Advertisement
Recreate the magic of Italian bakeries at home with these Bomboloni—light, fluffy donuts filled with rich pastry cream and dusted with sugar. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack, these donuts are a delightful treat that will transport you straight to Italy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Light and fluffy: Perfectly tender donuts with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Rich filling: A creamy, velvety pastry cream that’s irresistible.
- Fun to make: A rewarding baking project for any skill level.
- Versatile: Customize the filling or toppings to suit your taste.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ½ cup warm milk (110°F or 45°C)
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup melted unsalted butter
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
For the Pastry Cream Filling:
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 4 large egg yolks
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Dusting:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a small bowl, mix warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla. Stir until a dough forms.
2. Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. Prepare the Pastry Cream
- In a saucepan, heat milk over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
- In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Gradually pour hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
- Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook on medium heat, stirring until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in butter and vanilla, and let cool.
5. Shape the Bomboloni
- After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it on a floured surface to ½-inch thickness. Cut out 3-inch circles.
- Place dough circles on a floured baking sheet. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
6. Fry the Donuts
- Heat oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry donuts in batches for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
7. Fill with Pastry Cream
Once cooled, fill a piping bag with the pastry cream. Insert the tip into each bomboloni and squeeze gently to fill.
8. Dust with Sugar
In a shallow dish, mix sugar and cinnamon (if using). Roll each filled bomboloni in the sugar until well-coated.
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Yeast: Ensure your yeast is active for the best rise.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Oil: Fry the donuts in batches to maintain the oil temperature.
- Cool Before Filling: Let the donuts cool slightly before piping in the pastry cream to avoid melting.
- Chill the Pastry Cream: Refrigerate the pastry cream for at least 1 hour to thicken before filling.
Variations and Add-Ons
This recipe is super versatile! Here are some fun ways to customize it:
- Chocolate Filling: Add cocoa powder to the pastry cream for a chocolate twist.
- Fruit Jam: Fill the donuts with raspberry, strawberry, or apricot jam.
- Citrus Zest: Add lemon or orange zest to the pastry cream for a bright flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Serving Suggestions
These Bomboloni are perfect for:
- Breakfast: Serve with a cup of coffee or cappuccino.
- Dessert: Pair with a scoop of gelato or fresh berries.
- Parties: Arrange on a platter for a stunning dessert display.
- Gifting: Package in a cute box for a homemade treat.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store unfilled donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Filled donuts should be eaten the same day.
- Freezing: Freeze unfilled donuts in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature and fill before serving.
FAQs
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, but the texture will be different. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.
Can I use store-bought pastry cream?
Yes, but homemade pastry cream adds a special touch.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dough and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and frying.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
These Bomboloni are the ultimate treat—light, fluffy, and filled with creamy pastry cream. They’re easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a sweet snack, they’re sure to impress.
Let’s Bake Together!
I’d love to hear how your Bomboloni turn out! Share your results in the comments below or tag me on social media with #LivelyDish. Happy baking! 🍩✨