These Custard and Chocolate Custard Donuts are a perfect indulgence for anyone who loves soft, fluffy donuts paired with creamy, decadent fillings. The combination of classic vanilla custard and rich chocolate custard elevates this treat to a whole new level, making them irresistible for any occasion.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

Custard Cream Filling:

• 3 egg yolks
• 50g cane sugar
• 16g cake flour
• 250ml milk
• 1/3 vanilla bean (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)

Chocolate Custard Filling:

• 3 egg yolks
• 45g granulated sugar
• 16g cake flour
• 250ml milk
• 50g sweet chocolate (chopped)

Donuts:

• 350g bread flour
• 150g cake flour
• 70g granulated sugar
• 6g salt
• 6g instant dry yeast
• 2 eggs + milk (combined to equal 285g)
• 45g unsalted butter, softened

Toppings:

• Granulated sugar
• Cocoa powder

Directions:

Step 1: Making the Custard Cream

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and cane sugar until pale and creamy. Sift in the cake flour and mix until smooth.
2. In a saucepan, heat the milk and vanilla bean (split and seeds scraped) over medium heat until just before boiling. Remove the vanilla bean pod.
3. Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg yolk mixture while whisking continuously to prevent curdling.
4. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens to a custard consistency (about 5 minutes).
5. Remove from heat, transfer to a bowl, and cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Let it cool and refrigerate.

Step 2: Making the Chocolate Custard

1. Repeat the same steps as the vanilla custard, but after heating the milk, add the chopped chocolate to the hot milk and stir until melted.
2. Once the chocolate is fully incorporated, gradually pour the hot chocolate milk into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly.
3. Return to the saucepan and cook until thickened, stirring constantly.
4. Transfer the chocolate custard to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 3: Making the Donut Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine the bread flour, cake flour, granulated sugar, salt, and instant dry yeast.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together until they reach a total of 285g.
3. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and knead until a smooth dough forms (you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment).
4. Add the softened butter and continue kneading until the butter is fully incorporated and the dough is elastic and smooth (about 10 minutes of kneading).
5. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Shaping and Frying the Donuts

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a lightly floured surface.
2. Roll the dough to about 1/2-inch (1.25 cm) thickness and cut out donut shapes using a round cutter (you can use a smaller cutter for donut holes, if desired).
3. Place the donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cover them with a cloth. Let them rest for another 30 minutes until puffed.
4. Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts in batches for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
5. Remove the donuts from the oil and drain on paper towels.

Step 5: Filling and Topping

1. Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, use a piping bag fitted with a nozzle to fill the donuts with the vanilla custard and chocolate custard.
2. Roll the filled donuts in granulated sugar, and for a variation, you can dust some with cocoa powder for a chocolatey finish.
3. Serve fresh and enjoy!

Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours

Kcal: 350 kcal per donut | Servings: 12 donuts

 

Nutritional Information (Per Donut):

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Total Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 120mg
• Sodium: 300mg
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 20g
• Protein: 8g

Cooking Tips:

1. Resting the Dough: Make sure to let the dough rise fully. Underproofed dough can lead to dense donuts, while properly proofed dough will give you light and fluffy donuts.
2. Frying Temperature: It’s important to maintain the oil temperature at 350°F (175°C). If it’s too hot, the donuts will brown too quickly and remain doughy inside; too low, and they’ll absorb excess oil.
3. Custard Thickness: To ensure the custard is thick enough to hold up inside the donuts, don’t rush the cooking process. Stir constantly over medium heat until the custard reaches the desired thickness.
4. Variations: Feel free to experiment with different fillings like fruit preserves, or add extra flavorings to the custards, such as a splash of rum or almond extract.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration: Custard-filled donuts should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and are best eaten within 1-2 days. The filling can cause them to get soggy over time.
2. Freezing: Unfilled donuts can be frozen. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
3. Reheating: Avoid microwaving custard-filled donuts as this can cause the custard to become too runny. Instead, enjoy them cold or bring them to room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I bake the donuts instead of frying them? Yes, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. However, baking will give a slightly different texture compared to frying.
2. What type of chocolate should I use for the chocolate custard? Use high-quality sweet chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate for the best results. Avoid using milk chocolate as it might make the custard too sweet.
3. Can I make the custard in advance? Yes! You can prepare the custard fillings a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator. Just make sure to press plastic wrap against the surface to prevent a skin from forming.
4. How can I make the dough without a stand mixer? If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can knead the dough by hand. It will take around 15-20 minutes to reach the desired elasticity and smoothness.

Conclusion:

Making these donuts from scratch might seem like a labor of love, but the end result is well worth the effort. With their pillowy texture and luscious fillings, these donuts are the ultimate comfort food. Whether you prefer them rolled in granulated sugar or dusted with cocoa powder, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or just a sweet snack, these donuts are an absolute crowd-pleaser. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even experiment with different fillings, such as jams or flavored creams, to make each bite a delightful surprise. Serve these donuts fresh for the best experience, and enjoy the compliments that will surely follow!