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A plate of soft and fluffy Vanilla Custard Cream Donuts filled with creamy custard, perfect for a homemade treat.

Vanilla Custard Cream Donuts – Soft, Fluffy, and Bakery-Style

Jana Rae
Make soft, fluffy Vanilla Custard Cream Donuts at home with this easy step-by-step recipe! This easy recipe includes a rich custard filling.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Rise Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Course Pastries
Cuisine American
Servings 12 Donuts
Calories 280 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Dough:

  • 280 g (2 cups + 3 tbsp) all-purpose flour
  • 40 g (3 tbsp) sugar
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • 1 large egg
  • 120 g (½ cup) whole milk, warmed
  • 40 g (⅓ stick) melted butter
  • 7 g (1 packet) dry yeast

For the Custard Filling:

  • 660 g (2⅔ cups) whole milk
  • 3 large eggs, whisked
  • 180 g (¾ cup + 2 tbsp) sugar
  • 5 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions
 

Making the Dough

  • Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, nutmeg, sugar, and salt.
  • Prepare Wet Ingredients: Warm the milk and mix it with the egg, melted butter, and dry yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes to activate the yeast.
  • Mix Dough: Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
  • Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured work surface and knead by hand for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer on high speed for 3 minutes.
  • First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and allow it to rise in a warm area for 2 hours or until doubled in size.
  • Shape Donuts: Roll out the dough to 1/2-inch thickness. Use a round cutter to cut out donut shapes. Arrange on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
  • Second Rise: Cover and let the donuts rise again for 30 minutes.
  • Fry Donuts: Heat oil in a deep pan to 160°C (320°F). Fry the donuts in batches until golden brown on both sides, about 1-2 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.

Making the Custard

  • Mix Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together cornstarch, sugar, and milk until smooth.
  • Add Eggs: Gradually whisk in the beaten eggs.
  • Cook Custard: Place the saucepan over low-medium heat and whisk constantly until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency.
  • Flavor Custard: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Let cool completely before filling donuts.

Assembling the Donuts

  • Fill the Donuts: Use a piping bag fitted with a small round tip to pipe the cooled custard into the donuts. Insert the tip into the side of each donut and squeeze gently until filled.
  • Serve and Enjoy: Dust the filled donuts with powdered sugar or drizzle with icing for an extra touch. Serve fresh for the best flavor.

Notes

Tips

  • Best Served Fresh: These donuts taste best freshly made. If making ahead, store cooled donuts in an airtight container and microwave for 30 seconds before serving for a freshly made feel.
  • Rolling Tip: Roll dough evenly to ensure uniform donut size for consistent cooking.
  • Oil Temperature: Maintain the oil temperature at 160°C (320°F) to ensure the donuts cook evenly without becoming greasy.