Airy Oven-Baked Carnival Doughnuts with Strawberry Jam

Carnival season is an exciting time for many families. These airy, oven-baked doughnuts bring that colorful festive mood right into your kitchen. Baking them in the oven makes them lighter than the traditional deep-fried version, making them a wonderful treat for children from three years onward. Kneading and filling the dough together also supports the fine motor skills of your little helpers.

Ingredients

• 250 g all purpose flour
• 100 ml lukewarm milk or plant based alternative
• 30 g soft butter
• 1 egg (organic if possible)
• 2 tbsp raw cane sugar
• 21 g fresh yeast (half a cube)
• 1 pinch of vanilla powder
• 100 g smooth strawberry jam
• A little powdered sugar for dusting

Preparation

1. Dissolve the yeast in the lukewarm milk and let it rest for a few minutes.
2. Combine the flour, sugar, vanilla, egg, and soft butter in a large bowl. Add the yeast mixture and knead everything into a smooth dough.
3. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about 60 minutes, until it has noticeably increased in size.
4. Shape the dough into six to eight equal balls and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Let them rest for another 20 minutes.
5. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Bake the doughnuts for about 15 minutes until golden brown.
6. Let them cool completely after baking. Fill the jam into a piping bag and gently pipe it into the side of each doughnut.
7. Dust lightly with powdered sugar before serving. Always check the temperature of the filling before your child takes a bite.

Variations and Tips

• Instead of strawberry jam, you can easily use applesauce or a mild plum jam.
• The doughnuts can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. They also freeze very well if you leave them unfilled.
• This recipe is easy to double for the whole family. Adults often enjoy a filling of chocolate cream or vanilla custard.
• If your child prefers plain pastries, these soft dough balls taste delicious without any filling at all.

Allergy and Safety Information

• This recipe contains wheat (gluten), egg, and milk (lactose). If your child has allergies, you can easily swap these for plant based and gluten free alternatives.
• Always introduce new ingredients one at a time and in small amounts to monitor for any reactions.
• Make sure young children are seated upright and chewing calmly while eating.
• If you have any concerns about your child's diet or potential food intolerances, please consult your pediatrician.

Nutritional Information

The yeast dough provides valuable carbohydrates from the flour, giving children plenty of energy for an exciting day of celebrations. The milk contributes a little calcium. Baking these in the oven saves a lot of fat, making this pastry particularly gentle on little tummies.