Boston Cream Pie Donuts – Soft, Creamy, and Chocolatey

Boston Cream Pie Donuts are a delicious twist on the classic Boston cream pie, combining the light and fluffy texture of yeast donuts with a creamy vanilla filling and a rich chocolate ganache topping. These donuts are perfect for any occasion and are sure to impress with their decadent flavors and bakery-style presentation.

INGREDIENTS

• Active dry yeast: 2 ¼ tsp, to help the dough rise
• Warm milk: ¾ cup, to activate the yeast and add richness to the dough
• Granulated sugar: ¼ cup, to sweeten the dough
• Large eggs: 2, for structure and richness
• Unsalted butter: ¼ cup, melted, to add moisture and flavor
• All-purpose flour: 3 ½ cups, for the dough
• Salt: ½ tsp, to balance the sweetness
• Oil for frying: Enough for deep frying the donuts
• Vanilla pudding: 1 cup, to fill the donuts
• Chocolate ganache: 1 cup, to top the donuts

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:

Activate the yeast by dissolving it in warm milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.

Step 2:

Add the sugar, eggs, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture and mix well.

Step 3:

Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Step 4:

Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 5:

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 6:

Roll the dough out to ½-inch thickness and cut into circles. Let the donuts rise for 30 minutes.

Step 7:

Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry the donuts for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Step 8:

Using a piping bag, fill each donut with vanilla pudding.

Step 9:

Dip the tops of the donuts in chocolate ganache and let the ganache set before serving.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve these donuts fresh for the best flavor and texture. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to refresh the donuts before serving.

Helpful Notes

• Be sure to let the yeast froth in the warm milk before adding other ingredients to ensure your dough rises properly.
• You can make the vanilla pudding from scratch or use store-bought pudding for convenience.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• For a more professional finish, try piping the ganache in a smooth swirl on top of the donuts instead of dipping them.

How to Perfectly Fry Donuts

When frying donuts, it's essential to maintain the oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) for an even golden crust. Frying at too high or low a temperature can affect the texture. Use a thermometer to keep the oil consistent, and fry the donuts in small batches to prevent crowding the pan.

FAQs

Can I bake these donuts instead of frying?

Yes! You can bake the donuts at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, though they won’t have the same fried texture.

Can I use store-bought vanilla pudding?

Yes, using store-bought vanilla pudding is a great time-saver, but homemade pudding will add an extra rich flavor to the donuts.

Can I make these donuts ahead of time?

You can make the dough a day in advance and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator. Fry and assemble the donuts the next day.

How do I keep the donuts from becoming soggy?

Be sure to drain the donuts on paper towels immediately after frying to remove excess oil. Store them in a cool, dry place to maintain their texture.

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Conclusion

Irresistible Boston Cream Pie Donuts are the perfect indulgent treat, featuring soft, golden donuts filled with creamy vanilla pudding and topped with a rich chocolate ganache. These donuts are simple to make from scratch and bring the classic flavors of a Boston cream pie into handheld form. The yeast dough is easy to work with, producing light and airy donuts, while the rich pudding filling and silky ganache provide the perfect balance of creaminess and chocolatey goodness. They’re a must-try for any dessert lover looking to recreate bakery-quality donuts at home.