough ferment overnight in the refrigerator. It’ll make a world of difference.
Instead of the traditional lamination process, try a shortcut method to create those flaky layers.
Frying and Glazing
Keep your frying oil right around 350 degrees F. This is super important for getting the cronuts cooked just right.
Fry each side for about 90 to 120 seconds, until golden brown and gorgeous.
For glazing, you can go classic with a simple glaze or try something like a maple glaze.
Beyond Cronuts: Other Layered Donut Varieties
The cronut might be the most famous layered donut, but it’s not the only one. Lots of cultures have their own versions of this delicious treat.
For example, in some parts of the U.S. you can find “doughssants,” which are similar to cronuts but often have different fillings like lemon cream or chocolate ganache. In Germany, they have “Berliner Pfannkuchen,” which are jelly-filled donuts without a hole, but the dough is often layered and flaky like a croissant.
These layered donuts vary quite a bit in terms of dough (some are more bread-like, others are flaky), fillings, and toppings, proving that there’s a layered donut out there for everyone.
Layered doughnuts: the appeal
Why are layered doughnuts so popular? Here’s a look at some of the reasons.
Variety and flavors
Layered Doughnuts aims to offer more than 20 different flavors, with a focus on unique and innovative flavor combinations that you might not find anywhere else.
Quality ingredients and dietary options
The business emphasizes freshness and high-quality ingredients, along with gluten-free and vegan options, so more people can enjoy the treats.
To Conclude
Layered donuts offer a unique eating experience thanks to their flaky texture and the many ways they can be flavored and decorated.
Whether you try a homemade recipe or buy them from your local bakery, be sure to check out all the different varieties.
Layered donuts are a delicious, versatile treat that are sure to remain a favorite for years to come.