Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Boston Cream Donuts are the perfect combination of soft, fluffy dough, rich pastry cream, and a glossy chocolate glaze. They bring together the best of three worlds: the satisfying chew of a yeast-raised donut, the smooth sweetness of custard, and the indulgent touch of chocolate. Whether you are making them for a weekend breakfast, a family gathering, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, these donuts never fail to impress. I tried using a lighter version of the pastry cream once by substituting whole milk with almond milk, and it still turned out wonderfully creamy. They might require a few steps, but the result is worth every minute. These donuts are not just a dessert; they are an experience that feels both nostalgic and indulgent, perfect for sharing with loved ones.
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Boston Cream Donuts – A Classic Treat You Can Make at Home
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Boston Cream Donuts are soft, fluffy yeast donuts filled with creamy vanilla custard and topped with a rich chocolate glaze, inspired by the classic Boston Cream Pie.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 2 cups whole milk (for custard)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for custard)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for custard)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for glaze)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (for glaze)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk with 1 tablespoon sugar. Let sit until foamy, about 5–10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix butter, eggs, remaining sugar, flour, and salt. Add yeast mixture and knead until smooth, about 5–7 minutes.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.
- Roll dough to about 1/2-inch thickness and cut out rounds using a donut cutter or glass.
- Place donuts on a baking sheet, cover, and let rise another 30–45 minutes.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry donuts in batches until golden brown, about 1–2 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- For custard: In a saucepan, heat milk until steaming. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Slowly pour hot milk into yolk mixture, whisking constantly.
- Return mixture to saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in butter and vanilla. Chill until set.
- For glaze: Heat heavy cream until simmering, then pour over chocolate chips. Stir until smooth.
- To assemble: Cut a small slit in each donut and pipe in custard filling. Dip tops in chocolate glaze and let set before serving.
Notes
- Make sure oil is at the correct temperature to avoid greasy or undercooked donuts.
- Custard can be made a day ahead for convenience.
- For extra shine, add 1 teaspoon of corn syrup to the chocolate glaze.
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-purpose flour – This forms the base of the dough, giving the donuts their structure and light chewiness. Opting for bread flour will add a bit more elasticity, but all-purpose works beautifully for a tender bite.
Active dry yeast – The magic ingredient that allows the dough to rise and achieve that airy texture. Make sure your yeast is fresh, as expired yeast will prevent proper proofing.
Granulated sugar – A little sweetness is added to the dough and also helps activate the yeast when mixed with warm milk.
Whole milk – Essential for a rich and tender dough. It keeps the texture soft and flavorful. If needed, you can substitute with almond or oat milk, though the richness will be slightly lighter.
Unsalted butter – Melted butter enriches the dough, adding softness and flavor. It also ensures the donuts do not dry out after frying.
Eggs – These provide structure and help bind the ingredients together while keeping the dough rich.
Salt – Just a pinch balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors in the dough.
Vanilla extract – This brings warmth and depth to both the pastry cream and the dough. A touch of vanilla makes a big difference in the overall flavor.
Egg yolks – Used in the pastry cream, they create a silky and custard-like filling that defines Boston Cream Donuts.
Cornstarch – Helps thicken the pastry cream without making it too heavy, giving a smooth texture.
Dark chocolate – The star of the glaze, creating that shiny topping everyone loves. Choose a good-quality chocolate for best results.
Heavy cream – Combined with chocolate to create a smooth, glossy glaze that sets perfectly on top of the donuts.
Directions
Start by preparing the dough. In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast, letting it sit until foamy. This activates the yeast. Add in eggs, melted butter, salt, and vanilla, followed by flour. Mix until a soft dough forms, then knead until smooth. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and allow it to rise for about an hour, or until doubled in size.
Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Cut into rounds using a donut cutter or a round cookie cutter. Place the cut rounds on parchment-lined trays, cover, and let them rise again for 30–40 minutes.
Meanwhile, make the pastry cream by whisking egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and milk over medium heat until thickened. Stir in vanilla and a knob of butter for smoothness. Chill the cream until ready to use.
Heat oil in a deep pan and fry the donuts in batches until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels and allow them to cool slightly. Once cooled, fill a piping bag with the pastry cream and inject it into each donut.
For the glaze, melt chocolate with heavy cream until smooth and glossy. Dip the tops of the filled donuts into the glaze and allow them to set before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields about 12 donuts. Preparation, proofing, and filling take around 2 hours, while frying and glazing add another 30 minutes. Altogether, you can expect to serve these in about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Boston Cream Donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, though keep in mind the glaze may soften slightly. Avoid freezing, as the cream filling does not thaw well.
Variations and Customizations
Mini Boston Cream Bites – Instead of large donuts, cut smaller rounds and make bite-sized filled donuts, perfect for parties.
Flavored Custard Filling – Add espresso, caramel, or fruit purée to the pastry cream for a creative twist.
Different Glazes – Swap chocolate glaze for white chocolate, caramel, or even a dusting of powdered sugar for a lighter finish.
Baked Version – Instead of frying, bake the donuts in the oven for a slightly healthier alternative. Brush with butter before baking for a golden crust.
Vegan Boston Cream Donuts – Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and an egg replacer for the dough and filling. Dark chocolate without dairy works perfectly for the glaze.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough overnight and fry the donuts the next day.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, but reduce the rising time slightly, as instant yeast works faster.
What oil is best for frying?
Neutral oils like canola or vegetable oil work best for frying donuts.
Why are my donuts dense?
Most likely the dough did not rise enough, or the yeast was inactive.
Conclusion
Boston Cream Donuts are the ultimate indulgence for anyone who loves custard and chocolate. While they take a little more time than a simple glazed donut, the end result is rich, satisfying, and worth the effort. These donuts are versatile, allowing for creative fillings and glazes, but the classic combination of vanilla cream and chocolate remains unbeatable. Whether you make them for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, these donuts are guaranteed to impress and delight every bite.