Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup lukewarm water
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Special Equipment Needed:
- Deep-fry thermometer
- Electric mixer
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
- Serving platter
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, salt, and active dry yeast. Mix well.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together lukewarm water, milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until well combined. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise for 1 hour.
4. In the meantime, prepare the cream cheese filling. In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F (190°C) on a deep-fry thermometer.
6. Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, drop small balls of dough into the hot oil, working in batches. Fry the dough balls until golden brown, turning occasionally with a slotted spoon, for about 2-3 minutes.
7. Remove the loukoumades from the oil with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
8. Using a piping bag or a small spoon, fill each loukoumades with the cream cheese filling.
9. Arrange the filled loukoumades on a serving platter and dust with powdered sugar.
Time:
Preparation time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
Oil temperature: 375°F (190°C)
Serving size:
This recipe makes about 24-30 vanilla-cream cheese loukoumades.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 120
Total fat: 7g
Saturated fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 75mg
Total carbohydrate: 12g
Dietary fiber: 0g
Total sugars: 7g
Protein: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast.
- You can use any type of milk you prefer, such as almond milk or soy milk.
- You can use any type of cream cheese you prefer, such as low-fat or vegan cream cheese.
- You can use any type of oil suitable for frying, such as canola oil or peanut oil.
Variations:
- You can add lemon zest or orange zest to the dough for a citrusy flavor.
- You can add cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a spiced flavor.
- You can use chocolate ganache or caramel sauce instead of cream cheese filling.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the oil temperature is accurate to prevent the loukoumades from being undercooked or burnt.
- Use a cookie scoop or spoon to make uniform-sized dough balls.
- Fill the loukoumades with the cream cheese filling right before serving to prevent them from getting soggy.
- Dust the loukoumades with powdered sugar just before serving to keep them fresh.
Storage Instructions:
Store the unfilled loukoumades in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Fill them with the cream cheese filling just before serving.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat the unfilled loukoumades in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-7 minutes until warm. Fill them with the cream cheese filling just before serving.
Presentation Ideas:
Arrange the filled loukoumades on a platter and sprinkle with powdered sugar. You can also drizzle them with chocolate sauce or caramel sauce for an extra touch.
Garnishes:
You can garnish the loukoumades with fresh berries, chopped nuts, or edible flowers.
Pairings:
Serve the vanilla-cream cheese loukoumades with a cup of hot coffee or tea.
Suggested Side Dishes:
These loukoumades are perfect as a dessert on their own, but you can also serve them with fresh fruit or ice cream.
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little bit more flour until it becomes manageable.
- If the dough is too dry, add a little bit more water until it becomes smooth.
- If the loukoumades are not puffing up, make sure the oil temperature is hot enough.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the oil temperature and prevent accidents.
- Always handle hot oil with caution and use a slotted spoon to remove the loukoumades from the pot.
- Store the unfilled loukoumades in an airtight container to prevent contamination.
Food History:
Loukoumades are a traditional Greek dessert that dates back to ancient times. They are small, fluffy dough balls that are deep-fried and drizzled with honey or syrup.
Flavor Profiles:
These vanilla-cream cheese loukoumades are sweet, creamy, and slightly tangy. The vanilla extract adds a subtle floral note to the dough, while the cream cheese filling provides a rich and decadent flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these vanilla-cream cheese loukoumades as a sweet treat after a Greek-inspired meal or as a snack with coffee or tea.
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Region: Greek