Boston Cream Donuts

Boston Cream Donuts are the ultimate combination of fluffy donut dough, creamy custard filling, and decadent chocolate glaze. Inspired by the iconic Boston Cream Pie, these donuts make for an indulgent treat perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any time you’re craving a sweet, rich snack. Follow this easy recipe to create your own batch of homemade Boston Cream Donuts!

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup whole milk
• ¼ cup water
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 large eggs
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Pastry Cream Filling:

• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 large egg yolks
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Chocolate Glaze:

• 4 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Donut Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a small saucepan, warm the milk and water over medium heat until it reaches about 110°F (43°C). Add the butter and stir until melted.
3. Add the warm milk mixture to the flour mixture, and stir to combine. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing until the dough forms.
4. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Make the Pastry Cream

1. In a medium saucepan, heat the milk and heavy cream over medium heat until just starting to simmer (do not boil).
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
3. Gradually pour the hot milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture while whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
4. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens and comes to a boil. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
5. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and butter until fully incorporated.
6. Transfer the pastry cream to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap directly onto the surface of the cream to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate while the donuts fry.

Step 3: Fry the Donuts

1. After the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough to about ½ inch thickness.
2. Use a round cutter (about 3 inches in diameter) to cut out donut shapes. Re-roll any scraps and cut more donuts.
3. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
4. Fry the donuts in batches, about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the donuts to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5. Let the donuts cool slightly before filling.

Step 4: Fill the Donuts

1. Once the donuts have cooled slightly, use a piping bag fitted with a small round tip to pipe the chilled pastry cream into the center of each donut. You should feel a slight resistance as you pipe the cream in.

Step 5: Prepare the Chocolate Glaze

1. In a heatproof bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate, heavy cream, and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and melted.
2. Stir until the glaze is glossy and fully combined.

Step 6: Glaze the Donuts

1. Dip the top of each filled donut into the chocolate glaze, allowing any excess to drip off.
2. Place the glazed donuts on a wire rack to set for about 15 minutes, or until the glaze has hardened.

Serving and Storing

• Serve the donuts fresh or at room temperature for a delightful treat that’s sure to impress your family or guests.
• Storage: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate them for up to 3 days.

Tips for the Perfect Boston Cream Donuts

• Donut Shape: If you don’t have a round cutter, you can use a drinking glass or any round object with a similar diameter.
• Filling Tip: When filling the donuts, make sure not to overfill them, or they could burst when you bite into them.
• Frying Oil: Keep the oil temperature steady at around 350°F (175°C) to avoid soggy or overcooked donuts.
• Flavor Variations: If you want to change the flavor, consider adding a bit of orange zest to the pastry cream or chocolate for a citrus twist.

Time

• Preparation Time: 45 minutes
• Resting Time: 1 hour
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Nutrition (per donut)

• Calories: 310
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Protein: 5g
• Sodium: 120mg

Conclusion

Boston Cream Donuts are an irresistible homemade indulgence, combining soft, fluffy donuts with creamy pastry filling and rich chocolate glaze. Whether you’re enjoying them for a special occasion or as a sweet treat any day, these donuts are sure to be a hit. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can bring the flavors of a Boston Cream Pie into the form of a donut – the best of both worlds!