Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Pastry Cream: The creamy filling is rich, smooth, and perfectly complements the fried dough, making every bite heavenly.

• Perfect Texture: The dough is soft, pillowy, and lightly fried to achieve a perfect crispy golden exterior.

• Versatile and Elegant: These Italian doughnuts can be served for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert, making them ideal for any occasion.

• Homemade Delight: Making them from scratch ensures a fresh, melt-in-your-mouth experience that surpasses store-bought treats.

Ingredients

For the dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 1 packet (7g) instant yeast

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup whole milk, warmed

• 2 large eggs

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

• Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

For the pastry cream:

• 2 cups whole milk

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 4 large egg yolks

• ¼ cup cornstarch

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For frying and serving:

• Vegetable oil (for frying)

• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Step 1: Make the Dough

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix well.

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, eggs, melted butter, and lemon zest (if using).

• Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

• Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

• Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Step 3: Prepare the Pastry Cream

• In a saucepan, heat the milk and sugar over medium heat until it simmers.

• In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and cornstarch until smooth.

• Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture while stirring constantly.

• Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook, stirring continuously, until it thickens. Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla extract and butter, then allow it to cool.

Step 4: Shape the Bomboloni

• Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough out to about ½-inch thickness.

• Use a round cutter (about 3 inches in diameter) to cut out circles.

• Place the dough circles on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 5: Fry the Bomboloni

• In a deep fryer or large pot, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).

• Carefully place a few dough circles in the hot oil and fry them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.

• Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and drain them on paper towels.

Step 6: Fill the Bomboloni

• Once the bomboloni have cooled enough to handle, fill a piping bag with the cooled pastry cream.

• Poke a hole in the side of each doughnut and gently squeeze the cream into each one.

Step 7: Serve

• Dust the filled bomboloni with powdered sugar before serving for a delightful finishing touch.

Servings and Timing

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 30 minutes

• Total time: 45 minutes

• Yield: 12 bomboloni

• Serving size: 1 bombolone

Variations

• Chocolate Filling: Swap out the pastry cream with chocolate ganache for a chocolate-filled bomboloni variation.

• Fruit Flavored: Add a dollop of fruit jam or marmalade along with the cream for a fruity twist.

• Lemon Zest: For a citrusy flavor, increase the amount of lemon zest in the dough or pastry cream for a refreshing touch.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: These bomboloni are best eaten fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

• Freezing: Freeze the filled bomboloni for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use a different type of milk for the dough or pastry cream?

Yes, you can substitute whole milk with any milk of your choice, such as almond milk or oat milk, though it may slightly alter the texture.

Q2: Can I prepare the dough in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise, and then refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before frying the bomboloni.

Q3: Can I use a different fat instead of butter in the dough?

You can substitute unsalted butter with vegetable oil or any other fat, but the flavor and texture may slightly change.

Q4: Can I make the pastry cream ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pastry cream a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Make sure it’s completely cooled before filling the bomboloni.

Q5: How do I know when the bomboloni are done frying?

The bomboloni should be golden brown on both sides. If you insert a toothpick, it should come out clean and the dough should be fully cooked inside.

Q6: Can I make bomboloni without filling them?

Yes, you can make traditional bomboloni by simply frying the dough without any filling, and dusting them with powdered sugar.

Q7: What if I don’t have a deep fryer?

No problem! You can fry the bomboloni in a large pot or skillet. Just be sure to use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at around 350°F.

Q8: How can I make these bomboloni gluten-free?

To make gluten-free bomboloni, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the yeast used is also gluten-free.

Q9: Can I use store-bought pastry cream?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pastry cream instead of making your own.

Q10: Can I add flavorings to the pastry cream?

Absolutely! You can infuse the pastry cream with a variety of flavors such as coffee, hazelnut, or almond extract for a unique twist.

Conclusion

Bomboloni alla Crema are the ultimate indulgent treat, bringing together soft, pillowy dough filled with luscious pastry cream. These homemade Italian doughnuts are perfect for any occasion and are sure to become a family favorite. Whether served as an afternoon snack or after a delicious dinner, Bomboloni alla Crema is a delightful dessert that offers a taste of Italy with every bite!

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