Description

Boston Cream Donuts are a delightful fusion of rich flavors and textures that bring a little piece of New England to your kitchen. Originating from the beloved Boston Cream Pie, these donuts are a sweet treat that combines a fluffy, yeast-risen dough with a luscious vanilla custard filling and a glossy chocolate glaze. The moment you take a bite, you experience the soft, pillowy donut giving way to creamy custard, perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the chocolate. What makes these donuts truly special is not just their taste but also the joy of preparing them. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, the process is rewarding and the result is sure to impress family and friends. Plus, they are surprisingly simple to make, allowing both novice and experienced bakers to find joy in crafting these delightful treats.

Ingredients

• For the dough:
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup whole milk, warmed to about 110°F
• 2 large eggs
• 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• For the filling:
• 2 cups whole milk
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 4 large egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• For the chocolate glaze:
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
• Substitutions/Variations:
• For a dairy-free version, substitute almond or oat milk and use dairy-free butter in the dough and filling. You can also use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to make these donuts gluten-free. If you’re a fan of different flavors, consider adding a splash of almond extract to the custard or infusing the milk with orange zest for a citrusy twist.

Preparation Method

Begin by preparing the dough. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and active dry yeast, allowing it to sit for about five minutes until foamy. This step is essential as it activates the yeast, ensuring your donuts rise beautifully. In a larger mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and salt. Add the yeast mixture, followed by the eggs and melted butter. Stir until combined.

Gradually add the flour to the mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. If you’re using a stand mixer, switch to the dough hook at this point and knead the dough for about 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If kneading by hand, turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for the same duration. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky.

Once your dough is ready, place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size. This usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. While the dough is rising, you can prepare the custard filling.

For the filling, start by whisking together the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a medium saucepan. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until well blended. Gradually add the milk to the sugar mixture, stirring constantly over medium heat. Once the mixture starts to thicken and bubble, remove it from the heat. Carefully whisk in the egg yolks, butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Transfer the custard to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming, and allow it to cool to room temperature.

After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about ½ inch thick. Use a round cutter (about 3 inches in diameter) to cut out circles from the dough. You can re-roll any scraps to make additional donuts. Lay the circles on a floured baking sheet, cover them with a towel, and let them rise again for about 30 minutes, until puffy.

While the donuts are rising, it’s time to prepare the chocolate glaze. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove it from the heat and add the chocolate chips and corn syrup. Let it sit for a minute to melt, then stir until smooth and glossy. Set aside to cool slightly.

Once the donuts have risen, it’s time to fry them. Heat a deep pot or fryer with oil to 350°F. Carefully drop the donuts into the hot oil, being mindful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry them for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Now comes the fun part! Once the donuts are cool enough to handle but still warm, fill them with the custard. You can use a piping bag fitted with a round tip for this. Insert the tip into the side of the donut and squeeze gently to fill them with the creamy custard. Repeat this for all donuts, and don’t be shy with the filling—it’s what makes these donuts so indulgent!

Finally, dip each filled donut into the chocolate glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Place them on a cooling rack to let the glaze set. As the chocolate hardens, the mouthwatering aroma will fill your kitchen, heightening the anticipation of that first bite.

Tips and Conclusion

For an added touch, consider dusting the donuts with powdered sugar before serving for a beautiful presentation. If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store the filled donuts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. You can also freeze unglazed donuts for up to a month. Just thaw them at room temperature before glazing for a fresh taste.



The experience of preparing Boston Cream Donuts is not just about creating a dessert; it’s about enjoying the process and sharing the joy with loved ones. As you take your first bite, the combination of the airy donut, creamy filling, and rich chocolate glaze is truly a taste of heaven. Whether you serve them at a brunch gathering, a birthday party, or simply savor them with your morning coffee, these donuts are sure to be a hit. If you loved making these donuts, you might also enjoy exploring other sweet recipes on our site, like classic glazed donuts or decadent chocolate eclairs. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family, and let the deliciousness inspire their baking adventures too! Happy baking!