Boston Cream Donuts

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:

  1. 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.
  2. Let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.

Shaping:

  1. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ½ inch thickness. Cut out doughnuts using a doughnut cutter.
  2. Let the shaped doughnuts rise again on a baking sheet for about 30 minutes.

Frying:

  1. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the doughnuts in batches, turning once, until golden brown.
  2. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Custard Filling:

  1. In a saucepan, heat milk and sugar until just simmering. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks and cornstarch.
  2. Gradually pour hot milk into yolks, whisking constantly. Return mixture to the pan and cook over low heat, stirring until thick.
  3. Remove from heat, add vanilla, and let cool. Once cool, fill a piping bag with the custard.

Filling the Doughnuts:

  1. Using a small knife, make a hole in the side of each doughnut. Pipe custard into the doughnuts until filled.

Chocolate Glaze:

  1. In a bowl, mix powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  2. Dip the top of each filled doughnut into the chocolate glaze.
  3. 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.