Vanilla Custard Filled Donuts

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Vanilla Custard Filled Donuts

Soft, golden, and filled with smooth vanilla custard—these classic donuts are the ultimate indulgence. Perfect for any time you crave a bakery-style treat at home.

Ingredients

For the Custard Filling:

  • 3 egg yolks
  • 240 ml (1 cup) milk
  • 20 g (0.7 oz) cornstarch
  • 30 g (1.05 oz) granulated sugar
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 15 g (0.53 oz) unsalted butter

For the Donut Dough:

  • 250 g bread flour
  • 1 egg (beaten)
  • 115 ml milk
  • 20 ml water
  • 2.5 g granulated sugar (about ½ tsp)
  • 2 g salt (about ⅓ tsp)
  • 25 g (0.9 oz) unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp sugar-tolerant dry yeast
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Vanilla Custard

  1. In a saucepan, whisk the egg yolks just to break them up. Add granulated sugar and whisk until well combined.
  2. Add cornstarch and whisk until smooth.
  3. In a separate pan, heat the milk over medium heat until warm, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg yolk mixture while whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
  5. Return the mixture to low heat and cook, whisking continuously, until it thickens into a smooth custard.
  6. Remove from heat and whisk in the butter until fully melted and incorporated.
  7. Strain the custard through a sieve into a clean bowl to remove any lumps.
  8. Cover with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming, then refrigerate until chilled and firm.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine bread flour, granulated sugar, and dry yeast.
  2. Add the beaten egg, milk, and water. Mix until a dough begins to form.
  3. Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes.
  4. Add the butter and salt, then continue kneading until the dough becomes smooth, soft, and elastic (about 10 minutes).
  5. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Shape and Proof

  1. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces.
  2. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and gently flatten slightly.
  3. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking tray, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Fry the Donuts

  1. Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 150°C (300°F).
  2. Carefully add the dough pieces in batches, frying until golden brown on both sides (2–3 minutes per side).
  3. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Step 5: Fill and Serve

  1. Once donuts are cool enough to handle, use a piping tip or skewer to create a hole in the side of each.
  2. Fill a piping bag with the chilled custard and pipe it generously into each donut.
  3. Dust with powdered sugar and serve.

Tips & Notes

  • For an extra silky custard, let it chill overnight.
  • You can flavor the custard with lemon zest or a touch of almond extract for variation.
  • These donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.

 

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