Cream-Filled

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🍩 Cream-Filled Custard Doughnuts (Boston Cream–Style)

Soft, pillowy doughnuts filled with rich vanilla custard and crowned with a smooth chocolate glaze—Boston Cream–style doughnuts are pure bakery magic. When made at home, they’re even more special: warm, fragrant, and generously filled, with flavors that feel nostalgic yet luxurious. Perfect for weekends, celebrations, or whenever you want to impress (or spoil yourself).

✨ Introduction

Boston Cream doughnuts are inspired by the famous Boston Cream Pie, a dessert created in the mid-1800s. Over time, bakers transformed that iconic combination—vanilla custard, tender cake, and chocolate glaze—into a handheld treat. The result? One of the most beloved doughnuts in the world.

This recipe walks you through every step, from making fluffy yeast dough to silky custard and a glossy chocolate topping.

🧺 Ingredients

For the Doughnuts

  • 3½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Oil for frying (vegetable or sunflower)

For the Vanilla Custard Filling

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

For the Chocolate Glaze

  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

🧁 Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Dough

  1. In a bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk with 1 teaspoon sugar. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add eggs, remaining sugar, butter, and salt. Mix well.
  3. Gradually add flour until a soft dough forms.
  4. Knead by hand or mixer for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1½ hours until doubled.

2️⃣ Shape the Doughnuts

  1. Roll dough to about ½-inch thickness.
  2. Cut into rounds using a cutter or glass.
  3. Place on a floured tray, cover, and rest 30–40 minutes until puffy.

3️⃣ Fry the Doughnuts

  1. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Fry doughnuts 1–2 minutes per side until golden.
  3. Drain on paper towels and cool completely.

🍮 Making the Custard Filling

  1. Heat milk in a saucepan until steaming (not boiling).
  2. In a bowl, whisk sugar, egg yolks, cornstarch, and salt.
  3. Slowly whisk hot milk into egg mixture.
  4. Return to saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until thick.
  5. Remove from heat, stir in butter and vanilla.
  6. Cover with plastic wrap (touching surface) and chill.

🍫 Chocolate Glaze Method

  1. Heat cream until just simmering.
  2. Pour over chocolate and butter.
  3. Let sit 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
  4. Add vanilla and let cool slightly until glossy.

🧩 Assembly (Formation)

  1. Use a knife or skewer to make a hole in each doughnut.
  2. Pipe chilled custard generously inside.
  3. Dip tops into chocolate glaze.
  4. Let set for 10–15 minutes before serving.

📜 History & Origin

Boston Cream desserts date back to 1856, created at the Parker House Hotel in Boston. Originally a cake, its flavors became so popular that pastry chefs adapted them into éclairs, pastries, and eventually doughnuts. Today, the Boston Cream doughnut is officially recognized as a classic American bakery icon.

💡 Methods & Tips

  • Use a thermometer for oil to avoid greasy doughnuts
  • Chill custard fully for easier piping
  • Fill doughnuts generously—bakery style means lots of cream
  • Best enjoyed the same day, but can be refrigerated up to 24 hours

❤️ For the Lovers of This Doughnut

This recipe is perfect for:

  • Custard lovers
  • Chocolate fanatics
  • Weekend bakers
  • Holiday treat makers
  • Anyone who loves bakery-style desserts at home

🏁 Conclusion

Cream-Filled Custard Doughnuts are the ultimate combination of soft dough, silky filling, and rich chocolate. Making them at home may take a little time, but the reward is unforgettable—warm, indulgent, and deeply satisfying.

Once you try these, plain doughnuts will never feel the same again 🍩💛

If you’d like variations (baked version, caramel topping, coffee custard, or mini doughnuts), just tell me!

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