Custard-Filled Donuts Recipe 🍩

Introduction

There’s something magical about biting into a freshly made donut, especially when it’s filled with creamy custard. This Custard-Filled Donuts recipe has become a favorite in our household, often eliciting joyful squeals from my kids when they realize what’s for dessert. The process of making these donuts is not only rewarding but also a great opportunity to spend time together in the kitchen. My family enjoys the rich custard filling paired with the soft, pillowy dough. The satisfaction of crafting these delightful treats from scratch is truly unmatched. Let me take you through this delicious journey of creating your very own custard-filled donuts!

Ingredients

For the Donut Dough:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Custard Filling:

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

For Garnish:

• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

Make the Dough:

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Prepare the Custard Filling:

1. In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it starts to steam, but do not let it boil.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch until smooth.
3. Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking continuously to temper the eggs.
4. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the custard thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
5. Remove from heat, stir in butter and vanilla extract, and transfer the custard to a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap touching the surface of the custard and let it cool completely in the refrigerator.

Shape and Fry the Donuts:

1. After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface to about ½ inch thick.
2. Use a round cutter (about 3 inches in diameter) to cut out donut shapes.
3. Place the cut donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes until puffy.
4. Heat the oil in a deep fryer or a large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts in batches, cooking each side for 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and let them cool slightly.

Fill the Donuts:

1. Once the donuts have cooled slightly, use a piping bag fitted with a small round tip to fill them with the chilled custard.
2. Insert the tip into the side of each donut and gently pipe in the custard.

Garnish and Serve:

1. Dust the filled donuts with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch.
2. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy goodness inside each bite!

Nutrition Facts

• Serving Size: 1 donut
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 16g
• Sodium: 130mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Rising Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 35 minutes

How to Serve

• Dust with powdered sugar: This adds a lovely sweetness and a professional finish.
• Serve warm: Freshly made donuts are best enjoyed warm.
• Pair with coffee or tea: These donuts make a delightful accompaniment to your favorite hot beverage.
• Add extra garnishes: Consider adding chocolate sauce or fruit preserves for an extra flavor dimension.
• Enjoy with family and friends: The best way to enjoy these treats is to share them with loved ones!

Additional Tips

1. Use fresh yeast: Ensure your yeast is active for the best rise.
2. Knead well: Proper kneading develops gluten, giving the donuts their soft texture.
3. Monitor oil temperature: Maintaining the correct frying temperature ensures even cooking.
4. Customize the filling: Experiment with flavored custards or jams.
5. Store properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Custard: Replace the vanilla extract in the custard with chocolate extract for a chocolate-filled version.
• Fruit Fillings: Substitute the custard with fruit-flavored fillings such as raspberry or strawberry.
• Glazed Donuts: After frying, dip the donuts in a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk.
• Spiced Donuts: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough for a spiced flavor.
• Mini Donuts: Use a mini donut cutter for bite-sized treats, perfect for parties!

Serving Suggestions

• Breakfast Treat: Serve these donuts as a special breakfast item.
• Dessert Option: They make for an indulgent dessert at dinner.
• Party Food: These donuts are perfect for celebrations and gatherings.
• Gift Idea: Pack them in a decorative box for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Picnic Snack: Bring them along for a sweet touch to your outdoor gatherings.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: You can freeze unfilled donuts for up to 2 months. Let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• Filling: It’s best to fill the donuts just before serving to maintain their freshness.
• Thawing: To enjoy frozen donuts, let them thaw at room temperature, then fill with custard and dust with powdered sugar.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different type of milk for the custard?

• Yes, you can use almond milk or soy milk, but the texture may vary slightly.

1. What can I use instead of egg yolks in the custard?

• You can use a commercial egg replacer or a mixture of cornstarch and plant-based milk.

1. How can I tell when the donuts are done frying?

• They should be golden brown and float to the top of the oil.

1. What’s the best way to store leftover donuts?

• Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

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

• Yes, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, but the texture will be different.

1. How long do the custard-filled donuts last?

• They are best enjoyed within 2-3 days, but can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.

1. What type of flour is best for donuts?

• All-purpose flour works well, but you can also use bread flour for a chewier texture.

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

• Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight before shaping and frying.

1. What oil is best for frying donuts?

• Vegetable oil or canola oil are great choices due to their high smoke points.

1. How do I make the custard thicker?
   • You can increase the amount of cornstarch or cook the custard a bit longer, but be careful not to overheat it.

Conclusion

Making custard-filled donuts at home is a delightful and rewarding experience. From the rich, creamy filling to the light, fluffy dough, every bite is a celebration of flavors and textures. Whether you’re sharing them with family, serving them at a gathering, or indulging in a sweet treat just for yourself, these donuts are sure to impress. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to create a batch of these heavenly custard-filled donuts—you won’t regret it!

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