Sweet Rainbow Filled Doughnuts Recipe: A Colorful Treat

Sweet mornings sparkle with these vibrant rainbow filled doughnuts that burst with colorful magic.

Soft, pillowy dough becomes a canvas for delightful pastry creativity.

Each bite promises a whimsical journey through layers of sugary brilliance.

Homemade treats like these turn ordinary breakfasts into spectacular celebrations of flavor and fun.

The simple ingredients dance together, creating a dessert that looks as incredible as it tastes.

Bakers of all skill levels can craft these eye-catching treats that will absolutely dazzle everyone around the table.

Prepare to experience pure culinary joy with every delectable rainbow-swirled bite.

FAQs

  • Why do I need to activate the yeast?

Activating yeast helps ensure it’s alive and working, which is crucial for making the dough rise and creating soft, fluffy doughnuts.

  • Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, but reduce the liquid slightly and skip the activation step since instant yeast doesn’t require proofing.

  • How do I know if my dough has risen correctly?

The dough should approximately double in size and feel soft and puffy when gently pressed with a finger.

  • What if my dough doesn't rise?

Check that your yeast is fresh, the water temperature is warm (not hot), and the environment is draft-free and slightly warm.

Rainbow-Filled Doughnuts Create Smiles With Every Bite

  • Craft Colorful Delights: Transform ordinary doughnuts into a vibrant, eye-catching treat that brings joy and excitement to any gathering.
  • Beginner-Friendly Baking: Tackle this recipe with confidence, even if you're new to baking. Simple steps and clear instructions make it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.
  • Kid-Approved Creativity: Engage children in the kitchen by letting them help with coloring the filling or sprinkling decorations, turning baking into a fun family activity.
  • Wow-Worthy Presentation: Impress friends and family with stunning rainbow-filled doughnuts that look like they came from a professional bakery, perfect for special occasions or surprise treats.

Rainbow-Filled Doughnuts Ingredient Rundown For Colorful Results

Dough Ingredients:
  • Active Dry Yeast: A crucial ingredient that helps the dough rise and develop a light, fluffy texture.
  • Flour: The main structural component that provides the base for the doughnut's soft interior.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with yeast activation and browning.
  • Eggs: Contribute to the richness and structure of the dough.
  • Butter: Provides flavor and helps create a tender, soft doughnut.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dough.
  • Warm Water: Activates the yeast and helps combine the dough ingredients.
Filling and Coloring Ingredients:
  • Vanilla Pudding: The base for the colorful rainbow filling.
  • Food Coloring: Creates vibrant rainbow colors in the pudding.
  • Piping Bags: Essential for precise filling and color separation.
Glaze and Topping Ingredients:
  • Confectioner's Sugar, Whipping Cream: Create a smooth, sweet glaze for coating the doughnuts.
  • Rainbow Sprinkles: Add a festive and colorful finishing touch to the doughnuts.
  • Canola Oil: Used for deep-frying the doughnuts to achieve a golden brown exterior.

Rainbow-Filled Doughnuts Steps That Anyone Can Follow

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Grab your stand mixer and combine active dry yeast with warm water and a touch of sugar.

Wait patiently for about 10 minutes until the mixture gets super foamy, showing the yeast is ready to work its magic.

Step 2: Create Magical Dough

Toss in the flour, remaining sugar, eggs, softened butter, and a pinch of salt to the yeasty mixture.

Attach the dough hook and let the mixer work its charm for 5-7 minutes until the dough becomes silky smooth and stretchy.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a cozy kitchen towel.

Find a warm, snug spot in your kitchen and let the dough relax and grow for about an hour, watching it nearly double in size.

Step 4: Shape Delightful Circles

Sprinkle some flour on your work surface and roll out the dough to a 12-inch thickness.

Grab a round cookie cutter or a glass and start cutting perfect circles.

Transfer these doughy treasures to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 5: Second Rise of Excitement

Loosely cover the doughnut circles with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel.

Let them puff up and get even more beautiful for about 30 minutes.

Step 6: Prepare for Frying Adventure

Heat canola oil in a deep pan or Dutch oven until it reaches 350F.

Line a plate with paper towels, ready to catch those golden treats.

Step 7: Fry to Golden Perfection

Carefully lower 2-3 doughnuts into the hot oil.

Fry each side for 1-2 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Rescue them with a slotted spoon and let them rest on paper towels.

Step 8: Create Rainbow Filling

Divide vanilla pudding into six small bowls.

Go wild with food coloring:
  • Red
  • Orange
  • Yellow
  • Green
  • Blue
  • Purple

Mix each color thoroughly and transfer to piping bags.

Step 9: Fill with Colorful Magic

Once cooled, create a small hole in each doughnut.

Pipe in the rainbow pudding, either layering or swirling the colors for a spectacular effect.

Step 10: Whip Up the Glaze

In a medium bowl, whisk confectioner’s sugar and whipping cream until silky smooth.

Adjust consistency as needed – it should be thick but pourable.

Step 11: Decorate with Wow

Dip each filled doughnut into the glaze, letting excess drip off.

While still wet, shower with rainbow sprinkles.

Let them set on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before diving in!

