Indulge in the soft, fluffy texture of traditional Italian Bomboloni, filled with a rich and creamy custard. These deliciously airy donuts are lightly fried to golden perfection and dusted with powdered sugar for the ultimate dessert experience. Whether as an after-dinner treat or an afternoon snack, Custard Cream Bomboloni offers the perfect combination of sweetness and comfort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Custard Cream Bomboloni is a classic Italian pastry that brings the best of both worlds: a tender, fluffy donut with the irresistible, smooth texture of homemade custard. The dough is light and airy, while the custard filling adds a creamy richness that makes every bite an indulgence. These Bomboloni are perfect for anyone who enjoys pastries that are both comforting and decadent. The addition of powdered sugar adds a final touch of sweetness that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
For the Custard Cream:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 egg yolks
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- In a bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Stir and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour in the yeast mixture and knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- While the dough rises, prepare the custard cream. In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it begins to steam.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Slowly pour in the hot milk while whisking constantly.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking until thickened, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and butter until smooth. Let the custard cool to room temperature.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface. Cut into 2-inch rounds using a cookie cutter.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Fry the dough rounds in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
- Remove the Bomboloni from the oil and drain on paper towels. Let cool slightly.
- Once cooled, make a small hole in the side of each Bomboloni and fill with the custard cream using a piping bag or a spoon.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 10-12 Bomboloni
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
Variations
- Chocolate Custard: Add melted chocolate to the custard mixture to create a rich chocolate custard filling.
- Lemon Zest: Stir some freshly grated lemon zest into the custard for a refreshing citrus twist.
- Glazed Bomboloni: Instead of powdered sugar, dip the fried Bomboloni in a simple sugar glaze for a different finish.
Storage/Reheating
These Bomboloni are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in the microwave for a few seconds or gently warm them in an oven. For the freshest taste, it’s best to fill the Bomboloni with custard just before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different filling for Bomboloni?
Yes, you can fill Bomboloni with a variety of fillings such as Nutella, whipped cream, or fruit preserves for a different flavor profile.
2. Can I bake these instead of frying them?
For a lighter version, you can bake the Bomboloni at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-15 minutes, but they won’t have the same crispy texture as when fried.
3. How can I tell when the Bomboloni are fully cooked?
The Bomboloni are ready when they are golden brown on the outside and cooked through on the inside. You can break one open to check if it’s fluffy and fully cooked.
4. Can I freeze the Bomboloni?
Yes, you can freeze the Bomboloni before filling them with custard. Just make sure to let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container in the freezer. Reheat and fill with custard when ready to serve.
5. Is it necessary to use fresh yeast?
While fresh yeast works best for the fluffiest texture, you can use active dry yeast as called for in this recipe. Just ensure it’s properly activated by letting it sit in the warm milk.
6. Can I make the custard ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the custard cream a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge, and let it come to room temperature before filling the Bomboloni.
7. How can I prevent the custard from leaking out of the Bomboloni?
Make sure to fill the Bomboloni gently and not overstuff them. Also, let them cool slightly before filling to avoid the custard leaking due to heat.
8. Can I use a different type of milk for the custard?
Yes, you can substitute whole milk with a dairy-free alternative like almond or oat milk. The custard may have a slightly different texture depending on the milk you use.
9. How do I make sure the oil is the right temperature for frying?
Use a thermometer to monitor the oil’s temperature. It should be between 350°F to 375°F (175°C to 190°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can drop a small piece of dough into the oil; it should bubble and brown in about 2-3 minutes.
10. Can I use a different type of flour for the dough?
While all-purpose flour is ideal for Bomboloni, you can experiment with bread flour for a slightly chewier texture. However, the dough may need more liquid to achieve the desired consistency.
Conclusion
Custard Cream Bomboloni combines the irresistible lightness of freshly fried dough with a luscious custard filling, making them the perfect indulgent treat. Whether served at a special gathering or enjoyed as an everyday snack, these Italian pastries will bring delight with every bite. Try this recipe, and you’ll have a deliciously sweet and creamy dessert to share with loved ones!
