Custard-Filled Sugar Doughnuts (Bomboloni)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Custard-Filled Sugar Doughnuts (Bomboloni)

1. Prepare the Dough

To start, we’ll make the dough for the doughnuts:

• In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar in lukewarm milk. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is activated.
• In a large bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
• Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the yeast mixture, eggs, and vanilla extract (if using). Stir the mixture until it begins to form a dough.
• Add the softened butter to the dough and knead until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. This should take about 8-10 minutes by hand, or 5 minutes using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.
• Once kneaded, place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rise for about 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

2. Make the Custard Filling

While the dough is rising, you can make the creamy custard filling:

• In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it’s warm but not boiling.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks until smooth.
• Gradually pour the warm milk into the egg mixture while whisking continuously to temper the eggs. Pour this mixture back into the saucepan.
• Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the custard thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
• Once the custard has thickened, remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract. Let the custard cool, then refrigerate it for at least 1 hour to allow it to set.

3. Shape the Doughnuts

Once the dough has risen, it’s time to shape the doughnuts:

• Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and roll it out to about ½ inch thickness.
• Using a round cutter (a glass or cookie cutter works well), cut out circles of dough. You can make them about 3 inches in diameter for standard-sized doughnuts.
• Place the dough rounds on a floured tray or baking sheet and cover with a towel. Let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, until puffed up.

4. Fry the Doughnuts

Now for the fun part—frying!

• Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). You can test the temperature by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil—it should sizzle immediately.
• Carefully fry the doughnuts in batches, turning them as they cook until they’re golden brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
• Use a slotted spoon to transfer the doughnuts to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

5. Coat in Sugar

While the doughnuts are still warm, toss them in a bowl filled with sugar to coat the outside. The sugar will stick nicely to the warm, crispy doughnuts, adding sweetness and a lovely texture.

6. Fill the Doughnuts

Once the doughnuts have cooled slightly but are still warm, it’s time to fill them with the custard:

• Using a pastry bag with a small round tip (or a syringe), gently insert the nozzle into the side of each doughnut and fill it with the chilled custard until it’s plump and full.
• If you don’t have a pastry bag, you can carefully use a small spoon or even a needle to inject the custard into the center of the doughnuts.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Once your Custard-Filled Sugar Doughnuts (Bomboloni) are filled, they’re ready to be enjoyed! Serve them fresh, ideally within a few hours of making them, for the best texture and flavor. The soft, warm dough, paired with the rich custard filling, will be a hit with everyone.

Tips for Perfect Bomboloni

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your milk, eggs, and butter are at room temperature before mixing them. This ensures better dough consistency and easier mixing.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying the doughnuts, be sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in greasy doughnuts. Fry in batches if needed.
• Fill with Fresh Custard: To keep the custard fresh and creamy, make sure it’s well-chilled before filling the doughnuts.
• Experiment with Fillings: While vanilla custard is classic, you can try other fillings like chocolate custard, lemon curd, or even jam for a twist on this traditional recipe.

Why You’ll Love Custard-Filled Sugar Doughnuts (Bomboloni)

Custard-Filled Sugar Doughnuts (Bomboloni) are a decadent treat that brings a touch of Italy to your kitchen. These doughnuts are everything you want in a dessert: soft, sweet, and indulgent, with a perfect balance of crispy exterior and creamy interior. They are perfect for special occasions, family gatherings, or simply when you’re in the mood to treat yourself to something extraordinary.

With this recipe, you can recreate this authentic Italian delicacy in the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re making them for a holiday, a birthday, or just because, Bomboloni will surely become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a sweet, comforting treat that’s sure to impress, look no further than Custard-Filled Sugar Doughnuts (Bomboloni). With their fluffy, golden exterior, smooth custard filling, and sugar coating, these doughnuts are a perfect combination of textures and flavors. Try making them for your next gathering or as a special treat for yourself—you won’t regret it!