There’s nothing quite like biting into a soft, fluffy donut filled with rich, homemade custard cream. These custard donuts are perfect for sharing with family, offering a delightful balance of sweetness and texture. With the ability to adjust the sweetness of the custard to your liking, these donuts are not only delicious but also customizable to suit your taste. Follow this easy recipe to create 8 pieces of indulgent, 9cm donuts that will bring a smile to everyone’s face.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 350g bread flour
- 1 egg (room temperature)
- 160ml warm milk (about 100°F or 38°C)
- 40g unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 50g sugar (5 tbsp)
- 6g salt (2 tsp)
- 6g yeast (1 flat tbsp)
For the Custard Cream:
- 3 egg yolks
- 300ml milk
- 20g unsalted butter
- 40g sugar
- 20g flour (any kind)
- 2 pinches of salt
- 8-10 drops of vanilla essence
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, mix the warm milk with the yeast and a pinch of sugar.
- Allow it to rest for approximately 5 minutes until it starts to froth, signaling that the yeast is working.
- Mix the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add the room temperature egg and the frothy yeast mixture.
- Mix the ingredients together until they form a rough dough.
- Knead the Dough:
- Add the room temperature unsalted butter in small pieces, kneading the dough either by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for about 10-15 minutes.
- First Rise:
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Donuts:
- After the dough has doubled in size, gently deflate it to expel the trapped air.
- Roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1cm thickness.
- Use a 9cm round cutter to cut out the donut shapes.
- You can leave them as whole circles if you plan to fill them with custard later.
- Place the shaped donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover them again and let them rise for another 30 minutes until puffy.
- Fry the Donuts:
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the donuts in batches, about 2-3 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the donuts from the oil and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Prepare the Custard Cream:
- Mix the Ingredients:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until they become pale and slightly thickened.
- Add the flour and a pinch of salt, whisking until smooth.
- Heat the Milk:
- In a medium saucepan, gently heat the milk until it just begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.
- Combine and Cook:
- Slowly pour the heated milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to avoid curdling the eggs.
- Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens and starts to bubble.
- Finish the Custard:
- Remove the custard from the heat and stir in the unsalted butter and vanilla essence until smooth and glossy.
- Transfer the custard to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Let it cool completely.
Assemble the Donuts:
- Fill the Donuts:
- Once the donuts have cooled, use a piping bag fitted with a round tip to fill each donut with the custard cream. Insert the tip into the side of each donut and gently squeeze the custard inside.
- Optional Toppings:
- For an extra touch, dust the filled donuts with powdered sugar or drizzle them with a simple glaze.
Conclusion
These Soft & Fluffy Custard Donuts are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of light, airy dough and rich, creamy custard filling makes them irresistible. With the option to adjust the sweetness and even add your own toppings, these donuts offer endless possibilities for customization. Enjoy making and sharing these delicious homemade donuts with your family, and experience the joy of creating something truly special in your own kitchen!