Heavenly Custard Cream Donuts

Making the Custard Cream Filling

1. Heat Milk: In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Do not let it boil.
2. Mix Egg Yolks and Sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, granulated sugar, and cornstarch until smooth and pale.
3. Temper the Eggs: Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling.
4. Cook Custard: Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens to a custard consistency (about 5-7 minutes).
5. Add Butter and Vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
6. Cool Custard: Transfer the custard to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (pressing the wrap directly onto the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming), and let it cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate until ready to use.

Making the Donuts

7. Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
8. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Add the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
9. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
10. Knead Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
11. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Shaping and Frying the Donuts

12. Roll Out Dough: Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness.
13. Cut Donuts: Use a round cutter (about 3 inches in diameter) to cut out circles of dough. Place the cut donuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
14. Heat Oil: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
15. Fry Donuts: Fry the donuts in batches, about 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the donuts to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Filling and Coating the Donuts

16. Fill Donuts: Use a small, sharp knife to make a small hole on the side of each donut. Fill a piping bag fitted with a small round tip with the chilled custard cream. Insert the tip into the hole and fill each donut until the custard starts to come out slightly.
17. Coat Donuts: In a shallow dish, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon (if using). Roll the filled donuts in the sugar mixture until evenly coated.

Serving

18. Serve: Serve the custard cream donuts fresh, and enjoy their warm, creamy deliciousness. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

Heavenly Custard Cream Donuts are a perfect combination of fluffy dough and rich, velvety custard. These homemade donuts are not only satisfying but also bring a sense of indulgence to any occasion. Whether you enjoy them plain or with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, these donuts are sure to become a favorite treat in your household!