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Freshly baked creamy custard-filled donuts on a plate

Custard Filled Donuts

Delightful donuts with a golden-brown crust and a silky chocolate custard filling, perfect for family gatherings or a cozy afternoon snack.
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Prep Time 4 hours
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 8 donuts
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Donuts

  • 2.25 cups bread flour Provides the perfect chewiness.
  • 1 large egg, room temperature Adds richness and color.
  • 0.5 cups warm milk Activates the yeast.
  • 2 tablespoons warm milk Activates the yeast.
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature Gives a buttery flavor and tenderness.
  • 5 tablespoons granulated sugar Enhances sweetness.
  • 1 teaspoon salt Balances sweetness.
  • 1 envelope instant yeast (7g) Provides rise and fluffiness.

For the Custard Filling

  • 2.25 cups whole milk Base of the creamy custard.
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Adds aromatic sweetness.
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder For a rich taste.
  • 0.5 cups granulated sugar Sweetens the custard.
  • 2.5 tablespoons cornstarch Thickens the custard.
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt Adds depth.
  • 8 oz bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped The star of the filling.
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened Increases creaminess.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Mix warm milk, egg, and yeast until dissolved.
  • Add sugar, flour, and salt to make the dough.
  • Knead in softened butter until smooth.
  • Let rise for 2-3 hours until doubled in size.
  • While the dough rises, whisk together sugar, egg yolks, cornstarch, cocoa powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
  • In a saucepan, heat whole milk and vanilla extract until boiling.
  • Carefully whisk the hot milk into the egg mixture to temper the eggs.
  • Return the mixture to the saucepan over medium heat, stirring until it thickens.
  • Once thick, remove from heat and mix in chopped chocolate and softened butter until melted and smooth.
  • Chill custard for 2-4 hours in the fridge.

Shaping and Frying

  • After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal portions.
  • Shape each portion into a smooth ball.
  • Let the shaped dough balls rest for 30-40 minutes, covered with a cloth.
  • Heat oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (175°C) and fry the donuts until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  • Remove the donuts and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
  • Roll the warm donuts in granulated sugar.
  • Fill each donut with cooled chocolate custard using a pastry bag.

Notes

Serve with coffee or milk, and consider sprinkling with powdered sugar or serving with fresh berries for extra freshness.
Keyword Baked Donuts, Chocolate Custard, Custard Filled Donuts, Donuts