If you’re a fan of soft, fluffy donuts filled with a rich and creamy vanilla bean custard, this recipe is perfect for you! These homemade donuts are deep-fried to golden perfection and generously stuffed with a luscious vanilla bean cream.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and Fluffy: The perfect donut texture that’s airy and light.
- Rich Vanilla Flavor: Made with real vanilla bean for an intense and aromatic taste.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Enjoy as a breakfast treat, dessert, or snack.
Ingredients
For the Donuts:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm milk (110°F)
- 2 large eggs
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Vanilla Bean Cream:
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 vanilla bean (or 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Donut Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add eggs, softened butter, salt, and flour. Mix until the dough comes together.
- Knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Make the Vanilla Bean Cream
- In a saucepan, heat milk and scraped vanilla bean over medium heat until warm.
- In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Slowly pour warm milk into the egg mixture while whisking continuously.
- Return mixture to the saucepan and cook until thickened.
- Remove from heat, stir in butter, and let cool completely.
Step 3: Fry the Donuts
- Roll out the dough to ½-inch thickness and cut into circles.
- Let the cut dough rest for 30 minutes.
- Heat oil to 350°F and fry donuts in batches until golden brown (about 1–2 minutes per side).
- Transfer to a wire rack and let cool.
Step 4: Fill and Serve
- Poke a hole in each donut and pipe in the vanilla bean cream.
- Dust with powdered sugar or glaze if desired.
- Serve fresh and enjoy!
Tips for Best Results
- Use a kitchen thermometer to monitor the oil temperature.
- Let the donuts cool slightly before filling to prevent the cream from melting.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Conclusion
These Vanilla Bean Cream-Filled Donuts are a must-try for any donut lover. They are soft, flavorful, and filled with a creamy, aromatic vanilla bean custard. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet craving, this recipe is sure to impress!
