Pampushky are traditional Ukrainian doughnuts known for their incredibly light, airy texture and sweet, fruity filling. Unlike typical yeast doughnuts, these are made with a rich dough enriched with eggs, butter, and lemon zest, resulting in a tender crumb that puffs up beautifully when deep-fried. The classic filling is rose preserve, which offers a delicate floral sweetness that contrasts perfectly with the savory richness of the dough. These treats are best served fresh, dusted with powdered sugar, and enjoyed with a hot cup of tea or coffee. They are a wonderful addition to holiday tables, particularly during Christmas, or as a special weekend baking project. The process requires some patience for rising and careful frying to achieve that signature “light as air” quality, but the result is a nostalgic, homemade delight that brings warmth and comfort to any gathering.
Pampushky (Raised Doughnuts With Filling)
Description
Pampushky are traditional Ukrainian doughnuts known for their incredibly light, airy texture and sweet, fruity filling. Unlike typical yeast doughnuts, these are made with a rich dough enriched with eggs, butter, and lemon zest, resulting in a tender crumb that puffs up beautifully when deep-fried. The classic filling is rose preserve, which offers a delicate floral sweetness that contrasts perfectly with the savory richness of the dough. These treats are best served fresh, dusted with powdered sugar, and enjoyed with a hot cup of tea or coffee. They are a wonderful addition to holiday tables, particularly during Christmas, or as a special weekend baking project. The process requires some patience for rising and careful frying to achieve that signature "light as air" quality, but the result is a nostalgic, homemade delight that brings warmth and comfort to any gathering.Ingredients
Directions
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Combine sugar and water in a bowl, sprinkle with yeast, and let stand until soft and foamy.
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Heat milk until lukewarm, then add it to the yeast mixture along with 1/4 cup of flour; beat well, cover, and let rise until bubbly, about 10 minutes.
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In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together until smooth.
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Beat eggs and egg yolks together, then blend into the butter-sugar mixture, beating thoroughly until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
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Grate lemon zest until all yellow color is removed, then add the zest, vanilla, and the risen yeast mixture to the egg-butter mixture.
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Mix in 4 cups of flour, adding more if necessary, until a soft dough forms.
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Knead the dough by hand for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
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Place dough in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk.
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Punch down the dough, knead briefly, and let rise again until doubled.
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Divide the dough into 4 parts.
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On a lightly floured surface, roll one part into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick.
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Place 1 teaspoon of rose preserve at evenly spaced intervals on the dough, or use a 2 1/2-inch cutter to form impressions and fill them.
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Roll out a second portion of dough to the same thickness and gently lay it over the first layer, covering the filling.
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Cut circles from the layered dough using a cutter; the filling should show through the center.
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Place cut doughnuts on a lightly floured cookie sheet and let rise until doubled in size.
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Repeat the rolling and cutting process with remaining dough, using scraps last.
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Heat oil or shortening to 375F (191C) in a deep fryer or wide skillet.
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Fry 5 or 6 doughnuts at a time, ensuring they are not crowded, until golden on one side.
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Flip with a spoon and fry the other side until golden and puffed.
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Drain on paper towels, then sprinkle with powdered sugar when slightly cooled.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 10
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 1286.7kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 4.7g8%
- Saturated Fat 1.0g5%
- Cholesterol 0.3mg1%
- Sodium 276.8mg12%
- Total Carbohydrate 268.5g90%
- Dietary Fiber 11.1g45%
- Sugars 9.4g
- Protein 35.5g71%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
The original ingredient list included butter, sugar, eggs, egg yolks, salt, vanilla, lemon zest, rose preserve, and powdered sugar which were missing from the main ingredient list but essential for the recipe. Ensure you have these on hand.
If rose preserve is unavailable, any dry-fruit preserve or apricot jam works well as a substitute.
Do not crowd the fryer, as this lowers the oil temperature and causes the doughnuts to absorb too much grease.
Test oil temperature by frying a small piece of bread; it should bubble and turn golden quickly. The fat should not be smoking.
Serve fresh with tea or coffee for the best experience.
