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Boston Cream Donuts Recipe

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4.6 from 121 reviews

Classic Boston Cream Donuts feature fluffy, tender fried dough filled with creamy vanilla custard and topped with a rich, glossy chocolate glaze. This homemade recipe guides you step-by-step through making soft yeast donuts, preparing the smooth custard filling, and finishing with a decadent chocolate topping for an irresistible treat.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Donuts

  • 1¼ cups whole milk (warm)
  • 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted, 1 stick)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
  • vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Custard Filling

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Glaze

  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate (chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in the warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is activated.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and salt into the yeast mixture. Stir well until all ingredients are fully combined.
  3. Add Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, mixing continuously until the dough forms. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky to the touch.
  4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  5. First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, approximately 1 hour.
  6. Shape Donuts: Roll out the risen dough to about ½-inch thickness on a floured surface. Use a donut cutter or a large round cookie cutter to cut out donut shapes.
  7. Second Rise: Place the cut donuts on a baking sheet, cover them with a kitchen towel, and let them rise for another 30 minutes until puffed.
  8. Heat Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large heavy pot to 350°F (175°C), ensuring there’s enough oil for the donuts to float and fry evenly.
  9. Fry Donuts: Carefully fry the donuts in batches, cooking each for about 1 minute per side until they turn golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack to cool.
  10. Prepare Custard Filling: In a medium saucepan, whisk together 2 cups whole milk, ½ cup sugar, 2 egg yolks, and ¼ cup cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and reaches a gentle boil. Remove from heat, stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent skin formation, and chill in the refrigerator until cold.
  11. Make Chocolate Glaze: Heat ½ cup heavy cream in a small saucepan until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add the chopped 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate. Let it sit for 1 minute, then stir until smooth. Stir in 2 tablespoons corn syrup and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until the glaze is glossy.
  12. Fill Donuts: Once the donuts are cooled, use a small knife or piping tip to make a hole in the side of each donut. Fill a piping bag fitted with a small nozzle with the chilled custard and pipe into each donut until filled.
  13. Glaze Donuts: Dip the top of each filled donut into the chocolate glaze. Place them on a wire rack and allow the glaze to set before serving.

Notes

  • Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
  • Kneading is essential for gluten development; do not skip or rush this step.
  • Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at 350°F for perfect donut texture.
  • Custard filling can be made a day ahead and refrigerated to save time.
  • For best results, consume the donuts the same day they are made.
  • If you don’t have a piping bag, a zip-top bag with a small corner cut off can be used to fill the donuts.

Keywords: Boston Cream Donuts, Homemade Donuts, Fried Donuts, Vanilla Custard Filled, Chocolate Glaze, Classic American Dessert

Find it online: https://reemcook.com/boston-cream-donuts-recipe/