Hungarian Donuts with Chocolate Cream (Szalagos Fánk)

Szalagos Fánk is one of Hungary’s most beloved traditional doughnuts. These light, fluffy yeast-raised doughnuts are fried until golden and are traditionally served with jam, powdered sugar, or a rich chocolate filling. The name szalagos refers to the characteristic pale “ribbon” around the middle that appears when the doughnuts are fried properly.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• ¾ cup lukewarm milk
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 3 egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon rum or rum extract, optional
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Chocolate Cream

• 4 oz dark or semi-sweet chocolate
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar, optional
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For Finishing

• Powdered sugar
• Extra chocolate cream or apricot jam, for serving