Custard-Filled Doughnuts Recipe | NewsPro
Introduction
These custard-filled doughnuts are a dream for anyone who loves the combination of soft, pillowy dough and rich, creamy filling. Dusted with powdered sugar, each bite brings a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a mid-day indulgence. This step-by-step recipe will guide you through making these sweet delights from scratch.
Ingredients
For the Doughnuts
- All-purpose flour - 2 ½ cups
- Sugar - ¼ cup
- Salt - ½ teaspoon
- Instant yeast - 1 packet (about 2 ¼ teaspoons)
- Milk - ¾ cup, warm
- Unsalted butter - ¼ cup, softened
- Eggs - 2 large
- Vegetable oil - for frying
For the Custard Filling
- Milk - 2 cups
- Egg yolks - 3 large
- Sugar - ½ cup
- Cornstarch - 2 tablespoons
- Vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon
- Butter - 1 tablespoon (optional, for extra creaminess)
For Dusting
- Powdered sugar - for coating
Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer - for kneading the dough
- Deep frying pan or pot
- Candy thermometer - to monitor oil temperature
- Piping bag - for filling the doughnuts
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
- Combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl: flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
- In another bowl, mix the warm milk, softened butter, and eggs until well combined.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. (If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook on medium speed.)
- Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Custard Filling
- Heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until it’s just about to boil. Remove from heat.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until the mixture turns pale and thick.
- Add the cornstarch to the egg mixture, whisking until smooth.
- Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat until it thickens into a custard, stirring continuously.
- Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and butter (optional for extra creaminess).
- Transfer the custard to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming), and let it cool completely.
Step 3: Shape and Fry the Doughnuts
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface to about ½-inch thickness.
- Cut out rounds using a doughnut or cookie cutter (about 3 inches in diameter).
- Place the dough rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- In a deep frying pan or pot, heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully monitor the temperature with a candy thermometer.
- Fry the doughnuts a few at a time, cooking each side for about 1-2 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Step 4: Fill and Dust the Doughnuts
- Once the doughnuts are cool enough to handle, use a small knife to make a hole on the side of each doughnut.
- Fill a piping bag with the custard and pipe it into each doughnut until filled.
- Dust each filled doughnut generously with powdered sugar.
Tips for Perfect Custard Doughnuts
- Monitor the oil temperature while frying to ensure the doughnuts cook evenly without burning.
- Fill the doughnuts while they’re still warm for a softer texture and better flavor infusion.
- Make the custard in advance and chill it if needed; this will make it easier to pipe into the doughnuts.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy these custard-filled doughnuts warm or at room temperature. They’re perfect with a cup of coffee, tea, or even hot chocolate. For extra decadence, consider drizzling melted chocolate or caramel over the top.
Conclusion
These custard-filled doughnuts are worth the effort, combining a pillowy dough exterior with a luscious, creamy center. Whether you’re making them for a special breakfast or a cozy dessert, these doughnuts are sure to impress. Try this recipe and treat yourself to a bakery-quality experience at home!