The Donut Tresse: A Twist on a Classic Treat
In the world of pastries, the donut holds a special place in many hearts. From the classic glazed to the more intricate fillings and toppings, there’s a donut flavor and style for everyone. Enter the “Donut Tresse”, a delightful twist (quite literally) on the beloved classic. With its braided design and hint of cinnamon, this donut not only offers a visual feast but also an explosion of flavors that are hard to resist.
Ingredients:
- Flour: 3 cups – The foundation for any good donut, providing the structure and base.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons – For that added richness and flavor.
- Baker’s Yeast: 7 grams – The magical ingredient that makes the dough rise and become fluffy.
- Sugar: 5 tablespoons – For sweetness, of course.
- Milk: 1 cup – Adds moisture and helps in achieving the right consistency.
- Egg: 1 – Acts as a binder and adds richness.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon – Enhances flavor.
- Oil: For frying – Because what’s a donut without that crispy outer layer?
- Cinnamon Powder: ½ tablespoon – For that hint of warmth and spice.
Steps to Create Your Donut Tresse:
- Activate the Yeast: Begin by placing the yeast in a bowl. Add some lukewarm water to dissolve it. Mix in the flour and blend well. Use a robot or bread machine for the best results, but if you’re going traditional, kneading by hand works too.
- Introduce Wet Ingredients: Pour in the milk, followed by 2 tablespoons of sugar and the egg. Incorporate the salt next. After working the dough for about 3 minutes until smooth, introduce the softened butter. This will make your dough glisten.
- Let it Rise: Form your dough into a ball. Cover it with cling film and let it rest for an hour, allowing it to rise and expand.
- Shape Your Donuts: Once the dough has doubled in size, divide it into equally-sized portions. Roll them into balls and shape them however you desire. For the Tresse, we’re aiming for a braided look.
- Second Rise: Place your shaped donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow them to rest and rise for another 30 minutes. They will puff up, signaling they are ready for frying.
- Fry and Finish: Fry each donut for about 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Once fried, drain the excess oil and roll them in a mix of sugar and cinnamon powder. Alternatively, you can drench them in your favorite frosting.
Whether you’re a donut aficionado or someone looking to try their hand at homemade pastries, the Donut Tresse is an exciting recipe to experiment with. Its braided look makes it stand out from the regular round donuts, while the cinnamon twist adds an extra layer of flavor. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a dessert treat, this is one pastry that’s bound to impress!