Smart Baking Moves For Rainbow-Filled Doughnuts Perfection

  • Ensure water temperature is between 100-110°F to prevent killing the yeast, which can lead to dense doughnuts.
  • Add flour gradually while kneading to achieve a soft, slightly tacky dough that doesn't stick to your hands.
  • Maintain consistent oil temperature around 350°F and avoid overcrowding the pan for evenly golden, crispy doughnuts.
  • Use gel food coloring for more intense, vivid colors without altering pudding texture.
  • Let doughnuts cool slightly before glazing to prevent running and ensure a smooth, even coating.

Rainbow-Filled Doughnuts Flavor Styles For Creative Cooks

  • Gluten-Free Rainbow Doughnuts: Replace wheat flour with a blend of gluten-free flour mix, xanthan gum, and almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Rainbow Doughnuts: Substitute eggs with mashed bananas, use coconut milk instead of dairy, and replace butter with coconut oil for a plant-based alternative.
  • Baked Rainbow Doughnuts: Skip frying and bake the doughnuts in a preheated oven at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, creating a lighter, less greasy option.
  • Low-Sugar Rainbow Doughnuts: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, and replace traditional pudding with a sugar-free vanilla pudding mix for a diabetic-friendly treat.

Ways To Share Rainbow-Filled Doughnuts With Everyone

  • Rainbow Explosion Plating: Arrange doughnuts on a bright white plate in a playful arc, showcasing their vibrant rainbow-filled centers. Create visual drama by slightly cutting each doughnut open to reveal the colorful pudding layers.
  • Sweet Breakfast Companion: Pair these doughnuts with a cold glass of milk or a creamy vanilla latte. The rich, colorful treat complements morning beverages perfectly, making breakfast feel like a special celebration.
  • Festive Party Centerpiece: Use these doughnuts as a stunning dessert for children's birthday parties or pride events. Their rainbow colors and whimsical design will delight guests and become an instant conversation starter.

Storage Secrets For Rainbow-Filled Doughnuts Softness

  • Store filled rainbow doughnuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep them away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
  • Consume unfilled doughnuts within 24 hours for the best texture and freshness. Place them in a sealed container at room temperature, keeping them away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
  • Wrap unfilled, unglazed doughnuts individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature for about 1 hour before serving.
  • Avoid refrigerating filled doughnuts for extended periods, as the pudding can separate and lose its vibrant texture. Prepare and fill doughnuts close to serving time for optimal taste and appearance.
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Rainbow Filled Doughnuts Recipe


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4.9 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Colorful rainbow doughnuts bring pure joy to dessert tables with their whimsical charm. Sweet glazed pastries invite bakers to explore playful culinary creativity while delighting friends and family with delicious, eye-catching treats.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2.5 cups vanilla pudding
  • 1.5 cups confectioner’s sugar
  • 0.5 cup whipping cream

Liquid and Activation Ingredients:

  • 0.5 cup warm water (105-110°F)
  • 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (for yeast)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
  • Canola oil for frying

Seasoning and Decorative Ingredients:

  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • Rainbow food coloring (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple)
  • Rainbow sprinkles for decoration

Instructions

  1. Dissolve yeast in warm water with a hint of sugar, allowing it to bloom and become frothy for approximately 10 minutes.
  2. Incorporate flour, remaining sugar, eggs, softened butter, and salt into the yeast mixture. Mechanically knead using a stand mixer with dough hook until achieving a smooth, elastic consistency.
  3. Shield the dough with plastic wrap and position in a warm environment. Allow it to expand and rise until volume doubles, roughly 60 minutes.
  4. Transfer dough onto a lightly dusted surface. Roll to approximately 12-inch thickness, then craft circular shapes using a cookie cutter or glass. Arrange cut doughnuts on parchment-lined baking sheet.
  5. Loosely drape doughnuts with plastic wrap, permitting a secondary rise for 30 minutes until they appear puffy and expanded.
  6. Heat canola oil in a deep vessel to precisely 350°F. Prepare a paper towel-lined surface for draining excess oil post-frying.
  7. Gently submerge 2-3 doughnuts into hot oil, avoiding overcrowding. Fry each side for 1-2 minutes until achieving a rich golden hue. Extract with a slotted spoon and drain thoroughly.
  8. Segment vanilla pudding into six containers. Infuse each with distinct food coloring, creating vibrant rainbow hues. Transfer colored mixtures into piping apparatus.
  9. After slight cooling, create a discreet entry point on each doughnut’s side. Inject rainbow-colored pudding, either layering or swirling for visual intrigue.
  10. Construct glaze by whisking confectioner’s sugar with whipping cream until achieving a smooth, pourable consistency. Adjust liquid or sugar as needed.
  11. Immerse doughnut tops into glaze, allowing excess to cascade. While surface remains tacky, sprinkle with colorful decorations. Rest on wire rack for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Control yeast activation by ensuring water temperature is between 100-110°F, which helps activate without killing the microorganisms and guarantees perfect dough rise.
  • Prevent doughnuts from absorbing excess oil by maintaining consistent oil temperature around 350°F and avoiding overcrowding during frying.
  • Handle dough gently during shaping to preserve air pockets, ensuring light and fluffy texture in the final doughnut.
  • Create dairy-free version by substituting butter with coconut oil and using plant-based milk in pudding for inclusive dietary options.
  • Prep Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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