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Boston Cream Doughnuts

Irresistible Boston Cream Doughnuts

Soft, fluffy homemade doughnuts filled with rich vanilla pastry cream and topped with a silky chocolate glaze—better than bakery-style treats!
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 12 doughnuts
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Américaine
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Dough:
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
  • 3/4 cup warm milk
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter softened
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • Oil for frying
  • For the Pastry Cream:
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • For the Chocolate Glaze:
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 tbsp butter

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Stand mixer or hand mixer (optional)
  • Whisk
  • Rolling Pin
  • Round cookie cutter (or glass)
  • Baking tray
  • Parchment paper
  • Deep pot or fryer
  • Thermometer (for oil temperature)
  • Slotted spoon or tongs
  • Piping bag (or zip-top bag)
  • Small saucepan
  • Heatproof bowl

Method
 

  1. Activate Yeast:
  2. Mix warm milk and yeast with a pinch of sugar. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  3. Make Dough:
  4. Add sugar, egg, butter, flour, and salt. Knead until smooth and soft.
  5. First Rise:
  6. Cover and let rise 1–1.5 hours until doubled.
  7. Shape Doughnuts:
  8. Roll dough to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut rounds and place on tray. Let rise 30 minutes.
  9. Fry:
  10. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry until golden on both sides. Cool completely.
  11. Make Pastry Cream:
  12. Heat milk. Whisk sugar, yolks, and cornstarch. Slowly add milk, then cook until thick. Stir in butter and vanilla. Cool.
  13. Make Glaze:
  14. Heat cream and pour over chocolate chips. Stir until smooth, add butter.
  15. Fill Doughnuts:
  16. Pipe pastry cream into each doughnut.
  17. Glaze:
  18. Dip tops into chocolate glaze. Let set.
  19. Serve:
  20. Enjoy fresh for best flavor and texture!

Notes

  • Make sure oil stays at 350°F for perfect frying
  • Doughnuts taste best the same day
  • You can bake instead of fry (375°F for ~10–12 min, but texture will differ)