Vanilla Custard Filled Donuts
Fluffy, Golden Donuts with a Luscious Vanilla Custard Filling
If you’re craving a sweet treat that’s indulgent yet comforting, these Vanilla Custard Filled Donuts are just what you need. Golden and pillowy on the outside with a rich, creamy vanilla custard nestled inside, these homemade donuts are a bakery-quality delight you can enjoy right from your kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Vanilla Custard Filling:
- 3 egg yolks
- 240 ml whole 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 large egg
- 115 ml whole milk
- 20 ml water
- 2.5 g granulated sugar
- 1 tsp sugar-tolerant instant dry yeast
- 25 g (0.9 oz) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 g salt
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vanilla Custard Filling
- In a saucepan, whisk the egg yolks until broken and smooth.
- Add sugar and cornstarch and continue whisking until fully combined.
- In a separate pan, heat the milk over medium heat until warm (not boiling), then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually pour the warm milk into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs and avoid curdling.
- Place the mixture over low heat, whisking continuously until it thickens to a smooth custard consistency.
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter until fully melted and combined.
- Strain the custard through a fine sieve into a bowl to remove any lumps.
- Cover with plastic wrap (pressing the wrap directly onto the surface of the custard to prevent skin from forming) and refrigerate until completely chilled.
Step 2: Make the Donut Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine bread flour, sugar, yeast, milk, water, and the egg. Mix until a dough forms.
- Transfer to a floured surface and knead for about 5–7 minutes until the dough is smooth and slightly elastic.
- Add the butter and salt, and continue kneading until the dough becomes soft, smooth, and elastic.
- Cover the dough with a clean cloth and let it rest for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Shape and Rise
- Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and shape each into a smooth ball.
- Lightly flatten each dough ball and place them on a parchment-lined baking tray.
- Cover loosely with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let them rise for 1 hour or until puffy and doubled in size.
Step 4: Fry the Donuts
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 150°C (300°F).
- Carefully place the donuts into the oil, a few at a time, and fry until golden brown on each side (about 2–3 minutes per side).
- Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Allow to cool slightly.
Step 5: Fill and Finish
- Use a small knife or skewer to make a hole in the side of each donut.
- Fill a piping bag with the chilled vanilla custard and pipe into each donut until filled.
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve fresh.
Tips for Success
- For best results, chill the custard for at least an hour before filling.
- Fry the donuts in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- These donuts are best enjoyed fresh on the day they’re made, but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days