Irresistible Boston Cream Doughnuts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Layers: Each doughnut is packed with creamy filling and topped with a glossy chocolate glaze.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for a party or a cozy afternoon snack, these doughnuts are always a hit.
• Customizable: You can experiment with different fillings or glazes to suit your taste.
• Made from Scratch: The homemade approach ensures fresh and flavorful doughnuts every time.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Doughnuts:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
• 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Oil for frying

For the Pastry Cream Filling:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 3 large egg yolks
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Glaze:

• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Directions

Make the Doughnuts

1. Combine warm milk and yeast in a small bowl. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, egg, and melted butter. Stir until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth. Transfer to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Make the Pastry Cream

1. Heat milk in a saucepan over medium heat until just about to simmer.
2. In a bowl, whisk sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks. Gradually add the hot milk to the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
3. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
4. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla. Let cool and refrigerate until set.

Fry the Doughnuts

1. Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough to 1/2 inch thick and cut into circles.
2. Fry the doughnuts in batches, cooking each side for 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Fill and Glaze the Doughnuts

1. Heat heavy cream until simmering and pour over chocolate chips. Stir until smooth to create the glaze.
2. Once doughnuts are cool, use a piping bag to fill each with pastry cream.
3. Dip the tops of the doughnuts in the chocolate glaze.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 12 doughnuts
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Rise Time: 1.5 hours
• Cook Time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Flavorful Fillings: Swap vanilla pastry cream for chocolate or fruit custards.
• Glaze Options: Experiment with white chocolate or caramel glaze for a twist.
• Baked Version: Bake the doughnuts at 375°F for 10-12 minutes as a lighter option.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover doughnuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore softness. Avoid reheating the glaze.

FAQs

1. Can I make the doughnuts in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and pastry cream the day before and fry the doughnuts fresh the next day.

2. Can I bake these instead of frying?

Absolutely! Bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes or until golden.

3. How can I ensure my doughnuts are fluffy?

Make sure your yeast is active, and let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size.

4. Can I use instant yeast?

Yes, instant yeast works well. Skip the proofing step and mix it directly with dry ingredients.

5. What’s the best oil for frying doughnuts?

Neutral oils like vegetable or canola oil are ideal for frying.

6. Can I use dark chocolate for the glaze?

Yes, dark chocolate works perfectly if you prefer a less sweet glaze.

7. How do I know the oil is at the right temperature?

Use a thermometer to maintain an oil temperature of 350°F.

8. Can I freeze these doughnuts?

It’s best to freeze them before filling and glazing. Reheat and fill after thawing.

9. Can I use a different filling?

Yes, jams, Nutella, or whipped cream are great alternatives to pastry cream.

10. How do I prevent the doughnuts from being oily?

Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying and avoid overcrowding the pan.

Conclusion

Boston Cream Doughnuts are a classic favorite that you can now enjoy at home. With their soft texture, creamy filling, and chocolatey top, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Follow this recipe for a delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Indulge in the magic of homemade doughnuts today!

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