Boston Cream Donuts
Boston Cream Donuts are a delightful treat that perfectly marries the rich flavors of creamy custard and luscious chocolate with a soft, fluffy dough. These donuts are an indulgent twist on the classic Boston cream pie, and they make for a fantastic dessert or sweet snack. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply treating yourself, these homemade donuts will impress everyone around.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something magical about biting into a freshly made Boston Cream Donut. The combination of warm, pillowy dough, velvety custard filling, and glossy chocolate glaze creates a symphony of flavors that’s hard to resist. Not only are they delicious, but making them from scratch is a rewarding experience. You can customize the sweetness, play with the filling, or even experiment with different toppings. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the smell of frying dough wafting through your kitchen!
What’s in the Bowl
To create these Boston Cream Donuts, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 packets rapid rise yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 egg yolks
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
Prep & Cook Tools
Having the right tools will make your donut-making experience smoother. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Mixing bowls: For combining the dough ingredients.
- Roller pin: To roll out the dough to the perfect thickness.
- Donut cutter: For shaping your donuts. Alternatively, use two different-sized round cutters.
- Frying thermometer: To ensure the oil is at the right temperature for frying.
- Slotted spoon: For removing donuts from the oil.
- Cooling rack: To let excess oil drip off the donuts.
Build Boston Cream Donuts Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk (about 110°F), 1 tablespoon of sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the frothy yeast mixture, egg yolks, and melted butter. Stir until combined.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Step 4: Roll and Cut the Donuts
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter to cut out the shapes. Place them on a floured baking sheet and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 5: Fry the Donuts
In a deep pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F. Fry the donuts for about 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove them with a slotted spoon and transfer to a cooling rack.
Step 6: Make the Custard Filling
In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually stir in the milk and cook over medium heat until it thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the egg yolk, butter, and vanilla extract. Allow it to cool completely before filling the donuts.
Step 7: Fill the Donuts
Once your donuts are cooled, use a piping bag to fill them with the custard. You can insert the tip into the side of the donut to fill it evenly.
Step 8: Prepare the Chocolate Glaze
In a small saucepan, heat the heavy whipping cream until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add the chocolate chips. Stir until smooth and glossy.
Step 9: Glaze the Donuts
Dip the tops of the filled donuts into the chocolate glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Place them back on the cooling rack to set.
Variations for Dietary Needs
If you’re looking to modify this recipe, consider these options:
- Gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-free: Use almond milk or oat milk and coconut oil instead of butter.
- Lower sugar: Reduce the amount of sugar in the custard and dough to suit your taste.
- Vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based butter and milk alternatives.
Chef’s Notes
When making Boston Cream Donuts, ensure that your oil temperature is consistent for even cooking. If the oil is too hot, the donuts will brown too quickly on the outside while remaining raw on the inside. Using a thermometer is key for perfect frying. Also, allow the custard to cool completely before filling the donuts to prevent sogginess.
Save for Later: Storage Tips
These Boston Cream Donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them without the glaze. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave for a few seconds, then glaze before serving.
Boston Cream Donuts FAQs
Can I make the custard ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the custard up to a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container until you’re ready to fill the donuts.
How do I know when the donuts are done frying?
The donuts should be golden brown on the outside and fluffy on the inside. You can also check the internal temperature; it should be around 190°F when fully cooked.
What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it may be due to inactive yeast. Ensure your yeast is fresh and that you’re using warm (but not hot) liquid to activate it.
Can I use different fillings besides custard?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with fruit preserves, chocolate mousse, or even whipped cream for a variety of delicious fillings.
Bring It Home
These Boston Cream Donuts are not just a treat; they’re a celebration of flavors and textures. With each bite, you’ll experience the creamy custard, the rich chocolate, and the soft donut that brings everything together in a blissful harmony. Whether you’re indulging on a quiet Sunday morning or sharing them with friends at a gathering, these donuts are sure to bring smiles and satisfied taste buds. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and start creating these heavenly Boston Cream Donuts that are bound to become a favorite in your home. Happy frying!
Boston Cream Donuts
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Prepare the Dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk (about 110°F), 1 tablespoon of sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the frothy yeast mixture, egg yolks, and melted butter. Stir until combined.
- Step 3: Knead the Dough. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Step 4: Roll and Cut the Donuts. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a donut cutter to cut out the shapes. Place them on a floured baking sheet and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Step 5: Fry the Donuts. In a deep pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F. Fry the donuts for about 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove them with a slotted spoon and transfer to a cooling rack.
- Step 6: Make the Custard Filling. In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually stir in the milk and cook over medium heat until it thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the egg yolk, butter, and vanilla extract. Allow it to cool completely before filling the donuts.
- Step 7: Fill the Donuts. Once your donuts are cooled, use a piping bag to fill them with the custard. You can insert the tip into the side of the donut to fill it evenly.
- Step 8: Prepare the Chocolate Glaze. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy whipping cream until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add the chocolate chips. Stir until smooth and glossy.
- Step 9: Glaze the Donuts. Dip the tops of the filled donuts into the chocolate glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Place them back on the cooling rack to set.
Notes
- Fry donuts at the right temperature for even cooking.
- Cool custard completely before filling to avoid sogginess.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
