Cream Cheese Doughnuts Recipe (Papanasi)

Delicious Romanian Cream Cheese Doughnuts (Papanasi) On a White Plate

Video Recipe

The Cream Cheese Papanasi Twist

Hey everyone! If you’re a fan of Papanasi, you’re in for a treat. Among the many delightful versions of this classic, the cream cheese variant has carved a special niche for itself. Staying true to the heart of the traditional recipe, this twist brings in cream cheese, adding a layer of richness and a flavor that’s hard to resist.

Why Opt for Cream Cheese Doughnuts?

Now, you might wonder, why cream cheese in doughnuts? Well, these doughnuts, with their soft, melt-in-the-mouth texture and deep flavor, have won over many hearts. They beautifully balance the tangy notes of cream cheese with the sugary sweetness we all love in doughnuts. Whether you’re planning a cozy brunch, searching for the perfect dessert, or just craving something sweet, these doughnuts are a surefire hit!

A Little Backstory on Cream Cheese Doughnuts

While most of us think of doughnuts with classic sugar coatings or rich chocolate drizzles, the cream cheese variant has its own charming story to tell. It’s believed that the idea of adding cream cheese to doughnuts was inspired by the creamy fillings of European pastries. When merged with the fluffy goodness of the classic American doughnut, what we get is a dessert that’s a delightful blend of two worlds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Cream Cheese โ€“ 300 grams or 10.5 ounces
  • Flour โ€“ 220 grams or 7.7 ounces
  • Eggs โ€“ 2
  • Baking Powder โ€“ 10 grams or a little over 2 tsp
  • Salt โ€“ a pinch
  • Vanilla Extract โ€“ 1 teaspoon
  • Lemon Zest โ€“ from 1 lemon

Serving Ingredients

Traditional Cheese Doughnuts Ingredients.
  • Sour Cream โ€“ 500 grams or 2 cups
  • Fruit Jelly โ€“ 250 grams or 1 cup

How to Make Cream Cheese Doughnuts (Papanasi)

1. Mix the Ingredients

Process Shots Showing How to Make Cream Cheese Doughnuts.

Mix the cream cheese with eggs, vanilla extract, salt, and lemon zest.

2. Blend in Flour and Baking Powder

Process Shots Showing How to Make Cream Cheese Doughnuts.

Incorporate the flour and baking powder and blend until it’s well combined.

3. Shape the Doughnuts

Process Shots Showing How to Make Cream Cheese Doughnuts.

Form the mixture into doughnuts.

4. Fry the Doughnuts

Process Shots Showing How to Make Cream Cheese Doughnuts.

Fry them in sunflower oil until golden crisp.

5. Serve with Toppings

Process Shots Showing How to Make Cream Cheese Doughnuts.

Serve with sour cream and your choice of fruit jelly.

If You Canโ€™t Find Cream Cheese, You Have 2 Alternatives:

  1. Ricotta Cheese Doughnuts Recipe.
  2. Traditional Cheese Doughnuts Recipe.

FAQ

1. How long can I store cream cheese doughnuts?

Due to the dairy content, it’s recommended to store them in the refrigerator if not consumed within a day. They can last for up to 3-4 days when refrigerated.

2. Can I add fillings to cream cheese doughnuts?

Absolutely! Fillings like fruit jams, custards, or even chocolate ganache can be piped into the center for an added treat.

Delicious Romanian Cream Cheese Doughnuts (Papanasi) On a White Plate

Cream Cheese Doughnuts Recipe (Papanasi)

Yield: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Additional Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Indulge in the rich and delightful flavors of Papanasi, a traditional Romanian dessert that's sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. These cream cheese doughnuts are soft, fluffy, and infused with hints of vanilla and lemon zest. Fried to a perfect golden brown, they are best enjoyed warm, topped with a dollop of sour cream and a generous spoonful of your favorite fruit jelly. Whether you're serving them for breakfast, dessert, or a special treat, Papanasi promises a mouthwatering experience that will transport you straight to the heart of Romanian culinary traditions.

Ingredients

  • Cream cheese โ€“ 300 grams or 10.5 ounces
  • Flour โ€“ 220 grams or 7.7 ounces
  • Eggs โ€“ 2
  • Baking powder โ€“ 10 grams or a little over 2 tsp
  • Salt โ€“ a pinch
  • Vanilla extract โ€“ 1 teaspoon
  • Lemon zest โ€“ from 1 lemon

Serving Ingredients

  • Sour cream โ€“ 500 grams or 2 cups
  • Fruit jelly โ€“ 250 grams or 1 cup

Instructions

  1. Mix the cream cheese with eggs, vanilla extract, salt, and lemon zest.Process Shots Showing How to Make Cream Cheese Doughnuts.
  2. Incorporate the flour and baking powder and blend until it’s well combined.Process Shots Showing How to Make Cream Cheese Doughnuts.
  3. Form the mixture into doughnuts.Process Shots Showing How to Make Cream Cheese Doughnuts.
  4. Fry them in sunflower oil until golden crisp.Process Shots Showing How to Make Cream Cheese Doughnuts.
  5. Serve with sour cream and your choice of fruit jelly.Process Shots Showing How to Make Cream Cheese Doughnuts.

Notes

Texture: The dough made with cream cheese will be sticky, but this is normal. If the dough is too sticky, it's recommended to use some vegetable oil on your hands while shaping.

Frying: Fry them on low to medium power for about 5 minutes on both sides until they turn golden.

Serving: Serve the cream cheese papanasi with sour cream and fruit jelly of your choice. The combination of sour cream and fruit jelly complements the cheesiness of the papanasi.

Taste: Papanasi made with cream cheese will have a soft, moist texture and will be delicious, though not identical in taste to the traditional version.

Importance of Texture: Regardless of the cheese used, the texture of the dough is crucial. A soft dough leads to fluffy papanasi. If the dough is too hard or dense, the resulting papanasi will also be dense.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 350g
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 558Total Fat: 27gSaturated Fat: 28gUnsaturated Fat: 10.8gCholesterol: 90mgCarbohydrates: 57gSugar: 12.7gProtein: 14g

The nutritional information provided is approximate and for reference purposes only. Actual values may vary due to factors such as product brands, preparation methods, and ingredient substitutions. The provided values may not include all nutrients and should not be relied upon as the sole source of nutritional information. Always read product labels and consider individual factors when making dietary choices. We are not responsible for any inaccuracies or adverse effects resulting from the use of this information.

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Author

  • Diana

    Hey! I’m Diana. a 30-year-old culinary enthusiast with a passion for creating mouthwatering dishes that tantalize your taste buds. With over 15 years of cooking experience under my apron, I’ve spent countless hours in the kitchen honing my skills, experimenting with flavors, and discovering the most delectable recipes.

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