Golden Italian Custard Bomboloni

Golden Italian Custard Bomboloni (Cream-Filled Doughnuts) 🇮🇹🍩

Indulge in these light, airy Italian doughnuts filled with velvety vanilla custard and dusted with sugar—perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any time you crave something sweet!

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🍩 Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar

• 1 packet (7g) instant yeast

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ cup (120ml) warm milk (~110°F/43°C)

• 2 egg yolks, room temp

• 3 tbsp (45g) softened butter

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for brightness)

For the Custard Filling:

• 1 ½ cups (360ml) whole milk

• 4 egg yolks

• ½ cup (100g) sugar

• 3 tbsp (24g) cornstarch

• 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste

• 2 tbsp (30g) butter

For Frying & Coating:

• Vegetable oil (for deep frying)

• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar (for rolling)

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👩🍳 Instructions

1. Make the Dough

1. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.

2. Add warm milk, egg yolks, vanilla, and lemon zest. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.

3. Knead in softened butter until smooth (~5-7 mins by hand, or 3-4 mins in a stand mixer).

4. Cover and let rise 1-2 hours (or until doubled).

2. Prepare the Custard

1. Heat milk in a saucepan until steaming (don’t boil).

2. Whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch in a bowl.

3. Slowly pour hot milk into yolk mixture, whisking constantly.

4. Return to saucepan and cook on medium heat, stirring, until thick (~3-5 mins).

5. Off heat, stir in vanilla and butter. Cover with plastic wrap (press onto surface to prevent skin) and chill.

3. Shape & Fry

1. Roll risen dough ½-inch thick and cut into 2.5-inch circles.

2. Let circles rise 30 mins (cover lightly).

3. Heat 2-3 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry bomboloni 1-2 mins per side until golden. Drain on paper towels.

4. Fill & Serve

1. Once cooled slightly, poke a hole in each and pipe in chilled custard using a pastry bag.

2. Roll in sugar and enjoy warm!

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💡 Pro Tips

✅ Fluffier texture? Replace ½ cup flour with bread flour.
✅ No piping tip? Use a squeeze bottle or injector.
✅ Make ahead? Prep dough overnight (1st rise in fridge).
✅ Air fryer option? Brush with butter and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 5-6 mins (less traditional but lighter).

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Why You’ll Love These

✨ Pillowy-soft with a crisp, sugary shell.
✨ Gourmet custard elevates them beyond basic doughnuts.
✨ Authentically Italian—like a creamier zeppole!

Serve with espresso for the ultimate treat! ☕🔥

Want a chocolate twist? Add Nutella to the custard or swap it for chocolate pastry cream! 🍫