Ingredients

Custard Filling:

• 250g milk
• 20g butter
• 3 egg yolks
• 50g sugar
• 20g cornflour
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla paste

Dough Ingredients:

• 200g all-purpose flour
• 25g sugar
• 3g instant yeast
• 1 egg yolk
• 100g warm milk
• 20g butter, softened

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Making the Custard Filling

1. Heat the Milk: In a saucepan, warm 250g milk and 20g butter over medium heat until the butter melts. Remove from heat before it boils.
2. Whisk the Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 egg yolks, 50g sugar, and 20g cornflour until smooth.
3. Temper the Eggs: Slowly pour a small amount of the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to avoid curdling the eggs. Gradually add the rest of the milk while whisking.
4. Cook the Custard: Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
5. Add Vanilla: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla paste.
6. Cool the Custard: Transfer the custard to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (pressing it directly onto the surface to avoid forming a skin), and refrigerate until completely chilled.

Step 2: Preparing the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix 100g warm milk with 3g instant yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 200g all-purpose flour, 25g sugar, and the yeast mixture. Add 1 egg yolk and mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead and Add Butter: Gradually add the 20g softened butter, kneading the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Proof the Dough: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.

Step 3: Shaping and Frying the Doughnuts

1. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1 cm (1/2 inch) thickness.
2. Cut the Doughnuts: Use a round cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out circles from the dough. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cover with a towel. Let them rest for another 30 minutes to rise slightly.
3. Heat the Oil: In a deep pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches about 175°C (350°F).
4. Fry the Doughnuts: Fry the doughnuts in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Filling the Doughnuts

1. Fill with Custard: Once the doughnuts have cooled slightly, use a piping bag fitted with a small nozzle to fill the doughnuts with the chilled custard.
2. Serve: Dust the doughnuts with powdered sugar or glaze them with icing, and enjoy!

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Cooking Tips

• Temperature Control: Make sure the oil is at the right temperature before frying. Too hot, and the doughnuts will burn on the outside but remain raw on the inside. Too cool, and they will absorb excess oil and become greasy.
• Custard Variations: You can flavor the custard with different extracts or even add chocolate for a richer filling.
• Dough Consistency: If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour during the kneading process, but be careful not to over-flour, which can result in tough doughnuts.

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Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftover custard-filled doughnuts in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the fried doughnuts (without filling) for up to 1 month. Just thaw and reheat them in the oven before filling with custard.

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Nutritional Facts (Per Doughnut)

• Calories: 220 kcal
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 10g
• Sugar: 8g
• Fiber: 1g

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FAQs

1. Can I bake the doughnuts instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake the doughnuts at 180°C (350°F) for about 15-18 minutes, but keep in mind they won’t be as soft and fluffy as fried doughnuts.

2. Can I use store-bought custard?

Yes, using pre-made custard can save time, but making homemade custard will give you a richer, more flavorful filling.

3. How do I prevent the doughnuts from being too oily?

Ensure that the oil is at the correct frying temperature. If the oil is too cold, the doughnuts will absorb more oil, making them greasy.

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Conclusion

Making these custard-filled doughnuts at home is a rewarding experience. The combination of a light, fluffy dough and a creamy custard center creates a dessert that will impress anyone lucky enough to try them. Perfect for a weekend project or a special treat, these doughnuts are a hit every time! With easy-to-follow steps and the ability to customize the flavors, this recipe is a must-try for any home baker. Enjoy your homemade doughnuts!