Vanilla Custard Filled Donuts

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Vanilla Custard Filled Donuts

If you’re craving soft, fluffy donuts with a rich, creamy center, these Vanilla Custard Filled Donuts are exactly what you need. Each golden donut is light and airy on the outside, filled with smooth homemade vanilla custard that melts in your mouth. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon treat, these donuts taste just like a bakery favorite — but even better made at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Soft and Fluffy Texture: The dough is perfectly tender, with a slight chew and a golden crust.
  • Rich, Creamy Filling: The silky vanilla custard adds a luxurious touch to every bite.
  • Homemade Goodness: Freshly fried donuts are always better than store-bought — you’ll taste the difference.

Ingredients

For the Vanilla Custard Filling

  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 240 ml (1 cup) milk
  • 20 g (2 tablespoons) cornstarch
  • 30 g (2 ½ tablespoons) granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 15 g (1 tablespoon) unsalted butter

For the Donut Dough

  • 250 g (2 cups) bread flour
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 115 ml (½ cup) milk, lukewarm
  • 20 ml (1 ½ tablespoons) water
  • 2.5 g (½ teaspoon) granulated sugar
  • 25 g (2 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 g (¼ teaspoon) salt
  • 1 teaspoon instant yeast (or active dry yeast)
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vanilla Custard

  1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until smooth.
  2. Add the cornstarch and continue whisking until fully combined and no lumps remain.
  3. In a separate small pot, heat the milk over medium heat until warm but not boiling. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs and prevent curdling.
  5. Return the mixture to the stove and cook over low heat, whisking constantly until it thickens into a creamy custard.
  6. Remove from heat and whisk in the butter until melted and smooth.
  7. Pass the custard through a fine sieve to remove any lumps. Cover the surface directly with plastic wrap (to prevent a skin from forming) and refrigerate until completely chilled.

Step 2: Make the Donut Dough

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine bread flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
  2. Add the milk, water, and beaten egg. Mix until the dough begins to come together.
  3. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
  4. Add the butter and continue kneading until the dough becomes soft, silky, and slightly stretchy.
  5. Form the dough into a ball, place it in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rest for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Shape and Proof the Donuts

  1. After resting, divide the dough into 8 equal pieces.
  2. Shape each piece into a smooth ball, then lightly flatten it with your hand.
  3. Arrange the dough rounds on a parchment-lined tray, leaving space between them.
  4. Cover with a damp kitchen towel and let rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size and puffy.

Step 4: Fry the Donuts

  1. Heat oil in a deep pan to 150°C (300°F).
  2. Carefully place the donuts in the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry until golden brown — about 1–2 minutes per side.
  3. Remove the donuts and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Let them cool slightly.

Step 5: Fill and Serve

  1. Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, use a piping tip or the end of a wooden spoon to make a small hole in the side of each donut.
  2. Fill a piping bag fitted with a round tip with the chilled vanilla custard.
  3. Pipe the custard into each donut until filled to your liking.
  4. Dust the tops with powdered sugar and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Tips for Perfect Donuts

  • Don’t overheat the oil: Too hot and the donuts will brown before cooking through; too cool and they’ll absorb excess oil.
  • Use bread flour: It gives the donuts their signature chewy, fluffy texture.
  • Chill the custard well: It thickens as it cools, making it easier to pipe.
  • Best enjoyed fresh: These donuts taste amazing on the same day they’re made.

Storage

Store leftover donuts (unfilled or filled) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For the best results, reheat briefly in the microwave or oven before serving.

 

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