Caramel Lava Donuts – Easy Recipe Without a Stand Mixer

Caramel Lava Donuts

There’s just something magical about biting into a soft, pillowy donut and discovering a creamy, flavorful filling waiting inside. And when that filling is rich, golden caramel custard that melts in your mouth… well, that’s pure happiness in dessert form. 

These Caramel Lava Donuts are exactly that – indulgent, gooey, and unforgettable. What I love most about this recipe is that you don’t need fancy equipment like a stand mixer to make them. With just a few simple tools and a little bit of patience, you can whip up bakery-quality donuts right in your own kitchen. The dough is soft and fluffy, the custard is silky, and the caramel coating adds the perfect glossy finish. These donuts are not only a treat for your taste buds but also for your senses. 

The aroma of fried dough filling the kitchen, the sweet scent of caramel bubbling in the pan, and the golden color of freshly fried donuts dusted with caramel glaze—it’s an experience in itself. If you’ve ever thought donuts are too tricky to make at home, this recipe will change your mind. It’s straightforward, approachable, and absolutely worth the effort. 

So, tie up your apron, gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into the delicious world of homemade Caramel Lava Donuts.

Caramel Lava Donuts Recipe (Makes 12–14 Donuts)

Soft, fluffy donuts filled with creamy custard and topped with a rich caramel glaze. Each bite delivers a gooey, indulgent lava center. Perfect for anyone who loves caramel desserts!

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 2 whole eggs + 2 egg yolks
• 35g sugar
• 1g salt
• 6g instant yeast (for sweet dough), dissolved in 150g warm milk
• 400g bread flour
• 50g unsalted butter, softened

For the Custard Filling

• 2 egg whites
• 50g condensed milk
• 5g cornstarch
• 15g cake flour
• 350g milk
• 120g heavy cream

For the Caramel Glaze

• 200g sugar
• 100g water (2:1 sugar-to-water ratio)

Instructions

1. Make the Dough

1. Combine eggs, sugar, salt, yeast-milk mixture, and flour. Mix until no dry flour remains. Rest for 15 minutes.
2. Add the butter and knead until smooth. (Tip: Use a scraper instead of hands since the dough is sticky.)
3. Knead until elastic, then let the dough rise at room temperature until doubled in size.

2. Shape the Donuts

1. Deflate the dough and roll it out to about 1 cm thick.
2. Cut into 7 cm rounds and let proof for 50 minutes until puffy.

3. Fry the Donuts

1. Heat oil to around 160°C. Lower heat to medium-low.
2. Fry donuts until golden brown on both sides (flip just once per side).

4. Make the Custard

1. In a saucepan, whisk egg whites, condensed milk, cornstarch, and cake flour.
2. Gradually add milk and cream while whisking.
3. Cook over medium heat until thick and smooth. Let cool completely.

5. Make the Caramel Glaze

1. In a pan, cook sugar and water until it reaches a light amber color.
2. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before glazing.

6. Assemble

1. Fill each donut with cooled custard.
2. Dip or coat with caramel glaze.
3. Serve warm and enjoy the gooey caramel explosion in every bite!

Tips for Success

1. Don’t let the caramel cook too long, or it’ll taste bitter. Stop at golden amber.
2. When frying, flip donuts only once to avoid uneven puffing.
3. Proofing time depends on your room temperature—always go by the dough’s volume, not the clock.

Caramel Lava Donuts Q&A

1. Can I make the donuts without frying?

Yes, you can bake them at 180°C (350°F) for 12–15 minutes. However, frying gives them the softest, fluffiest texture.

2. How do I prevent the custard from becoming runny?

Make sure to cook the custard until thickened and let it cool completely before piping into the donuts. This ensures a gooey but stable lava texture.

3. Can I prepare the dough in advance?

Yes! After the first rise, refrigerate the dough overnight. The next day, shape, proof, and fry. Cold fermentation improves flavor too!

4. How do I keep the caramel glaze shiny?

Dip the donuts while the caramel glaze is slightly warm. Avoid refrigerating glazed donuts, as humidity dulls the shine.

5. How should I store leftover donuts?

Best enjoyed fresh! But you can store them in an airtight container at room temp for 1 day. For longer storage, refrigerate (up to 3 days) and reheat gently before serving.

These Caramel Lava Donuts are soft, golden, and filled with a creamy custard that bursts out with every bite. Perfect for sharing with friends, family, or simply treating yourself after a long day.