Oh my goodness, do I have a treat for you today! Let me tell you about my absolute favorite indulgence: **Brioche Donuts with Vanilla Custard Filling.** These donuts are nothing short of heavenly, with a light, fluffy dough that practically melts in your mouth, and a rich, creamy vanilla custard filling that has you reaching for more.
Every time I make these, I’m whisked back to my childhood, when I spent weekends at my grandma’s house. She would sometimes surprise us with homemade treats, and while she didn’t make donuts often, the few times she did were unforgettable! The scent of freshly frying donuts mingling with the aroma of vanilla custard were etched in my memory. Now, every time I whip up this recipe, I can’t help but smile at those sweet memories. So, if you’re looking to impress your friends or simply treat yourself to a delightful dessert, grab your apron and let’s dive into this deliciousness!
What’s in Brioche Donuts with Vanilla Custard Filling?
Brioche Dough Ingredients:
– **All-Purpose Flour**: This is the base of the dough, providing structure and that soft texture we love in brioche.
– **Granulated Sugar**: A touch of sweetness is always welcome, helping to balance the flavors.
– **Salt**: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors; don’t skip it!
– **Instant Yeast**: This little magic ingredient makes the dough rise beautifully.
– **Whole Milk**: Warmed up, it helps activate the yeast and adds delicious richness.
– **Eggs**: They provide the moisture and help give that soft, tender crumb.
– **Unsalted Butter**: Who can resist rich, creamy butter? It adds flavor and helps create a soft texture.
Vanilla Custard Filling Ingredients:
– **Whole Milk**: The base for our velvety custard – whole milk gives it that luxurious flavor.
– **Granulated Sugar**: Sweetening every creamy bite!
– **Cornstarch**: It helps thicken our custard to that perfect pudding-like consistency.
– **Salt**: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and adds depth.
– **Egg Yolks**: These add richness and color to the custard.
– **Vanilla Extract**: The star of the filling! Pure vanilla extract delivers that heavenly flavor.
– **Unsalted Butter**: For a rich, smooth finish.
For Topping:
– **Granulated Sugar**: To roll those warm donuts in for a sweet, delightful coating.
– **Extra Vanilla Custard**: Because more custard is always a good idea!
Is Brioche Donuts with Vanilla Custard Filling Good for You?
Well, let’s be honest, these donuts are a treat and best enjoyed in moderation!
All-Purpose Flour: While it’s not as nutrient-dense as whole grains, it provides a lovely texture in pastries like these.
Granulated Sugar: Here’s the kicker – donuts have a fair share of sugar. Enjoying them as an occasional treat is the way to go!
Whole Milk: This ingredient brings calcium and Vitamin D to the mix, which is always a plus.
Eggs: Packed with protein and essential nutrients, they’re great for you, but moderation is key since they do add cholesterol.
Butter: While delicious, butter is high in calories and saturated fat. Remember, balance is everything.
These donuts are absolutely delightful, but they aren’t exactly health food. Just keep the portions in check, and you’ll be fine to enjoy this indulgent dessert!
Ingredients List
– **For the Brioche Dough** (serves 12):
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tsp salt
– 2 tsp instant yeast
– 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened and cubed
– **For the Vanilla Custard Filling**:
– 2 cups whole milk
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 4 large egg yolks
– 2 tsp vanilla extract
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– **For Topping**:
– 1 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
– Extra vanilla custard (for piping on top)
How to Make Brioche Donuts with Vanilla Custard Filling?
1. **Prepare the Brioche Dough**: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warmed milk and eggs. Then, pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until everything is combined.
2. **Incorporate Butter**: Gradually add the cubed butter into the dough, mixing until it’s fully incorporated and the dough feels smooth and elastic—this usually takes about 10 minutes of good ol’ kneading.
3. **First Rise**: Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let that dough rise in a warm spot until it’s doubled in size. This should take about 1-2 hours.
4. **Shape the Donuts**: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough out to about 1/2 inch thickness and use a cutter or knife to cut out oval shapes. Place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover, and let rise again for about 45 minutes.
5. **Fry the Donuts**: Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the donuts in batches, about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they turn golden brown. Once they’re done, let them drain on paper towels.
6. **Make the Vanilla Custard Filling**: In a saucepan, heat the milk until it’s just simmering. In another bowl, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt. In yet another bowl, whisk the egg yolks, then mix in the cornstarch mixture. Slowly whisk the hot milk into the egg mixture.
7. **Cook the Custard**: Pour this mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until thickened (about 5-7 minutes). Once thick, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and butter. Let it cool completely before filling your donuts.
8. **Fill the Donuts**: Grab a piping bag fitted with a round tip and fill each donut with the cooled custard. Feel free to pipe a little extra custard on top for that fancy touch!
9. **Coat the Donuts**: Finally, roll your filled donuts in granulated sugar to give them a sweet coating.
Donut Delights and Tips!
– For the best texture, serve these donuts fresh! If you can resist, wait until you’re ready to enjoy them.
– Want to be a little wild? Add a dash of cinnamon to the sugar for a delightful twist.
– If you’re feeling extra sweet, dust them with powdered sugar for that adorable, charming look!
I can’t wait for you to try these heavenly brioche donuts! The process may seem a bit lengthy, but trust me, the first bite of that fluffy donut with the creamy custard is worth every second spent in the kitchen. So put on your favorite music, roll up those sleeves, and get ready for a baking adventure! Once you’ve made them, I’d love to hear about your experience and any fun tweaks you made. Happy baking!
