Boston Cream Donuts Recipe – Best Dessert for Breakfast

If you’re a donut lover and enjoy the creamy, decadent filling of a Boston Cream Pie, then these Boston Cream Donuts will quickly become your favorite morning treat. This recipe offers a fluffy donut filled with smooth vanilla custard and topped with a rich chocolate glaze. It’s a breakfast dessert that feels indulgent, but also brings comfort and nostalgia!

What Are Boston Cream Donuts?

Boston Cream Donuts are inspired by the famous Boston Cream Pie, a beloved dessert that features layers of sponge cake filled with creamy custard and topped with chocolate glaze. The donut version takes all the delicious elements and transforms them into a portable, easy-to-enjoy treat.

These donuts are filled with homemade vanilla custard and glazed with a luscious layer of chocolate. They are perfect for a breakfast treat or as a decadent dessert to enjoy with a cup of coffee.

Ingredients

For the Donut Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (or cane sugar)
• 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 2 large eggs
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
• Vegetable oil for frying (canola or peanut oil)

For the Custard Cream Filling:

• 2 cups whole milk (organic for best flavor)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 2 tsp vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste for richer flavor)
• Pinch of salt

For the Chocolate Glaze:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (dark chocolate for a richer flavor)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or double cream for a thicker glaze)

Optional Substitutions:

• Dairy-Free: Use almond milk or oat milk for the filling.
• Vegan Glaze: Replace the chocolate glaze with coconut cream for a chocolate vegan option.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the donut dough.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Donut Dough

1. Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This activates the yeast, helping your dough rise properly.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the sugar, eggs, and softened butter to the yeast mixture. Stir until everything is combined.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Slowly incorporate the flour and salt, stirring until a dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough: On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it’s soft and elastic.
5. Let It Rise: Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rise for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Custard Filling

1. Heat the Milk: In a saucepan, warm the milk over medium heat until it starts to boil.
2. Mix Egg Yolks and Sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt.
3. Combine Milk and Yolk Mixture: Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to avoid curdling.
4. Cook the Custard: Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook, stirring frequently, until it thickens (about 3 minutes). Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
5. Chill the Custard: Pour the custard into a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (directly on top of the custard to prevent a skin from forming), and refrigerate until it’s cool.

Step 3: Shape and Fry the Donuts

1. Roll the Dough: Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/2-inch thickness.
2. Cut Out Donut Shapes: Use a donut cutter or a round glass to cut the dough into circles. Let the donuts rest for 30 minutes to rise.
3. Heat the Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
4. Fry the Donuts: Fry the donuts for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Be careful not to overcrowd the frying pan.
5. Drain: Remove the donuts from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Fill the Donuts

1. Prepare the Piping Bag: Transfer the chilled custard into a piping bag fitted with a small round tip.
2. Fill the Donuts: Make a small hole in the side of each donut and pipe in the custard filling until the donut is about half full.

Step 5: Make the Chocolate Glaze

1. Heat the Cream: In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it’s simmering.
2. Melt the Chocolate: Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips in a bowl and let it sit for 2 minutes. Stir until the chocolate is smooth and glossy.

Step 6: Glaze the Donuts

1. Dip the Donuts: Dip the top of each filled donut into the chocolate glaze, allowing any excess glaze to drip off.
2. Let the Glaze Set: Place the donuts on a wire rack and let the glaze set for about 5-10 minutes.

Helpful Tips for Perfect Boston Cream Donuts:

• Donut Dough: Make sure your yeast is fresh to get the perfect rise in the dough.
• Chilled Custard: Ensure the custard is completely cooled before filling the donuts for smooth piping.
• Oil Temperature: Maintain the frying oil at a steady temperature (350°F) to ensure the donuts are cooked through without being greasy.
• Glaze Consistency: If the glaze is too thick, add a little more cream. If it’s too runny, heat it gently until it thickens up.

Serving Suggestions:

• Coffee Pairings: Boston Cream Donuts pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, cappuccino, or cold brew coffee.
• Side Treats: Add fresh berries, whipped cream, or a light dusting of powdered sugar for extra flair.
• Breakfast or Dessert: These donuts are perfect for breakfast but can also be enjoyed as a dessert at any time of the day.

Nutritional Information (per donut):

• Calories: 340 kcal
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Sugars: 22g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 120mg

Storage and Leftovers:

• Room Temperature: Store unfilled donuts in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
• Refrigeration: Store filled donuts in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unfilled donuts for up to 2 months. Fill them with custard and glaze after thawing.
• Reheat: Reheat donuts by microwaving them for 10-15 seconds for a fresh taste.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I bake the donuts instead of frying them?

   • Yes! You can bake the donuts at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. Baked donuts are slightly lighter but still delicious!

2. What’s the difference between Boston Cream and Bavarian Cream Donuts?

   • Boston Cream Donuts are filled with a custard that has a smooth texture and are topped with chocolate glaze. Bavarian Cream Donuts have a pudding-like filling that’s typically flavored with sugar.

3. What can I do if my custard is too runny?

   • Be sure to cook the custard long enough to thicken, and let it cool completely before piping it into the donuts.

Conclusion:

Congratulations! You’ve successfully made Boston Cream Donuts that are just as delicious as the ones from your favorite bakery. From the soft, fluffy donut dough to the rich vanilla custard filling and decadent chocolate glaze, these donuts are a breakfast treat you’ll want to enjoy over and over again. Whether you enjoy them with a hot cup of coffee or a sweet fruit side, these donuts are sure to become a favorite!

Let us know how your donuts turned out, and feel free to share your own variations and tips in the comments below! Happy baking!