Boston Cream Donuts are a decadent twist on the classic donut, featuring a rich custard filling and a smooth chocolate glaze atop a fluffy, yeast-raised donut. These donuts combine the velvety texture of cream with the sweet crunch of glazed donut, offering a delightful treat that’s hard to resist. Perfect for a special brunch or an indulgent snack, Boston Cream Donuts bring a touch of bakery-style sophistication to your kitchen.
This recipe pays homage to the beloved Boston cream pie but in a portable donut form. By incorporating a luxurious vanilla custard filling and a rich chocolate topping, these donuts offer a multi-layered taste experience that’s both satisfying and impressively elegant. Whether you’re sharing with friends or treating yourself, these donuts are sure to be a hit, combining traditional flavors with the fun of home frying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Gourmet at Home: Create a bakery-quality treat in your own kitchen, complete with custard filling and chocolate glaze.
- Perfect Combination: The creamy filling and rich glaze complement the light, airy dough beautifully.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for impressing guests or bringing a special touch to family breakfasts.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 500g all-purpose flour
- 60g sugar
- 1 packet dry yeast
- 250ml warm milk
- 50g melted butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Oil for frying
For the Custard Filling:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 4 egg yolks
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Glaze:
- 200g powdered sugar
- 4 tbsp cocoa powder
- 3-4 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
Dough Preparation:
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and yeast. Add warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
Shaping:
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ½ inch thickness. Cut out doughnuts using a doughnut cutter.
- Let the shaped doughnuts rise again on a baking sheet for about 30 minutes.
Frying:
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the doughnuts in batches, turning once, until golden brown.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
Custard Filling:
- In a saucepan, heat milk and sugar until just simmering. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks and cornstarch.
- Gradually pour hot milk into yolks, whisking constantly. Return mixture to the pan and cook over low heat, stirring until thick.
- Remove from heat, add vanilla, and let cool. Once cool, fill a piping bag with the custard.
Filling the Doughnuts:
- Using a small knife, make a hole in the side of each doughnut. Pipe custard into the doughnuts until filled.
Chocolate Glaze:
- In a bowl, mix powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Dip the top of each filled doughnut into the chocolate glaze.
- Set on a rack to let the glaze set.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerator: Store filled and glazed doughnuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Tips:
- Smooth Filling: Ensure the custard is smooth and lump-free by straining it if necessary.
- Even Glazing: For a smooth glaze, make sure the chocolate mixture is free of lumps by sifting the powdered sugar and cocoa powder.
- Serving: These doughnuts are best served the same day they are made to enjoy the freshness and texture.
Boston Cream Donuts are not just a treat but an experience, bringing together the joy of doughnut-making with the elegance of classic desserts. Enjoy crafting these at home for a truly special addition to any dessert table or morning treat lineup.